As airports around the world closed their doors to keep the COVID-19 virus under control, most of us have been daydreaming of the dreamiest places we can visit when this nightmare is over. If the travel bug has hit you hard, you have probably been scrolling endlessly through Instagram and Pinterest, saving the best images as reminders for plans.

While the virus is still present, some countries worldwide have been easing measures as of July 1st by reopening their airports and allowing foreigners back on their soil. Even better, most of these countries do not require us to spend a certain amount of days in quarantine, which means we can plan our vacation without the added restrictions.

So what have you dreamed of during lockdown? Of getting lost in the noise of a city or the past? Have you dreamed of wandering for hours in the beauty of nature or taking hour-long siestas on the beach? Whatever you have been longing for, you will find it in the following seven places you can visit after lockdown.

Ireland

This gem of a country is a haven for introverts and extroverts. As an introvert, you can get lost in the vast nature this place offers, from stunning national parks like The Wicklow Mountains in Glendalough Valley and Wild Nephin Ballycroy, the country’s newest national park.

As an extrovert with a longing for comradery, you can head to the pubs in the city or one of the villages. That will make you feel like an Irish, at least for a little while. Renting a car to see as much as you can from this place is always a good idea. You can pack your belongings on a roof top tent and drive to different corners of this country. Visit anywhere from the breathtaking Ring of Kerry to The Cliffs of Moher.

Corfu

Besides the personal advantages a vacation brings with it, it is also good to know that moving about helps the tourism industry get back on its feet. By landing in Corfu, this is what you would be doing. 

This island is the epitome of summer vacation. You can lie on the beach all day or go on one-of-a-kind boat tours and visit the Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves. Take a quad safari in Agios Gordios or visit the historic old town of Corfu.

New Zealand

What better way to forget about the noise of the world and connect with nature than by heading to New Zealand? You can learn about the Maori culture with the help of the indigenous people of this country. 

Here, you can also hire a camper to drive to as many trails as you can. New Zealand provides hikers with some of the best trails globally, such as the famous Te Araroa Trail, the Milford Track, and Lake Waikaremoana Track. 

South Africa

Another country where nature and wildlife are in abundance has to be South Africa. Visit Kruger National Park while you are here and experience the most famous and beloved African safaris, where a diverse number of wild animals reside. Drive through Chapman’s Peak Drive, experience the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and get lost in the majestic Congo Caves.

Portugal

Particularly rich in maritime wonders, Portugal is a gem for ocean lovers thanks to its more than 800 km of coast along the Atlantic Ocean. For days spent lying under the sun, visit some of the best Portuguese beaches. These include Praia Dona Ana, Foz do Arelho, Praia do Creiro, and Troia Peninsula. 

You can take a kayak to snorkel around the caves in Lagos or visit the stunning Benagil Caves. Beaches aren’t the only thing Portugal has to offer. For book lovers, this place houses one of the most beautiful book stores in the world ­— The Lello Bookstore, which you can only visit by reservation. 

Austria

For luxury, history, and incredible architecture, Austria is the place to go. Visit Salzburg Altstadt. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this charming place is where The Sound of Music movie was filmed. 

Visit St. Anne’s elaborately-decorated church, where marble is in its full glory or head to The Hofburg, the historical museum which showcases the Imperial Apartments, including the Sisi museum, showing a glimpse of the empress’ life. 

There is the unmissable Stift Admont. This museum is a historical sight for book lovers. Some of the oldest monastery books are stored here, amid elaborately decorated marble walls and molding and the Halstatt tour, a beautiful village perfectly nestled near Lake Hallstatt.

Tanzania

For pure extravagance, travel to Tanzania and combine a wildlife adventure with unprecedented luxury. Stay in a luxury camp overlooking Kilimanjaro and take a luxury boat tour to Aquana 3 Island. Head to the Materuni waterfalls and experience a private coffee tour. You can also visit Kikuletwa for the hot spring.

You can learn about Zanzibar’s aromatic history by taking a spice tour or go on a private safari tour and watch wild animals in their natural surroundings. 

Go far and be safe

No pandemic could ever ruin your love for travel if you genuinely enjoy it, and it is encouraging to remind yourself of the exciting places you can visit once lockdown is over.

When you do start planning your next vacation, take the time to research the safety measures and precautions the country you are visiting is taking. Some places do not require you to quarantine when you visit, but some still impose it.

Be sure you know the new rules so you can allocate days of quarantine if required. Moreover, since uncertainty is still prominent, it is best to be flexible and go for the free cancellation options when available, in case your travel plans change in some way. 

Finally, consider investing in travel insurance. While nothing has to go wrong, if something does happen, you can have more peace of mind knowing that you are backed up by a professional institution. It is an investment that will serve you well when you need it most.