Where do you see yourself in five years? It’s an obvious and tired question that job recruiters ask and pre-pandemic, you would probably come up with a plausible answer. Post-pandemic, you’re likely to say anything involving a warm climate and bottomless drinks, with no talk of the coronavirus. Now that more vaccines are rolling out, there are some who are feeling more optimistic as time goes by and can’t wait to travel again, even if that still means wearing a mask on a plane.
Of course, safety will still have to be kept in mind until the coronavirus is no longer a threat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a much-needed vacation when travel is encouraged. After over a year of being bound to the couch due to various lockdowns, it’s time to start thinking of your next adventure, even if it’s just a long nap in another country. Instead of the usual suspects, here are some of the top places you should consider traveling to for your next vacation.
Barbados
There’s something to be said about an island so small that you could cover it all in one jog and still find something new to explore each day. It’s often overlooked for the more popular destinations, such as Jamaica or Mexico, but you won’t know peace until you see Barbados. And who wouldn’t want to visit the birthplace of Rihanna? Whether it’s fine dining, luxury hotels, tanning on the beach, or more, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement on the island.
Turks and Caicos
The island really is “beautiful by nature” and was one of the few vacation spots that was safe enough to visit during the COVID winter months of last year. While you can expect a few restrictions at any destination, Turks and Caicos has everything from shopping to water sports. There’s something for everyone and it’s one of the perfect places to leave you untouched by the thought of a pandemic.
Santorini
The allure and beauty of Greece is anything but myth and there’s a reason it’s always on everyone’s bucket list. Not only is it the perfect setting for the best, envy-inspiring Instagram posts but it’s also full of history and culture—specifically regarding Santorini, but you can’t go wrong with Mykonos or Crete if that’s what you’re in the mood for. After a few excursions and a massage later, you can look back on all the great things you experienced over a plate of amazing food and a drink of your choice.
Bali
If you’ve never even thought of one of Indonesia’s many captivating islands, then there’s still time to fix that. Where else would you want to explore the world’s most beautiful temples? On top of experiencing amazing food and culture, you can surf, visit the elephant caves, hike, and go on safari. Going to Bali is the perfect place to try something different without feeling out of place, and it gives you something to look forward to after the year you’ve endured.
Tahiti
The islands of Tahiti are perfect for destination weddings, milestones, honeymoons, and great getaways. Sadly, all of those things had to be put on hold over the past year but with things looking up, it’s time to put Tahiti back on your to-do list. Complete with great views and secluded beaches, it’s the perfect place to feel safe and entertained during a pandemic with eased restrictions. Once you land, you’ll find it to be easy to take a piece of your old life back after you take in your surroundings.
Dontei Wynter | Staff Writer
