Guest Article by Neil Copeland, Travel Counsellors

Unprecedented Disruption

COVID-19 has caused massive disruption to the travel industry and has caused cancellation and disappointment for so many people as the world effectively shut its doors for the last 3 months.

It has been announced that the travel restrictions are being lifted with travel permitted to 60 countries.  People are keen to get way – but where should you go to?  Here is my list of the 8 best travel destinations to visit.  In selecting these countries, I have considered how well COVID-19 was contained and the overall appeal the country offers.

My top 8 list of post COVID-19 countries to visit

1. Vietnam
Vietnam has recorded zero deaths from COVID-19. It is also an amazing country to visit. I suggest you undertake a multi-centre tour so you can appreciate the diversity that is offered. First you should visit Hanoi – a modern city that acts as the gateway to Halong Bay with its stunning rock formations. Then you would continue to the ancient city of Hoi An – a city full of historic character. From here you can relax at the beach in Danang before continuing to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh (previously Saigon) is a modern city for shopping. You can also visit the Cu Chi tunnels to learn about the Vietnam war. Vietnam offers diversity with many different aspects to be seen in one trip.

2. New Zealand
New Zealand was quick to lock down during COVID-19 and therefore managed to mostly protect its people. It is an amazing country to visit although you do need to allow at least 3 weeks to see everything. You can book organised tours or hire a motorhome, but my preferred way of seeing New Zealand is to hire a car and to plan a route staying in amazing boutique guest houses along the way. I usually start people on North Island for a week before transferring them to South Island for the next 2 weeks. A favourite stopover is Marlborough Sound and the Bay of Many Coves Resort. The diversity of scenery in New Zealand is huge and there is an abundance of wildlife to see.

3. Greece
Greece succeeded in restricting the deaths due to COVID-19 and I think that this was possible because it is partly an “island nation”. It is easier to restrict movement when travel is mostly by ferry or by air. I am a big fan of Greece having been visiting this wonderful country for 50 years. My last visit was to Paxos and I enjoyed the relaxed pace and taverna culture that this island offers. I often advise that the real Greece requires you to get a ferry so you can stay beyond the main destinations with airports, as by doing this you will find that slower pace of life.

4. Marrakech, Morocco
Another hidden gem that controlled COVID-19 well is Morocco. So if you fancy going to a country where you can stay in a buzzing and exotic city, go to the beach, go on eco trips to the mountains and ride a camel in the desert you should take a look at Morocco. A two-centre holiday to Marrakech and Agadir is ideal and this combines the culture of a buzzing city with the relaxation of the beach. The good news is that you can do all of this and it is only 3.5 hours away.

5. Croatia
Croatia had minimal COVID-19 deaths and is well worth considering for an escape this year. it is a relative newcomer to mass tourism and for this reason it keeps a certain charm and innocence compared to other countries whose tourism is more developed. One of my suggested destinations is Makarska because it offers secluded beaches and a relaxed nightlife. The other that I recommend is Porec as it has an ancient history with heaps of character in the old town, yet nearby are many wonderful beaches to enjoy. It is also possible to go on a day trip to Venice from here.

6. Mauritius
Mauritius is another island that succeeded in keeping COVID-19 largely at bay. I am a fan of Mauritius as it offers luxurious resorts with idyllic beaches. Dramatic scenery, amazing beaches and a combination of English and French influences make this a fascinating place to visit. People often think Mauritius will be expensive, but the prices are surprisingly good when you consider the high-quality accommodation you will stay in.

7. Malta
Another island that prevented COVID-19 establishing itself is Malta. Set in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and fought over for centuries, Malta offers a melting pot of cultures and influences that are crammed into a relatively small island. With everything so easy to reach using the bus network to get around, this is an ideal short break destination.

8. Thailand
Thailand controlled the COVID-19 outbreak well. I had clients staying there when it broke out and they still managed to enjoy a great value exotic holiday. Thailand has wow factor! The hotels are affordable, but all try to offer a higher level of luxury than the other hotel down the road. If you fancy a hotel room in the trees with your own private pool, then Thailand should be one of the countries on your list. Best of all the prices for this luxury are surprisingly low!

Be careful how you book!
It has been well documented that some travel providers have not been very helpful in supporting their customers when their trips were cancelled.

Consider booking with a travel expert who will be available to help you if needed – especially important when a global event like COVID-19 happens! Check the financial stability of the company you plan to book with. You should also look to see how they care for you. Trust Pilot is useful to help you check this. There is an interesting article by Money Saving Expert which rated how companies did – you can see that by looking here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/07/latest-travel-survey/

Try to book flights and hotels together as then an ATOL certificate is issued. See if a financial guarantee is offered (a trust fund that will protect your money). And always pay by credit card as you can get your money back from the card company if the trip is not provided for any reason.

I hope you feel inspired to set off and explore. It is worth remembering that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer!

Neil Copeland runs his own business and offers 35 years’ travel industry experience. Working within the Travel Counsellors franchise he offers 100% financial protection and competitive prices.
He gives an expert and personal service for peace of mind when making dream travel arrangements.