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Top 7 Countries to Visit in 2020
Today’s post is from a guest of ours, Mark.
Although the global pandemic has put traffic pretty much to a standstill, there are still some places you can visit depending on where you are.
In this post, Mark will show you 7 of these amazing spots that welcomes tourists.
Let’s Zip Up and Go!
Where to visit in 2020?
With the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been a truly challenging year, and you had any plans to travel the world this year, they are probably ruined.
Most countries had banned travel to stop the Coronavirus; however, all hope isn’t lost yet if you want to travel this year.
You won’t be able to travel to crowded cities and popular tourist destinations.
However, there are still several incredible countries that you can travel to, which have remained relatively safe from the pandemic or have been able to flatten the curve.
Therefore, here are some of the top countries that you can travel to in 2020.
1. Belarus
Belarus is one of the few countries that you can visit without any need for quarantine on arrival.
Most of the country is open, and there isn’t any lockdown.
Moreover, Belarus is home to many incredible sights and tourist attractions that will make for an exceptional vacation.
If you want to experience the country’s historical sights, Mir Castle Complex needs to be on top of your list.
This fortified castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Belarus. It has a museum, and a restaurant in it as well.
It would be best if you also spent some time in the capital of Belarus, Minsk.
Here you can visit the historic Victory Square and the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic, where you can see some incredible displays of WW2 artifacts.
If you want to experience the country’s exceptional natural beauty, head to the Minsk Botanical Gardens.
If you have the time, you definitely should also check out some of Belarus’ other iconic destinations like the Narach Lake and Narechenski National Park, which are located close to each other.
The Skiing complex Logoisk and Yakutskaya Gory are a couple of excellent spots in Belarus for skiing enthusiasts.
2. Iceland
Iceland is one of the most amazing countries in the entire world. Its unique and breathtaking landscape sets it apart and makes it feel like a place that is out of this world.
Iceland has multiple black sand beaches, and the unique combination of volcanoes and glaciers leads to the formation of several hot springs.
Moreover, Iceland is one of the few countries in the world from when you can see the northern lights, which is undoubtedly one of the most mesmerizing views you can experience.
Furthermore, Iceland has remained relatively safe from the Coronavirus.
However, you will have to get tested at your own expense before leaving and arriving in Iceland.
One of the must-visit spots in Iceland is Thingvellir National Park.
This park has several cliffs and some of the most incredible natural sceneries in the country.
You must check out the majestic Öxarárfoss waterfall, which is located in this park.
Thingvellir National Park is also a perfect destination for stargazing and viewing the Northern lights. Therefore, don’t forget to bring a nice optic with you.
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You should also check out the incredible circular Goðafoss waterfall, located in northern Iceland, near Sprengisandur highland road.
3. Pakistan
When you hear about Pakistan, a vacation destination probably isn’t what comes to mind.
The country gets a bad rep because of its past, but it is, in fact, a very safe country and an incredible destination for your vacation this year as well.
Pakistan has been able to control the pandemic’s spread, and the travel restrictions are minimal right now.
Anyone can travel to Pakistan and enjoy everything that it has to offer.
The country has an amazing culture and hospitable people.
From lively bazaars to exquisite architecture, Pakistani cities have it all. However, if you are traveling to the country, I would suggest spending more time admiring its exceptional natural beauty.
You should visit the Northern areas of Pakistan and check out popular destinations like the Hunza valley, Naran and Kaghan.
The KPK province also has some incredible destinations, with some of the most breathtaking natural sceneries you will ever see.
Plus, traveling in Pakistan is still relatively cheap, so, if you are looking for a vacation destination this year, Pakistan is one of your best choices.
4. Bermuda
Bermuda is also an excellent country to visit in 2020.
Travel isn’t going to be like normal days, but you can still manage.
All travelers above the age of ten need to show a negative Coronavirus test, which has to be taken three days before the flight.
However, you won’t have to quarantine for fourteen days when you reach the country, making for a much more enjoyable vacation.
You will have to take a COVID test when you arrive at the airport and stay isolated until the results arrive, which takes up to 24 hours. You can read more about the arrival rules here.
Bermuda is known for its incredible and scenic beaches.
