Time Out's travel editor gives his top four tips for August.
Expect an aloha in the form of South Pacific-inspired cuisine, craft beer from Maui, leading American wines, spirits and entertainment on demand and two bags of 32kg per person complimentary. If you book an Extra Comfort seat in economy, it’s about extra legroom, an amenity kit and priority check-in and boarding.
2. Staying at South Congress, Austin
The 83-room South Congress Hotel is one of the USA’s best new establishments. Located in the heart of a thriving ’hood, its rooms have hardwood floors, custom designed furniture, mini bars stocked with local produce, large walk-in showers and balconies overlooking downtown Austin.
In Auckland’s thriving Britomart district, Oaken serves up 63.5° eggs on sourdough with house-smoked butter for breakfast, Wagyu bresaola sandwiches for lunch and housemade pork and fig sausages for dinner alongside Te Matuku Bay oysters from Waiheke Island. Local whites and reds dominate the wine list.
4. Touring Heart Reef, Whitsundays
A short flight by helicopter or seaplane or boat ride from Hamilton Island and you’ll find Heart Reef, a gem of the Great Barrier Reef you can snorkel around. Along the way you’ll pass Whitehaven Beach and if it’s mid-year, spot migrating whales.
Looking for a short haul trip? Check out our guide to a weekend in Wellington or how to do the snow on the cheap in Victoria.