Best 2020 Holiday Destinations

The holidays are quickly approaching and for any avid traveler, it can be confusing to know what’s in the cards for a winter vacation in 2020. The coronavirus has caused many countries to close their borders. Festivals and Christmas markets have been canceled or closed. However, there are still many great destinations with holiday events to choose from for a trip this holiday season.

Below are the top 10 destinations for holiday travel with reopening status, quarantine information and what is open this winter season.

Ireland

Ireland is a great destination for its charming history seen in castles and ruins, stunning wine fields, sports events and breathtaking nature. Travelers of many styles and with many interests can have a magical holiday adventure in Ireland.

Reopening Status: Ireland’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: If travelers are arriving from a “green” rated country then there is no mandatory quarantine or testing upon arrival.

Open Tourist Attractions: Many national parks, gardens and museums are open but have new restrictions or safety protocols due to Covid-19.

Christmas Events: Dublin is a great holiday destination in Ireland. It has light shows, Christmas markets and Santa meet and greets for families. Another fun Christmas event is the Limerick Christmas Racing Festival.

The Bahamas

Looking for a tropical getaway this holiday season? The Bahamas is a great destination to escape the cold and enjoy the festive season on the beach. Explore colorful markets, go fishing out on the water or go wildlife viewing.

Reopening Status:  The Bahama’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: All travelers no matter where they are traveling from will need to upload a negative coronavirus test to the Health Visa system prior to arrival. Upon arrival, travelers will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Open Tourist Attractions: Some resorts have reopened such as the Sandals Royal Bahamian and others are set to open in December such as Baha Mar. Beaches vary on their reopening status and safety protocols.

Christmas Events: A popular festive experience in the Bahamas is the annual Christmas Junkanoo Festival. On December 26, thousands of locals dress in colorful costumes and dance in the streets while a band plays soca, reggae and other Carribean music.

Iceland

Iceland is a winter wonderland perfect for a holiday vacation. While this isn’t the destination to visit if you want to escape the cold, Iceland offers many great experiences like viewing the northern lights, swimming in the Blue Lagoon or trekking across glaciers.

Reopening Status: Iceland is following the EU’s decision to reopen to a specific list of countries. The US is not on the list at this time. However, travelers from Australia, UK and Canada are allowed to visit.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: For travelers visiting from Australia, Canada and the UK, there will be airport screenings. If travelers undergo two separate screens they can forgo the mandatory 14 day quarantine for a short quarantine period.

Open Tourist Attractions: Many national parks such as Glacier National Park and Vatnajökull National Park are open with new hours and safety protocols due to Covid-19. The famous Blue Lagoon has been closed again until the end of November.

Christmas Events: Iceland is a stunning destination for the holidays with its promises for a white Christmas and festive feel. A popular Christmas market is the Yule Town at Ingólfstorg where decorations, holiday treats and entertainment abound. However, with Covid-19 many Christmas festivals and markets are cancelled for 2020. Check with your market of interest before traveling.

Brazil

Brazil is marked by stunning beaches, beautiful wildlife and lively cities. This is a great destination for exploration whether that’s through the Amazon or the streets of Rio.

Reopening Status: Brazil’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: All travelers no matter their country of origin will undergo airport screenings. There is no mandatory quarantine at this time.

Open Tourist Attractions: Two of Brazil’s most iconic attractions including Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ Redeemer Statue are open to visitors.

Christmas Events: Rio de Janeiro is a great destination for Christmas shopping whether its at local shops or markets selling handmade Christmas decorations and gifts. 

United Kingdom

There’s something magical about visiting the United Kingdom during the holiday season. Take a scenic boat ride up the Thames, tour London’s Westminster Abbey or hike out to Worm’s Head. This destination is rich with stunning architecture and history.

Reopening Status: The UK’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: There is no mandatory quarantine for travelers visiting from Australia but all other travelers including those from Canada and the US will have a 14-day quarantine.

Open Tourist Attractions: Many museums, art galleries and battlefields are open with Covid-19 restrictions and protocols such as booking timed tickets prior to visiting.

Christmas Events: The UK has many Christnas markets all throughout the country. Some popular ones include the Manchester Christmas Market and the Nottingham Winter Wonderland which are both open in 2020.

