25 Dream Destinations for Your First Post-COVID Vacation
After nearly 16 months of lockdown, world travel is starting to seem more realistic. And as the curve begins to flatten and some normalcy can be seen over the horizon, here are some ideas to curb your post-pandemic travelling itch.
1. Yellowknife
The capital of the Northwest Territories in Canada, the northern lights illuminate the sky in Yellowknife 240 nights a year. If you want to feel you’re in an adventure novel, this is the place to be.
2. Argentine Patagonia
The Andes Mountains are about as charming as charming can get. The Argentine Patagonia’s vistas are so sweeping that they threw Charles Darwin for a loop. He even described them as “boundless.”
3. Rome
Rome is a can’t-miss destination for anyone travelling to Italy — or even travelling through Europe as a whole. The Eternal City was founded by the mythical brothers, Romulus and Remus, whose father was Mars, the ancient Roman god of war, according to some legends.
4. Tokyo
There’s no waiting around in this metropolis! Tokyo is a fast-paced city, so whether it’s three in the afternoon or three in the morning, the streets will be packed with people trying to get to their destinations.
5. Zanzibar
Zanzibar definitely boasts something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for beautiful, sandy beaches to relax and take a refreshing swim or a novelesque adventure, Zanzibar has you covered.
6. Aruba
Aruba trades rainfall for an arid climate, so it’s sunny almost every day of the year. The palm trees and white-as-can-be beaches attract tourists from all over the globe, and the limestone landscape is a sight to behold.
7. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is definitely a location to see at least once in a lifetime. This UNESCO World Heritage Site requires a little climbing to get to, but its photo-ready vistas are more than worth the trek.
8. Paris
Paris is filled to the brim with museums, monuments, and churches that bring European history and architecture to life. With sites like the Eiffel Tower, you can wander the streets and always find something to do in the City of Lights.
9. Phuket
Thailand’s long stretch of beach and crystal-clear waters in Phuket are a rarity. Even better, you’ll find the beaches housed with traditional tail boats and limestone that spring up from the sea.
10. Wellington
Not just the capital of New Zealand, Wellington also boasts museums, theaters, and restaurants that can easily make it the cultural capital of Oceania. And let’s not forget about its blue water and warm weather.
11. San Francisco
If you’re a history buff, there are few better places to go in the United States than San Francisco. From Alcatraz to the Castro to City Lights Books, there’s something for everyone in the city by the bay.
12. Rio de Janeiro
A city known for its lively nightlife, Rio de Janeiro makes a great getaway for people who want to have some post-COVID fun. But it’s also a great city in which to explore Brazil’s beautiful, natural landscapes.
13. London
Whether you’d like to tour the Tower of London or stuff yourself with fish and chips at the pub on a Sunday afternoon, you can knock most of the items off your bucket list of British experiences with a trip to London.
14. Bali
This Indonesian destination has become known as heaven on Earth for those who have visited. And with lush vegetation, mountains, and valleys all rolled into one, who can argue that these people are wrong?
15. Abu Dhabi
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a bustling city with plentiful shopping centers, gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels, and — if you’re into it — real estate opportunities.
16. San Miguel de Allende
If you’re someone looking for an affordable winter getaway, then Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende may just be the destination for you. And if you’re looking to travel with a partner, the brightly colored buildings make the city quite romantic too.
17. San José
If there’s any place in the world you can describe as a natural wonderland, it’s Costa Rica. So if you want to feel like Alice tumbling into a wonderland of magic and beautiful scenery, the country’s capital is the place to do it.
18. Florence
Florence boasts top-notch museums, stunning architecture, and a rich cultural history. You can admire Michelangelo’s David, take in city views at the Ponte Vecchio, and climb to the top of the Florence Cathedral all in a day.
19. Sagarmatha National Park
Located in Nepal, this national park houses the monster that is Mount Everest. But if you don’t feel like climbing it, the park also offers other skyview peaks, icebergs, and picturesque landscapes.
20. Victoria Falls
Nestled between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see for all outdoor enthusiasts. It’s twice as deep as Niagara Falls, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.
21. Toronto
One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, Toronto is home to over 200 ethnic groups that speak upwards of 140 languages. Made up of neighborhoods like Greektown, Little Italy, and Chinatown, you can experience multiple cultural extravaganzas in a single walkthrough.
22. Cartagena
The popular Colombian town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, sports buildings dating back to roughly the 16th century. Beaches dot the coast of this town and they join colorful buildings to form one of the most awe-inspiring scenes in South America.
23. Barcelona
When visiting Spain, Barcelona is a must. With Gaudi’s architecture on display in Park Guell and the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, the city is unlike any other in Spain. And the medieval buildings in the city’s Gothic Quarter are an absolute must see for anyone wanting a blast from the past.
24. Hong Kong
Hong Kong seamlessly blends western and eastern cultures. The towering skyscrapers are representative of the city’s western influence, and the numerous street markets across the city are a foodie’s dream.
25. Melbourne
Known as Australia’s “big small town,” Melbourne sports everything you’d expect from a big city — like neighborhoods and award-winning cuisine — and combines it with the leisurely pace you’d expect from a small town. If you’re looking to get away from the urban hustle and bustle, Melbourne is the place to do it.