Because of the pandemic, it’s safe to say that most Americans probably did less traveling than usual in 2020. As things slowly return to normal, many are clamoring to leave their home and see a bit of the world. You can only stare at a screen for so long without wanting to stretch your legs and get a change of scenery.
So, where can Americans travel now? Though the movement is somewhat restricted, there are many places where you can visit, if you take the correct precautions. Below, find some of our favorite vacation spots for 2021 and some countries open to Americans currently.
ANTARCTICA
It won’t be cheap, and it won’t be simple, but if you want to make the trek to one of the most remote destinations on the planet, this year might be a good time. Boasting a singular, snowy white desert and plenty of wildlife — among them, Emperor penguins and Weddell seals — Antarctica is on many tourist’s bucket lists, and for a good reason.
Though Antarctica’s status as an internationally administered region bypasses it from Covid-19 regulations, travelers must adhere to the entry rules of either Chile or Argentina, which are the two countries travelers can enter the continent from. Currently, travel to Argentina is unavailable to everyone but nationals and permanent residents, though Chile has been open to tourists globally since last December. Both countries require a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure; those leaving from Chile need to fill out a health form and have proof of travel insurance.
If you wait until the end of the year to make your trip, you will be rewarded: a surely incredible solar eclipse that darkens the whole continent happens on December 4. There should be cruises running by that point, though a good portion of those lines will require that travelers show proof of vaccination.
DUBAI
In an era when all travel comes with a level of risk, a journey to Dubai is among the less volatile options for international tourism. At the present moment, the Country is accepting nearly all travelers from around the world and has the kind of involved safety protocols that you might expect from a country known for security and luxury.
To that end, tourists over the age of 12 must show a negative coronavirus PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight to get on a commercial aircraft to the country, and travelers from the United States might be required to undergo another PCR testing process once they arrive. The passenger would then quarantine at their hotel until they are cleared with a negative test result. If you traveled to South Africa or Nigeria within 14 days of entering the country, you won’t be able to get into Dubai.
On a positive note, Emirates Airlines is providing free global coverage for COVID-19 health expenses and quarantine costs; on top of that, the ocean-themed luxury resort Atlantis, The Palm is covering its guest’s COVID tests and giving resort credit to anyone staying five nights or longer. If you visit between October 2021 and March 2022, you will be able to take in Expo 2020 Dubai, which showcases first-class architecture, culture, and food.
EGYPT
This is the year that the Grand Egyptian Museum opens in Egypt, right by the site of the Pyramids of Giza. The billion-dollar museum has been in the works since 2003, with construction running for a full eight years. Though there is no opening date, the museum is a major moment in contemporary Egyptian history and surely a great reason to check out the country this year —you don’t want to miss King Tutankhamen’s treasures exhibited together for the first time. Frankly, the museum only scratches the surface when it comes to the amazing ancient artifacts on display in this country.
If you are flying into Egypt from America, you are required to present physical documentation of a negative covid test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival, though the country prefers a 72-hour window. There is no mandatory quarantine for tourists coming from America; with that said, there might be restrictions on travel when inside of the country, learn more about this on the embassy’s website.
HAWAII
When talking about tropical vacations, it’s hard to beat Hawaii. Combining some of the best beaches in America with sprawling, beautiful parks, the state is a one-stop-shop for outdoor fun. All incoming visitors to the Hawaiian Islands – even American citizens — must undergo a 10-day quarantine restriction, but there is a pre-travel testing option that gives you the ability to bypass these orders, you just have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a state-approved testing partner.
After you get in and are cleared, you can enjoy the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is the site of a new volcanic eruption, and visit the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai for an epic, unforgettable hike. Then there are all of the great lodging options — adults can’t go wrong with Hotel Wailea and families will love the Four Seasons. Put together with those beautiful beaches, it’s a trip that will be hard not to love, and one of the best vacation spots in America.
MALDIVES
During the entire duration of the pandemic, Maldives has kept its borders open more than most countries, in no small amount thanks to the social distancing measures provided by its high-end resorts, which offer up gorgeous white sand beaches and luxurious dining to all of its guests.
In addition to a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours beforehand, if you choose to take a trip to the Maldives, you will have to show proof of paid accommodation in a tourist establishment. If you are planning on traveling beyond the greater Malé area, you must take part in a 10-day quarantine period. Any visitor showing symptoms when they arrive will be tested and required to isolate if positive.
