Introduction
Summer 2021 will quickly be upon us and if you haven’t already started planning there’s no better time than now. I don’t know about you, but last summer presented very few opportunities for me to travel, particularly my brand of traveling that involves multi-weeklong trips out of the United States to foreign countries. Instead, with the exception of a few Home Depot runs I pretty much hunkered down, worked on my house, built a backyard and waited for the birth of my first child. At this point it has been 14 months since I have been on a proper vacation and due to shoulder surgery, the summer before, it’s been a total of 26 months since I have been out of the country. Sadly, I will probably not be leaving the United States this summer, but that doesn’t mean you should not consider a potential international trip to one of your bucket list locations.
Please note, I do have an article, Top 5 Domestic America Vacation Ideas for Summer 2021, that is tailored for U.S. citizens not interested in international travel right now. Additionally many of the suggestions can also be utilized by foreign readers interested in travel to the U.S. In either situation, make sure to check your country’s travel restrictions (and the U.S.) before booking anything.
COVID-19 Realities
Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic and constantly changing regulations, many travel options are simply not available for American tourists this summer. Presently, many countries around the world are not granting American citizens entry, so it may be necessary for people to hold off on their bucket list vacation ideas for another summer. Those that are traveling will require medical documentation with proof of vaccinations. Also, don’t wait until the last minute to get your shots. Some regulations require you to wait an additional two weeks after your second vaccination before you are allowed to travel. If your medical paperwork isn’t in proper order, you’re not going anywhere!
Furthermore, stay flexible and diligent in your planning. Make sure you have travel insurance and COVID friendly cancellation policies. Any alterations to U.S. national policies or travel regulations by foreign countries could instantly impact your plans. There is the potential for anything and everything to change at the drop of a hat. Plan accordingly and stay up to date on the latest changes to regulations and policies.
COVID-19 Travel Resources
Here is a list of some websites that should help you in your planning:
- CDC COVID-19 Travel
- CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination
- Department of Homeland Security Travel Alerts
- Kayak.com Travel Restrictions by Country
- State Department COVID-19 Traveler Information
- State Department Travel Advisories
Travel & Safety Procedures During the COVID Pandemic
Although the majority of U.S. citizens are receiving vaccinations, that is not the case in every country around the globe. Remain committed to taking the proper precautions to prevent the continued spread of the virus, don’t take your mask off just yet! It is important that people remember to continue following all the protocols that have been established in the past year. If you are going to travel please make sure that you are being responsible and doing everything necessary to protect yourself and to prevent any more potential spreading of COVID-19. Continue to wear your mask, wash your hands often, keep yourself socially distanced and respect other people’s health. Packing a few small travel-size hand sanitizers wouldn’t hurt either.
List of Countries Open to U.S. Tourists
Please refer to one of the websites below to track which countries are open to U.S. tourists. Due to the ever-changing policies established by both the U.S. government and foreign nations it is important to book your trip based on the best information available. As a result, always check the publication date and update times. It is highly likely that there will be a great deal of overlap between them, but many people prefer various travel media sources. Here are some of the sources that I trust and have used many times over in the past:
- Countries Open to U.S. Travelers by Finder.com
- Countries That Have Reopened For American Tourists by Travel Off Path Website
- COVID Travel Tracker: Which Countries are Allowing Visitors From the U.S.? via NBC News
- Every Destination in the World Currently Open to U.S. Tourists by Matador Network
- I’m a U.S. Citizen. Where in the World Can I Go? by the NY Times
- These Countries Are Open to Fully Vaccinated Travelers by Conte Nast via MSN
Based on the list of countries open to U.S. tourists as of 4/20/20 I have categorized them into 4 different groups based on my personal preferences and the current restrictions in place. They include: (1) Top Priority Countries: include places probably on your bucket list that you have a deep desire to visit regardless of COVID concerns; (2) 50/50 Countries: include places you could pass on for now, but given a good deal or its proximity to a tier #1 country you may be willing to consider a visit now; (3) No Priority Countries: include places that you probably have little to no interest to ever visit, but if the road takes you there one day then so be it; and finally, (4) COVID Concern Countries: include places you want to visit, but now isn’t the time or the regulations are so strict you may as well pass for now.
- Top Priority Countries: Most of Southeast Asia*, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel (via tour), Peru*, Seychelles (when money grows on trees)
- 50/50 Countries: Most of Africa; Most of the Caribbean Island Nations; Most Central/Latin American Nations; Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Costa Rica*, Croatia, Curacao, Mexico*
- No Priority Countries: Most of Eastern Europe & Former Soviet Block Countries; Armenia, Bangladesh
- COVID Concern Countries: Brazil, Greece (plan on opening), Ireland (limited travel), Nepal (contradictory policies), South Africa, South Korea* (mandatory 2-week quarantine at $100-150 a night ha!), U.K.* (10-day quarantine & a boat load of rules)
Note: * Indicates a country and or region I have already visited.
