Every year, we compile a list of the top destinations to travel to in the coming year. With the global pandemic and travel bans that have closed the borders of several countries, it may seem inconceivable to consider flying abroad right now. However, there is good news : things are looking up.
Did you know that the travel and tourism industry in the United States generated over $1.6 trillion in economic output in 2017? So you can easily guess that many countries have started opening their borders. Don’t be scared; they are doing it while maintaining health and safety protocols. What are you looking for now? Let me guess a big bucket full of travel destinations where you can relax and have fun. If you do, then you, my friend, have come to the right place. In today’s list, we will tell you the 10 best countries you can visit after Covid-19 on a budget.
The 10 Countries to Visit After Covid-19
10. Iceland
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
Iceland has done a great job of adapting to the changes caused by COVID-19, but you will most likely experience them during your stay. Ultimately, how your trip is affected may be determined by the things you choose to participate in while you are there. Iceland is a country controlled by nature. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active ecosystems on the planet due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. There are some beautiful places to visit in Iceland. Reykjavik is the most popular destination for visitors to Iceland, and it is indeed not a must-see. But if you want to explore Iceland, you need to go beyond Reykjavik.
For example, don’t forget to hit the beach in Breidavik. In summer it’s the perfect place for a long walk by the sea; in winter, settle in with a thermos of hot chocolate and watch the sunset light up the sky. Iceland also has a plethora of famous waterfalls. Dettifoss is unrivaled in terms of force – it is, after all, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. You could actually drive there, but hiking through Jokulsargljfur National Park is much more fun. On foot, you can appreciate the sound of the falls as you get closer before you stand in front of them, facing the canyon below – an unforgettable sight and sound. Every August, a truly moving spectacle takes place on the island of Heimaey. This is when adult puffins migrate to the sea and their chicks leave their nests to join them in their search for food.
This list is not just about great places to party, but also about budget. If you are planning to visit Iceland on a budget, it should be obvious that you will need to find some budget accommodations. Luckily, Iceland has a number of great hostels spread across the world, making your trip much more affordable. If you are planning to visit one of the nearby pubs in Iceland, you might be shocked to learn that alcohol is very expensive. This is due to the high taxation on alcoholic beverages, which is bad news for budget travelers. So, what options are available to you? The best option is to buy a Duty-Free bottle at the airport of departure.
9. Costa Rica
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
Costa Rica has one of the lowest Covid-19 death rates in Latin America. Its government has been praised for its good control of the virus, so travelers can return with optimism as the country reopens on November 1 to all Americans who meet the criteria. Plus, no one can argue with the beauty of Costa Rica. There are many fun activities to do in Costa Rica. Like ziplining through the rainforest canopy. You’ll get an up-close and personal view of these vast forests by taking a zip-line trip.
You can also visit the Baru National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is another perfect illustration of the beauty of Costa Rica; with 800 acres of land, seven kilometers of trails and three kilometers of spectacular beaches it is a great attraction. The main activities of the park include bird watching, tree tours and walking tours. Costa Rica has many waves and opportunities to learn to surf, whether you are in Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Santa Theresa or Tamarindo. In fact, most visitors come here to surf because of the world-famous waves.
Now, are you looking to save money in Costa Rica? Well, you can always go for hostel dorms for your overnight stay. It will cost you $10-15 USD per night, including free Wi-Fi, and most hostels also offer free breakfast. For your daily meal, you can expect to pay around $2-5 USD. A delicious meal will cost you around $15-20 USD, and eating from street vendors will cost you less than $1. Also, you can skip the tour buses and take a local bus to travel; it will cost less.
8. Colombia
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
Colombia offers a wide range of exciting events and attractions for people of all ages and budgets. Despite improvements in safety, street crime remains a major problem in major cities such as Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota. Avoid using your phone in public areas, taxis or Uber to reduce your chances.
Parque Tayrona is a great place to unwind. Parque Tayrona is a largely undeveloped national park located on the Caribbean coast about six hours east of Cartagena. It’s where the jungle meets secluded beaches. Hike along the shores before reaching Playa Cabo San Juan, my recommendation for the best place to unwind. Spend up to a week in the Colombian jungle on a hike from Santa Marta or Taganga to Ciudad Perdida to feel like Indiana Jones. You can also visit Bogota’s gold museum, scuba diving, paragliding, and more.
