Travel has been off the table for quite a while, but with vaccine distribution ramping up, we are getting that itch again.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the 4 hottest travel locations in 2021.
Dubai
Dubai, one of seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates, has been open to visitors since July 2020, with extensive safety precautions in place to keep visitors and residents safe.
When you get there you’ll see that Dubai has something for everyone.
For those who want a glamorous holiday, it offers beautiful beach clubs, world-class shopping, fine dining galore, and exquisite spa treatments. You can zip up the tallest building in the world for a sunset cocktail, dine within an aquarium, or take a seaplane ride over a palm tree-shaped island.
For those looking for more of an adventurous holiday, head to the desert where you can go dune bashing, or try authentic cuisine from many South Asian countries along the historic Dubai Creek.
Dubai is a family-friendly destination, with entertainment for all ages. You can swim with dolphins, feed a penguin, and go ice skating all on the same day!
Dubai is set to host the 2020 World Expo, which was moved to October 2021 due to the pandemic. The expo will showcase great innovations from around the world and provide an eye into the future.
The average meal in Dubai will cost around $10-20 and an average hotel room will set you back around $100.
Japan
Mix culture, history, and technological innovation together during a trip to Japan.
The country has ramped up its tourism offerings, including several new luxury hotels, in preparation for the Summer Olympics. The mega event was delayed one year because of the pandemic, but now the country is looking to open back up to tourists again.
Start in world-famous Tokyo, where the lights and energy are sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever encountered.
Next, head to Shibuya to see the world’s busiest crosswalk and then people-watch in the uber-trendy Harajuku district. Finish your day in Ginza, the shopping district which also is home to the Imperial Palace and the Tsukiji Fish Market.
After you’ve indulged in all the sushi, ramen, and tempura your heart desires, hop aboard the high-speed train to Mount Fuji for ethereal views of the beautiful snowy mountain peak.
Continue to Kyoto, the former empirical capital and current cultural capital, to explore temples, tea ceremonies, and perhaps even spot a geisha. Be sure to snap a selfie at the iconic red frames of the Fushimi Inari Taisha!
An average meal in Japan will cost you anywhere between $10-30, and a hotel room will cost you between $19-450, depending on the type of hotel.
Turkey
Delight in a wave of exotic flair in Turkey, a true bridge between East and West.
Istanbul, one of the world’s most historic cities, is replete with sights to see, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Topkapi Palace Museum, and the Bosphorus River. It will take you multiple days to try all the top Turkish dishes, including cheesy flatbreads, juicy meat skewers, and sweet baklava.
You could add on visits to Cappadocia, a mystical region filled with fairy chimney rock formations, or the seaside Kusadasi, where you can visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
If you want to relax at the beach, check out the laid-back but elegant vibes of Antalya, or head to the recently relaunched city of Bodrum, which boasts a bevy of luxury hotels and trendy restaurants.
The average meal in Turkey will cost you $2-5, and an average hotel room will set you back $20-100.
Belize
For a dose of Latin sunshine and natural beauty, pack your bags and head to the stunning beaches of Belize. Surrounded by azure water and white sand, you can throw your cares to the wind and relax with a cocktail.
There are beautiful resorts and smaller, eco-friendly lodges to cater to all types of travelers. Divers can’t miss the Great Blue Hole or the Belize Barrier Reef with their stunning underwater views—read even more here.
If you fancy a bit of culture and history, travel inland to one of several Mayan ruins available to visit. The most popular are Xunantunich, Lamanai, and Caracol. There are also several thrilling caves to explore, with Barton Creek being a standout.
Belize is open to tourism and has a few coronavirus precautions to take, but the country is welcoming visitors from all over the world!
The average meal in Belize will cost $7-15 while an average hotel room will cost $125-200.
With so much of the world to see, it’s hard to choose just one destination!
Image by Aviv Perets
