5 Places You Should Visit after Lockdown
Has lockdown left you with itchy feet? Don’t worry — it’s not a new symptom of COVID-19. You are simply itching to hop on board a plane and indulge in some fresh new travel gadgets! While travel opportunities are going to be limited for the foreseeable future, there is no harm in planning your list of destinations while you wait out the storm. Here is a round-up of five amazing places to visit once lockdown comes to an end and the pandemic has been successfully overcome.
5 Places You Should Visit after Lockdown
New Zealand
Those who have watched The Lord of the Rings will know all too well just how beautiful New Zealand is. The great news is that this pristine island country also promises a host of enjoyable activities for all sorts of travelers, from solo adventurers and couples on a romantic vacation, to families in search of plenty opportunities to create cherished memories.
One of the best ways to investigate the native Maori culture of the country is to pay a visit to the close-knit town of Rotorua. You will get to know the locals and their customs personally, all the while savoring the incredible views brought about as a result of the region’s overactive geothermal activity. Think steaming earth, bubbling hot mud, and the Pohutu Geyser, the biggest spurting geyser in all of New Zealand.
Be sure to spend a night or two in The Living Maori Village where you can get an up-close look at Maori traditions, such as ta moko (tattooing) and rongoā, which is traditional Maori medicine created using plants and other natural elements. You will have the chance to gobble up a classic hangi feast, too. This delectable feast is cooked inside underground ovens and usually comprises of melt-in-your-mouth meaty delicacies and a wide selection of colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables.
South Africa
When you are in search of a truly authentic African experience, you cannot go wrong with a trip to South Africa. This vibrant, diverse African country has a little bit of something for everyone. From the hustling, bustling city life in Johannesburg to the laid-back beach-bum atmosphere for which Cape Town is so famous, you are guaranteed a getaway to remember.
Of course, if a scenic safari is what you are after, you have also come to the right place. South Africa boasts a number of gorgeous national parks from which to choose, with the most famous and popular being The Kruger National Park, situated in the eastern parts of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Not only is this national park chockfull of wondrous wildlife, insects, and birds, but it is also one the largest in the world.
Remember to book your trip during wintertime (June – August) if you are keen to avoid the extreme summer temperatures and reduce the risk of malaria. On the other hand, if you want to experience a hot, summery safari, go for it! Just be sure to take the necessary precautions and preventative drugs to protect yourself. The park is known to pose a high malaria risk from October to May.
The bush life is extremely relaxed, so you are likely to have lots of free time on your hands during which to unwind or be productive, if you wish. Why not consider continuing your studies while on the move with the help of online education and technology? Perhaps now is the time to pursue your postgraduate data science degree?
Napa Valley
If lockdown has left you in dire need of a drink, you won’t find a better-quality selection of fruity, aromatic wines than in Napa Valley, California’s hillside wine region. Along with sampling the creations that flow out of the many wineries across Napa County, there are plenty more thrilling activities in which to engage.
Why not chug through the rolling terrains on board the infamous, newly restored Napa Valley Wine Train? Or perhaps indulge in a gastronomic adventure dining in style at one of the various Michelin-starred restaurants in the area? Some of the most popular include:
- La Toque
- The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley
- Kenzo Napa
- Bouchon Bistro
- The French Laundry
If you feel the need to venture deeper into nature during your post-lockdown escape, head on over to Lake Berryessa. This reservoir nestled in the heart of the Vaca Mountains is sure to play the perfect host to a few days of camping and family bonding time.
The Maldives
Most people have been dreaming of a luxurious beach holiday for the duration of lockdown. If that is the case for you and your loved ones, look no further than a vacation to the Maldives. Treat yourself to a myriad of breath-taking views and several beautiful beaches with the promise of glistening, warm waters, twinkling, white sand, and the soothing sound of the crashing waves in the background.
There really isn’t much to do here other than to sit back and let the stress of the last few months wash away. In between beach sessions, you can also use the time to catch up on your studies, start a fulfilling new book, or chat to the locals.
Australia
An adventure anywhere else simply won’t come close to the adventure that you will embrace when on a trip to Australia. From traveling the scenic coastal route known as the Great Ocean Road to setting your sights on, and scuba diving around, the Great Barrier Reef, there is no doubt that you are in for a treat.
Australia is where voyagers venture for a close encounter with nature, some me-time on stunning stretches of beaches, and warm weather. The country is massive with plenty of different types of activities to explore and enjoy, so be sure to take at least a few weeks to research all the options available to you before planning your itinerary.
Feeling inspired? Lockdown won’t last forever. Keep the faith and you can be certain that you will be embarking upon a new worldly exploit sooner than you think. Here’s to post-lockdown adventures, explorations, and experiences that you won’t be quick to forget.