They’re Back!: 6 Destinations That Are Open & Ready For You

It goes without saying: the last two years have impacted each and every one of us, including those amongst us that possess a seemingly never ending desire to constantly explore new and interesting countries. We've been waiting a long time to see some of our favourite destinations open up their doors to welcome back culture-starved travelers. Luckily, the wait seems to be over.

The following six destinations have either been fully closed to international visitors or had some pretty serious rules and regulations that have now been lifted. They are ready to welcome us back with open arms. As each country has announced their reopening, we've seen a big uptick in bookings, so don’t delay in planning your trip if you want to visit one of these countries in 2022.

What countries can I visit right now?

Australia

Having been closed since April 2020, Australia is now ready for us to return and explore its wide expanses, celebrated cities, and unmatched natural landmarks. We suggest that you take some time to stay a little longer whenever you do visit. Explore the world class city of Sydney with some time on the harbour, including a BridgeClimb of the Harbour Bridge, a tour of the Opera House, a walking tour of the historical Rocks area, a visit to the nearby Hunter Valley wine region and the Blue Mountains, and, of course, some time on famous surfing haven, Bondi Beach. The opportunities in Sydney are nearly endless! 

A trip into the Outback is a must to take in the Red Centre Outback town of Alice Springs, Uluru/Ayers Rock, the world’s largest monolith and a sacred icon to the Anangu people, Kings Canyon, Darwin, and Kakadu National Park. The Northern Territory is teeming with sheer natural beauty. The Great Barrier Reef in tropical Queensland is an essential natural wonder of the world. Port Douglas or Cairns are perfect spots to slow down, relax, and enjoy the warmth of Australia. Melbourne is the go-to place for museums, art galleries, and cultural highlights in general. It also offers easy access to the Little Penguins on Phillip Island and the Yarra Valley wine region, which is the perfect way to end an Aussie vacation.

Thailand

Phuket has been open since mid-2021, but with lots of testing requirements. Now, you can travel with ease throughout the entire county. Our top suggestion is that you layer cultural exploration, food experiences such as a cooking class or foodie walking tour, an ethical elephant experience with some indulgent wellness experiences (read: spa), and a final few days at one of Thailand's best beaches. Bangkok is an ideal starting point. Visit Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha, swing by the Grand Palace, head on a longtail boat ride on the river, and enjoy dinner on a rice barge before heading off to Chiang Mai to stay riverside and explore temples and markets. Finish off your trip in the south in either Phuket or Koh Samui, depending on the time of year. Our Deluxe Thailand vacation is the ideal reintroduction to the country. Speak with one of our Destination Specialists to customize it to suit your travel style.

Bali

Bali packs a lot of punch for such a small destination. It’s the perfect spot for people that want a little beach, but also like culture and adventure. With numerous great value luxury hotels (the perfect place to treat yourself to the Four Seasons without breaking the bank), very special boutique hotels in the Ubud area, and spa experiences throughout, Bali offers an established upscale tourism experience. There’s easy-to-access spectacular hiking on the volcanoes Gunung Batur and Agung, gentle mountain biking through tiny villages, and even white water rafting. Cooking classes, art galleries, and local handicraft shops are all easily accessible from Ubud, which is a must stay for at least 3 to 4 nights.

Peru & the Galapagos Islands

These aren’t one country, but pairing Peru with the Galapagos Islands is as perfect as pairing wine with cheese or a croissant with coffee. A vacation including both Peru and the Galapagos combines the dramatic setting of Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the unparalleled immersive wildlife experience of the Galapagos. It’s sheer travel perfection! On top of it all, Peru boasts one of the best food scenes in the world and South American wines are in abundance. Both countries are fully open for business and ready to welcome you.

South Africa

South Africa has often been called “A World in One Country” and this is still true today. It’s the perfect destination to assuage your appetite for post-COVID travel since it ticks off so many boxes. Cosmopolitan Cape Town and the surrounding winelands offer gourmet food, wine, shopping, and exceptional natural experiences including Table Mountain, one of the world’s seven most wonderful natural sites. You’ll be spoiled for safari options, whether it’s in the world-famous Kruger National Park, one of the nation’s 20 other national parks, or one of its 500 private game parks. Cultural experiences abound in Johannesburg, where you can get insights into South Africa’s rich history and trace the life of Nelson Mandela. And then there’s the scenery, from the spectacular Garden Route in the Cape to the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, home to both God’s Window and the third largest canyon in the world, Blyde River Canyon. There’s virtually no limit to what you can do when you go to South Africa.