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The pandemic was a serious hit for travelers. Many countries closed their borders entirely, meaning those of us who love to explore were out of luck.
But slowly, the world is moving forward. While each country has its own timeline, the general trend has been that destinations are increasingly welcoming back travelers.
Just this month, three of the world’s most beautiful and exciting countries announced that they would be reopening their borders.
Let’s take a look at these amazing places and what they have to offer visitors.
Australia
Australia has long been one of the best places to visit. The country’s varied wildlife along with its unique natural beauty make it a must-see.
But when the pandemic began, the country adopted an extremely strict no-entry policy. Travel of any kind came to a screeching halt.
Australia continued to hold this incredibly rigid policy ever since — until now.
The country recently announced that it would welcome vaccinated tourists starting February 21st.
If you plan to visit for the first time, make sure to stop by the famous Sydney Opera House for a taste of Australian culture.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is also worth a visit. With some of the most diverse and captivating marine life on the planet, it’s a must for nature lovers.
New Zealand
Like Australia, New Zealand took a very strict approach to pandemic travel. They completely closed their borders and have maintained that policy, but the country appears to be ready to move forward.
This closure is finally coming to an end, with New Zealand announcing a 5-step plan to reopen to vaccinated tourists.
Unlike Australia, New Zealand’s opening doesn’t have a definite date yet. People from North America will likely be able to visit starting sometime in July.
Those eager to visit should plan their trip around the country’s many beautiful national parks and open spaces. Two of the most popular spots to visit are Fiordland National Park and the Bay of Islands, but the country is absolutely brim with natural beauty, regardless of where you land.
The Philippines
The Philippines has been one of the slowest Asian countries to reopen. The country has been using a color-coded classification program that has largely restricted traveling.
But The Philippines have just announced that they’ll be dropping that program and instead allowing any vaccinated travelers who test negative via a PCR to enter.
The country relies heavily on tourism, and the decision to open is reflective of this. That makes it among the best places to visit, as your money goes into fueling the country’s economy.
The Philippines has a ton to offer. Those looking for a metropolitan experience should visit Manila, the country’s thriving capital.
On the flip side, The Philippines has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and the landscape ranges from rocky cliffs to lakes to mountains. There’s something for every traveler to enjoy.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to become a digital nomad or just want to experience exciting new countries, more open borders means more opportunities.
With Australia, New Zealand, and The Philippines all moving to allow travel again, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.