The Top Destinations for Post-Pandemic Travel

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed so much of our daily lives. One of the many things that have had to take a pause over the past year is travel. However, things are looking to get a bit better this 2021, with vaccines being rolled out and more and more countries opening their doors to travelers who’ve had enough of staying at home. And if you’re got itchy feet yourself, here are some of the best destinations to consider visiting this year as soon as it’s safe for you to do so.

Costa Rica

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Costa Rica has maintained one of the lowest COVID-19 fatality rates in Latin America, thanks to its effective management and containment of the virus. Since November last year, the country has opened its doors to tourists, provided that they meet visa and coronavirus safety requirements.

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There’s also plenty to see and explore — from basking in its “gold coast,” to marveling in the flora and fauna of its rich reserves. The rainy season is from May to early December, so that’s something to keep in mind when booking a trip. As I mentioned in my facts about Costa Rica post, Costa Rica the 3rd most sustainable country in the world, aiming to be completely carbon-neutral by this year. Any tourist can also be a sustainable traveler here too. Don’t forget: tap water is safe to drink here. Bring those reusable water bottles that you can just refill anytime.

Thailand

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Thailand recently started easing travel restrictions for citizens from 56 countries, including Australia, France, and the U.S. Aljazeera’s pandemic travel update on Thailand reports that visitors must undergo a two-week hotel quarantine, with several COVID-19 tests required. But after these precautions awaits a stunning country full of charm and intrigue… And trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Indeed, Expat Bets’s guide to Thailand points out how even before the pandemic, The Land of Smiles has plenty going in its favor. Its central location in Southeast Asia, vibrant culture, unique heritage, strong economy, high standards of living, and low costs top this list, and have made it a top country for travelers and expats alike. Top tourist areas like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi, and Phuket are open to receive foreign visitors.

Greece

The stunning country of Greece was among the first to reopen its borders to tourists in June. This is possibly because tourism generally makes up about 20% of their GDP. Of course, quarantine requirements are still expected. ftnNEWS’ report on Greece’s announcement of a mandatory 10-day quarantine for all tourists also emphasizes the need for a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from those arriving in the country.

If you’re a history enthusiast, Greece is definitely a bucket-list item for you, thanks to its archaeological wonders. There’s something for everyone in Greece’s cities and isles, from Athens to Santorini. You might want to spend the first two or three nights in Athens to enjoy its history and grandeur. Then, you can head to the different islands, like the gorgeous and scenic Santorini and the more active and fun Mykonos. Or, continue your historical tour down the Peloponnese peninsula.

Kenya

When Kenya reopened its borders to tourists in August, more locals were given the chance to experience their own attractions because of reduced hotel rates. Globetrender’s feature on Kenya’s domestic tourism highlights how it flourished even amidst a pandemic. Five-star resorts like Hemingways offered low rates especially for Kenyan residents. In a strange way, the pandemic has had a positive impact on Kenya’s tourism, compared to most tourism sectors of other countries that continue to bear the economic damage of the pandemic.

Should more foreign visitors, like you and me, decide to do the same and take advantage of the travel opportunities offered in Kenya today, we’d enjoy exclusive access to some of the most sought-after game viewing experiences in the world — but minus the crowds. There will be more personal space and privacy, more connectedness to nature, and the sense of fulfillment from knowing you’re helping critical conservation and community initiatives.

New Zealand

Being one of the countries that has best dealt with COVID-19, New Zealand’s rank in people’s bucket-lists might have gone even higher. CNBC’s update on the country’s quarantine-free ‘travel bubble’ agreements with Australia and the Cook Islands reports of implementation plans early this year.

New Zealand is one of the few places in the world where you can experience up to four seasons in one day because of its fickle weather. It can go from a blazing hot, sunny day, to cold raining, and then it’ll be snowing or hailing come nighttime. The country is divided into 2 major regions: The North Island offers urban travels in big cities like Auckland and Wellington, plus hot springs, geysers, and beaches; and the South Island serves as an adventure capital, where heli-hiking and bungee jumping rule the glaciers and the Southern Alps.

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Wherever you decide to go, it’ll be a win-win situation, as you’re helping a country’s tourism industry, and you get to enjoy seeing the world again. Just make sure to do thorough research and completely comply with the health and safety protocols in any destination. Most of all, remain vigilant about your own protection, and happy travels!