The worldwide pandemic has affected every country, state, and city. With so many different rules, laws, and restrictions related to COVID-19, it can be confusing as to where you are allowed to travel and where to stay away from. There are now three available vaccines and I am sure more options will be coming soon. The world is beginning to open back up. Airlines are flying more routes and hotels are open and increasing occupancy rates. Travel professionals report that vacation bookings are on the rise and 65% of those vacation bookings are international travels.
True, traveling will look very different in the near future and for who knows how long. There are many new protocols, testing, and cleaning practices being implemented. However, due to the lower occupancy rates, the resorts and destinations are less crowded. This is creating a more personalized touch of customer service. Resorts, restaurants, and other tourism-based industries are focusing on the individual and truly trying to provide value to each person. This is creating more intimate and immersive vacations.
The Top 5 Places to Visit Internationally in 2021 for US Travelers
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico.
The Riviera Maya area in Mexico blends the azure water of the Caribbean with the lush landscape of the Yucatan. Here, the ocean meets the jungle. The most popular destinations in this area include Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but locations such as Akumal and Puerto Aventuras offer a variety of accommodations as well. We love this area for the short flight time, affordable flights and valuable resorts, variety of excursions, and the art and culture of the Riviera Maya area with numerous Mayan ruins to visit. Relax all day on the pristine beaches or zipline through the jungle and splash into a cenote. It is up to you and, here, there is something for all ages.
2. Jamaica.
Jamaica is one of the few islands in the Caribbean that is open and accepting visitors. You will need a negative COVID test before arriving and prior to coming back to the USA. Jamaica has established a “resilient corridor” for travelers. These areas include the popular resorts in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. In these areas, you are free to explore and local service providers are held to stricter guidelines and tests by the government. With an abundance of all-inclusives and many offering free nights, Jamaica has tremendous value for all travelers in 2021.
3. Maldives.
You know those photos with the over the water bungalows on social media you keep seeing that make you want to quit everything and go now? Those are likely in the Maldives. The beauty, sophistication, and tranquility of the Maldives in unmatched. Secluded resorts providing luxury accommodations and bespoke services are a plenty in the Maldives. Some resorts require testing upon arrival and quarantine in your room the first night. Once your test comes back negative, you are free to explore the resort mask free. This is great because it makes sure the entire resort or island you are staying at is free of the COVID disease. Vacation worry free as you know everyone you come in contact has provided a negative test. The Maldives has implemented the world’s first destination loyalty program giving you even more reason to keep returning to these first class resorts.
4. Los Cabos, Mexico.
Mexico makes it on our list again but this time over on the Pacific side. Los Cabos is an area comprised of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. While Cabo San Lucas is the more well-known location, San Jose del Cabo and neighboring cities such as La Paz and Todos Santos also provide dreamy vacation escapes. Popular with sport fishermen, divers, and socialites, this area offers stunning beaches, outstanding cuisine, and a variety of water adventures. We love Cabo San Lucas for all ages but find it the perfect location for couples and groups.
5. Belize.
Belize will continue to make it on all our lists of places you need to visit. This is proof that we are not trying to sell you packages but rather provide you with experiences as Belize offers very few resorts that work with travel advisors. We just truly believe that Belize is the place to visit in 2021. Belize has the best people we have met on our travels. The nation reminds us of Texas as everyone says hello and has a smile on their face. With a simple 2 to 1 currency exchange, a native language of English, and a variety of activities, Belize is the place to be in 2021. Explore Mayan ruins, go cave tubing, stay in the jungle with howler monkeys and macaws, or dive the Blue Hole. Don’t forget about the white sand beaches either!
We know you are ready to go see the world again but have some worries. We understand that as we do as well. These locations provide safe travel options for families, couples, honeymoons, or any adventures. Traveling anytime can be stressful and worrisome. Having a professional travel advisor as your ally is a valuable asset. Our certified travel agents will not only design the vacation of your dreams but will also make sure it is stress free and provide you with any COVID-19 updates that you need to know about. Give The Houston Travel Agent a call today to schedule your consolation for your dream vacation.
