After dealing with the ups and downs of 2020, we all must admit that it is just impossible to predict the future of travelling. As the whole world still faces the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, we also try to keep our best hopes for a better 2021.
The travel industry turned upside down and it has been affected massively this year. However, our urge for travelling and exploring new destinations is still here. Maybe, what we need now is a bigger push to start preparing our plans for starting wanders again. Whether you are looking for a day out in London or a secluded getaway in Iceland, the travel bug is already striking again.
Just have in mind that we may start travelling soon, but the way we travel will never be the same. And if you going on an adventure before or after a coronavirus vaccine has been released, remember it is still important to check and respect the travel advice and guidelines for the country you are visiting.
My only certain travel plans for 2021 so far is visiting my family back in Brazil. But if things improve that way we expect, I already made my list of favourite holiday escapes to head to next year.
Hokkaido | Japan
It is not a secret that my husband and I were planning to visit Japan next year as part of our 10th Wedding Anniversary celebrations. Japan is the first destination on my bucket list. I would love to spend a month there, visiting from north to south of the whole country. But If I had to pick one single place to go to Japan, I would visit Hokkaido.
The second-largest island in Japan is packed with stunning coastline, outstanding local cuisine, and a perfect spot for a road trip. As you can imagine, Hokkaido caters for every traveller. I would love to check its active volcano and walk ‘through’ the rivers of hot spring water at the Jigokudani (hell) valley.
Oxford | The UK
As we can predict, staycation will keep being a hit among tourists in 2021 too. So, why not choosing a weekend out somewhere in the country? Despite being a quite popular spot, I have picked Oxford because I would like to explore a bit more than only the iconic Oxford University this time.
Oxford is famous for its academic sites. It’s a city to immerse yourself in over a thousand years of history that can be checked inside the impressive Oxford Castle & Prison.
It’s also the location for the first coffeehouse in the UK –. The Grand Café. And if the weather helps, why not having a traditional fish & chips by the gorgeous city’s waterways?
Milford Sound | New Zealand
Here is the country that we all respect for dealing so well with the global pandemic. It happens to be also one of the most stunning travel destinations in the world.
I always dreamt about spending weeks on a motorhome exploring New Zealand from North to South. And of course, many of those days would be spent by the famous waters of Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park.
This large ocean inlet has majestic peaks, and it must be just a joy to check the “sound” formed when the river valley meets the sea. It is probably the most beautiful landscape on the planet. No joking.
Tikal | Guatemala
Placed in the heart of Central America, Guatemala is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Its heritage and historical sites fit perfectly to its colourful villages, delicious food, and amazing landscapes.
Exploring the Maya ruins of Tikal is a must-do. Locate on the boards of Belize and Mexico, Tikal used to be one of the most powerful cities in the Maya civilization. Needless to say, it is considered one of the most important ancient sites in the world.
Jeju Island | South Korea
Did you know that Jeju Island is one of the world’s new 7 wonders of nature? I guess it is enough reason to want to visit it someday, but there are way more things that would make it your next destination. The island’s active volcano is certainly one of these reasons.
The truth is that the largest island of Korea is also a quite popular attraction about locals and foreigners just after 80’s – when it started to receive tourists.
The island is packed with quirky museums, family resorts, outstanding food market such as the Dongdaemun Market, and plenty of other restaurants and bars.
But it also has some hidden spots for visitors looking for a quieter type of holiday. Jeju Island is surrounded by forested natural parks, small peaks, volcanos, and secluded beaches. It’s definitely a perfect spot for joining ecotourism practices.
*In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own
