Winter Trips Worth Booking in August While Austin’s Swimming Holes Are Still Packed

August in Austin is brutal. Barton Springs is packed shoulder-to-shoulder, Deep Eddy looks
like a human soup, and even a quick dip at Krause Springs requires fighting for a parking
spot. Swimming holes are great, but by mid-August, most of us are ready to stop melting and
start planning an escape.

Here’s the thing: by the time you lock in your plans for your winter vacation in October, you
would be paying twice as much because the cheap flights and accommodations will be long
gone. It’s best to lock in your vacation plans during August. If you wish to escape the Texas
heat in favor of mountain coolness, beaches, or other destinations, lock in now and save
yourself a ton of hassle.

Book these winter trips now while the summer heat is still beating down on Central Texas.

Banff National Park, Alberta: Pure Canadian Powder

If Texas summers make you wish for frosted lakes and trees covered in snow, then Banff is
just the place for you. By booking during August, you can enjoy early bird skiing packages
and accommodation at famous resorts such as Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

By December, Lake Louise transforms into an open-air ice-skating rink surrounded by
glowing mountains. Outside of skiing at Sunshine Village, you can take snowy trail walks or
soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs when temperatures drop. Southwest Airlines and United

regularly offer winter routes into Calgary from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS),
making the trek north pretty painless.

Khao Yai, Thailand: Crisp Mountain Air and Italian Villas

Are you looking for a holiday abroad that is neither extremely cold nor too warm? Then you
should visit Thailand during the cool season, which lasts from November until February, and
enjoy the cool climate around Khao Yai National Park.

As Bangkok continues to be humid, Khao Yai offers cool breezes, lush green mountains,
and even a bit of European flair. For those who enjoy golfing in cool conditions, an early
reservation at Toscana Valley is necessary. This championship mountain golf course was
designed by Bob McFarland and is situated beside the national park. It blends challenging
play with Tuscan-inspired architecture and views of mist-covered peaks.

Other than playing golf on its beautiful courses, you can visit some of the vineyards around,
take rainforest hikes, and do night safaris at Thailand’s oldest national park.

Planning your trip during August and booking your tickets is perfect because getting plane
tickets to Bangkok becomes very hard during the winter season.

Taos, New Mexico: Southwestern Charm Meets High-Desert Snow

If you want to go somewhere that is drivable, Taos provides an amazing high desert feel
without the enormous cost of Aspen and Vail. Getting from Austin northbound on I-35, and
then heading across West Texas will put you in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New
Mexico in about 12-13 hours.

TTaos Ski Valley offers steep runs and short lift lines, but the culture is what really sets it
apart. You can spend your mornings on the mountain and your afternoons exploring the
centuries-old adobe structures at Taos Pueblo. Grab a bowl of green chile stew at Doc
Martin’s Restaurant, grab coffee in the plaza, or soak in the natural riverfront hot springs
along the Rio Grande. B&Bs around the plaza sell out early for the holiday season, so
August is the right time to secure a spot.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Trade the Freeze for Pura Vida

Perhaps what you are looking for is neither rain nor freezing temperatures; rather, what you
desire is ocean breezes without the three million people swarming the shore. In Costa Rica,
the dry season spans from December to April, offering you days filled with sunshine and
ocean breezes on the coast of the Pacific.

Tamarindo is located on the Nicoya Peninsula and makes the perfect gateway for surfing,
catamaran tours, and zipline canopy tours. You will have direct flights from Austin into
Liberia Airport (LIR) on airlines such as American Airlines and will be just one hour away by
car from the coast.

By booking your eco-lodge or beach house in August, you avoid paying premium rates
during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Quebec City, Canada: A European Winter Wonderland

You don’t need a transatlantic flight to experience old-world cobblestone charm covered in
snow. Old Quebec feels like you have stepped right into a postcard scene with stone
houses, ancient ramparts, and hot chocolate kiosks at each street corner.

Make sure that you reserve your place in late January or early February to attend the well-
known Québec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) with its giant ice sculptures, nighttime
parades, and snow baths. Accommodate yourself close to Château Frontenac, go through
Quartier Petit Champlain, and taste poutine in La Banquise or local restaurants.

Hotel rooms around the historic walls sell out quickly; thus, August is the perfect time for you
to get one with a view.

Why Booking in August Saves Your Winter

It is easy to put off winter planning while you are focused on survival mode in 100-degree
heat. But August sits in a unique window for the travel industry:
● Flight windows are open: Airlines start offering their competitive fare buckets on
November-to-February travel between late summer and early fall.
● Peak lodging availability: Upscale suites, boutique hotels, and ski condo options
still have open calendars.
● Less stress later: By the time October hits and everyone else starts panic-booking
holiday trips, your flights, rooms, and itinerary are already settled.

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   So, grab an iced coffee, cool off after your morning lap at Barton Springs, and pick your
   destination. Future you will be very glad you did!