Okinawa, Japan

With its paradisiacal beaches, Okinawa should be on every travel list – in August, the archipelago beckons with hot temperatures and pleasantly warm water. © Romeo A

Weather: between 26 and 31 °Celsius
Water temperature: up to 29 °Celsius
How to get there: a 22,5 flight hours with several stops from Vienna to Naha

Tokyo is always exciting, but especially in summer when we're drawn to more tropical climes: Okinawa in the south of the island nation promises hot beach days and little rain in August. The archipelago is still often overlooked among international travelers, which is why you'll encounter mostly Japanese people here, hiding under their umbrellas on the white sandy beaches and gazing at the gorgeous azure waters. Okinawa also has a rich history as a former trading kingdom. Accordingly, there's much to see on the tropical island chain in the South China Sea. From the castle in Naha to the traditional island cuisine, there is no lack of variety here.

Where to stay: About an hour's drive from the airport in Naha, the Ritz Carlton Okinawais probably one of the most beautiful five-star hotels on the island. Spacious rooms and suites, views of the golf course and the sea, an elegant spa, and a culinary offering that leaves nothing to be desired.

Related: Long distance travel is back – Time to go to Japan

Corsica, France

Bonifacio on Corsica looks out over the Mediterranean from a cliff – the town is just one of many great spots on the French island. © Christian Thoni

Weather: between 22 and 28 °Celsius
Water temperature: 21 to 24 °Celsius
Arrival: a 3 hour flight with variable stopover from Vienna to Bastia

Napoleon couldn't have wished for a more beautiful birthplace: Corsica, the third largest of the Mediterranean islands that boldly peeks across the water to Italy, is one of those places where time seems to stand still. Travelers take long hikes through the mountains, such as Monte Cinto, which boasts panoramic views, or roam the plains in search of the perfect drop of wine (and there's plenty of it here!). For a livelier scene, head to Bastia, the island's second largest city, and the beaches around Porto Vecchio. Especially beautiful: the south coast around the town of Bonifacio, built on a steep cliff, which stuns with caves and the perfect waves for surfers.

Where to stay: The Hotel de La Ferme at Domaine de Murtoli, with its traditional Corsican architecture, combines the flair of days gone by with the appeal of a five-star hotel of the present. Add to that a refreshing twenty-meter stone pool with lounges and a bar, numerous individually designed private suites, and a restaurant that serves local cuisine.

Related: The most beautiful places in Corsica

Puglia, Italy

The Italian region in the south has become the new trend destination in recent years – in August, Puglia is still at its most beautiful, for example here in Polignano a Mare. © Marcel Pirnay

Weather: between 18 and 30 °Celsius
Water temperature: around 24 °Celsius
Arrival: a 1,5 hour flight from Vienna to Bari or Brindisi

All the way down the heel of Italy's boot, you'll come across a region that is increasingly becoming the country's new trend destination: Puglia. This new hotspot in southwestern Italy is already a well-developed tourist region, but you'll quickly fall in love with its refreshing authenticity: whether that's spending a night in a trullo – a traditional stone house – or dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters. Or do you prefer to explore the many caves and grottos along the coastline, which is lined with limestone cliffs? Puglia has it all. 

Where to stay: A short drive from Lecce, in the small village of San Cassiano, the luxurious boutique hotel Don Totu Dimora Storica offers an authentic stay in a palazzo from the 18th century. Charming courtyards, a large pool and rooms with high ceilings will quickly have you forget all about everyday life. 

Related: Puglia Bucket List – 10 Things to Do in the South of Italy

Jimbaran, Bali

Dream beach, anyone? Jimbaran, located south of the capital Denpasar, is a magical fishing village by the Indian Ocean where numerous luxury hotels have opened up shop. © Shutterstock

Weather: between 22 and 31 °Celsius
Water temperature: about 27.5 °Celsius
Arrival: a 22 hour flight with several stops from Vienna to Denpasar

Finally – since August is relatively cool with little rain in Bali , this month is an ideal moment to pay the dream destination a visit again. Jimbaran, located in the south of the island's capital, is a spot that attracts surfers, couples and peace seekers alike. The numerous beaches and bays are the absolute highlight: Jimbaran Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, while Dreamland and Balangan are popular surf spots. If you want to escape the heat, head for the lush green forests inland. But beware: a volcano hike can get pretty hot!

