Now that vaccines are being rolled out throughout the world, and with more than 245 million doses already administered to US residents, many countries have started to open up their borders for travel.

We’ve compiled a list of under-the-radar locations that are allowing international travelers. Each city has specific travel requirements that were available at the time of writing, but requirements can change quickly, so please check again before you book any arrangements.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia is currently open for travelers as long as they meet certain requirements. When traveling to Croatia from the United States, the following needs to be met before entering the country: 

• You need to be vaccinated, and you need to wait at least 2 weeks from getting your last shot. 
• You need to be able to provide negative test results (PCR or antigen test), no more than 48 hours before you arrive in Croatia. The 48 hours is counted between the time you swabbed to the time you arrive at the border crossing. If your test was taken more than 48 hours before you arrive, they can test you at the airport. But this means you will need to isolate until you get your test results back.  
• You need to provide proof that you have recovered from COVID-19. This can be in the form of a positive PCR test result or a rapid antigen test result. This needs to have been performed in the previous 180 days, and older than 11 days from the date of arrival at the border crossing point. 

There are some exemptions to the above if you are not looking to travel for a vacation. If you are an essential worker, you don’t have to meet the above obligations.

This also applies to students, interns, workers in the transport sector, diplomats, family emergencies, business emergencies, journalists, and patients traveling for health reasons.   

The best city to visit in Croatia at the moment is Dubrovnik-check out this article to learn more. It is Croatia’s jewel; a beautiful beach city. It is magical. A perfect destination for a weekend trip! 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland was one of several countries to close its borders when COVID-19 hit.

Finally, they have now opened again for countries outside the Schengen area. Americans have not been able to visit since March 2020. The main rules before traveling to Iceland are: 

• All travelers must pre-register with Iceland’s government before arrival and confirm their departure day  
• They must present a negative PCR test certificate taken within 72 hours before departure. Anyone who had been vaccinated with an approved vaccine does not need to provide a negative test 
• The only vaccines accepted in Iceland are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, and Moderna.  
• Even though you don’t have to provide a negative PCR result, everybody must be tested on arrival in Iceland. This includes children and everyone who was vaccinated.  

Once you arrive, there are no restrictions, therefore you can travel anywhere within the country. Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. It is full of culture and there is so much you can do. For example, hiking and take a Northern Lights tour. Iceland is a hotspot for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.  

The Maldives

• Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival will need to enter a 14-day quarantine.  
• A negative PCR test results to be shown on arrival. The test result should not be any older than 72 hours before arrival. This needs to be shown by everyone, including people who are vaccinated.  
• Travelers who have been vaccinated can also enter the country and not require passengers to quarantine. A certificate must be presented upon arrival. 

The Maldives is a sunny place! Depends on what you feel like doing, there are many places to explore. If you feel like you want to explore the culture, you should visit Male. It is a beautiful city, with lots of history behind it.  

Or, you can visit Addu City for some adventurous activities. You can do snorkeling, scuba diving, and experience underwater life. If you are lucky, you might spot a Manta ray, which is native to the area.  

Quito, Ecuador

• You need to provide proof of a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days before entering the country.  
• Alternatively, travelers need to provide a vaccination card showing they received the full series of COVID-19 vaccinations.  
• If none of the above has been met, travelers who previously had COVID-19, but recovered over a month before traveling may show a certificate from their doctor confirming their recovery.  
• Any passengers who present any signs of COVID-19 upon arrival will be evaluated by the Ministry of Health.  
• Also, note that some areas in Ecuador have curfews in place. Check local media for information regarding this.  

Quito is the capital of Ecuador. It is found between mountain peaks and a lot of greenery. It is a peaceful city. It is warm and relaxed and the perfect way to experience Ecuadorian culture. It is overflowing with market stands, healers, and hatmakers. It is vibrant and it is worth a visit.  

Athens, Greece    

• All travelers over the age of 5 must provide proof of a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days before entering the country.  
• Alternatively, travelers need to provide a vaccination card showing they received the full series of Covid-19 vaccinations.  Vaccinated passengers do not require to show proof of a negative PRC test result. The final dose of the vaccine needs to be administered 14 days prior to arriving in Greece. 
• All eligible passengers need to complete the online ‘Passenger Locator Form’, at least 2 days before arriving in Greece.  

Greece is a beautiful country, so visiting any part of it would be magical. But Athens has a lot of history. If you travel to Athens, you need to visit the symbols of Ancient Greece, like Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, The National Archeological Museum, and Kerameikos. All of these places tell a different story, so if you have time, make sure you check all of them out.  

If you don’t have time for all of them, I would recommend Acropolis or the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Acropolis was believed to be a religious sanctuary. It has magnificent towering columns and beautiful marble steps.  

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was Greece’s largest temple. It is not whole anymore but still shows its beauty. The temple was dedicated to Zeus. Only a few of its colossal columns are still standing, but it is worth a visit still! 

Make sure you keep safe when traveling during these hard times, and I hope you enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures.  

Image by Tatiana.