COVID19: Why you should go on your long-awaited vacation in 2021
10 min read
10 min read
We’re at the very end of August 2021 already, and the chances are most of us have already traveled since Covid. But, fear not, the summer is far from over and September and even the first bite of October tend to be very busy for those in the hospitality business.
Millions of us have been stuck at home over the past year and a half and diminished our travel to essential only. However, with the vaccine present, most countries decided to loosen up their restrictions, and people slowly but surely started thinking about picking up on their old traveling habits.
In this article, we won’t be telling you which destinations are deemed safe and which aren’t since that piece of information can change drastically over a small time frame so we dare not do. Instead, we will share some of our favorite spots for a summer trip, the reasons behind us choosing them. We aim at helping you make up your mind if you haven’t already done so, so consider this as either a helpful list of locations you can visit once the pandemic is finally over or one more reason to start seriously considering grabbing your suitcase, dusting it off and starting to pack for your first or next trip in 2021.
Last year around this same time we couldn’t even imagine sharing an article on where to go for your next vacation as we were all in the midst of uncertainty and practically bound to our homes. Luckily, things are looking up for 2021.
Although numerous places around the world remain off-limits, there’s a fair number of countries that began opening their doors, while ensuring health and safety protocols are in place. We are still far away from the way things were back when no one knew of coronavirus but we must know that we are in a better place now, first and foremost thanks to the vaccines that we have not had a year ago but also to the accumulated knowledge we got over time.
People in 2021 are being divided into two categories, vaccinated and unvaccinated. Naturally, if you are planning a trip anywhere without being vaccinated, you ought to check travel regulations for the destination you are planning to visit and consider warnings from WHO and CDC altogether.
Both unvaccinated and vaccinated people are eager to travel again. However, the rules make it harder for the former. Travelers are increasingly required to provide proof of vaccination before they can dine indoors, cruise, book group tours, avoid quarantines, or visit tropical islands.
These new rules that certain countries have adopted fall short of true mandates since unvaccinated people can avoid them by submitting themselves to rigorous testing and safety protocols. They do succeed in making voyages logistically difficult for sure.
Vaccine-based rules have caused quite a stir but found more support in Europe than in the US for instance. The report showing results from a survey conducted by CNBC found 49% in favor of mandates and 46% opposing them.
Traveling in 2021 is not as easy as it once were but it is not impossible. And let’s be clear here, all travelers, vaccinated or not, should take precautions to keep themselves and others safe at all times, without an exception.
As you’re daydreaming of a vacation, googling destinations, or chatting with your friends about it, you will most likely come across naysayers claiming that any kind of non-essential travel during a global pandemic is utterly irresponsible.
There are two things to consider then. First and foremost, with vaccines available now and with all the knowledge we’ve gained over the past year and a half, we should be clear on the fact that there are means to stay safe on a trip without putting yourself or others in danger. And secondly, bear in mind the travel industry employs over 98 million people around the globe so you booking a trip and traveling somewhere will help support people and economies.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the top picks of ours for your next vacation in 2021!
Did you know that Greece is marking its 200th birthday this year? The official anniversary of when the 1821 revolution sparked a war of independence against the Ottoman Empire.
To all those who have never visited Greece, now is the perfect time to explore this wonderful country with breathtaking beaches and marvelous nature. Why now? Well, as you may or may not know, during the past few weeks, over 55 major wildfires broke out across Greece and destroyed more than a quarter of a million acres of forests. In the light of the recent events, it’s redundant to say Greece will need as much help as possible to recuperate from the devastating blaze. And, as a country which relies heavily on tourism, we advocate for everyone who is planning to travel but isn’t sure of where to go, to go to Greece.
What will you find there?
Sandy beaches, exceptional service, delicious food, and hidden architectural gems.