Most hostel dorms in Colombia will cost between $10-15 USD per night. A meal at a restaurant serving local food will cost between $3-5 USD. Expect to pay around $48 USD per day if you are backpacking in Colombia. This assumes you will be staying in a hostel, enjoying the local cuisine, preparing lots of meals, and getting around using local transportation.
7. Malaysia
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
Traveling around Malaysia is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated activities in the country. The country receives a lot of visitors, but not as many as other Southeast Asian countries. Malaysia has a lot to offer tourists, from the dense urban forest of Kuala Lumpur to the sandy beaches of the Perhentian Islands, the inland jungles and tasty foods.
Explore a tea plantation or spend the day with a traditional tribe in the Cameron Highlands. Trek through Gunung Mulu and Taman Negara National Parks to see incredible animals such as tigers, elephants, monkeys, tapirs, bears, etc. Alternatively, head to Borneo and look for wild orangutans, hike through the rainforest and see Mount Kinabalu’s razor-sharp peak. Travelers passing through on their way to Thailand or Singapore are all too familiar with rushing. I strongly advise you to avoid making the same mistakes.
You will pay about $37 per day on a backpacker budget. This budget would include a dorm bed in a hostel, mostly street food, public transportation. But I recommend you go for a mid-range budget, so for about $70 per day you can get a private room in a hostel or budget hotel, eat at a restaurant once a day, eat a variety of street food, take public transportation, and attend multiple events. With this budget, you could also go trekking.
6. Greece
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
Greece is not only an amazing destination with its breathtaking ocean views, unique architecture, and delicious cuisine, but it is also very affordable. You can travel around Greece for half the cost of other European countries. People from all over the world visit Greece for its famous islands, known for their sunshine, and its cities are famous for their culture. And, while the islands get the most coverage, the center of the country, with its small towns and mountains, is one of the most underrated and overlooked tourist spots in the country.
Greece is a very affordable vacation spot. My recommended daily budget is $60-70 USD. This assumes you stay in a guesthouse, eat decent food, prepare some of your own meals, use public transportation. Whether you are island hopping or traveling during peak season, you should expect to pay more.
5. Indonesia
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
Indonesia is an island nation with over 17,000 islands and over 261 million people, making it the world’s largest island country. It’s no surprise that Indonesia is a popular travel destination for so many people, thanks to its low-cost local cuisine and affordable accommodations. Indonesia offers a wide range of activities. While most travelers head to Bali, the Gili Islands, or Lombok, I recommend that you make an effort to visit less touristy and off-the-beaten-path destinations as often as possible.
You can explore Prambanan Temple. This historical site contains 244 temples, with the central complex serving as the key attraction. There are eight minor temples and eight main temples here, the tallest of which reaches 150 meters. You can also explore Jakarta; there are many things to see in Jakarta.
There is a place called Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta is the cultural capital of Indonesia and is a much less industrialized area than Jakarta. There is a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and contemporary life here. You can also go see the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls. Despite these being some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Bali, few people visit them.
Weekuri Lake is one of the most scenic spots on Sumba Island. It is fed by the waves of the Indian Ocean that crash into the cracks of the rocks, hidden behind 10-15 meter high cliffs. Swimming is great because of the ice blue sea and small patches of coral reef. You should also borrow inner tubes and go for a relaxing afternoon.
There are many things to do in Indonesia, but it is impossible to describe in a single list. But you can search the web to learn more about Indonesia.
Now let’s talk about Indonesia travel expenses. The cost of a bed in a hostel dormitory is only $7 USD. I suggest you choose cheap hotels because it costs only $14 USD, including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. And talking about food, local foods are very cheap and delicious, if you go to a local restaurant your meal will cost $1-3 USD. But for a meal in an expensive restaurant it will cost you $6-9 USD, including drinks.
4. Croatia
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular summer vacation destinations. It’s the place to go if you want to see beautiful beaches, rugged islands, historic architecture, and all the sailing you can handle. While it’s not as cheap as it once was, it’s still a budget option compared to European countries.
It would be foolish to visit Croatia without island hopping, as it has over 1,000 islands. You should plan to stay on one of the islands for at least 2-3 days to really immerse yourself in Croatian culture. Brac, Hvar and Cres are some of the most popular islands to explore. You should also pay a visit to the Church of St. James.
