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After 2020’s global travel restrictions and border shutdowns, the idea of getting on a plane explore some far-flung corner of the world seems like a pipe dream. But with a COVID-19 vaccine on the way (and in current deployment in many places), travel in 2021 isn’t an “if” anymore but a distinct possibility. In fact, some may argue, 2021 may be the best possible year for travel! Not only are the airports and world’s top attractions relatively uncongested by tourist traffic but travel companies and tourism boards are offering all kinds of delicious deals to get the ball rolling again.
And so, with that said, we thought we’d compile this three-part blog series to honour some of the countries we thought would make excellent international destinations in the new year. Many of these are off-the-beaten track, which is what makes them so suitable in these times of social isolation: fewer tourists = safer travel! Let’s dive right in…
Costa Rica
One look at the picture above and it’s perfectly clear why Costa Rica would make such a magical getaway. After an entire year of being housebound, dramatic vistas of thick jungle, volcanic peaks, and turquoise beaches would be the perfect salve for bored eyes. But more than just being a spectacularly beautiful country, Costa Rica’s government has been applauded for its management of the COVID-19 crisis and has managed to maintain one of the lowest fatality rates in Latin America! This makes it a top destination for travellers itching to get abroad.
This rugged, rainforested Central American country is also a global leader in sustainability and conservation, with a staggering 99.5% of its energy being completely clean and renewable. Some other attractions here include ziplining, through the jungle canopy, gloriously beautiful beaches and coastlines, whale watching, volcanoes, wildlife and birdlife viewing, and a collection of culture and historical attractions in its cities.
Kenya
Picture the opening film sequence to The Lion King. These landscapes (albeit animated) were inspired by Kenya, a country known internationally for its exceptional wildlife and birdlife, and spectacular, wide-open country where there is nothing obstructing the meeting of horizon and sky. And it’s for this reason that Kenya makes it onto our list of must-explore 2021 travel destinations.
Kenya makes social distancing easy simply because so much of the country consists of sweeping, wide open landscapes. By all accounts too, the government has been taking COVID-19 seriously by implementing rigorous testing and temperature taking practices in public places. And…given the fact that tourism has slowed to a trickle, you should be able to book yourself into normally impossible-to-book places like Segera, Sasaab, and Angama Mara, which is where you’ll see a diversity of animals, plants, and birds you thought only possible of the Garden of Eden.
New Zealand
Few other countries on the planet have dealt with COVID-19 as effectively and successfully as New Zealand. This island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean has managed to keep its total coronavirus cases—to date—to just over 2,000 cases, which is virtually unheard of for such a populous, well-travelled country. (At the time of writing.)
Of course, a reason for this success has been the fact that New Zealand has kept its borders closed since the outset of the pandemic. But with 2021 bringing the COVID-19 vaccine and hope for a restoration of order, it’s only a matter of time before the country once again welcomes visitors. And when it does, you can look forward to some truly stunning and dramatic landscapes, some of which you may recognise from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy!
Sweeping coastlines, rugged snow-capped mountains, and emerald hills…New Zealand’s natural beauty is nothing short of surreal. There are also national parks, geothermal pools, island chains, beaches, world-famous winelands, and cosmopolitan cities to explore.
Mexico
Known and loved for its vibrant culture, cuisine, and history, Mexico is a country whose heart beats with a powerful and infectious rhythm. There are picture-perfect beaches framed by turquoise waters like Los Cabos; cobbled streets with kaleidoscopic characters and cultural celebrations to participate in; mouth-watering food to explore (and not the blasphemous American knock-offs we’re all so accustomed to); historical attractions, monuments, and ruins, and so, so much more.
Some places and towns to add to your itinerary include Mérida, the capital city of Mexico’s Yucatán province (which is, by the way, on the coastline adjacent to where the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs hit!) There’s also the food lover’s paradise, San Miguel de Allende, which Condé Nast Traveller recently voted the best small city in the world. And then Mexico City itself: the country capital and an unforgettable celebration of food and culture.
Slovenia
We bet you hadn’t thought of Slovenia as a destination for your travel bucket list! That’s because this gorgeous country has, until this year, been quite overlooked not only by South Africans but also globally really. Italy, its neighbour, tends to steal the limelight but Slovenia has just as much to offer, including a safer travel experience what with much lower COVID-19 cases than Italy.
For starters, Slovenia was named the world’s most sustainable country by National Geographic (Ljubljana, its capital, is known as Europe’s Green Capital). Then, there are the country’s beautiful mountains, ski resorts, lakes, and history and heritage, as told through its medieval castles and churches and baroque façade buildings. Wherever you look: a feast for the eyes…and the stomach, apparently! In 2020, Slovenia was named the “European Region of Gastronomy for 2021” and had six of its restaurants awarded a total of seven Michelin stars!
As if it couldn’t get better, Slovenia offers a wonderful climate. It’s quite simply, all around, one of the top travel destinations for 2021.
Staycation in Cape Town!
Last, but by no means least, is our very own backyard: glorious Cape Town. Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists make their way through Cape Town International Airport for one, two, maybe three weeks of once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure. And we have the luxury of living here! So, if an international trip isn’t on the cards for you in 2021, make it the year of the staycation and become reacquainted with your city after so many months of lockdown.
Go downtown and explore (on foot) the centuries-long history of our city or go on a gastronomical or coffee tour of our many, award-winning restaurants, bars, and cafés. Head out into the winelands for scenery of vineyard-carpeted valleys framed by spectacular mountain chains, as well as some of the top wine-and-dine experiences the country—heck, even the continent—has to offer. Go for a drive along the Cape peninsula and marvel at our staggeringly beautiful, almost terrifyingly dramatic coastal vistas, from the world-famous Chapman’s Peak to the very tip of the Cape of Storms. Or what about an exhilarating abseil down Table Mountain, zip-line through Elgin forests, or skydive over the West Coast?
Cape Town is a destination in which you could do something different every day for a year and still have more to explore and experience. So, like we said, if international travel isn’t on your agenda for 2021, for whatever reason, make it the year of the ultimate staycation.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in January 2021
Next month, we take a look at another six gorgeous bucket-list destinations to explore in 2021, so stay tuned for Part 2!
