Top travel destinations to explore in 2021

After the challenging and tragic year of 2020, 2021 begins with the promising arrival of vaccines, allowing us to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. While we may still have to wait longer than we would like and travel might not return to its previous normal, we are closer than ever to experiencing the joy of exploring the world again. Are you wondering where to travel in 2021?

Well, we are here to talk about travel. If 2021 turns out to be the year that gives us back the chance to visit any corner of the globe (fingers crossed), we want to be well-prepared. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 8 incredible destinations to consider for your travels in 2021 (if COVID permits, of course). If you're interested in embarking on a low-cost adventure around the world—so low-cost that you can even do it from home—stay with us as we set off on this journey!

Important: Always check official sources for entry requirements to each country (PCR tests, quarantines, etc.), as this information can change frequently.

Update as of May 2021: We have been receiving numerous inquiries about recommended destinations for the summer. In the last point of this post (Spain), we will suggest some national destinations that are perfect for travel in 2021. 🙂

8 amazing destinations to travel in 2021 (if COVID allows)

1. Turkey

Strolling through the bazaars of Istanbul, entering the majestic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, sailing along the Bosphorus, and stepping on the white rocks of Pamukkale are just a few of the countless plans that Turkey offers. This magical country serves as a bridge between East and West, making it a unique melting pot of cultures.

Whether you want to explore ancient ruins or relax by the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey has it all. You can easily reach it with direct flights from Spain, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway filled with adventure.

2. Jordan

As travel plans were disrupted by the pandemic, our dream of visiting Jordan has been postponed. The mere thought of seeing Petra, floating in the Dead Sea, or exploring the breathtaking Wadi Rum desert makes our hearts skip a beat. While we may be a year behind, we firmly believe that this travel dream will come to fruition.

Jordan's rich history and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for adventure and culture.

3. Peru

Our desire to visit Peru was sparked while enjoying ceviche and lomo saltado at a Peruvian restaurant in Barcelona. It’s not just about the food (though let’s admit, it’s a big part of it!), but also about the thrill of trekking to Machu Picchu, wandering around Lima, diving into the Amazon rainforest, and soaring over the mysterious Nazca Lines (which, by the way, are becoming less mysterious every day).

The silver lining of having to cancel our trip last summer is that when we finally go, our eagerness to explore every corner of this enchanting country will be at an all-time high. Who knows, we might even squeeze a visit to Bolivia into the same trip!

4. South Africa

Whenever South Africa is mentioned in travel conversations, we can’t help but pay special attention. The thought of patiently waiting in a safari vehicle inside Kruger National Park, hoping to spot the Big Five and capture unforgettable moments on camera, is a dream we’ve often envisioned.

Despite the many times this plan has been thwarted, we remain optimistic that 2021 might just be the year we finally embark on our grand African adventure. The allure of its wildlife and breathtaking landscapes is simply irresistible.

5. Thailand

We transition from a country we dream of visiting to one we yearn to return to: Thailand. Having visited numerous times, we are more in love with the Land of Smiles than ever, especially its delightful cuisine. Each time we step out of the airport in Bangkok, we feel like we’re coming home.

Despite the bittersweet memory of hastily returning to Spain, we are determined to explore stunning destinations like Koh Kood, Khao Yai National Park, the Similan Islands, and Khao Sok National Park. And, of course, we’ll be thrilled to revisit our beloved Chiang Mai.

6. Italy

Last summer, we finally checked many destinations off our list in southern Italy, including Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria. This unique road trip was an unforgettable experience that we treated as if it were our last adventure.

But it won’t be our last, as half of the Mochileando team is Italian, and we have a tradition of discovering new areas of the Bel Paese every year. This year, we’re eyeing Campania and parts of Central Italy, like Umbria, Marche, and Molise, which remain unexplored.

And of course, we’re hoping to return to Lety's charming village in Friuli *_*

7. Georgia

Once again, we turn to our well-developed sense of taste. During a trip to Russia, we had the chance to try khinkali, Georgian dumplings that are simply delicious. If a country can create a dish like this, it must surely hide other culinary treasures.

Georgia is fascinating for its unique position between East and West, where diverse cultures have collided and coexisted for centuries. The stunning Caucasus mountain range offers spectacular landscapes and is a paradise for adventurous hikers.

8. Spain

We can’t conclude without mentioning our beautiful Spain. In 2020, we were fortunate enough to travel within our territory (always with precaution), and we hope that 2021 allows us to continue discovering the hidden gems of our “home.” Far too often, we venture to distant lands when there are fascinating places right here that we haven’t yet explored. We would love to embark on a road trip through Extremadura, uncover charming spots in the Valencian Community, revisit our beloved “north,” and of course, return to Barcelona, where we envision settling down in the not-so-distant future. Everything points to the fact that we will be returning to the Canary Islands soon! How exciting!

If you need more ideas, here are 10 fantastic plans to enjoy a 2021 vacation in Spain:

1. Two-week road trip through Galicia
2. One-week road trip through Asturias
3. Relaxing days in Ibiza or any of the Balearic Islands 😉
4. Explore Lanzarote and Tenerife
5. Road trip through the best of Andalucía
6. Focus on a wonderful route through the Cabo de Gata
7. Visit beach after beach (but not just that) along the Costa Brava
8. A lovely little trip through the province of Málaga
9. A fantastic journey through the best of Cantabria or... the Basque Country
10. Enjoy rural days by the Lake Sanabria

Travel insurance with COVID coverage

Health is not something to gamble with, especially now. If you decide to travel, do it securely with the best travel insurance for 2021 by Iati! You can also enjoy a 5% discount.

The options are nearly endless, but these 10 destinations are perfect for all tastes 🙂 and, most importantly, they are close to home, where, with common sense, you won’t encounter problems. We hope this summer brings us responsible travel and unforgettable experiences!

What are your top destinations for summer 2021? What about the rest of the year? Will you venture abroad or stay within national borders? We hope you found our selection of the best places to travel in 2021 to be enjoyable.

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

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