Wipe the dust off of your travel books and ideas and start daydreaming about where to go once the pandemic fizzles and vaccinations increase. But this time, instead of going to the typical travel destinations (we’re looking at you, France), why not try a different corner of the Earth, where wild adventures await? 

In this article, we will detail five exceptional countries worth exploring post-pandemic. Read on to discover exciting adventures tucked into the following countries and where they currently stand with COVID-19 and restrictions regarding letting visitors in. But before we get into that, let’s talk about the best ways to plan your trip! 

Should you consider a pre-planned tour or create your own itinerary?

Ah yes, the ever-challenging question! Let’s take a quick look at some pros and cons.

Creating your own itinerary

Pros

Creating your own itinerary gives you the freedom to choose exactly where you want to go, what you want to spend, and the activities you want to do! 

Cons

It can be tedious booking every single moment of your trip: hotels and transportation followed by filling your days with activities. 

Pre-planned tours

Pros

The best part about pre-planned tours is that you don’t need to do any planning. Expert guides (or a detailed self-guided itinerary) will take you to incredible locations, highlighting the depth and wonder of the country you’re exploring. Expect the full experience, ranging from meeting village residents, tasting authentic food, checking out hidden gems only known to locals, all without booking hotels, camping spots, or any form of accommodation and transportation. 

Cons

You’ll likely have designated leisure days, but if you don’t like something, you won’t have the freedom to change plans on a whim. You can, but that may be costly! However, most pre-planned tours are flexible and aim to cater to your needs. 

1. Kenya

Kenya’s vibrant culture, diverse scenery—stretching from lofty mountains to dreamy seascapes to dusty desert plains—and attractive wildlife population make this East African country worth exploring. One phenomenal activity is to go to Hell’s Gate National Park, which blends adventure with the opportunity to witness wildlife roaming their natural habitat without booking a safari. 

To make the most of your experience, set up your tent at one of the campsites along Lake Naivasha and rent some bikes. You can explore Hell’s Gate National Park via bicycles, spending the day riding by giraffes, zebras, and warthogs thriving in their natural habitat. Be sure to bring a credit card to enter as they do not accept cash! This is one of the cheapest national parks in Kenya and so worth it. 

However, you can also go towards the salty coast in Mombasa, experience bustling city life in Nairobi, or head to the Masai Mara to check out lions and more roaming amid deep purple and golden sunset or sunrise hues.  

Right now, Kenya doesn’t require visitors to quarantine if they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test recorded within 96 hours of arriving. An intense health screening awaits, but once you pass, you’re good to get out and meander this incredible country! 

2. Ecuador

Adventure enthusiasts will fall in love with the kaleidoscope of activities etched across Ecuador. From paddleboarding in the Amazon to mountain biking in the thick of the Ecuadorian Andes, the exploration options are endless. 

But if cruising through the rainforest doesn’t cater to your holiday style, there’s always the Galápagos Islands, that blend beach decor with unreal wildlife viewings, elevating the typical seaside holiday to the next level. You can only stay overnight in Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal, and Floreana if you plan on dropping by the Galápagos Islands. 

At the moment, travellers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arriving to avoid quarantine. Or you can prove that you’re vaccinated against COVID-19. Expect to fill out a health declaration form as well and prepare for someone to come up to you randomly at the airport for a rapid test. 

3. Croatia

Croatia is a country tailor-made for all bucket lists with its glistening seascapes and fairytale-like national parks intertwined with European charm. Travellers seeking exceptional swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or sailing opportunities will love it here. And when the sun dips, you can meander the cobblestone streets, listen to the hums of choirs harmonizing, and enjoy wine at restaurants granting fantastic people-watching opportunities. 

For different images, head to Krka National Park to marvel at the roaring waterfall before continuing to bodies of water glistening amid circles of trees. Pack your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip at the base of the waterfall! You can decide to walk to the waterfall or take a ferry from your car or the bus drop-off. The walk isn’t too far!

Currently, Croatia is allowing travellers from certain countries to enter with a negative, recent PCR test. 

Well, there you have it: three countries to explore post-pandemic. Some other countries currently open to visitors—with requirements regarding COVID-19 and certain restrictions—are Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Albania, Iceland, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Nepal, Mexico, Botswana, Uganda, Namibia, and Senegal. Be sure to check what the restrictions are before going, as anything is set to change during these unprecedented times.