April of 2019 was the last time I was on a plane. This is the longest stretch of not travelling I have ever had in my adult life and I am surprisingly content. However, booking travel for other people is beginning to stir longing in my travelling soul. Here are my top picks that don’t require quarantine on arrival for vaccinated Canadians:
1. Mexico. My first love always calls me back. September is a perfect time for snorkelling with whale sharks off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula or November to May in the state of Baja California. Fish tacos and margaritas on the beach, need I say more.
2. Colombia. This 9 day itinerary with G Adventures looks simple but it was one of my all time favourite trips with them. Each stop had something unique to offer: a graffiti tour in Bogota, a tour of the innovative neighbourhood of Comuna 13 in Medellin, learning to play the national game of tejo (it’s like bowling with gun powder) in Salento and one of the best meals I have ever had while travelling, in Cartagena at Restaurante Interno, a restaurant located inside a women’s prison with programs to teach the inmates skills to benefit them upon release.
3. Iceland. Be warned, Iceland is expensive but absolutely worth it. I travelled in June to experience the Land of the Midnight sun so I would love to go back to see it in the dead of winter. It is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern lights and Reykjavik is home to Elf School which offers daily classes to learn about the local elf culture and beliefs.
4. Spain. This is one that is high on my list. Most people are surprised that I haven’t been yet, given my love of the language. As much as I love travelling independently it is nice to have all of the details taken care of, especially during these times when rules can change so quickly. Travelling mostly by train on Intrepid’s Best of Spain would be my choice.
5. Bahamas. In all my years of travelling I have never been to an all-inclusive, nor have I wanted to, but the last couple of years have brought many changes and sometimes you just need a rest. The Small Hope Bay Lodge on Andros Island in the Bahamas caught my eye as an option for those wanting a small, eco-friendly, get-away-from-it all holiday in the true sense of the word.
Keep in mind that the Canadian government still warns against non-essential international travel, and entry requirements are subject to change. We have time left to dream.
What is on your wish list? Comment below or email your ideas, cynthia@personaltravel.ca