Remember I am grouping these based on my interest to visit based on their present COVID protocols. Every country’s regulations are different so make sure to examine both the U.S. and the foreign country in question’s policies. Make sure you can meet their timelines or you risk wasting thousands of dollars being quarantined in a hotel!
International Travel Options
Those of you that are familiar with my blog know that I am more likely to hop on a plane and disappear to some exotic foreign country with ancient civilizations for a month than I would explore the United States. Unfortunately, the logistics of traveling with a baby during the pandemic has my partner and I leaning towards a domestic trip. However, there are a few international destinations that we are still debating.
The List
# 5 – Choose a Caribbean Island, There Are Plenty Available, Curaçao?
The vast majority of Caribbean islands are open to tourists. However, restrictions vary by country so do your research. While conducting mine I spoke with a colleague from work who goes on annual cruises with his family throughout the Caribbean and has been to pretty much every island with a deep-water port. His family rants and raves about Curaçao and some sweet deals have put it on our short list. Each country in the region has its own unique identity. At the same time, there are many similarities among them. What are you looking for in your summer travel destination?
Positives
- If you’re thinking about your standard lazy beach vacation and water-based activities from snorkeling to deep sea fishing this is it.
- There are countless hotels and all-inclusive resorts across all the islands allowing for every tourist to find the right fit for their travel style and budget.
- You can find many reasonably priced package deals that can save you a bunch of money. Trips like this are only as expensive as you want them to be. Try JetBlue.com
- If you are a fan of golf, there will be a great many islands with some world class courses.
- The islands all have every beach and water-based activity that you can imagine.
- The islands are rich with the history of colonialism, pirates, the fight for independence and so much more.
Negatives
- Escaping for a few days is always great but stay too long and you’re at risk of developing a case of island fever.
- Make sure that you are not choosing a location that doesn’t limit your ability to participate in activities that interest you.
- Not every island has everything. Choose wisely. For example, gambling is only legal in some countries.
In conclusion, Americans will always turn to the Caribbean because of its proximity and that directly impacts price. At the same time, the region relies on tourism so they will stay open to drive business. That being said businesses generally are concerned about their public image and should be conducting themselves accordingly. However, the U.S. State Department doesn’t care about the summer tourism industry and has rated most of these countries as level 3 and 4 risk zones. What is your comfort level?
# 4 – Visit a Central/Latin American Travel Destination
There are a number of countries in Central and Latin America that are open to American tourists including Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and with restrictions in specific areas, Mexico. Restrictions vary by country, but they are relatively straight forward and do not require multi-week quarantines. At the same time, the U.S. State Department does not recommend visiting these countries despite their willingness to accept tourists. (Many government leaders around the region have asked for more vaccines as shortages threaten a resurgence in the spread of the virus.) Again, what are you comfortable with?
Positives & Negatives
To avoid repeating myself, please keep in mind that the factors that would mostly likely influence you to vacation in the Caribbean, can generally be applied to a trip to Central/Latin America. For the above-mentioned reasons, I would recommend that you stay at an all-inclusive resort. As difficult as it may be, try to limit your day trips and excursions outside the property. When you do, make sure to take proper precautions as many of these countries have ancient Aztec, Mayan and/or Olmec ruins that are open to visitors. The potential for these historical day trips has led me to put this travel suggestion above a Caribbean vacation.
# 3 – Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands are Already on Your Bucket List… Aren’t They?
I have been trying to get to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for quite some time. My father would tell you the same. We’ve been trying to coordinate, but it just hasn’t panned out. Now here’s where I get nervous. Yes, Ecuador is open to visitors with some restrictions and there are even more restrictions to access the Islands themselves, and I know I have the ability to jump through all the hoops. (what makes you nervous?)
Positives
- The Galapagos Islands are the home to a plethora of endemic species that were researched by Charles Darwin which in part became the basis for his novel, On the Origins of Species that presented his evolutionary theory of natural selection.
- Nowhere else on the planet will you experience the same biodiversity as the Galapagos.
- If it’s not on your bucket list, pretty much the rest of the planet would disagree with you. It is a once in a lifetime experience.
Negatives
- This is never going to be a budget or discount vacation. Plan on spending thousands. This is a monopoly like nowhere else on the planet. You will pay accordingly.
- Although open to U.S. and many foreign citizens, there are a series of hoops that must be jumped through to clear COVID-19 regulations.
- There could be an increase in lines and waiting time that diminishes your overall experience.
- I’ve been told that there is a considerable amount of watching when compared to actively participating.
I am not trying to deal with the reality of COVID-19 travel, while also trying to enjoy the flora and fauna of this uniquely biodiverse region of the planet. The more I looked into it as a viable option, the clearer it became that logistics will be an issue, time will drag and that will taint the overall experience. I’d rather wait, but some people may see this as the time to strike.
# 2 – Peru: Machu Picchu is Already on Your Bucket List, Isn’t It?
Not so long ago I traveled with friends from work to trek through the Andes for multiple days to experience or behold the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. That fact, as well as my level of comfortability with Iceland’s COVID-19 regulations and the social distancing that would be the result of RVing influenced my decision to leave Peru at # 2. Otherwise, Peru would’ve been my # 1 choice. That being said, why Peru?
