I spent a summer studying in Norway and highly recommend it. It is beautiful, and the Norwegians are really into outdoor activities, camping, hiking, etc., so you will have lots of easy opportunities to do those things.

Two "don't miss" adventures are taking the train from Oslo to Bergen (I hope the glacier is still there - it was blinding!) and spending some time above the Arctic Circle so you can see the sun never set.

Cruise is not necessary. Most people speak English and the country is very accessible.

Have fun!

If you decide to opt out of an international trip, August is a nice time to visit the High Sierras (Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite, Tahoe, Humphrey's Basin in King's Canyon horse pack trip) or the Rockies. Maybe the Rockies in Alberta? I've never met anyone who didn't love Lake Louise and Banff. Would also be a nice time to visit the Alps.

Canada - Montreal and Quebec City have international feel - history, plus great hiking/nature nearby - and best of all - not astronomically expensive - could even drive there if you wanted to.

Scotland. Finland - particularly the lakes area near Helsinki. The Baltics. You can take a boat between Helsinki and Tallinn. England - Yorkshire perhaps, lots of nice scenery and walks and loads of history. Berlin and surrounding area. Poland - maybe Krakow. Russia - St. Petersburg.

Czech Republic!

We went to Prague as part of our honeymoon last August and the weather was amazing. Sunny, 70s-low 80s, lots and lots and lots of stuff to see in and around the city.

For those that suggested Scandinavia- would you do all 3 countries via a cruise? We're not that into cruises, so would you suggest focusing on one country? which one? We've heard amazing things about Norway...though I'm a little worried that it ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world.

You're right, all of Scandinavia is expensive relative to the dollar. I personally wouldn't do a cruise,* and since you said you were in to nature and being active, I think I'd pick Sweden and Norway. After seeing the big cities on foot [Stockholm/Oslo], I'd rent a Volvo and drive into the country. The coast lines are amazing! Rent a little cottage on an island, and bike and boat with the kids. In the north, there are gorgeous forests for hiking.



* I might take one of those fjord cruises in Norway. It's not like a Disney cruise or anything and it's really the way to see the waterways, rather than by car.

NOT France, and especially not Paris. Too many places will be shut for vacation, too many other tourists, and can be sweltering (not always, but not rarely either) but AC is limited.

OP here- these are all great suggestions..please keep them coming!

For those that suggested Scandinavia- would you do all 3 countries via a cruise? We're not that into cruises, so would you suggest focusing on one country? which one? We've heard amazing things about Norway...though I'm a little worried that it ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world.

Canada - Quebec City/Montreal, Nova Scotia, Vancouver...

Ireland--in June it can still be cold, August should be nice.

Costa Rica. It's green season which means lower rates, and good chances of rain, so if you are dead set on the beach maybe not--but for more of an eco-tourism type trip, August is great.

Vancouver!!! You can go to Whistler in the summer and it's gorgeous.

Iceland!!

Scandinavia would fit all your requirements. With 20 hours of daylight to boot.

Looking for a not-too-hot international destination for our family this August (we're active and into history, nature, etc). Any recs?