Top 10 Travel Destinations to Visit in 2021

December 14, 2020

The new year is fast approaching which means it’s time to start dreaming of wonderful travel opportunities. Of course this year, travel dreaming is colored by Covid-19 and safety concerns around the world. But there are some top destinations to consider based on their entry restrictions, covid case count, and of course exciting things to do! We’ve identified 10 top travel destinations to consider for 2021. *The pandemic situation is constantly changing. The below information was accurate at the time of writing. Be sure to always check the state department and country entry requirements before choosing to travel. 

Many destinations are open, safe and offer many exciting experiences. Below are the top 10 travel destinations to visit in 2021.

1. Belize

Caye Caulker, Belize.

Why Visit: Belize is a tropical paradise. It’s stunning jungles, beaches and oceans offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Go snorkeling, hiking through the jungles or if you’re a history buff, visiting ancient Mayan ruins.

Reopening Status: Belize has reopened its borders to international travelers including those coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.  However, it should be noted that travelers coming from these countries can only enter by air.

Covid Restrictions: All travelers must present a negative coronavirus test issued no earlier than 72 hours prior to boarding. If travelers don’t have a negative test then they will need to be tested upon arrival at their own expense. All travelers must stay in an approved Gold Standard hotel.

Best Time to Go: To visit during the dry season when the temperatures are warm, November to April is the best time. However, this is the peak season for tourism and you may have to deal with large crowds.

See the top things to do in Belize»

2. Italy

Venice, Italy.

Why Visit: Rich with history and culture, Italy is a great destination for nature travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Enjoy wine tastings, tour ancient ruins, go hiking or take a gondola ride.

Reopening Status: Italy has reopened its borders to international travelers including those coming from the UK, Australia and Canada. Travelers coming from the US are still prohibited from visiting. Italy is participating in the EU ban that restricts travel except to a specific list of countries. There is no timeline when travelers from the US may begin to visit but the list of approved countries is updated often.

Covid Restrictions: Travelers coming from Canada and Australia must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. All travelers will be required to fill out a Self Declaration Form.

Best Time to Go: To visit during comfortable weather and smaller crowds, April to June is the best time. July through September is the busiest time for tourism in the country because of its holiday destinations.

See the top things to do in Italy»

3. Mexico

Tulum, Mexico.

Why Visit: Culture, history, top notch cuisine and stunning beaches are all great reasons to visit Mexico in 2021. Tour Mayan ruins, soak up the sun on the beach, explore the art scene or go hiking up the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Reopening Status: Mexico has reopened its borders to international travelers including those coming from the US, UK and Canada. Travelers coming from Australia are still prohibited from visiting. Travelers coming from the US can only enter by air.

Covid Restrictions: All travelers must undergo airport screening upon arrival which may include temperature checks and coronavirus tests. They must also have proof of valid insurance that covers covid.

Best Time to Go: The dry season, December to April, is the best time to visit Mexico when there is no rain. However this is the most popular time to visit so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

See the top things to do in Mexico»

4. Greece

Asos, Greece.

Why Visit: A great destination for budget travelers, Greece offers nature, culture and history experiences that are more affordable than most other Europe destinations. Go hiking, sailing, sightseeing or beach lounging.

Reopening Status: Greece has reopened its borders to international travelers including those coming from the UK, Australia and Canada. Travelers coming from the US are still prohibited from visiting. Greece is participating in the EU ban that restricts travel except to a specific list of countries. There is no timeline when travelers from the US may begin to visit but the list of approved countries is updated often.

Covid Restrictions: Travelers coming from the UK by land will need to present a negative coronavirus test issued no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival. All travelers will be tested upon arrival and if the test comes back positive they will need to quarantine for 14 days. All travelers will also need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form.

Best Time to Go: April to November is the best time to visit. May to October is the best for pleasant, sunny weather with July and August being the hottest months. You can expect reduced prices during March.

