The pandemic has stalled your travel plans for over a year now. You probably had to content yourself with YouTube travel videos to quench your wanderlust. In front of your laptop, lying on the couch, you explored exotic places vicariously. Soon, it does not have to be that way.
The entire world is hard at work vaccinating populations. Soon, enough of the worldwide population will have been inoculated for the World Health Organization to declare the accomplishment of herd immunity. Come that day, national borders will open to foreign travelers. And you can once again enjoy the wonders of gallivanting through the most exciting places on the planet.
Prepare your itinerary as early as now. Here are must-visit countries for your post-pandemic adventure.
Germany
Germany is home to the most dynamic cities in the world. Think, for example, Berlin, which is the largest city in the country. Some of its most notable attractions include Museum Island, The Brandenburg Gate, and The Rebuilt Reichstag, to name a few.
There’s another reason why Germany is a recommended addition to a traveler’s bucket list, especially its capital. Berlin is quite welcoming to travelers from all walks of life. It’s even considered as one of the world’s most accessible cities, even for people living with a disability.
Nepal
You’ve probably seen the Himalayas in photos and videos. Now it’s high time you meet these famous mountain ranges in person. You’ll get up close and personal with Mouth Everest and company once you visit Nepal. But that’s not all there is to see in this country.
Nepal’s culture is rich, to say the least. From the country’s religious to culinary culture, everything’s a feast for the eyes. Once you’ve had your fill of culture, you can go adventure-hopping. Join a trekking group or DIY the experience. Either way, you’ll have an immersive experience with the country’s friendly mountainside communities.
Bolivia
Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, is located on the Andes Altiplano plateau. That’s 3500 m above sea level. Expect to experience altitude sickness as soon as you land in this city. As soon as your body acclimates to the height, you’ll be greeted by snowcapped Mt. Illimani. Nearby is Lake Titicaca, which is the continent’s biggest lake.
If you want terrain diversity, Bolivia’s right up your alley. You have the Andes Mountains for trekking. You have the Atacama Desert for sand adventure. You can also go deep into the Amazon Basin rainforest and see some exotic flora and fauna. There’s something here for everyone.
Rwanda
Touted as Africa’s Singapore, the country of Rwanda has come a long way from its tumultuous past. Now its government and citizens are working hand in hand to steer the state in the best direction. One way to achieve this goal is by boosting its tourism efforts.
Kigali is Rwanda’s capital. It has everything you can expect from a metropolis, including great food, shopping, and nightlife. Plus, it’s one of the cleanest cities in the entire world. Once you venture beyond Kigali, places to explore include the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Nyungwe Forest National Park, among others.
Micronesia
The Federal States of Micronesia is composed of four islands–Yap, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk. If you want to spend your holiday in a tropical paradise, this country should be on top of your list. The islands of Micronesia are at risk of disappearing soon due to climate change. So you better include this destination in your travel itinerary before it’s too late.
As expected from a tropical destination, expect lots of surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. You can also visit the Kolonia ruins. Plus, indulge in authentic Micronesian dishes such as uht sukusuk, pihlohlo mwehng, and coconut chicken curry.
Ideally, you will travel after having been vaccinated. That is to protect yourself and the people you’ll interact with. Still, keep in mind that COVID vaccines don’t promise immunity. You can still contract the virus even if you’ve had the two doses prescribed by the WHO. What those doses do is prevent you from having severe symptoms if in case you are infected.
With that said, you must stay careful while traveling. While your goal is to have as much fun, you should not compromise your health and safety. Wear a mask if possible. Socially distance when the situation calls for it. These simple measures will not affect your travel experience. And they’ll give you peace of mind too. Plus, the people you left back home won’t worry too much about you.