Dominican Republic

Another great tropical destination, the Dominican Republic is popular for its beaches, resorts and golfing. This destination is great for travelers who not only want to relax on the sand but also enjoy exploring nature, viewing wildlife and enjoying the nightlife.

Reopening Status: The Dominican Republic’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: All travelers no matter their country of origin will need to present a negative coronavirus test upon arrival and will undergo airport screenings. All those who don’t present a negative coronavirus test will have their temperature taken and at random, travelers coming from the US will go through additional screening measures.

Open Tourist Attractions: Many tours, hotels, beaches and resorts are open to visitors.

Christmas Events: While there aren’t many Christmas festivals or markets in the Dominican Republic, there is a lot of gift giving, holiday eating and beautiful beaches. This is a dream holiday destination for any traveler who loves the holidays but not the cold weather.

South Korea

Temples, lively markets and delectable food are just a few of the markers of South Korea. This holiday season, explore Seoul, try local Korean cuisine and tour destinations like the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is a great destination for travelers who want a lively experience with cultural immersion.

Reopening Status: South Korea’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: All travelers will need to undergo airport screenings and a 14-day quarantine. Some countries will require travelers to present a negative coronavirus test upon arrival.

Open Tourist Attractions: Some national parks and temples are open to visitors. It is unclear to what extent the country has opened their tourist attractions.

Christmas Events: There are Christmas markets and festivals for the holiday loving traveler visiting South Korea. These include the Strasbourg Christmas Market and The Seoul Christmas Festival. 2020 dates for the Strasbourg Christmas Market will be announced soon. It is unclear if the Seoul Christmas Festival will be taking place this year.

Croatia

This holiday season, step back into the past with the rich culture and history that defined Croatia. Walk the streets of Old Dubrovnik, take a Game of Thrones tour across Dalmatia or visit the Roman amphitheater at Pula. Along with the historical destinations, Croatia also has great beaches and nature worth exploring.

Reopening Status: Croatia’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK and Canada. Travelers coming from Australia are still prohibited form visiting.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: Travelers coming from the US will need to present a negative coronavirus test, issued no later than 48 hours before arrival. US travelers will also be subject to airport screenings and if they don’t present a negative coronavirus test upon arrival they will undergo a short quarantine pending their new test results. If they refuse to take a test they will undergo a 14-day quarantine. 

Travelers coming from Canada will undergo airport screening with no mandatory testing or qurantines. Travelers coming from the UK will only need to fill out an entry form.

Open Tourist Attractions: Many hotels, beaches and resorts are open to visitors.

Christmas Events: Croatia has many Christmas markets including the Zagreb Advent Markets, Main Town Square Market and Upper Town Market. These markets have stalls that sell Christmas decorations and festive holiday foods.

Turkey

Turkey is another great historical destination to visit this holiday season. Explore Ephesus, Topkapi Palace or the Blue Mosque. These destinations not only hold historical value but they are stunning structures that will make any holiday season feel magical.

Reopening Status: Turkey’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: All travelers no matter their country of origin will need to undergo airport screenings which includes filling out an info form and coronavirus testing. A 14-day quarantine is only necessary if you test positive.

Open Tourist Attractions: Beaches, museums and sports facilities are all open. Some iconic destinations such as Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque are both open.

Christmas Events: Turkey has wonderful churches and feasts that bring a festive atmosphere each year. Visiting some of these historic destinations is a great way to celebrate the holidays.

Rwanda

A nature wonderland, this destination is perfect for exploration and wildlife viewing this holiday season. Rwanda has many national parks which gives opportunities to do activities like hiking, safaris and trekking.

Reopening Status: Rwanda’s borders are now open to foreign visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Quarantine Upon Arrival: All travelers no matter their country of origin will need to present a negative coronavirus test, be tested upon arrival and be held in a short 8-24 hour quarantine to wait for results.

Open Tourist Attractions: Many national parks including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park are open to visitors.

Christmas Events: Kigali is a great destination in Rwanda to feel the holiday cheer with others. The sidewalks are packed on Christmas Eve and churches are full for prayer and song. The atmosphere is unmatched in Rwanda for the holiday season.

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