The purpose of this post is to help know where you can travel in 2021. This is not a post about whether or not you should be traveling, it’s main purpose is to help you get inspired and learn where you can travel in 2021. Always read info from the CDC and WHO before making your final decision to travel during COVID.

Ever since last year I have been itching to travel. While staying home has become the new normal, I honestly can’t wait until we’re able to travel safely and completely freely once again. I’m sure that many of you can agree with me on that much. If you’re wondering how to travel safely during COVID, check out a recent article I published all about the safety of traveling in this ‘new normal’. 

In this post I wanted to share some of the best destinations to visit in 2021. (Let’s all hope we can finally return to a bit of regular travel this year for sure!)

This list is going to be a mix of dream destinations I’m mainly hoping I get the chance to visit in 2021, the rest are going to be more practical destinations that I am sure many of you would be able to easily see this year. As we’ve learned, it’s impossible to talk about travel anymore without talking about COVID, so that’s why this list is equal parts practical and inspirational. 

I’m going to start by sharing a couple of places that US citizens can travel to right now. Many countries have their borders shut to the US, but since September/October of last year, a few countries have started welcoming US citizens again. Here are a few that I hope we all have the chance to visit this year.

Remember, no matter where you’re going, whether it’s the Maldives or simply the grocery store, it’s important to follow protocol and stay safe. 

Let’s fuel your wanderlust with where to travel to in 2021! 

Bermuda 

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Bermuda? Is it pastel colored shorts? Yup, me too. But let’s change that this year! 

Bermuda is a beautiful island which has been working hard to bring the experiences of the diasporic history of the island and celebrate Bermuda’s Black culture, with new initiatives focusing on Black travelers and Black owned businesses within Bermuda. If that’s not a reason to support this beautiful island then I don’t know what is! 

This is definitely an easy to visit destination from the US that should be on the top of your list this year. Bermuda is also a great choice if you’re hoping to travel earlier in the year. Bermuda is currently open to US citizens for traveling during COVID. Just make sure you’re following proper entry requirements before booking your trip.  Currently there is a requirement for each inbound traveler to apply for travel authorization to visit.  Visitors must also show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than five days before leaving on your trip. 

Mexico

For many American’s going to Mexico might seem like the obvious choice, and for that reason they might decide to go somewhere else entirely. I’m here to tell you that would be a huge mistake. Mexico is such a beautiful country that was, of course, hugely affected by the pandemic. 

They rely on tourism in many aspects of their economy plus there are so many places in Mexico to explore. So whether you’ve been before or you’re planning your first trip, don’t overlook our gorgeous southern neighbor. Mexico is another great choice if you’re wondering where you can travel during COVID. With a negative PCR test in hand, you can be sipping pina coladas on the beach in no time. 

Do you want to learn more about how you can travel safely during COVID? Read this.  

Maldives

I mean… Do I even have to explain? If the Maldives isn’t on your list of where to travel in 2021 you should seriously consider adding it. The Maldives definitely feels like a destination with no explanation needed.  Think gorgeous beaches, over AND UNDERWATER villas, crystal clear waters and tons of diversity under the sea. You can’t go wrong with a trip to this tropical oasis. 

And to sweeten the deal, with a negative COVID test in hand, you can travel to the Maldives right now! So what are you waiting for? The beaches are calling darling. 

Aruba

If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches with a splash of adventure, Aruba may be where to travel in 2021 for you. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a unique National park to explore, it’s easy to see why many travelers flock to Aruba each year. 

At this time, all U.S visitors are required to provide proof of a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, complete an online health assessment and purchase the mandatory Aruba visitor insurance that will cover medical expenses  should you test positive while visiting the island. Aruba’s tourism website actually does one of the best jobs I have seen in taking and explaining the necessary precautions to keep tourism alive and safe for all. 

Healdsburg, California 

Wine country? Yes please! I’ll go anywhere the wine is good, and that’s especially true for Healdsburg. They’ve had a heck of a year with COVID and wildfires ravaging their industry but that doesn’t mean we can’t help them bounce back. 

