Jet Set August: Where to Weekend Before Classes Kick
Happy June and unofficial start to summer!! While it feels like everyone we know flies overseas to skip around Europe, I find myself reminiscing on my favorite 4 months of my life, study abroad.
There’s something magical about studying abroad in the fall—when weekend plans turn into once-in-a-lifetime adventures and your “class schedule” somehow begins to revolve around cheap flights and train tickets. From sun-soaked August escapes to snowy December charm, Europe in the fall is a nonstop carousel of color, culture, and wanderlust.
In these next few blogs, I’ll be breaking down the best weekend trips I took—or wish I took—each month of the fall semester. Whether you're a fellow study abroad student mapping out your weekends or just dreaming of your next Euro escape, this guide has you covered with city picks, seasonal highlights, and insider tips to make every month count.
Let’s go month by month—starting with Aperol-Spritz August.
August Weekend Trip Recommendations
Nice
Visiting Nice in August offers the perfect mix of sun, sea, and vibrant city life on the stunning French Riviera. The Mediterranean is warm and inviting, ideal for swimming or lounging on the pebbled beaches, while the Promenade des Anglais buzzes with energy. The Old Town (Vieux Nice) is alive with color, markets, and music, and the long summer evenings are perfect for dining al fresco with a glass of rosé. Just be prepared for crowds—it’s peak season, but the beauty and atmosphere more than make up for it. (I went to Nice in mid-September and found it was slightly cold, thus why I would recommend August if you want to swim)
Greek Islands
When I say Greece, I don’t mean Athens and the most popular summer destinations; I mean the smaller, lesser-known islands. Santorini and Mykonos are stunning and worth a trip at some point, but if you want to avoid the high prices and crowded streets, check out Crete, Milos, Paros, or Zakynthos instead! Greece has tons of amazing options. I have been to Crete and absolutely loved it. The pink sand beach and town of Chania were some of the highlights. You can also explore sailing options if you happen to have a long weekend and hope to explore multiple destinations.
Mallorca, Spain
I ventured to Mallorca with my friends this past summer, and we loved the laid-back Spanish coastal town lifestyle. The capital of Palma has lots to do and is great for day trips, but we preferred the smaller town of Cala D’Or and its quaint beaches and cute shopping boutiques. (We even found a super affordable stay called Hotel Antares and thought it was a great deal if you’re looking for a spot!) I would also recommend renting a car if you plan on seeing different areas of the island, as it’s huge and public transportation is unfortunately not super reliable. We experienced a few bus delays, but still thought the journey was well worth it.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you’ve read my last blog post, you likely already know my love for this city. The Old Town, the stunning ocean views and secret swim spots, every inch of Dubrovnik is unforgettable. It’s buzzing in the best way possible, with street performers, boat parties, and gelato on every corner. You can hop on a ferry to a nearby island by day and sip cocktails with a sea view by night. Not to mention the amazing nightlife. (Club Revelin is a personal favorite) Sure, it’s busy—but that just means more energy, more memories, and way more reasons to fall in love with Croatia’s coolest coastal gem.
Happy Travels!
If you’re planning on heading to any of these places in the coming months, enjoy! (I’m beyond jealous) We’ll catch up next week to go over some lovely September weekend escapes.
