Every year in January we make a list of what we think will be the hottest destinations in the year ahead. Think of it as the ‘it’ list, is where all the cool kids are going.
And this year, despite all of the travel bans, economic worries and global upheaval, we’re doing it again. Why? Because travel will come back and when it does, w think these are good places to visit.
So here in no particular order are what we think will be 10 great destinations for 2021.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a fascinating destination of culture, cuisine and commerce. It’s humming. They shutdown early and managed COVID very well, and so they’re ready to welcome tourists and business travellers as soon as it’s safe.
Ireland
Ireland boasts beautiful a countryside, warm, welcoming cities and towns and the friendliest people around. When we can travel again, we think many people will have their eye on the Emerald Isle.
Austria
Austria is full of surprises and rewards the traveler any time of the year. So whether you’re able to visit their bucolic villages in the summer or hit Vienna’s famous Christmas markets in December, Austria has a lot to offer.
Philadelphia
Close to home, the City of Brotherly Love is easy to have a crush on. Great restaurants, lots of museums and many outdoor activities, Philadelphia has much to offer. And it’s affordable compared to cities like New York or Miami.
Newfioundland
The Canadian province of Newfoundland seems too picturesque to be real, but it’s not. The Granite Planet as it’s lovingly called, rewards travelers with wonderful vistas and unique cultural moments. They’ve managed through the pandemic very well by closing off to visitors so when they open, the locals will be even more friendly.
South Africa
South Africa relies on tourism and needless to say it’s been quiet this year. So we’re hoping they have a good run in 2021. There’s so much to see and do and it’s affordable. It’s a long way to travel and it can be dangerous, but seeing the big five in the wild makes it all worthwhile.
Costa Rica
Fun fact… Costa Rica is awesome. It’s an eco-traveler’s paradise. The county cares about the environment, embraces sustainable development and is really and truly gorgeous.
Dubai
Big, bold and bodacious, Dubai will bounce back as soon as global travel resumes. It’s a great destination to relax, hit the hotel spa and spend each evening eating out at a world class restaurant. Or, if you’re feeling more active after months of lockdown, hit the malls and stores, take a tour into the desert and hit the beach. We promise you won’t be bored.
Japan
A perennial favorite of discerning travelers, we hope 2021 will be kind to Japan. They’re supposed to host the Summer Olympics in July after they were postponed this year. If the event can continue as planned, then that’s good news for world travelers… and of course sports fans.
Australia
Australia has it all. Great food, tasty wine, beautiful beaches, mystical deserts, and so much more. It’s like a choose your own adventure novel. There are millions of ways to enjoy Australia and we hope to be some of the first people allowed back Downunder to create our own adventure in 2021.
Here’s to a safe, healthy and exciting year of travel ahead!