As more destinations reopen their borders, international travel is poised to begin its recovery. While Mexico and the Caribbean will continue to be popular vacation destinations, it’s possible some other places could lure travelers, especially those prioritizing safety in the time of COVID-19. Here are some of the safest international destinations travelers can visit this summer:
Greece
Greece is one of the European countries least affected by coronavirus (up to 50 times fewer people infected than in the most affected European countries). The Greek healthcare system has never been overloaded during this health crisis. Moreover, the country has more hospital beds per capita than many European countries. See here the best options for summer 2021!
Iceland
Everyone flying into Iceland must have had a negative Covid-19 PCR test performed no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Travellers are also tested on arrival, and again five or six days later. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt. However, Iceland has also announced that all travellers who have had two Covid vaccinations do not need to test or quarantine.
Azores Islands, Portugal
If Portugal was less affected by coronavirus, the Azores Islands — like Portugal’s Algarve region — were even further spared. The Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is an archipelago of nine islands showing off nature in its purest state and one of the largest whale sanctuaries. Reopening to travelers on July 1. No quarantine required.
Thailand
Thailand recently began a four-stage plan to welcome back tourists, easing restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers and shortening mandatory quarantine requirements. Currently, the Asian country is one of the few overseas destinations to receive a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department and has also received a Level 2 Travel Health Notice from the CDC noting an only moderate level of COVID-19 within the country’s borders.
Batumi, Adjara, Georgia
Georgia is by far one of the countries least affected by coronavirus. The country reacted very quickly with measures that kept the epidemic at an extremely low level. Batumi, located on the coast of the Black Sea, at the foot of the Caucasus in southwestern Georgia, is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the second-largest city in the country. Also called “Las Vegas of the Black Sea,” Batumi is a splendid mix of beautiful scenery, vibrant culture and legendary hospitality.
Not only one of the safest destinations in Europe for coronavirus, Batumi is one of the most secure, with a crime rate up to five times lower than most European capitals. Reopening to travelersfrom July 1. No quarantine requested.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai was recognised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and received its Safe Travels stamp for its safety protocols in place. The national vaccination campaign commenced in December 2020 and is progressing at a great pace. All tourists and residents arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (including GCC countries) must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to the time of departure.
Croatia
Croatia has been rather spared from coronavirus, with up to 20 times fewer infected people than in any other European country. Well-equipped in healthcare, it also has more hospital beds per inhabitant than most European countries. Reopening to travelers on July 1. No quarantine required.
