With the current Coronavirus situation, putting many countries in nationwide lockdown and many others in quarantine, there’s no doubt that every single person in the world right now is dreaming of spending time outdoors. But when it comes to travelers, in particular, these wandering souls dream bigger. They’re dreaming of getting lost in foreign cities, sipping on margaritas by the beach, and conquering summits. In other words, they’re looking forward to their post-quarantine travel plans.

Dreaming is, in fact, the best thing one can do right now to maintain sanity in these hard times. This positive attitude of looking forward to a brighter tomorrow is what will help us through it all. Dream and plan for your next trip because there will be one, and hopefully soon.

That’s why I collaborated with other hardcore travelers and compiled a list of destinations you can visit after this is all over. Each and every one of these ladies made a recommendation that has exactly what you’ll need after the quarantine.

Check out these post-quarantine travel ideas:

Yucatan, Mexico

“Having been there twice, one of my favorite places to visit is the Yucatan state of Mexico.  A trip to the Yucatan can cost up to half as much as the nearby tourist hotspots of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, and therefore, would make an excellent post-quarantine travel destination!  Not only is it budget-friendly, but there is so much to see and do in the area. Some of the best places we have visited in the state include the beach town of Progreso, the colonial cities of Valladolid and Mérida, along with pink salt flats, Mayan ruins, and cenotes!

Since the Yucatan is not yet a well-known vacation destination, you can enjoy crowd-free attractions and the authentic Mexican culture.  Not to mention that it is the safest area in Mexico!  In fact, the capital city of Mérida has been listed as one of the safest cities in the world according to Ceoworld Magazine.

The Yucatan’s popularity is growing rapidly; however, I would suggest visiting before this beautiful state is discovered by resorts and attracts the masses!  The food is also amazing (as in all of Mexico)!  I’ve had some of the most delicious, and largest, coconut shrimp EVER on Progreso Beach, as well as guacamole that you could eat straight off the spoon!

With beautiful beaches, emerald gulf water, authentic culture, colonial charm, mouth-watering food, and so much to see, I promise, you won’t be disappointed.”

– Via Rachel of Rachel Mathews

Salzburg, Austria

“The hills are alive with the sound of… freedom.

After months of being told to stay indoors and away from other people, what’s a better way to “re-enter” the world than a visit to Salzburg? The Austrian city is famous for the Sound of Music – although if you ask almost any local, they will tell you they have never seen the movie.

The city is surrounded by lush rolling hills. From a day trip into the mountains to the town of Mondsee (don’t forget to try the apple straddle with vanilla sauce) to exploring the hills behind the Salzburg castle (this is a must for the sunset), you will feel alive surrounded by fresh air and endless amounts of space. Get lost in the intertwining laneways that will make you feel as though you have entered a fairytale, or visit St. Peters monastery and cemetery for some tranquillity and great views of the castle.  

Although a little bit touristy, the sound of music day trip is a must! Join in with your fellow travelers as you all celebrate the end of quarantine by belting out some of your favorite Sound of Music tunes. Salzburg is an absolutely beautiful city that everybody must visit at least once in their lives, so why not make that “once in your life” right after the quarantine?”

– Via Fiona of Travelling Thirties

Bergen, Norway

“Bergen is the perfect balance of city and nature escape. The city is surrounded by 7 lush mountains and nearby fjords, waterfalls, and natural wonders. If being in self-isolation has had you daydreaming about escaping to somewhere remote where you can be immersed in nature, Bergen is the perfect post-quarantine travel plan for you! 

One highlight of Bergen is the picturesque old town, Bryggen, which is made up of colorful medieval houses by the waterfront. You can tour the UNESCO protected buildings at the Hanseatic Museum and enjoy the pretty architecture.

Reachable within minutes of Bryggen is Mount Floyen, Bergen’s most easily accessible mountain. Despite being so close to a city, hiking on top of floyen is like being in the middle of nowhere. You can explore the dense green forests for hours, with various hiking routes, and even take part in activities like cycling, kayaking, and tobogganing if you travel in the winter. You can also get the best views of the city from above at the viewing platform or during the scenic hike or funicular ride up. 

Another must-do in Bergen is taking a fjord cruise. If you get a chance to visit Hardangerfjord, make sure you take some time to see the breathtaking Vøringfossen waterfall.

I hope this has encouraged you to explore the great Nordic outdoors in Bergen after being cooped up indoors!”

– Via Imani of Imani Escapes

Vík, Iceland

“Vík Iceland is the ideal destination to reconnect with nature post-quarantine. Vík is the home of Reynisfjara, the famous black-sand beach that you’ve probably seen a few times on your Instagram feed. This beach is truly unlike anywhere else and draws people from around the globe due to its beauty.

