Guide To Safe Post-COVID European Destinations

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While 2020 was the year of going nowhere, 2021 is the year we finally go somewhere.

But not just anywhere, at least not yet.

One takeaway COVID taught is that safety should be a priority when we travel.

So, where is it safe to travel?

According to a survey by Global Rescue, Europe is one of the most sought-after destinations for international travellers.

Although parts of Europe were severely affected by the coronavirus, the continent has successfully muddled through the crisis.

Authorities are gradually lifting restrictions, international flights and hotels are slowly reopening, and if all goes as planned, the EU will achieve its vaccination target levels in summer.

To top it all, the EU plans to reopen its doors to tourists who have completed their vaccination.

It will also allow entry to people arriving from countries that managed to constrain the virus.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of visiting Europe or merely want to return to your favorite spot in the world, here are five safe and fantastic European destinations for your post-covid trip.

Ireland

The Emerald Isle is for anyone who loves dreamy landscapes, scenic road trips, fascinating museums, regal castles, bustling cities, music festivals, and Guinness and whiskey.

As far as we know, that’s almost everyone.

Start your trip in the capital city of Dublin, a mixture of old and new, where the 13th-century St Patrick’s Cathedral is juxtaposed with the avant-garde Silicon Docks.

If you love exploring the great outdoors, you will fall in love with rustic Wicklow, the rugged MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the stunning Lough Leane, and the enchanting Dark Hedges.

Do not forget to hunt for castles – and pubs, of course.

While you are at it, visit the Guinness Storehouse to witness over a hundred years and seven floors worth of brewery history.

The Irish government is gradually relaxing its strict COVID-19 restrictions, with June 2nd set for re-opening hotels, guest houses, and self-catering accommodations.

However, tourism may not fully resume until July.

To know more about the country’s travel advisory, click here.

Spain

Full of sunny surprises, Spain is a constant favorite of many travellers, from avid shoppers and keen sunbathers to resolute sightseers and siesta lovers.

Culture and history? Spain has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela, the prehistoric cave paintings of Altamira, the 1st-century Aqueduct of Segovia, and the Moorish fortress of Alhambra.

Food and wine?

Spain’s tapa is to die for, and so are its paella, jamón ibérico, and crema catalana.

Not to mention, the wines from its vineyards in La Rioja and the Ribera del Duero are some of the finest in the world.

It is no secret that Spain has countless stunning beaches littered along the country’s 5,000 km of coastline.

Want to spend somewhere serene and far from the crowd? Head to Menorca or Formentera, the quieter of the Balearic Islands.

Be sure to experience matchless luxury by renting a spacious Spanish villa by the beach.

Tapas, sangria, and amazing views of the sea are what you have been waiting for.

Lastly, note that Spain has suffered seriously from COVID-19, prompting the government to impose one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe.

Although the state of emergency ended on 9th May, some restrictions by regions remain.

Switzerland

From cheese and chocolate to knives and watches – some things are better Swiss.

But there’s so much more to Switzerland than those.

It is, after all, the playground of Europe, with its world-class resorts that offer anything from extreme skiing to bobsleigh safaris.

Here, die-hard skiers glide down brazenly on the slopes of Matterhorn in Zermatt or the runs in Jungfraujoch, families go tobogganing on snow-clad hills, and avid hikers ramble through pine-covered trails.

To see as much of the Swiss countryside, take the UNESCO-listed Albula-Bernina railway line, best travelled in February, traverses the Alps, passing through 55 tunnels, 196 viaducts, 200 bridges, and the spectacular Graubünden mountains.

And while you will not find any beaches in Switzerland, you will have several thousand lakes to swim in, kayak, canoe, or sail a yacht.

Be awed by the majesty of the 150-meter Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen.

Live in a fairytale as you explore Oberhofen Castle and Chateau de Chillon.

Immerse in the urban cultures of Bern, Zurich, and Geneva, and delve deep into the Big Bang theory at CERN.

France

With 41 UNESCO sites, 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, 40,000 historical monuments, and countless must-see attractions, France remains the most visited place on the planet.

In 2019 alone, the country received 90 million tourists, around 40 percent of whom spent some time in Paris.

It only shows that when you are in France, you should not miss the chance to explore the City of Light and its landmarks – the Louvre, Champs Elysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc De Triomphe, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Then, escape to the idyllic villages and lavender fields of Provence, the storybook châteaux and lush vineyards of Loire Valley, the majestic architecture and wine cellars of Bordeaux, and the sunny shores and opulent resorts of Cote d’Azur.

If you want to steer away from noisy beaches, head to Brittany for its unspoiled coast and charming port towns.

For a truly unforgettable vacation free from the crowd, experience the best of European camping holidays in the French countryside.

Although non-essential travel to France remains restricted, this may change soon with the gradual easing of measures.

As of May 19, outdoor areas of restaurants, stores, and cultural institutions are allowed to reopen.

Italy

Italy is made for indulgence: food adventure in Bologna, shopping in Milan, and sun-soaking in the Amalfi Coast.

It is also made for romance; think of moonlit gondola rides in Venice, watching opera in Verona, dinner over a vineyard in San Gimignano.

If you love culture and history, you have the ancient monuments of Rome, one of the best Italian cities to visit, the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii, the Renaissance art and architecture of Florence, the valley of the temples of Agrigento in Sicily.

Need a little outdoor adventure? Trek through Gola Su Gorropu in Sardinia, ski the slopes of the Dolomites, climb to the crater of Mount Vesuvius.

Then, there’s the vast stretch of the astonishingly beautiful Italian countryside, from Tuscany to Calabria and Abruzzo to Umbria.

Don’t miss a chance to ramble through the olive groves, exquisite gardens, and hilltop villages of Cinque Terre.

Although entry to Italy from abroad remains heavily restricted, the government is targeting 2nd June as the official start of the summer season.

It plans to introduce a national green vaccination passport to travel freely within the regions.