After the year 2020 full of restrictions and closures due to COVID-19 pandemic, no wonder that most people are longing for travelling as soon as possible. Despite the long list of temporary COVID-19 restrictions in place all around the globe, holiday lovers still have multiple options when it comes to international travel in 2021. Since vaccines are distributed, more and more destinations have reopened their borders to foreign tourists under certain conditions.
Some countries require visitors to present a negative PCR test result before entering or use temperature screening and a second PCR test upon arrival but you can also find several destinations that can be accessed without first acquiring a negative COVID-19 test result. This year safety will be the top priority in travelling and you have to be very careful when you are preparing for a trip as entry conditions can change from hour to hour in the time of COVID-19. Always check the entry requirements of your destination even 1-3 days before your departure. We made a list of potential international escapes that offer travelers both protection and relaxation.
According to a recent survey, Canada was rated as the world’s safest place by travelers of all age groups in total agreement. This is probably due to the fact that Canada handled the coronavirus pandemic better than most. New Zealand is another country that reacted well to the COVID-19 crisis and is listed at a Level 1 travel advisory for Americans by the U.S. State Department. Like its Oceania neighbour, Australia also performed relatively well in terms of its handling of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and was ranked as a peaceful and safe holiday destination.
Iceland is ranked number one on the 2020 Global Peace Index and its restrictions continue to monitor all foreign visitors to prevent the import of fresh infection from outside their borders. Switzerland is a top 10 country in terms of safe destinations but has struggled in its recent handling of the coronavirus crisis. Scandinavian countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland are among the best in the world in terms of both peace and happiness. Finland is proven to be the world’s happiest country, followed by Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Altough Italy suffered seriously in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, it has recovered quite well and kept its place among the world’s most peaceful countries. As soon as Europe reopens the borders to U.S. leisure travelers, Americans will rush to this amazing cultural hub. Being a safe destination, Ireland is already open to American holiday makers but visitors are required to complete a COVID-19 Passanger Locator Form and quarantine for 14 days which is not too attracting for tourists.
And now let’s take a closer look at Far Eastern destinations. The sovereign island city-state, Singapore is considered safe to visit and it is one of the five places listed at level 1 on the US State Department’s four-level scale. Even in the middle of the global pandemic, Thailand, the Asian hotspot is considered to be one of the safest travel destinations on the planet. Taiwain is one of the few places to enter 2021 at a low risk Level 1 by both the U.S. State Department and CDC.
Moving on to the white sand beaches of the Caribbean islands that become one of the most accessible exotic destinations for American travelers in the time of coronavirus. We have to mention the Cayman Islands, the beautiful Turks and Caicos, Saint Lucia and Aruba.
Costa Rica, this unique Central American country offers travelers plenty to see and do outdoors and a taste of both the Caribbean and Pacific. We can be sure it remains to be a hit with nature lovers and adrenaline junkies in 2021.
Unfortunately Hungary is not among the world’s safest vacation spots for travelers yet, but we do hope that the country can welcome its foreign visitors soon again. Hungary is world -famous for many things: its thermal water spas, its unique cuisine, its breathtaking landscapes and very notably for the high quality and unique wines it produces since the 13th century. Hungarian wines always perform excellently in international wine competitions due to their high-quality and proficiency. And do not forget the excellent medical treatments that attracts thousands of foreign patients all year round and SZIGET Festival, the island of freedom which has evolved into one of Europe’s largest music festivals since 1993.