01 Apr 2021 Travel Inspiration

Europe or Further Afield: Where Should you Travel After Covid?

Even though travel restrictions are still in place, and everything still feels a bit up in the air at the moment (no pun intended), the end is in sight. A successful vaccine rollout means we can, at the very least, all start thinking about booking a holiday again. The only question is, where should you visit?

A trip to Europe to see one of its many stylish cities, or perhaps a beach holiday in Spain, Greece or Portugal? Then again, maybe you’re thinking about ticking off bucket list ideas in far-flung destinations?

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Fortunately, we’ve put this handy guide together with a list of great destinations in Europe and beyond. So wherever you plan on visiting, find inspiration from our selection of destinations and get ready for the holiday of a lifetime. 🛫

Places to visit in Europe

Paris, France 🇫🇷

Ok, so a trip to Paris gets zero points for originality but, come on, it’s Paris. The city of culture and style is just a hop and a skip away from the UK and has so much to see and do. So even if you’ve already been a handful of times, there’s still a surprise waiting to be discovered. From world-class museums like The Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, or simply sitting on a bench and people-watching, a trip to Paris should be high on your list of places to visit after Covid.

Florence, Italy 🇮🇹

Get an authentic taste of Italy in Florence, a city with eye-catching architecture, fantastic museums and charming hotels. Oh, and then there’s the cuisine, which is some of the best around. Spend all day going from restaurant to restaurant, trying delicious Italian treats before taking in the sights, whether it’s Ponte Vecchio (the oldest bridge in Italy) or climbing the Duomo, Florence’s most recognisable landmark.

Santorini, Greece 🇬🇷

If you don’t believe in love at first sight then you’ve never been to Santorini. This Greek island is known for its white buildings that look like something straight out of a postcard. There’s also a diverse range of beaches, including Red Beach with its, you guessed it, red sands, and Kamari Beach, which features black sands.

Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, which is full of culture and heritage, including museums and architectural marvels. Visit the Hungarian Parliament Building, which sits on the River Danube or spend some time at Fisherman’s Bastion, a neo-gothic structure that looks like it was taken straight out of a fairytale.

Goteborg, Sweden 🇸🇪

Quaint, quiet and full of charm best describes the Swedish city of Goteborg. Here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world as you wander the cobblestone streets or spend the day in peaceful open spaces. Unlike Stockholm, everything in Goteborg is more lowkey. This makes it feel less like a tourist destination and more like somewhere where you can live the life of the locals, even if it’s just for a few days.

South America

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷

Rainforests, rolling hills, a huge lagoon and, of course, a bustling city that never sleeps – there is a bit of everything in Rio de Janeiro, the most symbolic country in Brazil. First-time tourists will flock to the Sugarloaf or the Christ the Redeemer, while repeat visitors will spend days trying to find secluded spots on the beach while enjoying Feijoada in the restaurants and sipping back on refreshing drinks such as Chimarrao and Guarana.

Bogota, Colombia 🇨🇴

Often described as Colombia’s beating heart, Bogota is surrounded by the Andean peaks and offers a city full of vibrancy and buzz. Head to La Candelaria, the cobbled historic downtown with its preserved colonial-era buildings and a wide range of restaurants, shops, cafes and bars where you can enjoy the best of the city.

Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷

The Paris of the South, Buenos Aires is a city that manages to combine the best of Europe with real Latin charm. Soak up some culture in Buenos Aires by visiting neighbourhoods like Palermo with its parks, trendy bars and independent boutiques. Or spend some time in Recoleta, which has grand hotels and plenty of grandeur. Lastly, soak up the passionate atmosphere by catching a football game with Boca Juniors.

Africa

Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬

With a prominent art and music scene, Lagos has become a cultural powerhouse in Nigeria and an increasingly popular tourist destination. Named after the Portuguese word for lagoon, Lagos is a city full of energy. They say you’ll either love it or hate it here, but we’re willing to bet it will be love at first sight!

Durban, South Africa 🇿🇦

As South Africa’s third-largest city, Durban doesn’t get the same love as well-known cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, but it still packs a mighty punch. Full of cosmopolitan charm, Durban features a stylish waterfront and great places to grab a bite to eat. There’s a strong Asian influence on the city, which gives it even more flair.

Asia

Phuket, Thailand 🇹🇭

It’s all about pristine beaches in Phuket, one of Thailand’s most luxurious holiday destinations. Set off the Andaman Sea, Phuket is somewhere to enjoy relaxing days on soft, sandy beaches or go on an adventure to somewhere like the Phi Phi Islands, where crystal-clear waters, craggy rocks and beach huts await you.

Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵

As one of the most densely packed cities in the world, the thought of a trip to Tokyo might not appeal to everyone post-Covid. But a holiday here is a magical experience where you can soak up local culture in a city full of flashing neon lights. It’s made up of a collection of neighbourhoods, with each one offering something different, with each one giving you a taste of quintessential Tokyo. Visit attractions like the Tokyo Tower🗼 or take the train to Mount Fuji.

Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷

South Korea is perhaps one of the most modern countries in the world, and it’s led by Seoul. The city is a cultural phenomenon and one of the friendliest cities around, so expect warmth and a welcoming attitude from the locals. Make sure you visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of South Korea’s five palaces.

Post-Covid travel

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places you can travel to after Covid, whether you’re hitting up cities in Europe, Africa or elsewhere. And of course, we didn’t even get to the paradise locations like the Maldives and Seychelles. Or explore the United States or Central America. There are just so many places to visit, and our list is here to inspire you so that your first post-Covid trip will be a special one.