August—Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Two scuba divers swimming over colorful tropical coral reef.
Jeff Hunter—Getty Images
Cost to Spend a Week for Two: $7,992
If you’ve got the budget, Hamilton Island is the perfect destination from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most treasured aquatic wonders. Four- and five-star accommodations on this tropical paradise (which limits vehicle traffic to golf carts) for the second week of August will set you back an average of $250 a night. Booking.com recommends Mirage Whitsundays and the Viewpoint for the best hotel experience. In addition to paddling past the underwater sights, you can stop by WILD LIFE Hamilton Island ($25 entrance fee), a wildlife park where you can interact with Aussie animals—including cuddling with a koala.