Tobacco Bay and Horseshoe Bay are a couple of beaches that you cannot miss.
They are perfect for laying back and get a nice suntan while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.
There’s something for you too if you are looking for a more adventurous vacation.
You can take part in several exhilarating water sports at Tobacco Bay as well.
Another great activity you can engage in is to visit the Crystal Cave located in Hamilton Parish.
Bermuda is also famous because of its incredible golf courses, and if you are a fan, you need to visit the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton.
The Mid Ocean Club is another excellent destination, with beachfront cliffs and an exceptional golf course.
5. Dominica
Dominica is another country that you can travel to in 2020.
It has remained safe from the pandemic, and at the time of writing, the country only has 35 confirmed cases with 29 recoveries, with no deaths.
Traveling to Dominica is easy, but if you come from a high-risk country like the US, you need to show a negative COVID test report, taken at most three days before your departure.
When you land in Dominica, you have to comply with another test and stay in quarantine for five days if the test is negative.
Since you don’t have to stay in quarantine for two long weeks, a trip to Dominica can be quite enjoyable.
Dominica is particularly gifted in terms of natural landscapes, and you should visit Cabrits National Park, which is located on the northern end of the island.
Another amazing destination to enjoy the tropical landscape of Dominica is Morne Trois Piton National Park.
Dominica also has a geothermal lake located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park; you can also find some waterfalls in this incredible park.
If you are a fan of snorkeling and deep ware diving, you should check out Champagne Reef, one of the most beautiful spots in the country.
6. Aruba
Aruba is another country open for travel in 2020; however, people from high-risk countries need to take a COVID test before departure. Furthermore, when you land in Aruba, you will have to take another test at your own expense and stay in quarantine until the test results come in.
If the result is negative, you don’t need to stay in quarantine, and you can enjoy your vacation. There are a lot of amazing sights to experience in the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba.
Moreover, it is quite famous because of its unique climate, which is quite different from other Caribbean islands.
Aruba experiences sunny days and perfect water throughout the year; therefore, it is perfect for a tropical vacation right now.
The beaches of Aruba are exceptional, and you should check out Arashi Beach and Eagle beach. Aruba has several sports for snorkeling, deep water diving, and several other exciting water sports.
Furthermore, don’t forget to check out Arikok National Park while you are in Aruba.
7. Turkey
Turkey is another country with very few travel restrictions, even for high-risk countries like the USA. However, there is, of course, screening at the airport, and you might have to take a covid-19 test and stay in quarantine until the results are finalized.
Turkey is also quite a popular tourist destination, especially since the last few years. Many people want to travel to the main cities like Istanbul, which offer an incredible vacation experience. Istanbul is one of the most popular cities globally, and it has a special geographical significance.
Half of the city lies in Asia and the other half in Europe. The Bosphorus strait passes through the city and separates the two continents. Istanbul also boasts an incredible display of historical architecture. The city was once the center of the Ottoman and the Byzantine empire; therefore, there are several fascinating landmarks.
You should visit Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque. Furthermore, it would be best if you took some time to check out the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which probably isn’t going to be as lively as it is normally, but it will still make for an exceptional experience.
Turkish Airlines has a free tour of the city for its passengers known as Touristanbul. It is suspended now but once they receive the all-clear, you can consider signing up for it too.
Final thoughts
Traveling the world is an exceptional experience and, where many people might be thinking that traveling the world this year is going to be impossible, there is still hope.
Therefore, if you want to let go of your stress, and have a nice vacation, consider visiting one of the countries mentioned in this post.
Logistics before traveling
Stay connected
Before you travel, make sure to pre-book a mobile router so that you can get access to the internet easily with WiFi. The router can be shared by a few friends, making it super budget friendly.
Save on currency exchange rates
Stop paying exorbitant rates forever! Make use of TransferWise debit card to get the best rates across the globe. You can also use it to transfer money worldwide for cheap.
Find cheap flights.
Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner.
Find the best accommodation.
Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates.
Handy travel guide.
For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.
Photos.
Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)
Travel insurance.
You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.
Planned for you activities.
Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed.
More resources to help you.
All other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.