Although Reynisfjara is definitely the main attraction in Vík, you also shouldn’t forget to stop by a nearby church called Víkurkirkja. The church is the best viewpoint in the entire village as its located on top of a hill.

Another attraction in Vík is the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse which overlooks the Reynisfjara beach and it’s the best place to capture the perfect shot of the beach without all the tourists.

The village of Vík is easily accessible from Reykjavík, taking only two and a half hours to reach from the capital city. Located on the South coast of Iceland and along the popular Ring Road route, it’s an amazing day trip destination.

Vík is the perfect destination to unplug and enjoy the fresh air. The best place to start your life after the quarantine would be in a place with some of the most beautiful scenery the world has to offer like Vík.

– Via Madi of MadiMonde

Kinosaki, Japan

“This quarantine is a terribly stressful period fraught with endless worries and anxieties. So, what would be a great post-quarantine travel plan that would release all that built-up tension? To me, a nice long soak in a hot spring would do the trick. And there is no place better for that than Kinosaki.

Kinosaki, located in Kansai, Japan, is an onsen (hot spring) town with seven public onsens. By staying in any ryokan (traditional inn) in this ancient town, you will be given free unlimited access to all seven onsens!

Stepping into Kinosaki is like going back in time to the old feudal Japan. Traditional houses abound, with weeping willows flanking the rivers. Stone bridges arch across crystal clear waters inhabited by white storks and golden carps. When you stay in a ryokan, you are given a yukata (traditional summer casual outfit) to wear, further completing the time travel transformation. Once clad in yukata, you can begin your hot spring hopping.

The various hot springs are unique in design and hold specific healing properties. But the best places are those that have a rotenburo (open-air hot spring). Being able to be amongst nature while in a hot bath is the ultimate pleasure for me.

After a relaxing dip, head back to the ryokan for a gastronomic spread. Ryokans are known for their culinary feasts, and Kinosaki is famed for not one, but two mouthwatering local delights, Matsuba crabs and Tajima beef.

Besides relaxing in a ryokan and an onsen, you can also partake in traditional activities like playing vintage arcade games and making onsen eggs. And for a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mountains and rivers, don’t forget to take the Kinosaki Ropeway!”

– Via Seraph of Seraph Sun

Bali, Indonesia

“Once we’re able to travel again, we’re hopping on a plane to return to Bali, Indonesia. And you should do so too! Bali is a magical place to visit since it’s the perfect destination for everyone. There are activities for all visitors whether you want to learn about the Balinese culture, go on adventures, or even relax. You’ll need at least a week (or longer) to explore the top attractions in Bali. 

If you love visiting temples, Bali has thousands of temples to visit. The popular ones include Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple to see the Kecak fire dance show. The smaller ones are also worth seeing since they are more intimate and less crowded. 

For those itching to go on an adventure, head to Mount Batur to go on a sunrise trek or take a short hike to see dozens of gorgeous waterfalls on the island.

You’ll also enjoy the beautiful landscapes that Bali has to offer. Wander through the luscious rice paddy fields of Tegalalang and Jatiluwih. The sunsets are also out of this world with the pink and purple hues in the sky.

Bali can be visited at any time of the year. If you’re eyeing sunshine, humidity, and hot weather, then this is the place to be. Even if it’s the rainy season, the rain doesn’t last too long.”

– Via Jackie Szeto and Justin Huynh of Life Of Doing

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Relevant Reads:

• My Complete Itinerary in the South of Bali: Seminyak and Beyond
• My Bali Itinerary Continued: Ubud Edition
• Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking Bali’s Mount Batur

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Grampians National Park, Australia

“If you are looking for a post-quarantine travel idea in Australia, look no further. Only 3 hours from Melbourne, you will find the beautiful National Park, the Grampians. This place is a great fit if you are looking for mountains, lakes, amazing lookouts, and lots of kangaroos!

Since it is close to Melbourne, it is ideal for a weekend trip but you could spend even more time there because there are lots of activities to do. Besides the many hikes you can enjoy, you can go for bike rides, rock climbing, abseiling, quad tours, and even scenic helicopter flights.

If you want to keep it simple and low-budget, just keep yourself occupied with the amazing hikes you can do in the area, which are easily accessible by car and free of charge. Popular places to visit in the Grampians are the MacKenzie Falls, the Balconies with an incredible lookout point, and the Pinnacle with a 1.5-hour climb to the top to enjoy a 360 view over the valley.