Where to stay: Outside the window, palm trees sway in the breeze, joined by the rich blue of the Indian Ocean – AYANA Resort and Spa is undoubtedly one of those hotels you'll be thinking about for a long time. And not only because of its surroundings: apart from its extensive garden, the resort also scores with three restaurants, two spas, twelve pools and a private beach. 

Related: 10 Questions for ... Bali Insider Hank Ge

Rhodes, Greece

Turquoise waters, hot summer days, Greek flair and places steeped in history: Rhodes scores with versatility. © Benjamin Recinos

Weather: between 23 and 30 °Celsius
Water temperature: 16 to 25 °Celsius
Arrival: a 2,5 hour flight from Vienna to Rhodes

Rhodes seemed somewhat forgotten during the pandemic, but the time has come to rediscover the largest of the Dodecanese islands. After all, its translucent azure waters and many dream beaches will have vacationers' hearts beat faster. If you're looking for history and architecture, the capital of the same name is one of the most impressive old towns in Europe: Rhodes Town combines traces of the Christian Middle Ages with Ottoman and Venetian buildings. Wow!

Where to stay: Forget the north of the island, overrun with tourists, and head for the south, which, by the way, is always a few degrees warmer. Book a stay at Gennadi Grand Resort, a modern five-star resort that boasts an extensive pool landscape, a great spa and an excellent gourmet restaurant. 

Toronto, Canada

Toronto Island, located off the city in Lake Ontario, promises a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city. © Sandro Schuh

Weather: between 19 and 25 °Celsius
Water temperature (Lake Ontario): up to 25 °Celsius
Journey: a 9 hour flight from Vienna to Toronto

It doesn't always have to be a beach vacation: in August, Toronto offers pleasant temperatures and a diverse range of leisure activities. Daredevils can test their head for heights as they brave the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower. Canada's vibrant metropolis offers a wide range of art, culture and culinary delights as well. And if the pulse of the city beats a little too fast, take a boat to Toronto Island for a day of swimming on Lake Ontario or make a day trip to Niagara Falls.

Where to stay: Modern and quite elegant, the Shangri-La Toronto in the old town, not far from the CN Tower, offers all the amenities you'd expect from a pristine five-star hotel. The luxurious rooms and suites, with a view over the skyline, are outstanding.

Related: Travel Tip Toronto – Why a City Trip to Canada Is Worth Your Time

Miami, USA

Baywatch vibes, anyone? We love the colorful lifeguard towers on South Beach. © Marcus Lenk

Weather: between 25 and 33 °Celsius
Water temperature: up to 31 °Celsius
Getting there: a 13 hour flight with one variable stopover from Vienna to Miami

Urban happiness meets raw nature in Miami – a winning combination even in August, when temperatures exceed the 30-degree mark. On South Beach, you can soak up some serious vitamin D next to suntanned supermodels, while fitness enthusiasts show off their toned bodies on Ocean Drive. The city itself attracts visitors with a wide range of arts and culture, Gastronomy and nightclubs. The only thing you won't find here is boredom. If you're in the mood for nature and tropical beaches, spend your days boating through the Everglades or head out to the offshore Keys and chill out in the white sand.

Where to stay:

The choice of first-class hotels in Miami is almost unmanageable – starting with the luxurious Acqualina Resort Sunny Isles directly on the beach to The Setai, Miami Beach, which is located in the most beautiful part of the city, next door to Art Deco houses. Among the cities best is Faena Hotel Miami Beach, where The Great Gatsby director Baz Luhrmann and his wife Catherine Martin, Oscar-winning costume designer, were given free rein to their creativity. You can also look forward to the large, white-sand private beach.

