2020 has interrupted many travel plans and looks set to keep doing so for the foreseeable future. If you’re lucky, you may have gotten in a little trip to a safe destination.
If you live in Europe, there are travel corridors set up that allow you to safely go between different countries without worrying about self-isolation. If you live in the U.S., your options are much more limited.
Making travel plans for the near future is still in flux, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t look ahead to a time where normality has returned, at least to some degree; there will probably be social distancing rules for some time still.
Regardless, you can keep adding to your healthy travel bucket list and funding that travel account, ready to embark when you get the green light.
For inspiration, here are a few destinations we recommend…
Mykonos and Santorini
These two Greek islands are listed as a pair because we think it’s worth visiting both. They’re a hotspot for the rich and famous, which is why almost everyone on your Instagram feed seems to have dashed over there!
Both include amazingly scenic views, gorgeous villas, and stunning beaches. Mykonos probably has more things to do, however, you can easily land in Mykonos and get a boat to Santorini for the day – and vice versa. The nightlife in Mykonos is excellent, and Santorini has stunning views. There’s a lot to enjoy, and these islands are perfect for relaxing.
Thailand
Some people are a bit nervous about going to Southeast Asia after the coronavirus outbreak, due to misconceptions about the area. Realistically, most countries have dealt with the crisis excellently – Thailand for example.
Thailand has always been a popular travel destination, and it’s still worthy of a place on your list, especially post-lockdown as it has taken quite an economic hit with the lack of tourism. There are just so many amazing things to do and sights to see. If possible, it would be incredible to rent an apartment in Thailand for a few months and really explore in this part of the world in a deep way.
New Zealand
If one country has really shown itself to be brilliant during a global pandemic, it’s New Zealand. They managed to reduce the rate of infection quickly and by mid-June they were almost back to “normal” – they even had sporting events with crowds. This all contributes to the fact that New Zealand is one of the safest places to travel in the world.
New Zealand is packed full of natural beauty and amazing landscapes. There are two islands that make up the country – North Island and South Island – each with some fantastic delights. You can visit New Zealand during its winter months for some skiing, or come in summer to enjoy the beaches and great weather.
Australia
We toyed with the idea of adding Australia and New Zealand together, but they deserve separate spots. Australia is always a hotspot for tourists, as the quality of life is right up there, and the weather is sublime.
There is simply so much to do that’s unique to the land of Oz, especially in the areas of wellness and adventure. There’s the Australian Outback for a real off-the-beaten-track adventure, Bondi Beach, and countless other iconic places. You can visit Australia for a week and comfortably spend every day doing something new and exciting.
Italy
The Italians are recovering well from COVID, despite once being the epicentre of the virus in Europe. With some extreme lockdown measures in place since March, they’ve shown recovery from the situation.
Of course, you have all the classic places to visit: Venice, Rome, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, etc. But, there are some hidden gems that are worth looking into. Head towards the south of Italy and you will find the region of Puglia, home to stunning scenery, and a place called Matera where you can stay in cave hotels. There’s also the little-known region of Abruzzo that’s home to a wonderful National Park.
Depending on where you live, you might be able to travel to some of these destinations already. Only do this if it is safe and you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. If you’d rather not take any risks, then stay home and plan your wellness adventures for next year and beyond.