Destress from spending lots of time at home and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature the Grampians has to offer. Just put on your hiking shoes and bring your camera and you are ready to go!”

– Via Veerle of Unpack by Veer

Queenstown, New Zealand

“New Zealand is the perfect antidote for all the time we have spent in our armchairs dreaming of an opportunity to escape. The air is the freshest you can sample anywhere and the beautiful landscapes are begging us to get out, stretch our legs, and explore.

Queenstown, in particular, is known as the “Adrenaline Capital of the World”. For those of us who have been cooped up in small spaces, adrenaline and adventure are what we have been craving! There are endless hiking routes to get up into the mountains with spectacular views of the lake below.

Fancy heading further afield for your fix of mountain air? Then there are some amazing drives such as tranquil Glenorchy or stunning Lake Wanaka. Why not check out what many refer to as the 8^th wonder of the world that is, magnificent Milford Sound?

Queenstown also has an exceptional choice of bars and restaurants where we can enjoy NOT social distancing and sampling food other than that we have cooked for ourselves. The one thing we have all missed about being in quarantine is the wide-open space and the opportunity to be at one with nature; New Zealand has that in abundance!”

– Via Sue of Sue Where? Why? What? 

Costa Rica

“The perfect post-quarantine travel plan? The beach, of course! Costa Rica offers travelers plenty of beaches to just lay back and enjoy life! The pura vida (pure life) way of living in Costa Rica is one to embrace – one of simply embracing life for all it has to offer.

Tamarindo is a beach town on the Pacific coast that offers all of the above plus more! Filled with local-owned restaurants and shops, this town welcomes visitors from around the world with arms wide open. 

Life in Costa Rica does not have to be only -coconut drinks on the beach- unless that’s what you want, of course. Costa Rica is also a paradise for adrenaline junkies! It has everything from tubing down rivers and zip-lining to kayaking and horseback riding. Nature lovers would enjoy spotting sloths or toucans in the wild too! Once this all calms down, it may be time to embrace the pura vida life in Costa Rica.”

– Pam of Directionally Challenged

Nepal

“Nepal is the ultimate destination for a post-quarantine travel journey. The Asian country is home to the incredible mountain ranges of the Himalayas, the lakeside town of Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and of course, the bustling capital of Kathmandu. It’s the perfect destination because it offers something for everyone – adventure, culture, and relaxation.

If you are up for some adventure, there are so many trekking options available, with Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp to name a few of the amazing hiking options in Nepal. If you feel like relaxing, head to the lakeside town of Pokhara, where you can relax in cute coffee shops and yoga retreats. For your animal fix, head out to Chitwan National Park to try and spot some tigers on safari. You can also explore the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, where you can visit Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or shop in the crazy streets of Thamel.

Nepal relies heavily on tourism to keep the country going – so without any doubt, after this quarantine, they will need our support. It’s a truly beautiful country, and the perfect destination for just about anyone to visit!”

– Via Emma of Emma Adventures

Going back home..

“While many travelers are dreaming of their post-quarantine travel adventure, I’m dreaming of going back home. Being stuck in Yambio, South Sudan for work, I’m away from home with no way to reach Kosovo. And with the unknown prospects of if I can make it there in mid-June as planned, this period of three months away seems much longer. Going home, meeting family, and friends, is currently the only destination I have on my mind. Spending time with my nieces and nephews and meeting friends at our favorite places in Pristina will be a time well spent that I look forward to. 

Pristina is not famous for its attractions, though it hosts, among others, a lovely ethnological museum and the Heroinat memorial dedicated to women survivors of sexual violence during war. But Pristina has welcoming people and atmosphere that made foreigners move to Kosovo and leave countries such as the Netherlands, India, and the USA. Moreover, in less than a 30-minute drive, one can visit the Gadime cave, the ruins of the old town of Ulpiana, the Gracanica monastery, or the Bear Sanctuary. If you are willing to drive a little longer, in an hour, you’ll be in Prizren, a diverse city in cultures and traditions.”

– Via Lavdi of Kosovo Girl Travels

So, have you made up your mind yet for your epic post-quarantine travel adventure? Are you also dreaming of going back home like Lavdi or are you already there, waiting impatiently for the world to reopen so you could hop on the very first flight?

Leave a comment below and let me know what you have in mind, especially if you have any other post-quarantine travel ideas to share! Most importantly, for now, stay home and stay safe!

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• Wanderlust-Fueled Movies to Watch in Quarantine
• 7 Things You Can Do When You Can’t Travel
• Travel Virtually With These Fun Experiences From Your Couch

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