Usually, when you think of a wine holiday, you might immediately want to run off to Italy or France, but give our wine country a chance, and help them to rebuild with a visit to Healdsburg, California this year. 

Maine 

Maybe you just want to escape the crowds and chaos… well look no further than Maine for that. Portland is an incredible city with plenty of local bars and coffee shops making for a great time, but you can also escape into the countryside and rent a gorgeous cabin for a bit of solitude.  If you’re looking for a domestic and quieter getaway this is one of the top places for where to travel in 2021 for you.

Whether you’re visiting in the winter or summer, Maine is a destination that you’re going to want to pack your hiking boots and a warm jacket. And while you’re there make sure to try the maple syrup, lobster rolls and chowder of course. 

Belize

You’ve definitely seen the stunning photos of the famous Belize Great Blue Hole. This is a giant underwater sinkhole that provides divers with an almost perfect circle to dive. 

This gorgeous Central American destination is open pending you download the Belize Health App and fill out your information no more than 72 hours before arrival.  You’ll also have to present a negative PCR test within 96 hours of arrival. 

Costa Rica

Did you know that Costa Rica is cutting edge for it’s initiatives in sustainable tourism? Yup, from stunning beaches to huge volcanoes, travelers can also know that their hard earned vacation money is going to help fuel a sustainable future. 

But beyond that, the sloths. Definitely go for the sloths. 

Americans must submit a health pass form and present proof of travel medical insurance to enter the country.

Ireland 

Pubs, Guinness and giants await you in this vibrant European country. Ireland is one for the bucket lists. Galway is about to be named 2020 European Capital of Culture. That on its own is a reason to visit this unique island in the Atlantic ocean. While you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for a tight rope walking workshop. Don’t worry, they’ll give you plenty of liquid courage! 

U.S travelers are actually still allowed to visit as of now, however restrictions on movement might make it a very limiting choice for travel right now.  They require completion of a passenger locator form, a negative PCR test within the previous 72 hours of arrival. 

Italy

You’re probably thinking Italy is about as high up on your list as Wuyan right now. We all remember back in March/April of 2020 was Italy was being ravaged by the pandemic. But since their recovery from the first wave, they’ve been working hard to protect their citizens and their hospitals. And don’t forget that Italy is another country that relies heavily on tourism for their economy. 

Make sure to add it back to your bucket list for the world renowned food, colorful cities and wonderful coastline. A few of my favorite places in Italy include the Amalfi and Sorrento Coastlines and the wine valley’s around Florence. 

I know, I know, as Americans we aren’t allowed to travel to Italy just yet. This is more of a ‘fingers crossed’ destination for me on this list.  We can still dream of visiting Italy, right?? And hopefully soon it’ll be a destination we can travel to once again. It’s one of the first places that I want to go again once we can truly travel freely. Is Italy on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments! 

South Africa

Finally, the number one place that I reccoment for where to travel in 2021 is South Africa, though depending on the state of the pandemic and vaccine roll out, that might be more of an inspiration rather than a practical destination. South Africa has had strict measures in place and you do need to provide a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival. 

South Africa is beyond gorgeous. With its beaches and lively neighborhoods in Cape Town, to its rich history of Johannesburg and the countryside (like Kruger National Park) in between, it’s been high up on my list for sometime now.  

If South Africa is  on your bucket list, make sure you check out the female-led tours by the Blonde Abroad. Her tour of South Africa makes sure you tick all the bucket list items like helicopter rides and beaches filled with penguins. 

 Add these destinations to your bucket list – especially for 2021.

As you can probably tell from this list, I do still spend a lot of my time daydreaming about the places we’ll all hopefully be able to return to soon, and if you’re lucky enough, or able to be traveling right now, don’t forget to do it safely! The safer we all are now, the sooner we’ll all be able to travel again and I can’t wait for that day. 

What’s the top place on your bucket list for when borders reopen? Let me know in the comments below, and if I’ve been, I’ll make sure to give you some tips!