Positives
- Peru is presently rated as a level 2 risk zone according to the U.S. State Department.
- There is more history and culture than you can pack into a single trip. If you have an interest in history, architecture and the pseudoscience that is ancient alien theory, then this is an amazing place to visit. (There were more UNESCO sites than I could cover in 3 weeks.)
- The country is beautiful and in general has very warm, welcoming citizens who cook amazing homey comfort food.
- Active and adventurous travelers who don’t mind some sweat and dirt will have a multitude of activities available to them across the country’s diverse climate zones.
- In the next few weeks, I will be publishing articles about my trip to Peru that will be great resources for you to utilize while planning and traveling around the country.
Negatives
- This vacation is potentially expensive, particularly if you book prearranged and organized tours to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, etc. Depending on what company you choose for the trek and where you stay, the level of luxury you want to pay for can make a trip to Peru more costly than you would imagine. You should not make this a luxury vacation!
- Altitude sickness is real! Listen to your guides. Follow their tips. Drink water! Eat at every meal! When they drink tea you should too! Are you familiar with “When in Rome?”
- Apparently Lima is the kidnapping capital of the planet, but we were only there for a day. We walked around plenty. It’s a city. We weren’t there to see a city. Be smart! Stay in major tourist districts, travel in packs, mind your business, hide your wealth and don’t be a target.
# 1 – Iceland Road Trip is Also on Your Bucket List, Isn’t It?
Going on a road trip is my # 1 suggestion for Americans interested in staying in the country this summer. Now let’s add on top of that a foreign country with beautiful natural landscapes that has reasonably priced airline tickets and manageable COVID-19 protocols that is open to Americans (and more). Sounds like a juiced up international version of my preferred domestic option. I would bet that some of you have Iceland already on your bucket list. Keeping that in mind, I am doubling down on my summer 2021 road trip with an international edition!
Positives
- Flying to Iceland is one of the most affordable airline tickets to Europe.
- Going on a road trip is one of the most affordable and efficient ways to explore Iceland.
- Nature lovers will have an amazing time taking in many breathtaking sights.
- Active and adventurous travelers who don’t mind some sweat and dirt will have a plethora of activities available to them across the island nation.
- There are 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites & almost half a dozen on the tentative list.
Negatives
- Despite many things being cheaper compared to other locations this can potentially still be a very expensive trip. If you’re trying to save money this probably isn’t an option.
- This will not be a beach vacation where you work on your tan.
- This isn’t a vacation where you sit around and lounge. You will need to be active.
- Depending on who you are traveling with, going on a road trip could very quickly turn into a Griswold family vacation. We’ve probably all seen enough family comedy films that poke fun at the hellish reality that can sometimes be family/friends at each other’s throats in a car together for an extended period of time. “Are we there yet?”
Considering these points, going on a road trip is truly the amalgamation of my previous suggestions. If I have my way, I will be going on an extended multi-day (hopefully multi-week) road trip to a variety of state and national parks. We are even considering flying somewhere (cheap and within the region we are interested in exploring), renting an RV and hitting the road somewhere in the midwest/western part of the country.
A Note on Cruising
As of the writing of this article cruising from domestic ports is still restricted. The same is the case regarding European ports. Both plan on resuming at some point during the summer, but nothing is set in stone. On the flip side, cruising the Caribbean is possible. However, the U.S. State Department and similar foreign agencies are still advising against it despite lowering warning levels this week.
Conclusions
Taking into consideration the previously mentioned information there is no reason to be completely dissuaded. Sure, a trip to Italy will need to be put on hold for another year (which is a good thing, because I have over a dozen still unpublished articles about the country that are worth a read), but there are still many international travel opportunities available to Americans interested in vacationing outside their domestic borders this summer despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Honestly, it really comes down to your comfort level traveling during these uneasy times. Are you comfortable getting on an airplane? Are you comfortable getting on a cruise ship? If you have any doubts and/or fears then stay home, don’t risk anything and have peace of mind. Vacations are supposed to destress not ramp it up!
I highly recommend that you continue to do research about the ever-evolving protocols, restrictions and rules being implemented both at home and abroad. Actively research the countries you are committed to visiting. Your plans could be impacted in the snap of a finger. Stay diligent. Make sure prior to booking reservations that they include friendly cancellation policies just in case you get sick or the country experiences a COVID spike and needs to alter their policies regarding foreign travel.
And again, I want to remind all of my readers who are not from the United States that all of the above mentioned suggestions and concepts can be applied to your native country with some modifications. Make sure to check your country’s travel restrictions to ensure you will be admitted to the foreign countries you are planning to visit this summer. And finally, for those of you who are not interested in leaving the United States please consider reading my article: Top 5 Domestic America Vacation Ideas for Summer 2021. As always… Stay safe. Stay masked. Enjoy the summer and Happy Trekking!