Perhentian Islands, Malaysia.© Gaddafi Rusli on Unsplash

Top 10 destinations to visit in 2021 — or when the pandemic is over

The following list offers not only unimaginable fun with breathtaking locations.


Senior Writer
DECEMBER 28, 2020 5:53 PM EST

We can’t predict the future like   Cardi B ; however, we can dream of a well-deserved vacation in 2021 — or when the pandemic is over. Staying current with all the possible travel restrictions, Liberty Travel expert consultants shared up-to-date destinations open to Americans.

From a Cancun adventure to exploring a Tahitian paradise, the following curated list offers not only unimaginable fun with breathtaking locations but also peace of mind. Due to the unprecedented times we are experiencing, you would be able to secure flexible cancellation and/or booking changes up to 24-hours before the check-in date at select resorts, plus enhanced quality and health protocols.

Top 10 destinations Americans can visit in 2021

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Maldives

The Maldives

Travel Requirements

All travelers older than one-year-old must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued no more than 96 hours before departure. All visitors must also complete a Traveler Health Declaration form at least 24 hours before departing to the Maldives. All incoming travels must have temperature checks before leaving the airport.

Health Precautions

All visitors are required to wear a mask at all airports and public places. Museums, beaches, shops, and restaurants are all open. However, all excursion activities (such as day trips to picnic islands, fishing, and dolphin watching) from all islands and resorts are not allowed until further notice.

What Makes It Amazing

Every resort in this cherished honeymoon destination is on its private island, each more unique than the other. With over 100 properties to choose from, you can look forward to a range of breathtaking features and services. From the world’s first underwater hotel to accommodations with personal butlers, private pools, and in-room massages, luxury doesn’t get better than this.

© Bob Bradley on Unsplash

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

French Polynesia

Travel Requirements

All travelers ages 11 and above must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued no more than 72 hours before departure. Also, all visitors must complete an online entry form and obtain travel insurance covering COVID-19 health expenses. All incoming travels are additionally required to take another COVID-19 test four days after arriving at French Polynesia.

Health Precautions

All visitors are required to wear a mask at all airports and public places. Museums, beaches, shops, bars, and restaurants are all open. Gatherings of more than six people in public are prohibited, and local authorities must approve any events with more than 10 participants.

What Makes It Amazing

Made up of over 100 islands in the South Pacific, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, French Polynesia is famed for its over-water bungalows, vivid aqua water, and lush volcanic peaks. Tropical paradise at its finest, you can explore colorful markets, snorkel through stunning coral formations, and taste traditional Polynesian food — that is, of course, when you’re not basking on the white-sand beaches.

© Cristian Guerrero on Unsplash

Kīlauea, Hawaii, USA

Hawaii

Travel Requirements

A pre-travel COVID-19 testing option from a state-approved testing partner allows travelers to bypass Hawaii’s 10-day quarantine for most major islands. However, when visiting Kauai’s island, travelers must still quarantine for ten days upon arrival. Testing must be completed within 72 hours from the final leg of departure. Testing must be completed within 72 hours from the final leg of departure. Only NAAT tests processed by a CLIA-certified laboratory performed through a trusted testing partner will be accepted. All incoming travels must have temperature checks and complete an online health questionnaire before leaving the airport.

Health Precautions

All visitors must wear a mask at all airports and until they are inside their resort or hotel room.

What Makes It Amazing

Full of cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, rugged canyons, and golden beaches, Hawaii is an American paradise that suits every vacationer. Whether you’re looking for family fun, thrill-seeking action, or a romantic getaway, this splendid cluster of islands offers just what you’re looking for. Drive on the scenic Hana Highway in Maui, view the highest sea cliffs in the world in Molokai, visit Pearl Harbor in Oahu, marvel at volcanoes in the Big Island — and that’s just the beginning.

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Sanctuary Cap Cana by AlSol, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic

Travel Requirements

Travelers arriving in the Dominican Republic do not need to present proof of a COVID-19 test. However, visitors may be subject to on-site testing. If found positive, a mandated quarantine will be required. Americans and other foreign visitors entering the country before December 31st, 2020, will have a traveler assistance plan provided at the time of check-in at the hotel or resort. This includes emergencies in case of a COVID-19 infection.

Health Precautions

Social distancing by residents and visitors is required, including at beaches (which remain accessible). Face masks are mandatory in all indoor public places. All large events are prohibited, and entertainment venues such as casinos, nightclubs, and theatres remain closed.

What Makes It Amazing

Touted as the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, the Dominican Republic is a lush tropical island filled with rich culture and gorgeous scenery. Spend a day on one of the 600 miles of beaches, dance to the distinct beat of the merengue, explore ancient relics, splash around under a waterfall, or play a round of golf with an epic coastline as your backdrop. From larger cities celebrating Carnival to the 16th-century replica village of Altos de Chavon, there’s so much to do you’ll keep coming back for more.

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Aruba

Aruba

Travel Requirements

All visitors traveling to Aruba must complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation card and be approved to be permitted entry to Aruba. The online card includes basic traveler information, health information, PCR testing information, purchase of the Aruba Visitors Insurance, and consent to Aruba government COVID-19 mandates. Visitors from the U.S. can either provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 72 hours before their departure or take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Aruba. Children under the age of 14 are exempt from testing.

