What’s the best way to banish the self-isolation blues and keep that cabin fever at bay? By dreaming about all the places you’ll travel to in the (hopefully) not-so-distant future, of course!
Since travel is off the table right now, we thought it’d be the perfect time to share all the places we’re currently looking to for a bit of escapism.
Travel after the coronavirus is bound to be different; as things start returning to normal, we foresee travellers looking to staycations, road trips, and holidays that are closer to home for their first taste of real-world adventures (so you’ll notice some destinations below that align with this forecasted trend).
But until this situation is a distant memory, whip out your travel wish list and get ready to dream big — it’s time to rekindle your travel spark and fan the flames of your wanderlust.
These are the places to dream about until the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us.
1. Western Australia
The crystal clear turquoise seas, the sensational beaches, the fiery sunsets — everything about Western Australia is the very definition of paradise. As if the region’s heart-stopping scenery wasn’t enough, this massively diverse state is bursting at the seams with so many extraordinary things to see and do.
There is something here for everyone, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that. Renowned wineries, cosmopolitan cities, otherworldly natural attractions, epic wildlife experiences, scenic road trip routes, a mind-blowing reef that can rival the Great Barrier Reef — I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
And the absolute best thing about this staggeringly diverse region? It’s significantly less touristy compared to the East Coast. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you have Western Australia’s beaches, national parks, and top attractions practically to yourself when you visit.
2. Portland, Maine, USA
We all know Portland, Oregon is one of the top foodie destinations in the USA, but the “other” Portland — Portland, Maine — is officially giving its West Coast counterpart a run for its money in the culinary department.
This unpretentious city has everything you’d expect in a New England destination — from its maritime facades to its ultra-friendly locals — but it also has a surprising amount of cosmopolitan flair to boot.
Alongside the city’s world-class seafood restaurants, you’ll find eateries serving up everything from innovative Mexican-Korean fusion to stellar Thai, Japanese, and even Somalian and El Salvadorian cuisine. Essentially, it’s a bonafide paradise for foodies.
New culinary hotspots are opening so quickly it’s hard to keep up, but thankfully, you can find them all curated in a handy list on the Portland Food Map — AKA the definitive guide to Portland’s food scene.
3. Panama
Whatever you’re looking for in your next holiday destination, you’ll find it in Panama.
Pining for a tropical beach getaway? Head to the blissfully remote San Blas Islands. Want to reconnect with nature? The country is covered in rainforest and home to astounding biodiversity. Craving adventure? Places like Bocas del Toro and Boquete are the perfect playgrounds for adrenaline-seekers.
Panama City — the country’s capital and gateway — will surprise you in the best possible way with its trendy neighbourhoods and infectious energy. If you can swing it, definitely leave enough room in your itinerary to get a feel for this dynamic metropolis.
This slice of Central American paradise is easily accessible for all our North American friends (it’s only a 2.5-hour flight from Miami and direct flights are available from major cities across the US and Canada). Oh, and did we mention it’s also a fantastic destination for budget travellers?
4. Armenia
Neighbouring Georgia may be getting most of the attention right now, but it won’t be long before all eyes are on Armenia.
This often-overlooked Caucasus country has so much going for it, from its unbelievable culinary scene to its awe-inducing history and astonishingly beautiful landscapes. Throw in an achingly cool capital and some of the most hospitable locals you’ll find anywhere, and you can see why it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world realises what a phenomenal destination Armenia really is.
Keep in mind that Armenia is new to the tourism scene, so it’s not the easiest country to explore. Transportation can be difficult to navigate and infrastructure is limited, but if you’re up for the challenge, travelling here can be tremendously rewarding.
5. Your backyard
How many destinations on your travel wish list are located in your home country? I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly guilty of overlooking my own backyard in favour of far-flung countries across the globe.
Sure, there’s something undeniably alluring about all those faraway locales, but spending quality time discovering your home and native land can be just as fulfilling as exploring unfamiliar countries and cultures.
So, start thinking about all the places you want to visit that are a bit closer to home — you know, the places you keep saying you’ll visit “someday.” Maybe it’s a world-famous national park, a must-see monument, or a place you visited as a child and want to experience with fresh eyes as an adult.
Wherever you choose to go, one thing is certain: you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for the place you call home.
Whenever you’re ready to travel, TourRadar is here to help make that future trip a reality. Many of our tour operators are now offering flexible booking options, so you can plan your travels in advance and change your plans if need be. Head over to TourRadar now to fuel your wanderlust even further.