See the top things to do in Greece»

5. Ireland

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Why Visit: A culture and history wonderland, Ireland is great for visiting castles as well as exploring stunning natural landscapes. Explore rolling hills, attend music festivals, tour pubs, explore castles or follow a Game of Thrones themed exploration.

Reopening Status: Ireland has reopened to visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Covid Restrictions: Travelers coming from the US will need to quarantine for 14 days and will need to complete a public health Passenger Locator Form. 

Best Time to Go: The best time to visit Ireland is March and May or September and October when the crowds are fewer and the weather isn’t too hot or cold. The most popular time to visit is from June to August when the days are longer and the temperatures are hotter.

See the top things to do in Ireland»

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6. Egypt

Cairo, Egypt.

Why Visit: One of the most iconic tourist attraction destinations, Egypt is home to many amazing sights. Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza or the Sphinx. Egypt is perfect for the history lover who enjoys touring historical sites firsthand.

Reopening Status: Egypt has reopened to visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Covid Restrictions: All travelers will need to present a negative coronavirus test and undergo health screening at the airport upon arrival.

Best Time to Go: March and April are the most pleasant times to visit for weather. May to August tend to be hot and October to February tend to be cold. Holidays such as Christmas and New Years are also popular times to visit Egypt.

See the top things to do in Egypt»

7. Dominica

Waterfalls in Dominica.

Why Visit: A wellness destination much needed after the craziness of 2020, Dominica is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit in 2021. Dominica is not only great for its beaches but the off the beaten path nature experiences it offers as well as history tours through museums and archeological sites.

Reopening Status: Dominica has reopened to visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Covid Restrictions: All travelers will need to present a negative coronavirus test.. Those without a test will need to be tested upon arrival. Travelers coming from the US may be chosen at random to undergo a coronavirus test even if they have a negative test with them.

Best Time to Go: October to January is the best time to visit Dominica due to reduces hotel prices and more temperate weather.

See the top things to do in Dominica»

8. South Korea

Seoul, South Korea.

Why Visit: If you’re looking through an exciting adventure through culture, South Korea is your 2021 destination. Try Korean cuisine, participate in festivals and  tour temples or for the nature lover, explore waterfalls and mountains among other breathtaking landscapes.

Reopening Status: South Korea has reopened to visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Covid Restrictions: Depending on the country of origin, travelers may need to present a negative coronavirus test. All travelers will undergo airport screening which could include a covid test upon arrival. All travelers will also need to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine and download a Self-Diagnosis Mobile App.

Best Time to Go: If you want to see the cherry blossoms in bloom then visit during March and April. For festivals visit from September to November. Avoid visiting South Korea in July and August because this is considered the monsoon season.

See the top things to do in South Korea»

9. Hungary

 

Budapest, Hungary.

Why Visit: Hungary has something for every type of traveler whether you want to focus on cuisine, nature or culture. Explore national parks with caves and countrysides, enjoy thermal baths and participate in wine tastings. There’s much more to Hungary than just Budapest - the countryside awaits you.

Reopening Status: Hungary has reopened its borders to international travelers including those coming from the US, UK and Canada. Travelers coming from Australia are still prohibited from visiting.

Covid Restrictions: All travelers must undergo airport screenings upon arrival which includes coronavirus testing. If a test comes back positive the traveler will need to quarantine for 14 days.

Best Time to Go: To avoid large crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, visit in Spring or Autumn. The best months include May, June, September and October.

See the top things to do in Hungary»

10. Ghana

Jungle canopy in Ghana.

Why Visit: Culture and nature abound in Ghana. This destination isn’t as well known for wildlife as other destinations in East Africa but it does offer many national parks, waterfalls and other natural landscapes to explore as well as several opportunities to interact with locals and enjoy homestays.

Reopening Status: Ghana has reopened to visitors including travelers coming from the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Covid Restrictions: All travelers will need to present a negative PCR test issued no more than 72 hours before arrival. They will also need to complete an online health registration form.

Best Time to Go: October to March is the best time to visit Ghana. You’ll enjoy cooler, less humid weather and avoid the rain.

See the top things to do in Ghana»

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