Holiday Ideas August

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most historically significant areas. With 144 mostly deserted islands, Northland has spectacular golden beaches, abundant climates, clear waters and fascinating wildlife.

The Bottlenose dolphins can be seen frolicking in their natural waters, and swimming through the seas. Join these gentle and fascinating animals in the warm waters to experience something magical. Further explore the island and spot the penguins, seals and whales harbouring near by.

Vietnam is one of Indochina’s historical destinations with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. A spectacular mix of elegant grandeur and Asia grace, offers an unforgettable holiday experience. The historical past reflects an interaction of styles and culture, highlighting the colonial mix of heritage and traditions which make this destination so unique.

The spectacular Mekong Delta gives an insight into the lives of the people who live on the banks of this mighty river. The lush landscapes is a stunning backdrop for sightseeing along the river, visiting remote fishing villages and traditional floating markets and enjoying the serene forested hills of these wetlands.

Travelling in August, when temperatures are hot but still comfortable to allow visitors to view what the city has to offer. The historical town of Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the city of Hanoi represent the historical heritage of the country. Hoi An is a picturesque town which has retained its charm with a collection of temples, Chinese style wooden houses quiet beaches waiting to be explored.

Copacabana in August resembles the festive period of Christmas elsewhere in the Christian world. Thousands of people descend on the town, which is also an important pilgrimage site for the Virgen de La Candalaria, Bolivia's patron saint.

Of the thousands that make up the fiesta, many come out of religious devotion - to pay penitence and to revere the sight of the Virgin. Others come in the hope the Virgin will grant their wishes. Then there are those that come with wishes that might as well make up a Christmas list - a bicycle, a car or even a house.

 In order for the Virgin to realise what they are wishing for, many followers wear trinkets in miniature of the things they want, so you'll see tiny cows, cars or bicycles being sold on every corner! Another means of ensuring that the Virgin will grant a wish is to hire a blindman or a beggar, since they are believed to carry certain powers when they chant over incense.

 If you climb the calvary (the steps to the church) you can see pilgrims praying to the Stations of the Cross. The view out to the blue, sometimes emerald, waters of Lake Titicaca - it changes colour every day - is well worth the climb. In the distance it is possible to see the Islands of the Sun and Moon, the birthplace of the Inca ancestors, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo. Seeing all this, it becomes easy to understand the magical importance of this pilgrimage site, a gathering point for the masses looking for spiritual and material fulfilment. Bring a matchbox toy of your favourite car and a monopoly house or hotel and who knows, even you could see your desires come true!

Each year this wine festival plays host to thousands of local and international visitors, growing in numbers annually, yet still very informal.

Over 400 wines from some 90 of South Africa's foremost wine cellars are available for tasting, along with a comprehensive programme of festivities, including winemakers tackling each other in cook-offs, historic tours, children’s entertainment area, tutored wine-tastings, food, crafts and a Brandy Emporium.

The festival also hosts a special Wine Connoisseurs Evening, an exclusive evening for the serious wine lover and will offer guests the opportunity to mingle with the top Stellenbosch winemakers and indulge in supreme quality wines.

Being situated more than 1,500km from any large body of water didn’t phase the local people of Alice Springs when they decided they were missing out on a boat race that matched the UK’s Oxford v Cambridge event. Racing in bath tubs, land yachts and canoes paddled by sand shovels, instead the ‘Vikings’ and Pirates’ battle it out along the sand bed of the Todd river.