View from the White Tower of Thessaloniki, GR
No matter if you’re a city-traveler type or someone who craves the sound of waves mixed with laughter and the usual, relaxed beach atmosphere – there is a place for you in Greece. Greek authorities have decided to limit indoor activities and only allow those who have been vaccinated to go to theaters, restaurants, or clubs upon showing the digital Covid passport, and this is one of those regulations that may change from place to place so make sure to check the regulations for the place you are planning to visit beforehand on an official government website.
View from the White Tower of Thessaloniki, GR
The beautiful sights of Santorini, the island of Milos in the Cyclades with its volcanic playground and a beach for every day of the month, the island of Creta with sandy beaches, wild natural beauty, and exquisite cuisine, Chalkidiki, a three-fingered peninsula that boasts luxurious resorts, nightclubs, and marvelous beaches – you name it, Greece has it, and that’s why your vacation in Greece simply can’t be a miss!
Sunset at Glyfada Beach, GR
Turkey has suffered as much as Greece in the past few weeks due to the wildfires so we chose it as the next recommended destination for your 2021 vacation, as it is a splendid place with a variety of options that would suit every soul in the world.
A glimpse at Hagia Sophia, TU
For those that would like to shy away from touristy places especially during the seemingly never-ending pandemic, we highly recommend turning to the slow cities and escaping the regular conundrum of big places. Luckily, in Turkey, there are many of these and the vast majority is located in the picturesque Aegean region, offering a calm and peaceful vacation experience.
One of these places is called Akyaka, located in Turkey’s province called Muğla. The place is just a two-hour drive away from Marmaris, a popular touristic spot. Akyaka is the perfect place for those searching for a peaceful atmosphere, crystal clear Mediterranean waters, and culinary delights.
If you’re not the calm type when it comes to holidays, then Bodrum is your place to be. Bodrum is often compared to Ibiza or Hvar. This place is filled with open-air restaurants, seaside bars, and beachfront clubs so you will rarely spend time indoors, which is a particularly positive vacation trait during a pandemic.
One of the worlds’ most popular travel destinations hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons back in March 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic. Italy then became the global epicenter with outrageous numbers of infections and deaths. However, after successfully controlling the rates, even better than most European countries over the summer, Italy managed to resurface again as one of the most attractive destinations for those with wanderlust.
Aerial shot, Salerno IT
In the pre-covid world, many cities of Italy were notorious for over-tourism. And, after taking a breather during lockdowns, Italy has started seeing more and more tourists coming back as days and weeks go by. The Bel Paese is still quite different from what it once was when it comes to the number of tourists strolling around so this could be your chance of seeing this astonishing country and its marvelous culture in a way that hasn’t been possible for decades.
Since we are talking about summertime vacation, our place of choice here would be Naples, and let us tell you why.
The view from the Castel Sant’Elmo, Naples IT
In Naples, summer stands for lengthy days, lots of sun rays, and many exhilarating activities. It goes without saying that what we’re offering here is the ultimate gastro journey where you can sample delicious sfogliatella’s, indulge in the best-tasting pizza in the entire world, explore the preserved remnants of the Roman town of Pompeii, visit the legendary volcano Vesuvio, take boat trips to the idyllic Amalfi Coast or the spectacular island of Capri.
Sunny October afternoon, Sorrento IT
Maybe you are finding it hard to make up your mind. And, it is very probable, and righteously so, that you are being very cautious with the decision to travel or not during the ongoing pandemic. This decision is not to be taken lightly, that is for sure and no one should argue with you on it.
Still, the global economy is desperate for a travel rebound, and we could all use one, too. Traveling to rebuild communities, rediscovering local arts and culture, restoring the environment, or intentionally reinventing yourself is necessary.
If you make your mind up and decide to pack your bags in 2021, do so with utmost care and careful planning. Each destination that is on your wishlist should be checked for lockdown severity, the number of vaccinations administered, current numbers of infection and death rates, and an overall score that indicates how well they are coping with the fight against the pandemic. And, it goes without saying, you should make sure you have everything the destination you are headed to requires upon entry.
Whether you decide to book your trip now or later, one thing is for sure, you will not be the only one benefiting from your long-awaited and well-deserved getaway.
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