Did Summer Get Away from You? Let’s Fix That.

Written By Krista Nannery

Heading to Greece!

Before I get started, I’m heading to Greece next week! So if you want to talk travel, let’s do that now before I go. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here. You can also follow my Greek adventures on Instagram at @antidote.travel or on Facebook.

That Tsunami Was Not on My Bingo Card

A tsunami was not on my Bingo Card this week! Yes, a tsunami canceled flights to Hawaii. Consider all those non-refundable oceanfront suites that travelers couldn’t get to! I will be adding “tsunami possibility” to the list of reasons you should really insure your pre-paid non-refundable trip costs.

🌞Now…Back to Last Minute Summer Planning…

Because let’s be honest—this summer probably got away from you. Between camp pickups, college tours, work stress, and wondering why your fridge is always empty, your summer vacation may have taken a back seat. But here’s your reminder: summer’s not over yet, and there’s still time for a luxury escape that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Here are seven destinations perfect for a last-minute August getaway—places that still have room, bring the wow factor, and offer that sweet spot of luxury without being over-the-top. Talking travel is my favorite thing, so when you are ready, book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a dream in late summer—temperatures in the 70s, bike-friendly streets, and a design-forward vibe that feels both relaxed and refined. It’s the kind of place where you can hop from a food hall to a royal palace, then spend the afternoon riding boats through the canals. The city has just enough edge to keep teens interested (Tivoli Gardens, anyone?) and more than enough charm to keep parents happy.

Check out Hotel Sanders, a serene, beautifully designed hotel near the action but never loud. It's cozy, stylish, and exactly what you want at the end of a chaotic summer. This is a Virtuoso property where I can VIP your stay with complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and priority for upgrade.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

By August, the crowds in Jackson Hole thin out a bit, but the scenery doesn’t disappoint. Grand Teton National Park is right there—offering hiking, rafting, and more scenic overlooks than your camera roll can handle. The town itself is chic-cowboy: art galleries, elevated dining, and a relaxed pace that reminds you what vacation is supposed to feel like. And if you’ve got kids who think “nature” means YouTube documentaries, this place will recalibrate them. Think luxury lodge, fire pits, spa time, and maybe a little horseback riding—this is classic American summer, turned five-star.

Stay at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole. As a top-producing Four Seasons Preferred Partner, I can gift you complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit, plus priority for upgrade.

The Azores, Portugal

The Azores are Portugal’s best-kept secret—lush volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic that feel like Iceland met Hawaii and had a green, affordable baby. In August, the weather is mild and the islands are shockingly uncrowded. Base yourself in São Miguel and stay at Octant Furnas, a modern boutique hotel built into a steaming geothermal valley. Your kids will be fascinated by the natural hot springs, crater lakes, and the cozido—a traditional stew cooked underground by volcanic heat. And if you need a beach day, you can have that too. It’s exotic without the long-haul exhaustion.

Check out Octant Furnas, a Virtuoso property where I can gift you complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has that rare combination of kid-friendly and culturally rich. You can float through canals by day and visit a world-class museum by afternoon—and still be back at your hotel for a quiet aperitif while the kids decompress. The Pulitzer Amsterdam is a collection of restored canal houses turned into one artful, warm, and weirdly fun hotel. Older kids will love the vibe; parents will love the service and style. It’s perfect for a quick hit of Europe before the school year starts.

The Pulitzer Amsterdam is a Virtuoso property where I can gift you complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit.

Aruba

Yes, it’s August. Yes, the Caribbean is technically in hurricane season. But Aruba is the exception. Located safely outside the hurricane belt, it’s sunny, dry, and dependable. If you’re craving one last beach trip, this is the place. Think clear turquoise water, white sand that doesn’t scorch your feet, and high-end resorts that make life easy. The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is a great pick for families—luxury without snobbery, activities for kids and teens, and cabanas that make you forget what month it is. Aruba is that rare “easy win” destination that delivers every time.

Check out the Ritz Carlton Aruba. As a top-producing Marriott advisor, I can gift you complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit, along with priority for upgrade.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily is hot in August—but in all the right ways. Late summer means ripe tomatoes, slow lunches under olive trees, and golden sunsets over the Ionian Sea. Taormina is your base here: a hilltop town that feels like a film set. Stay at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, perched right next to the ancient Greek theater. Your teens might pretend not to care, but between the ruins, the gelato, and the hotel’s pool-with-a-view, they’ll be posting photos before you even unpack. Sicily is rich, beautiful, and a little wild—in the best way.

Check out the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, a Virtuoso property where I can gift you complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit.

Hudson Valley, New York

The Hudson Valley is calling. Just a couple hours north of NYC, it’s a peaceful, stylish retreat packed with farm-to-table restaurants, wineries, and a creative spirit that’s more Brooklyn than backwoods. Wildflower Farms, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is the perfect place to recharge: think organic gardens, spa treatments, hiking trails, and rooms that feel like high-end cabins in the woods. It’s the kind of place where you can nap in a hammock while the kids forage for berries with a naturalist. You’ll come back rested. Promise.

Check out Wildflower Farms, a Virtuoso property where I can gift you complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit.

One Last Word…

This is your reminder that summer doesn’t owe you anything—but it’s still offering you a window. The weather’s good. The kids are home (for now). And the memories are just waiting to be made.

Whether it’s volcanoes in the Azores, mountaintops in Jackson Hole, or canal strolls in Copenhagen, these places deliver high-impact experiences with minimal planning pain.

Need help making it happen? That’s what I do. I’ve got the hotel contacts, the last-minute magic, and the truth serum when it comes to what’s actually worth your time and money.

Let’s get you out of here—before routine settles in and the summer of 2025 becomes a blur. Book a vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My 20 year career in the investment management industry and my personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation to anyone looking to plan their next trip.

Ways I Can Help You

Krista Nannery
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