Dreaming of Post-Pandemic Travel Destinations?
I know, I know. It feels like a lifetime ago since we have all been able to travel further than our own immediate areas. Yet, with the COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out hopefully within the next six month months or so, there is hope yet that we will be able to travel in the second half of 2021 (fingers crossed) or of course 2022 and beyond. I have dreamed up 10 Post-Pandemic Travel Destinations that I would love to share with you.
Until we can travel, the priority must be to protect everyone’s health and help those in need. However, please don’t forget to care for your own mental health by making plans that keep you excited about the future.
A great way is to follow or create boards on Pinterest that inspire you to travel. Check out my Pinterest board called Travel Destinations!
Keep in mind that even if you can’t afford to get on a plane in the next few years, a solution could be to explore destinations that are in your own backyard.
If you are from the United States, research interesting local destinations such as state parks or historical landmarks to visit. International? Check out UNESCO World Heritage sites. You may be surprised at what you find!
For now, dream with me and check out these incredible post-pandemic travel destinations you can save up to visit in the future.
Bucket List-Worthy Post-Pandemic Travel Destinations
1. Paris, France
Let’s start off with what you may consider a typical choice for a list of post-pandemic travel destinations, but I have to admit that I have still have yet to visit Paris. Lately I have felt drawn to idea of strolling the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and finally seeing the Eiffel Tower. Besides the typical tourist spots of interest, personally I enjoy seeing things off the beaten path as well such as the artists’ space at 59 Rivoli or perhaps checking out local thrift shops. There are endless options depending on your personal preferences!
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2. Reykjavík, Iceland
Roughly a 5.5 hour flight from Boston is Reykjavík, Iceland. The stunning natural beauty of this country has long attracted me. One thing I will definitely do is to take a bus tour to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik. Other ideas include booking a car and traveling to see some of Iceland’s incredible waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Gullfoss. Or if you aren’t comfortable driving abroad, you could book a bus tour of the Golden Circle.
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3. Himeji, Japan
Himeji is 40 minutes away from Kyoto by bullet train and it has so much to offer. Most notably, Himeji Castle which is a beautiful hilltop castle built in 1333. It is the largest and most visited castle in Japan. Other notable sites to check out are Mt Shosha for hiking, the temples at Shoshazan Engyoji, and the gorgeous gardens at Koko-en. Want to shop? A great pedestrian shopping area can be found on Miyuki Street.
Helpful Links:
- Sample Itinerary – Himeji Day Trip Itinerary
- Himeji Travel Guide
- Restaurants Near Himeji Castle
- Himeji Hyogo Tours
4. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a destination I will definitely be revisiting when I can. I worked in Seoul from 2013-2015 as an English teacher and it will always feel like a second home to me. I want to go back and visit friends. It is a beautiful mix of the old, present, and the future. The people are wonderful and there is so much to see and experience. My personal recommendations are to visit Namsan Tower, hike up Dobongsan Mountain, eat your weight in street food at Namdaemun Market, shop till you drop in Myeongdong, and get lost in the beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
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5. Maui, Hawaii, USA
Hawaii in general is on my future travel list, but from my research, Maui has a reputation for being wonderful for tourists to experience outdoor activities with its lush nature. With a reservation, Haleakala National Park is said to be an amazing place to view the sunrise. I would also love to check out the geological formations in Haleakala Crater. Naturally the beaches are a big attraction. Keawakapu, Makena, and Ho‘okipa are some highly rated beaches in Maui that are obviously worth experiencing.
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6. Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
This national park has long been on my list of must-see destinations! I’ve come to understand the best time to visit this park is July-September, but I would personally visit in September when it is slightly less crowded. Planning is required to visit this park so you can get the full experience. Snow typically prevents visitors from hiking on certain trails so always check park conditions. In the right conditions, there are so many things to do! Hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, photography, and boating to name a few.
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7. Lisbon, Portugal
This city appeared on my radar after my boyfriend hiked the Camino last year. Lisbon is actually the beginning of the Portuguese Way of St. James/Santiago. You can walk 391 mi/630 km to Santiago de Compostela. No easy feat, but it is known to be an incredible accomplishment. Lisbon itself is a gorgeous city with friendly locals, rich culture, and delicious food. The best way to experience a city is on foot so I’d recommend a walking tour if going it alone isn’t your thing. They also have day trips to the stunning palace of Sintra from Lisbon. Locally you should also check out their growing food markets.
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8. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known to be a highly walkable city with incredible architecture, art, and history. Each district of Vienna has its own vibe. Thanks to the modern transportation system, it is also very easy to get around if you have mobility issues. Some notable places worth visiting per reviewers is Schönbrunn Palace of the Hapsburgs, The Hofburg, and Cafe Demel. A more off the wall suggestion could be to purchase a ticket to experience Ball Season in Vienna.
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9. Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile is one of safest big cities in Latin America. It is modern, has breathtaking mountain views, and is a melting pot of cultures. The best way to check out a panoramic view of the cityscape is by venturing to the top of Sky Costanera which happens to be the tallest building in Latin America. If being outdoors is more your style, then you can also see exceptional views from Cerro Santa Lucia. For shopping and restaurants, Parque Arauco is definitely worth a visit based on reviews. Another must-do is a Vina Aquitania winery experience at the foot of Andes Mountains.
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10. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Cue Lord of the Ring music! New Zealand is stunning all around. Any location in this country would be worth visiting, but as a lover of state and national parks, I had to point out Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It is home to 23 peaks that are over 3280.84 yards/3000 m high, Lake Pukaki, Tasman Glacier, and beautiful fields. With all this natural beauty, it is no wonder it is an incredible destination for adventurers of all levels. Seriously there are plenty of easy hikes if you are new to hiking. With it’s beauty this park is definitely in my future.
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Hello everyone! I am a Boston based blogger that loves all things travel and lifestyle. You can usually find me working away at my university job, snapping pictures, thrifting, or trying out some new recipes.
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