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2021 Has been heralded as an excellent year to think about planning your next international adventure. Why? Well, think of all those previously terribly congested tourist attractions and in-demand restaurants and hotels: wide open! With the world only just getting back on its feet, now is the time to plan those travels and make the most of those special deals and discounts and relative quiet.
Previously, in Part 1 (December) and 2 (January) of this three-part blog series on the best travel destinations in 2021, we took readers on an exploration of Costa Rica, Kenya, New Zealand, Mexico, Slovenia, Cape Town, Qatar, Puglia (Italy), the Islands of Tahiti, Ireland, Rwanda, and Greece. Now, in this blog, the final instalment of the series, we’ll set flight for Egypt, the British Virgin Islands, Bodrum (Turkey), Tunisia, and Antarctica!
Egypt
Does Egypt even need any introduction? The “Land of the Pharaohs” is literally biblical in reputation for its archaeological marvels and mystery. A staggering third of the world’s antiquities are housed within the borders of this beguiling country. And even if you aren’t keen on history, there are few sights as awe-inspiring as the pyramids at Giza, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
To make Egypt an even more tempting travel destination, it’s generally considered quite affordable and there are many comprehensive packages, deals, and tours on offer. Combine this with rich, pink sunrises, the coruscating Nile River, the bustling market places, and the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum—officially the largest archaeological museum in the world, opening this year—and you’ve got an unforgettable journey into the heartland of human civilization.
British Virgin Islands
Like emerald jewels scattered over a turquoise blanket, the British Virgin Islands have, for centuries, offered sailors paradise on Earth. Today, this volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean is the go-to place for tourists in pursuit of crystal clear waters, tranquil beaches, lush, verdant landscapes, and sunsets that seem to last forever (washed down with cocktails, of course).
The British Virgin Islands consist of more than 60 mountainous, rainforest-carpeted islands, which are constant companions to the horizon; in whichever direction you look. This Caribbean Eden is known as much for its luxury resorts, hotels, and boat charters as it is for its beach bars. I mean, can you think of a better way to wash away the bad taste 2020 left if you mouth than with a cocktail at the Soggy Dollar?
Bodrum, Turkey
Stretched out along the Bodrum Peninsula from Turkey's southwest coast to the Aegean Sea in the north, you’ll discover the historic and spellbindingly beautiful coastal city of Bodrum. While Turkey is better known for its capital city of Istanbul, this Turkish Riviera beach town is becoming increasingly popular for its cerulean ocean views, twin bays, and medieval fortress: the Bodrum Castle. Built in the 4th Century B.C., this major attraction includes stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Other things to look forward to on a visit to Bodrum are its long beaches framed by tangerine trees, open-air restaurants, beachfront clubs, and seaside bars (all outdoors so its much safer)! The “new St. Tropez” (as it’s called) is also known for its gulets: traditional, wooden yachts, which you can rent and use to explore the stunning Turkish coastline.
Tunisia
At the far end of the African continent—in fact, the northernmost point and therefore the counterpoint to us here in the Cape—is the Republic of Tunisia. This North African country is composed of a patchwork quilt of landscapes that are as varied as they are enchanting, from the glittering, turquoise waters of its Mediterranean coastline to the desolate white expanses of desert in the south (which was where scenes of Star Wars were filmed).
Then, there are farmlands in the north, gorgeous seaside villages, historic archaeological attractions, and the thrilling and colourful capital city of Tunis. Home to the world’s oldest medinas, Tunisia is the full package for off-the-beaten-track travellers who love to experience history, culture, and beautiful landscapes all rolled into one destination!
Antarctica (oh yes)
Okay, so this may sound like a bit of an odd travel destination but you will be hard-pressed to find as majestic, dramatic landscapes and unusual, unique wildlife as you will in Antarctica. The southernmost continent and home to the South Pole, Antarctica is an ice and snow ensconced landmass that is virtually uninhabited by humankind.
For South Africans unaccustomed to snow, it is a striking contrast to our sun-drenched continent with its iceberg-flanked passageways, snow-capped peaks, and vast expanses of ice shelf (populated by penguin colonies and sun-bathing seals). Antarctica is truly a bucket list destination. And the fact that so few other travellers go there makes it an even more desirable location for 2021.
Travel in 2021: In conclusion
After 2020’s global travel restrictions, the idea of getting on a plane to explore the world seems like an impossibility. But with borders beginning to reopen and a COVID-19 vaccine on the way, travel in 2021 is looking more and more like a distinct possibility…one made even better by the fact that the world’s top attractions are relatively uncongested by tourist traffic.
We hope you have been inspired by the destinations we have explored in this three-part blog series and that when you do eventually hit the road, you do so safely and enjoy the journey of a lifetime!
