Quick getaways: These are the best short holidays
If only you could get away for a night or two. Yes, we hear you. But why stop at just one night? For a true break from the daily grind, make it five nights (or four, three or even two) within Australia or easy-to-reach overseas destinations in our Asia-Pacific ’hood. Where to start? Glad you asked. Traveller has you covered with a thrilling variety of short breaks of different durations that are absolutely not short on great (doable) ideas. All you need to do is decide where and for how long.
Two- and three-day escapes
The key to short-break success is not returning more exhausted than before you left, and these two- and three-day trips promise dual adventure and relaxation.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
Four-day escapes
It’s not the length but what you do with it when it comes to a great holiday, and these short domestic and overseas trips are fab – and, crucially, fuss-free.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
Five-day escapes
Who says you need a full week to hit the “reset” button? These destinations tick all the boxes for a hassle-free holiday.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
How to snare the ultimate short-break deal
If there’s one thing better than an enjoyable escape, it’s knowing you’ve paid less for it than you might have done without a little strategic thinking.
- by Brian Johnston
Six stress-melting mini cruises you can do this summer
A cruise is a hassle-free, good-value way of enjoying a short break. Here are six summer options that will have you sailing away.
- by Brian Johnston
Kuala Lumpur
This greatly underrated foodie heaven provides a quintessential South-East Asian city experience at a bargain price.
- by Julie Miller
Singapore
Still consider this city a place in which to merely pause on the way to somewhere else (or somewhere more interesting)? It’s time to catch up.
- by Anthony Dennis
Suva, Fiji
This overlooked gem is home to a third of Fiji’s population, is one of the most cosmopolitan centres in the South Pacific and has a great nightlife.
- by Craig Tansley
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Tiny Port Vila, with a population just over 61,000, has come of age. The capital of Vanuatu is home to chic restaurants, bars and gourmet produce outlets.
- by Craig Tansley
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam’s frenetic and underrated financial centre offers a rich history and one of the most exciting – and bargainous – food scenes in South-East Asia.
- by Katherine Scott
Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand’s biggest city has been utterly transformed by the dramatic redevelopment of its once no-go waterfront as well as a quality food scene.
- by Anthony Dennis
Christchurch, New Zealand
With a spectacular natural playground on its doorstep, this big small-city has undergone a revitalisation of unimaginable scale since the 2011 earthquake.
- by Katherine Scott
The 19 new must-do highlights of the Pacific and Australasia
Nothing says “holiday” more than an expanse of sparkling water, fine wine and nature in her element.
- by Craig Tansley
Forget Thailand and Vietnam: South-East Asia’s enticing new travel frontier
Forget everything you know about Cambodia: Here are five ways to savour the rich mosaic of this intriguing and ever-evolving kingdom.
- by Julie Miller
Like Bali in the 1970s: This island on our doorstep remains unspoiled
Consistently rated one of the world’s top diving sites, and still unspoiled by mass tourism, Atauro has thankfully avoided becoming a resort destination.
- by Jon Faine