After months of restrictions, our collective thirst for travel is at an all-time high, but the question lingers: is it safe? In our recent survey, 60 percent of respondents said that safety was their number one consideration when making travel plans. Consistently low rates of infection, high per capita vaccination percentages and blissfully isolated settings contribute to a destination’s safety ranking. While nowhere is immune from Covid-19, some places pose less risk than others – here are seven places to visit when borders reopen.
Singapore
Singapore has taken several measures to control the pandemic, from introducing SafeEntry and TraceTogether contact-tracing apps to its nationwide SG Clean campaign, awarding a quality mark to establishments maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness. The city-state’s health and safety record has earned it a place on the EU Council’s ‘safe list’, naming the recommended countries from which residents can enter the Schengen Area – the 26-country zone of Europe’s Member States – without travel restrictions. When Singapore reopens, its busiest tourist magnets – from Merlion Park to the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands – will be closely monitored with technology and diligence, while its green space continues to flourish in abundance at its famous gardens and nature reserves, making this one of the safest destinations to enjoy.
Maldives
Few destinations can match the Maldives’ exotic beauty, talcum-soft sand and sapphire waters. Beyond airport transfers, visits to the crowded capital of Malé are not advisable, but the Maldives’ 140 or so postcard-perfect island resorts offer easy isolation, and many have already reopened for business. Ahead of arrival in the Maldives, visitors must provide immigration authorities Imuga with a Traveller Health Declaration form and a negative PCR test certificate obtained within 96 hours of travel. Following the pandemic, all Maldivian resorts must now employ a resident doctor and PCR tests are available to guests at an approximate cost of between US$100 and US$200 for return journey requirements.
Greece
Greece has announced that from 14 May, travellers presenting proof of antibodies, vaccination or a negative PCR test will be welcome. With an economy dependent on tourism, strict safety precautions are in place across the country and remote island resorts hold maximum appeal. Opening 1 June 2021, The Rooster on the quiet island of Antiparos is the country’s newest wellness resort embracing slow living with just 17 individual houses, each with its own independent character and spacious sundeck, overlooking landscaped gardens and the sparkling Aegean.
Seychelles
Having opened its borders on 25 March, the Seychelles is welcoming visitors who have obtained a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel. They must hold valid health insurance covering potential Covid-19 related clinical care and isolation and a booking at licensed accommodation certified by the Public Health Authority. For peace of mind, choose trusted hotel brands. Located on the main island of Mahé, Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa is subject to the rigorous Hilton CleanStay cleaning program, comprises all private villas and offers onsite PCR testing. Green Globe Certified in 2020 for its positive impact on the island’s natural habitat, it’s a safe haven in lush surrounds.
Thailand
Joining Singapore on the EU Council’s ‘safe list’, Thailand has strict protocols in place, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors, meaning it is best suited to long-stay travellers, such as ‘workation’ guests and families on extended school breaks. The Tourism Authority of Thailand also aims to attract yacht owners to Phuket with its latest initiative, the Digital Yacht Quarantine.
Iceland
Dramatic isolation is in Iceland’s DNA. Miles of lonely roads and film noir scenery underpin its appeal and now its government has announced easy entry for all travellers fully vaccinated against Covid-19. In a statement issued in March 2021, authorities said that visitors will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such as testing and quarantine. Travellers must provide proof of a full vaccination with a vaccine that has been certified for use by the European Medical Agency to gain entry. Once inside, reassuringly remote bucket-list resorts include Troll Peninsula’s Deplar Farm – think ‘health farm’ rather than livestock. There aren’t any tractors at this well-appointed hideaway, but you can borrow its helipad.
New Zealand
Another EU Council’s ‘safe list’ recommendation, along with its neighbour, Australia, New Zealand is currently closed to travellers. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will remain closed throughout much of 2021. This is one of the strict pandemic protocols that has made it the global poster child for effectively controlling COVID-19. When borders do reopen, the filmset-country’s sweeping landscapes will top safe destination lists and be more popular than ever – and not just with ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie fans.