Related: Why a Trip to Miami Is Worth It Right Now

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town's cityscape is dominated by the iconic Table Mountain – sporty travelers make their way to the summit on foot, but if you want to speed up the process, you can take a cable car. © Katsuma Tanaka

Weather: between 15 and 25 °Celsius
Water temperature: up to 15 °Celsius
Getting there: a 15 hour flight with stopovers from Vienna to Cape Town

Cape Town in the African winter? It may not sound overly tempting at first – but trust us on this one. If you want to escape the summer heart but don't feel like venturing north, it's the place for you. The south's "Secret Season" scores with warm days of up to 25 degrees and pleasantly balmy evenings. The weather is perfect for spending enjoyable days in the Winelands, watching the whales in Hermanus, climbing the iconic Table Mountain (you can also just take a cable car if a climb doesn't scream vacation bliss for you) or visiting the penguins of Simon's Town. The beaches are less crowded, and surfers also get their money's worth in the various spots around South Africa's third capital. 

Where to stay:

If you're in the mood for lots of South African wine and excellent cuisine, book a room at Relais & Châteaux Ellerman House, a Cape Town classic with direct ocean views. Younger crowds gravitate towards the Radisson RED, V&A Waterfront: RED Hotels are known for their focus on music and art, and the hotel in Silo Square is no exception. Surrounded by galleries and designer stores, the hotel is a place-to-be for the next generation of travelers who crave style as well as luxury.

Related: Secret Season in South Africa – Why We're Going to Cape Town Right Now

Gothenburg, Sweden

Fredriks Church in Gothenburg is just one of many visual highlights in Gothenburg, considered one of Sweden's most important cities. © Kristijan Arsov

Weather: between 15 and 20 °Celsius
Water temperature: up to 21 °Celsius
Getting there: a 2 hour flight from Vienna to Gothenburg

To escape the heat wave, head to Gothenburg in August: the Swedish port city on the west coast, located on the Göta älv River, scores with pleasant temperatures and quiet urban bliss in August. Built in the 17th century, Gothenburg is home to the largest port in Sweden and Scandinavia. But the destination also has a lot to offer away from the hustle and bustle of the seaside. Art lovers will be head over heels for the Gothenburg Museum of Art, where big names such as Carl Larsson, Anders Zorn and Edvard Munch are on display. On warm summer days, you can sit down at Mr. P next door and enjoy pickled fish, then stroll through the botanical gardens with a kanelbullar, a cinnamon bun, in hand. If you're in the mood to reconnect with nature, pay a visit to the Gothenburg Archipelago with its charming islands – a small idyll just off Sweden's coast.

Where to stay: Travelers who are drawn to Gothenburg are best off checking in at the Elite Plaza . The five-star hotel is located in a classic former insurance building, but has since been modernized. In addition to the cozy, stylish rooms, the Elite Plaza also offers the Vana Spa and a wide range of culinary delights. 

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux's dreamy downtown beckons with long walks – a glass of the region's wine awaits at every corner. © Shutterstock

Weather: between 17 and 27 °Celsius
Water temperature (in Arcachon): up to 21 °Celsius
Getting there: a 4 hour flight with variable stopovers from Vienna to Bordeaux

Bordeaux – the region whose mere mention makes us think of incredible wines, has a lot to offer. There's the old town, Vieux Bordeaux, a chic bar scene with great outdoor seating, lots of sightseeing, as well as arts and culture. In addition, numerous events take place in August, such as the Festival Musicalarue and the Fest'Arts Festival at the beginning of the month, or La Bataille de Castillon for fans of the Middle Ages. Sun worshippers head to Arcachon for a day at the beach, plunge into the Atlantic Sea and visit one of the popular night markets in the coastal suburb.

Where to stay: The five star Yndō Hotel in the heart of Bordeaux knows how to combine opulent French classicism with modern, elegant design. It's at once marvelous and homey, and you can look forward to outstanding cuisine at the hotel's exclusive restaurant La Table d'Agnes. By the way, if you want to reside by the water, try to get room 13, the Yndō's private cabana in Lège-Cap-Ferret.

Related: The Most Beautiful Spots in the Provence