Health Precautions

Thanks to its public health protocols, Aruba boasts very low COVID-19 cases. There are nightly restricted zones from midnight until 5:00 am, which includes beaches and public parking lots. Restaurants and other businesses (except for resorts and hotels) must close by 11:00 pm. Beach weddings are permitted with a maximum of 25 people and proper social distancing maintained. Spa services are allowed to reopen as well. Masks are required in public places, including public transit.

What Makes It Amazing

Conveniently located outside of the hurricane belt and with one of the lowest amounts of rainfall in the Southern Caribbean, visitors to Aruba can expect beautiful weather all year long. Soak up the sun on a white-sand beach in the morning, explore a rugged desert with tall green cacti and limestone cliffs before lunch, browse the colorful Dutch shops of Oranjestad in the afternoon, and snorkel the delicate reefs of Mangel Halto before the sunset.

© Gerson Repreza on Unsplash

Cancún, Mexico

Cancun

Travel Requirements

Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open. However, the land border is closed until further notice. When arriving in Mexico, you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form.

Health Precautions

Tourist destinations and beaches in Cancun are opening gradually, with the use of face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places, public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located), hotels and parks are permitted at partial capacity.

What Makes It Amazing

Along with Cancun’s sapphire waters, white sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets, you’ll get to experience markets filled with handcrafted goods, luxury resorts and spas, decadent international cuisine, and countless options for all types of water activities. From exploring the world-famous Mayan ruins (just a day trip away) to touring the majestic mangroves, your epic adventures await.

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Los Cabos

Los Cabos

Travel Requirements

Mexico’s airports and seaports are currently open. However, the land border is closed until further notice. When arriving in Mexico, you will be asked to show your completed health declaration form.

Health Precautions

Tourist destinations and beaches in Los Cabos are opening gradually, using face masks being mandatory. Gatherings are limited to 100 people in public places, public transport services, transportation companies, and tour operators abiding by the Responsible Tourism Chains guidelines. Within Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is located), hotels and parks are permitted at partial capacity.

What Makes It Amazing

An ideal location for anyone who wants to check off as many activities as possible, Los Cabos offers plenty of experiences for the thrill seeker. Beyond the typical snorkeling and surfing, you can also swim with whale sharks, zipline 300 feet above washed-out canyons, ride camels on the beach, and rock climbs the Sierra de Laguna Dry Forest for some fantastic views.

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Jamaica

Jamaica

Travel Requirements

Anyone traveling to Jamaica must submit a government travel authorization form, including health information, immigration, and customs forms. Keep a copy of it handy, as you’ll need to present it when you check-in or board your flight. Besides, all travelers ages 12 and older must upload a valid COVID-19 test taken no more than ten days before your arrival. Visitors staying at locations outside the Resilient Corridors (stretching from Negril through Port Antonio) must remain on the property during their stay.

Health Precautions

Theme parks and zoos are open during reduced hours, but water sports and amusement parks are currently closed. Markets, pharmacies, and other shops are open, however non-essential businesses, including salons and nightclubs, are closed until further notice. No more than 15 people are allowed to gather at any site.

What Makes It Amazing

Whether you’re looking to get back to nature or immerse yourself into the music and culture scene, Jamaica is an island with something for everyone. Discover breathtaking landscapes as you wade in the pools at Dunn’s River Falls, swim in the bioluminescent waters outside of Montego Bay, or board a bamboo raft and drift down a river through the lush island rainforest.

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Riviera Maya

St. Lucia

Travel Requirements

All travelers visiting St. Lucia are required to have a negative result from a PCR test within seven days of travel and the completion of a pre-arrival registration form completed within three days of travel. Also, all arriving passengers will be screened, including temperature checks. And split stays are now permitted in up to two COVID-certified properties for the duration of your stay.

Health Precautions

Restaurants and bars are open and operating normally, but most close by 9:00 pm. Hotels that have completed certification are allowed to reopen. Over 90 properties have been certified so far, and you can find the growing list here. Besides, masks are required in public places, with a few exceptions, such as your resort’s pool.

What Makes It Amazing

Unique culinary creations, breathtaking scenery, and lively culture guarantee a trip to St. Lucia is an adventure for the senses. Learn how cocoa pods are harvested into chocolate, partake in a traditional fish fry, or visit the Castries Market at the island’s capital to discover everything from unique spice blends to exotic homegrown fruits. St. Lucia also hosts several renowned annual celebrations, like the lively Carnival and the Jazz festival.

© Corinne Kutz on Unsplash

St. Lucia

St. Lucia

Travel Requirements

All travelers visiting St. Lucia are required to have a negative result from a PCR test within seven days of travel and the completion of a pre-arrival registration form completed within three days of travel. Also, all arriving passengers will be screened, including temperature checks. And split stays are now permitted in up to two COVID-certified properties for the duration of your stay.

Health Precautions

Restaurants and bars are open and operating normally, but most close by 9:00 pm. Hotels that have completed certification are allowed to reopen. Over 90 properties have been certified so far, and you can find the growing list here. Besides, masks are required in public places, with a few exceptions, such as your resort’s pool.

What Makes It Amazing

Unique culinary creations, breathtaking scenery, and lively culture guarantee a trip to St. Lucia is an adventure for the senses. Learn how cocoa pods are harvested into chocolate, partake in a traditional fish fry, or visit the Castries Market at the island’s capital to discover everything from unique spice blends to exotic homegrown fruits. St. Lucia also hosts several renowned annual celebrations, like the lively Carnival and the Jazz festival.