Specifically, the European Union.
In April of 2020, I thought I would take advantage of the cheap airline prices and buy a tickets for destinations I had always wanted to visit: Dublin, Ireland and Paris, France. My friend and I began planning a trip for January of 2021. We were certain the pandemic would be under control, and vaccinations would be available for us before we left. By October, we had cancelled our trip and refunded our tickets. As January passed, we mourned the trip that never happened, and anxiously awaited for the European Union to open up to American tourists.
Now that vaccines are widely available in the United States, the parts of the European Union have opened up their borders to vaccinated travelers. Come along with me as I plan my next trip, and let’s check out some of the coolest countries we can head to in 2021.
Spain
In need of a delicious meal surrounded breathtaking architecture and scenery? Spain has opened it’s borders to travelers who are fully vaccinated, and tourism is now returning to these gorgeous Spanish cities. Large cities like Barcelona and Madrid offer a buzzing atmosphere, while Seville and surrounding cities will still have plenty to see and experience in a smaller setting.
Croatia
Game of Thrones fans, does this scene look familiar? The fictional city of King’s Landing in the HBO show Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and this historical city is the perfect vacation destination for super fans. Croatia is tucked on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in Eastern Europe, and offers a wide variety of tourism destinations. For explorers, check out Plitvice Lake National Park, with gorgeous views of waterfalls and cliffs. Lovers of history and art can check out Dubrovnik Old Town or the town of Split, built on ancient ruins. Provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, as well as proof of accommodations, and Croatia is open to you.
Greece
Okay, it’s time to live out your Mamma Mia fantasies. Open to visitors with a vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test, cities like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are completely in reach. The dazzling blue of the mediterranean often looks too good to be true, but Greece’s incredible landscape and beauty around every corner offers the possibility of a once-in-a-lifetime trip no matter what the travel budget allows. Soak up the history in Athens or the sun in Santorini.
Cyprus
Beaches. Food. Wine. More Beaches. Rocky shorelines and hidden caves. Beaches, once again. Cyprus is an idyllic island with accessibility to the stunning sites and shores of the mediterranean. For those craving something a bit farther off the beaten path than Greece, Cyprus is an excellent choice to turn to. With temperatures that stay above at least 60 degrees year round, there won’t ever be a bad time to make a trip over.
Day dreaming about traveling is one of my favorite ways to spend time– Just as I will, use this list to curate your dream vacation in this post-COVID world. Happy travels!