Summer is here, and temperatures are rising, which means summer holidays are on everyone’s mind by now. While any idea of a holiday was put to an abrupt stop due to the pandemic last year, things are looking pretty promising this year thanks to the vaccine rollouts.
Although the region’s vaccination campaigns vary from one country to the other (due to the economic toll, progress is quite slow and vaccine amounts are limited), those who are lucky enough to be fully vaccinated by this summer can finally indulge in a long-awaited holiday.
Dreamy destinations across the globe are starting to reopen their borders with a lot less restrictions (sometimes none) for vaccinated tourists. So, if you’re still planning your vacation, these are a few places to consider.
Side note: even if you’re not vaccinated, some of these destinations have less strict restrictions for travelers from low-risk countries.
Seychelles
Whether it’s the Beau Vallon golden-sand beach or the remote Anse Takamaka beach, you won’t be short of options when it comes to Seychelles. The East African archipelago of 115 islands is home to the most stunning coral reefs and nature reserves, not to mention the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park.
Guatemala
Stunning volcanoes and luscious rainforests, the Central American country has it all. You’ll want to take a stroll by the still waters at Lake Atitlán, located in a massive volcanic crater and surrounded by coffee fields and villages. The National Palace of Culture and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology are also a definite stop.
Cyprus
Deep sea diving can’t get any better than in the Mediterranean island’s famous dive site Zenobia. Marvellous shoals and caves alongside the turquoise waters, Cyprus is every sea lover’s dream.
Belize
Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply sunny beaches, the coastal nation has Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. The jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like archeological site Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid Lamanai.
Montenegro
If you love long lazy beach days, Montenegro’s turquoise-water beaches along the Adriatic coastline should be your ultimate destination this summer. When you’re not working on your tan, the Balkan country’s rugged mountains, medieval villages and incredible Tara River Canyon are definitely worth a visit.
Georgia
Georgia might be best known for its capital Tbilisi home for its renowned Mercedes-Benz fashion week but the Eastern European nation has a lot more to offer. Black Sea beaches, 12th century cave monastery in Vardzia and ancient vineyards in Kakheti, Georgia must be on your list.
Maldives
The list would not be complete without one of the most sought-after summer destinations in the Indian Ocean. Private luxury bungalows, remote lagoons and white-sand beaches, the archipelago has so much to offer when it comes to water sports from surfing and paddling to scuba diving.
