7 destinations Australians *should* travel to post COVID border restrictions

With cabin-fever high and vaccines on the roll out, our focus is transfixed on where our next overseas venture will be and when. We are craving the feeling getting lost in beautiful cities, falling into submission of awe in nature, deep cultural immersion and the rush of the unknown. Here are our predictions of where we may hopefully be able to travel in the not too distant future.

New Zealand

Our neighbours across the pond are renowned all over the world for their unrivalled scenery and magnificent mountain-scapes. New Zealand is the first country we currently share a quarantine-free travel bubble with as of April 19. You do not need have been vaccinated to enter New Zealand and return to Australia, meaning that all ages can travel to and from both countries. Currently flights are being sold via Air New Zealand or Qantas from around $600 return.

Singapore

Anyone else been craving hawker-style chilli mud-crab and a little bit of tropical humidity? Singapore is looking likely as the next destination Australia will share a quarantine bubble with and there have been discussions hinting this may be as soon as June or July. Although this talk of this arrangement is still in its infancy, Singapore’s low virus levels have placed the island at the top of the list for future travel bubbles according to deputy Prime minister Michael McCormack.

Iceland

The allure of Iceland stems from its ability to create numinous moments; those standstill moments when you bear witness to fear grounded by extreme awe. While Iceland is still a confirmed ‘no travel’ zone, the island has expressed its willingness to open travel to countries in the green zones outside the European union, of which Australia is included. To meet the criteria for quarantine-free travel you must have had both doses of the vaccine.

Croatia and Greece

Oh, how we are dreaming of sailing the crystalline coasts of Croatia and over-indulging on Greek food by the beach. Currently quarantine is not required for entry into Croatia but is for Greece and is mandatory upon return to Australia. However, there has been word that US airlines are offering flights for vaccination recipients to escape to a European Summer as soon as July. This will large rely on the vaccine roll out and the lowering of daily cases across the european union, but the smaller European countries are looking likely as possible destinations to keep your eye on in the next few months.

Namibia

Wild horses, ever-changing sand dunes, elephants and their young by watering holes – this is Namibia. Situated on the west coast of Africa, Namibia is one of the unlikely places that may have travel upon the horizon. Currently quarantine-free entry is permitted in the country; however, travellers must quarantine upon return to Australia. Our hope is that once Australia is vaccinated, travel to and from Namibia will hopefully be available sometime next year.

Antarctica

Antarctica is a world of her own. It’s glacial shelves and floating burgs are the natural home to thousands of penguins, bird life and a few polar bears. With Intrepidtravel.com launching expeditions for the 21/22 season, we have our hopes set high that we will be able to travel and discover this snow-capped desert real soon.