Many recall coming into the new decade declaring, “2020 is going to be MY year!” With goals and plans of all sorts set into motion amidst much anticipation, the year was off to a great start — then the coronavirus came along and threw all your beloved hopes and dreams into the trash real quick. As quickly as it arose, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be disappearing anytime soon. Although there is no exact time frame for when this virus will completely vanish, it’s safe to say that any travel plans (or plans in general) that might’ve been arranged prior to the national lockdown are completely out of the question.
Now I know what you’re thinking: “But this is a life-threatening virus!” and “These are such first-world problems — People are literally DYING!” To which I will straight up tell you are all valid points that are not meant to be taken lightly. Yes, this virus can be remarkably dangerous and it is SO important that everyone is following all the guidelines by the CDC and their local officials to ensure the safety and health of people across the world.
However, in-between your very busy schedule of keeping the world population safe by devouring all the items in your fridge and binge-watching Netflix all day at home, there is no shame in daydreaming about all the places you wish you could be at this very moment if there was no lockdown. Whether you never were much of a traveler pre-coronavirus pandemic or maybe you were the person that was always catching one-way flights to foreign destinations, being stuck at home for what seems to be an eternity has got everyone feeling a sense of wanderlust.
My question to you is: Where would be the first place you would go to once traveling is safe again?
If the countless options of captivating destinations are too overwhelming or just the simple thought of stepping foot outside of your home into the outside world is just way too exciting for you to think straight, have no fear because here are the top 5 international destinations you MUST travel to once all restrictions have been lifted:
- Tulum, Mexico
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Warm weather, crystal blue oceans, tequila in hand (IF YOU’RE 21+)… could this all be real? It sure is! Mexico is the place to be all year round as its weather never seems to disappoint with sunny, cloudless skies. But the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down, Tulum simply doesn’t go to sleep! With expansive nightlife entertainment and clubs, there never seems to be a dull moment here and the only corona you’ll find hereafter lockdown ends is paired with a freshly-squeezed lime!
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
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OKAY! O-Kay! I know what you’re thinking, “isn’t Italy really dangerous to travel to right now?!” Frankly, even grocery shopping could put you at risk of getting the virus! Maybe travel restrictions will still apply to Italy when other countries lift theirs making it not possible to travel there as soon you can start traveling… but hey! Let a girl dream!… of indulging fresh Caprese salads, sipping on limoncello while taking in the view of the pastel villages and waves crashing into the Amalfi Coast. Yeah, that definitely beats eating frozen pizza in bed for the past however many days of quarantine there’s been!
- Mykonos, Greece
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If only you all knew what I would do to spend my days basking in the Mediterranean sun and dancing on tables all night screaming “OPA!” There’s just no other place like it. The white architecture and cerulean seas encompassing this almost magical island are what my dreams are compiled with this quarantine season. Mykonos is typically a highly packed tourist destination all year round and I wouldn’t be surprised if it were to be swarmed with people who packed a suitcase as soon as they were to get the first flight over there once travel restrictions become a thing of the past!
- Maho Beach, St. Maarten
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In case you live under a rock and haven’t seen the viral video of a plane landing at a beach, then I present to you… *drum roll please* ST. MAARTEN!!! Maho Beach is the only place in the world where you could find yourself swimming in serene ocean waters while viewing planes pass over just a short distance above you as they land at the Princess Juliana International Airport (which is just a few feet behind the beach). Sounds unreal, but believe me it’s a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss! The beauty of this stunningly vibrant island will leave you so speechless that you’ll never speak a word again of quarantine!
- Honolulu, Hawaii
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Oceans and mountains and surfing, OH MY! Whether you aspire to ride every wave till sundown or attend a luau show with the whole family, Hawaii is where all the pressure and anxiety you’ve endured this quarantine season will wash away! Home to one of the grandest varieties of flora and fauna, the most serene environment while discovering the fascinating nature life of the island. There are many islands that makeup Hawaii, but whichever you may come across I guarantee you will be a remarkable experience
No matter where you may find yourself once these stay-at-home orders and lockdowns are lifted, be sure that you are doing everything you can these days to be safe and healthy! Don’t be that person still getting together with large groups of people! Do your part and STAY HOME, so we can all travel soon!!!