10 Vacation Spots to Visit After COVID-19
January 27, 2021
You don’t have to be Nostradamus to predict that masses of tourists will converge on the world’s most-visited travel destinations after COVID-19. So, you might want to avoid the throngs around the Eiffel Tower, put Rome’s Colosseum on the back burner, and save Disney World for another day. Instead, look to top spots that aren’t likely to get overrun when tourism returns.
Slovenia
Venice is wonderful. But packing into a gridlocked gondola? Better to go over the border to Slovenia. The capital of Ljubljana has historical sites, including a Medieval castle, that will make you the envy of Instagram. But Slovenia’s main attraction is its Goriška Brda wine region. Drawing comparisons to Tuscany, Brda welcomes with gently sloping hills, shimmering lakes, and picturesque vineyards with award-winning wineries.
Todos Santos, Mexico
Forget about popular Cabo San Lucas when travel picks up. Instead, head an hour’s drive north to one of the most delightful enclaves on the Baja Peninsula. Amble along cobblestone streets lined with colorful shops, eclectic art galleries, and eateries that make up an awesome culinary scene. Did we mention there’s a beach? Yup, a great one with powder-white sands and waves that have brought in surfers from across the globe.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
You could fight the crowds in Costa Rica after COVID-19. Or, perhaps enjoy an exotic getaway just across the border. You could almost swim from Costa Rica’s Caribbean side to Bocas del Toro, Panama, an archipelago-mainland combo with turquoise waters, white sands, and swaying coconut palms just about everywhere. While there are hundreds of small rainforest-covered isles to explore, you’ll probably stay on either Isla Colón or Isla Bastimentos.
Killarney, Ireland
You might raise a pint in a Dublin pub when COVID is over. Though you’ll probably have to elbow your way to the bar. So maybe head to Ireland’s west coast for a charm-filled taste of Celtic culture. Surrounded by rolling hills and set just back from a glimmering lake, the idyllic town has relaxed lanes lined by boutiques and, of course, a few pubs. You'll also want to check out Killarney National Park’s forest trails and its 15th-century castle.
Raja Ampat Islands
For many folks, Bali is the ultimate South Seas escape. And, thus, many folks will be going there after COVID-19. So how about another idyllic Indonesian island with breathtaking landscapes? On the Raja Ampat Islands, you’ll find scenes that feel lifted from Jurassic Park. Trek across jungle-covered islands, discovering secret lagoons and popping out on stunning white-sand beaches that meet crystalline ocean waters.
Tobago
Trinidad is popular for its mix of Indian and African cultures, with calypso music floating through the air and people packing onto its beaches and into its pulsating nightclubs. But those looking for a more laid-back Caribbean escape travel to the less-visited isle of the twin-island republic. Tobago is a nature lover’s dream in full bloom, rich with lush rainforests and powdery beaches along its splendid shores.
Hokkaido, Japan
Tokyo’s Imperial Palace will surely be overrun by tourists, and don’t even think of getting near the Tokyo Tower after COVID. So, take a train north to Hokkaido. The least developed of Japan’s main islands, Hokkaido offers amazing nature getaways with old-growth forests, volcanic crater lakes, and bubbling hot springs. Be sure to try the seafood, as the capital city has a well-earned reputation for serving some of the country’s finest.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Ask an American about Fernando de Noronha and they might guess it’s a soccer player they’ve never heard of. But most Brazilians are aware of the volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Craggy cliffs with covert caves and splendid waterfalls rise as dramatic backdrops to golden beaches. Swap out your customized sunglasses for some snorkel gear to view stingrays, sea turtles, and colorful fish close to shore.
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Try booking a hotel in Amsterdam after Coronavirus passes. But don’t fret. There’s another vibrant city in the Netherlands that captivates with scenic canals. While Utrecht has long lived in the shadow of its neighbor to the north, it’s well worth a visit to discover its centuries-old streets and the Gothic architecture in its medieval center. Fine dining? Culture? Nightlife? You’ll find it all!
San Sebastian, Spain
Before COVID-19 you shared Barcelona’s main drag of La Rambla with lots and lots of tourists. After? No thanks. San Sebastian is probably a better option. Nestled on the Bay of Biscay just twelve miles from the French border, San Sebastian is known for its golden beaches, seaside promenade, cobblestone streets, and unique mix of classic architectural styles. But it’s famous as one of the world’s top foodie scenes.
Nobody is sure when travel will return to normal. But it surely will. And when it does you’ll be ready with your favorite sunglasses and a bucket list of amazing vacation destinations to visit after COVID-19.
Written by William McCleary for Knockaround.
