Greece, Iceland, Maldives, Mexico, Tanzania – which are the best post-pandemic travel destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia?

It is no secret that tourism has been one of the hardest-hit industries since the world plunged into an eerily apocalyptic scene of coronavirus outbreaks and enforced social distancing.

The subsequent restrictions on movement and universal travel bans seemed to erect an impenetrable roadblock, abruptly halting the 2020 wanderlust-busting and adventure-seeking itineraries of world travellers.

While many of these limitations are still in effect, slowly but surely, select countries have begun opening their borders for leisure travel. Ideally timed with the northern hemisphere’s summer holiday season, the following six perennially popular tourism hotspots have, to varying degrees, either already opened to tourists or will be doing so soon.

Because it is likely to be a few years before international travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, 2020 may therefore be a great time to enjoy a less-crowded adventure in one these epic spots.

Europe:

Europe began relaxing travel restrictions from June 15. The European Commission’s vice-president stated the process of opening borders will unfold in a “gradual and partial” fashion. At first, most countries have started to allow fellow European travellers, with the aim of opening to non-Europeans from July 1. Not all countries will open their borders at the same time and those that do may have certain restrictions, like bans or forced 14-day quarantines for those arriving from higher-risk regions. It’s therefore crucial to check with local authorities before travelling.

Iceland

Iceland opted to open its borders for all European travellers from June 15, allowing passengers to choose either to be tested on arrival or enter a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Iceland intends to start welcoming non-Europeans from July, with a proposed testing-on-arrival scheme for those coming to the Nordic island nation from outside the Schengen area.

Greece