The Church of St. James is considered the largest stone structure in the world. It is an architectural marvel from 1431 from start to finish that took until 1536 to be built. The Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Krka, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, was founded in 1345 and is one of the most significant religious sites in Croatia. It is a beautiful place to visit. Also, you can go diving in Croatia, between May and November, the diving environments are at their best. Croatia is known as one of the best sailing destinations in the world. It is a great destination to visit by boat, with calm waves, short distances and a coastline dotted with islands and historical sites.
Now talking about Croatia expenses, budget two-star hotels that include free WiFi, breakfast, TV, air conditioning will cost you $40-60 USD per night. Traditional food will cost you around $9 USD. Maybe it will cost you $100-150 USD per day, including diving, hotel stay, restaurants, excursions, etc.
3. Portugal
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
The city of love. Portugal is blessed with white sandy beaches. A rugged coastline, multicultural and architecturally spectacular suburbs and an exceptional climate. With amazing food, abundant wine and reasonable prices, it is the ideal holiday destination. Portugal is one of the most underrated countries in the world. There are many things to see and do in Portugal.
A trip to Evora is an example of this. Evora, a small city with a variety of beautiful and old houses, is another of Portugal’s historical sites. The Temple of Diana is the most famous icon of the city. In Braga you could also see the Religious Temples. The charming city of Braga has numerous classical temples, including the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, one of the most famous places in the country. You can’t leave Portugal without having an idea of the country’s musical history, whether you are in Lisbon or elsewhere. For example Fado. Fado is a very important Portuguese musical performance that dates back at least 200 years. Only one person performs it, and it is a lovely and emotional song.
Overall, you will find accommodation in Portugal relatively cheap, especially if you stay in hotels. Most 2-star hotels will set you back $30 USD per night. And if you want a sit-down meal with drinks, expect to pay between $15 and $20 USD per person. Activities in Portugal are reasonably priced. If you want to visit Portugal, my recommended budget will be $60-70 USD per day.
2. Cyprus
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
The government of Cyprus has proposed an intriguing deal to boost tourism and encourage both COVID-affected and non-COVID-affected people to visit the country. The nation has stated that if the virus infects visitors entering their country, the government will take care of their accommodation, meals, medicines and everything else free of charge.
You can explore the ancient ruins. In Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings are the most famous archaeological site. And the island of Cyprus has many beaches, which is not surprising. Choose from a variety of resorts and hotels located directly on the coast. You can also travel to the picturesque wine route in the mountains. It is not surprising that Cyprus has a long tradition of winemaking and the island is the ideal place for it. On the other hand, Sterna Winery is where you can go if you want to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. It is a quiet and comfortable wine shop with a small menu and a pleasant view.
If you want to stay in a hotel, it will cost around $40-50 USD per night, including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Speaking of food, your meal will cost $5-10 USD. Buses are available for traveling between cities and within cities, but I recommend renting a car because it will cost $20 USD per day.
1. Italy
Countries to visit after Covid-19.
During the COVID pandemic, Italy has taken a hard hit. Their attitude, however, is admirable, as they have not only reduced the number of cases, but have opened up travel opportunities for foreign visitors. There are several restrictions on the countries visitors can visit, but they are more than welcome to visit the most beautiful places in Italy!
Sicily has opened its doors to visitors for various reasons, one of which is that the Italian economy is heavily dependent on tourism. Sicily is willing to reimburse 50% of a tourist’s travel expenses as a beach destination in the country. In fact, there is a chance to win a free night! Tourists will also visit several museums and tourist attractions without having to buy passes. In addition, Italy is a wonderful country to visit because of its wonderful cuisine, beautiful landscapes, fantastic wine, and long history.
Now, I am not talking about the beauty and driving of Italy because everyone knows about it. Now you might be wondering why I put Italy on the top of my list. It is because Italy has already reduced the ticket prices due to the Covid pandemic. So, grab the chance now. You can do and watch many things in Italy, like watching the Venice carnival, visiting Siena, relaxing on the lakes, eating in Sicily, attending the Holy Week, a day trip to Luca and many more.
Most hostels have free sheets and Wi-Fi. For the most basic of quarters, you can expect to pay around $50 USD per night. And taking into account the Covid-19 pandemic, on the other hand, you may get a discount of $10-30 USD. Unique tagliatelle, bread, vegetables, cake, cheesecake, pizza, and wine are some of the most famous dishes in Italy. It is affordable to have a decent meal anywhere in Italy, but if you take the initiative, it is also possible to eat for less than $15 per day. Most restaurant meals with wine will cost you around $25 per person. And some activities will cost you nothing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. My suggested budget is $30-60 USD per day. .
