All walks of life are welcome at Black Rock City, a makeshift desert metropolis where over 70,000 people gather in an expanse of golden sands. It’s a celebration of art, music and self-expression within the Burning Man community (of which you’re a part of as soon as you arrive). Art installations are set up throughout the city by participants, and the event ends with the main piece being set ablaze. There are no food, drink or souvenir vendors, creating a culture of self-reliance and reliance on your Burning Man neighbors. Largely because of this, it’s one of the best festivals to connect with fellow festivalgoers from all around the world.

Bali’s beaches are delightful in August, as the Island of the Gods is deep into the dry season. For a bit of excitement, venture to the busy sands of Kuta and Seminyak, where beach clubs, restaurants, and surf lessons make it easy to fill the day. The sugary sands of Sanur offer a more mellow, family-friendly vibe. For the island’s surf scene, there’s the Bukit Peninsula. Grab a cold coconut at a seaside warung (restaurant) and watch surfers paddle out at Bingin, Padang Padang, or Uluwatu. Hop across to Nusa Penida for stunning vistas and lonely beaches. If you wish to escape the crowds, go north to Pemuteran. It’s a sleepy beach town with great snorkeling just a few meters from the shore.

Queenstown is an outdoor adventure destination all year long, but August is the best month to visit if you’re up for fun in the snow. It’s the snowiest month, and ski resorts are likely to have all runs open. The town of Queenstown, in the Southern Alps, has four ski resorts easily within reach. The Remarkables has it all with a ski school, beginner slopes and epic backcountry skiing. Coronet Peak, just 20 minutes away, is ideal for half-days on the mountain, where you can be back in town just in time for lunch. Treble Cone has the best alpine views of all resorts, and Cardrona is ideal for groups of mixed abilities. Queenstown’s après ski scene is one of the best in the country. Take your pick of brew bars where local craft beers and wines are always on offer.

One of the best places to go in August is Banff National Park, an expansive park in the Canadian Rockies. It’s your best bet for blue skies and warm weather, making trails clear for hiking and mountain biking. August tends to be one of the busiest months for tourists, most of whom come to see the stunning waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. And while these are certainly worth seeing yourself, crowds dwindle once you venture outside of the park’s main attractions. The 10-kilometer trek to Boom Lake gives you a similarly beautiful lake without any of the crowds. August also hosts a range of festivals, markets, and outdoor art exhibitions, like Indigenous Voices, which displays works from the region’s Indigenous communities.

Tokyo truly comes alive in August, where the challenge is fitting all the exciting events into your itinerary. It’s festival season! Experience the vibrant Kiyose Sunflower Festival with over 100,000 sunflowers, the dazzling Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival at Meiji Jingu Garden, and a serene lantern floating ceremony on the Sumida River. Across the city, you’ll also find lively Bon-odori events featuring traditional costumes and dances. With midday temperatures peaking, it’s best to start sightseeing early and take a refreshing break at a bathhouse in the afternoon before diving into evening activities. Be sure to catch panoramic views from the Tokyo Skytree, explore the rich history at the Imperial Palace, and shop for souvenirs in Ginza. With Tokyo hosting the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, come ready to indulge in incredible cuisine.