The good news is that there are plenty of high-end accommodations in the country, with a slate of new offerings in 2021. Among them, there are set to be new resorts from Ritz-Carlton, Patina, Le Meridien, Capella, and Radisson Blu. If you love your stay, you might want to sign up for the world’s first country-wide loyalty program, the Maldives Border Miles program, which lets tourists earn points based on how frequently they visit and their length of stay.
MEXICO
Where can Americans travel now? Mexico is one answer at the top of the list. Even though there was a closure of land borders between the two countries, Mexico was a popular choice for American tourists in 2020. Americans can visit Mexico without taking a COVID-19 test before traveling, though they will likely have to enter the country by air, as the land border is closed for all but the most essential trips. When you touch down, be prepared for health screenings.
Once in the country, you can take in incredible coastlines and any number of under-the-radar locations in addition to classic destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas, though some parts of Mexico have curfews and health restrictions in place. Taking a view to next fall, Mexico City will be deep into quincentennial celebrations, with the city additionally hosting the Formula 1 racing event the Mexico City Grand Prix between October 29-31.
NEW YORK CITY
Though some have incessantly speculated on the downfall of the city that never sleeps, those speculations have been greatly overstated. In the middle of an ongoing pandemic, a good amount of the city’s most prized destinations remain open and ready for business. The fact is this: New York is an incredible city for walking, and you can enjoy some of the best NYC has to offer on two feet outdoors.
If you are coming from out of state, you must take a COVID-19 PCR test within three days before you arrive. After that, you have to self-isolate for three days and take one more test. If you don’t want to take a test, you must quarantine for 14 days. If you are coming from a state that borders New York, you don’t have to follow this protocol but you do have to fill out a form.
New York in the spring, summer, or fall can’t be beaten, and you will find more than enough things to do by simply strolling around. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and the city’s waterfront, or take a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art – no matter what you do, it will likely be far less crowded than usual. Looking for lodging ideas? This year, luxury hotel Aman will debut in the Crown Building on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, and the new Six Senses New York is set to open inside The Xi along the Hudson River. Where can Americans travel now? There is always New York City.
JAMAICA
Vibrant beaches, amazing food, and even better music: Jamaica has it all in no small surplus, making it a great getaway for anyone with a love for both culture and natural splendor. In order to enter the country, travelers over the age of 12 must upload a negative PCR or antigen test taken at an accredited facility; they must do it within 10 days of getting into Jamaica and complete a Travel Authorization screening form five days before leaving.
If you are staying within the “resilient corridor” of the country, which features trained operators and COVID-19 protocols, you can leave the property to visit coronavirus-compliant attractions using vetted transportation, but if you aren’t staying within the corridor, you must quarantine for 14 days.
After you pass these specifications, you will find no shortage of things to do. Kingston is great for music fans, as it is home to the Bob Marley Museum and a whole lot of reggae history. Montego Bay is full of all-inclusive resorts, duty-free shopping, and a seaside entertainment strip, while Negril is the destination of choice if you are searching for miles of white sand beaches. Natural falls and great scuba diving define Ocho Rios, which sits on Jamaica’s northern coast and has great lodging options, featuring both family-run hotels and bigger resorts.
TURKEY
Looking for a mellow, scenic, and delicious vacation in a country brimming with history? Check out Turkey. Regional food specialties including baklava, kebabs, and local vegetables are often sold out of open-air markets and bazaars, while a variety of beaches — everything from secret coves to giant public spaces — provide a way to relax after that big meal.
All international visitors to the country have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight, though that stipulation ends March 1. The country additionally has taken many precautions against the virus, including restricted hours for stores and fewer in-person dining options. More info can be found on the embassy website.
Fans of history will be busy in Turkey: there are many archaeological sites to visit, including palaces, mosques, ruins, and underground cities. Add to that the world’s largest mosaic museum and the legendary Turkish baths — where you can get scrubbed, washed, and massaged — and have a vacation destination that delivers more than just simple relaxation, though it does that too.
KENYA
There is nothing quite like an African safari, and a safari in Kenya is a great way to experience it. A Kenyan safari allows you to take in what some have called the “big five” of animals — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalos — all in one go. If that’s not enough, the entire trip will be in the shadow of either Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya.
To get into the country, you must take a PCR COVID-19 test and have proof of a negative result 96 hours before touching down, and also fill out a Health Surveillance Form online. Americans need to apply for an eVisa to get through customs, with a tourist visa going for $50. With a little preparation, it is one of the many great countries open to Americans.
A safari makes for an ideal pandemic travel activity because it provides crowd-free wildlife areas. So take advantage of this year-round destination and enjoy not just wildlife but also beaches and safe, remote areas. For an unforgettable vacation mostly free of other tourists, Kenya is an excellent idea.
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