2020 was the year when everything stopped and the world took its breath. For better or worse we had to slow down, stop moving and running and re-think our priorities. Maybe we needed this – the harmful carbon emissions have been set to a world record for 2019 and hit an all time
high smashing the previous record set in 2018. Due to the corona virus pandemic, carbon emissions in the atmosphere saw a rapid and record decline of 7%. This should do nothing but make us more optimistic about the future of our environment.
The travel industry was one sphere in life that was hit the hardest by pandemic. The unthinkable happened: borders and countries closed down, planes were grounded completely. It is been pretty hard to go anywhere in 2020.
Several days into the new 2021 the future still seems uncertain but there is some hope in sight. International travel has picked up a bit, although some countries are still completely closed and cannot be entered with or without a negative test. Those open require travelers to present a negative Covid test and complete health declaration, which creates additional hustle and expenses for travelers.
Still, I choose to linger to that pale light of hope and believe that 2021 will be a better year for all. I have selected 5 best places to visit in 2021 in the hope of providing variety in the selection of destinations. There is a little bit for everyone – from beachy holiday at sunny Mauritius to sophisticated cultural tourism in Italy.
Here are the 5 Best Places to Travel in 2021:
1. Vietnam
2. The UK
3. Italy
4. The UAE
5. Mauritius
1. Vietnam
A land of breathtaking beauty, cultural complexities and authentic villages, Vietnam is one country worth considering a visit in 2021. Bordering famous Cambodia and South China Sea, Vietnam is one of the exotic pearls of Asia. Infinite rice fields and bustling cities are only part of the attractions you should see in 2021. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a must see stop over there. The best you can do is head to a boat trip on the Mekong Delta and visit the numerous islands along the way. The locals will show you how they produce homemade honey and will treat you with fresh fruit and traditional Vietnamese songs performed by local girls. You can also opt for water villages, floating markets and ancient houses.
Hanoi is the hustle and bustle of Vietnam but instead of focusing on the city itself, go to Halong Bay. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay is a group of islands with towering limestone pillars and number one tourist attraction in Vietnam. According to the legend, a dragon descended to Earth and splashed it until only separate islands were left. Don’t forget to visit one of the nearby caves and make a stop at a pearl farm on your way back to Hanoi.
2. The UK
Probably not the first holiday destination that comes to mind but one that has a lot to offer. The United Kingdom is not just London but has dozens of coquettish smaller towns and authentic villages.
Go north or 4 hours from London to be precise. Bath is one of the most popular towns to visit in the UK and if you are fan of Jane Austen you will surely enjoy yourself there. Bath acted as the holiday and social place for British aristocracy for centuries and it is no coincidence that many authors have included it in their literature masterpieces. Top 10 must see stops are the Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pultney Bridge, Alexandra Park, Bath Abbey, Priory Park (Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightly was filmed there), Great Pulteney Street, The Assembly Rooms (back in Jane Austen’s day it was the place to be to hunt the rich and famous), Sally Lunn’s House (the best tea and pastries) and green park station.
If you have the time, go to Stonehenge. The world famous prehistoric monument is a bit more than an hour away from Bath. Walk in the footsteps of you Neolithic ancestors and admire one of the wonders of the world.
3. Italy
One of the hardest hit countries by Covid in 2020. Italy’s tourist business took a big hit having one of the hardest lockdown measures in Europe. The country deserves a chance for revival in 2021. Fingers crossed, everything normalizes in the year ahead and we have the chance to enjoy one of the best cities in the world – Rome. The city takes months to visit properly and see everything but some stops cannot be missed out – the Vatican, Coloseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, the Spanish steps are all expecting visitors’ return this year!
4. The UAE
Here, I am focusing on Dubai. Not on the traditional Dubai, however, but on a more different one. Visit places that often remain outside a tourist’s itinerary – the historical neighborhoods of Basktakiya and Al Seef, the colorful souk at Dubai Deira Port, go kayaking amidst the mountainous terrain of Hatta, drink tea at Arabian Tea House or enjoy a fancy lunch in one of the restaurants at City Walk. You can also take a picture on an abandoned airplane at Al Awir Desert or check out the bicycle trails in Al Qudra Desert!
5. Mauritius
The paradise vacation that we all need in 2021 could easily be taken in Mauritius. Located near South Africa, this small island in the Indian Ocean is heaven on Earth. Nothing can beat the blue waters of Mauritius, tranquil vibe, clean environment and world class resorts.
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