The State of Traveling in 2021 And The Best Island Destinations to Go to This Ye

Posted by Cynthia Madison on October 13th, 2021

Going on holiday on a dream-like tropical island with soft white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters seems just this – a dream. But it doesn\'t have to be. Indeed, in the current climate and context of a pandemic, traveling seems like a significant challenge. However, more than a year into this health crisis that heavily disrupted many people\'s lives, traveling abroad doesn\'t seem as far-fetched. There is no denying that the state of traveling in 2021 is still not entirely returned to normal. Truth be told, this might not be the case for many years to come. 

Therefore, while many countries require travelers to have proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test – or in some cases, both are necessary – in order to enter specific countries, it isn’t as difficult to travel abroad with more people being immunized. However, a noteworthy mention would be to take into consideration the state of the public health and its response capability in the country where you live as well as the place of your destination. 

This will ensure that there is low risk, and your traveling plans won\'t have any major consequences. This being said, there are some island destinations to consider if you plan to go on a holiday this year. These are as follows:

Greece

Greece is known for its many beautiful small or medium-sized islands. If you are Europe-based, it is necessary you plan on traveling to one of these breath-taking destinations in Greece. Filled with Greek history and culture, traditional music, spectacular beaches, and water so transparent you can see your feet without needing goggles, Greek islands are definitely among the top destinations of 2021. 

Whether you are looking for a destination where you can party with your group of friends – in which case you might want to check Mykonos – or you prefer having a more laid-back and relaxed vacation, Greece has an island to match anyone’s preferences. For instance, if you wish to travel to an island surrounded by nature, Corfu could be a suitable choice for you. What’s more, if you feel like trying something new, you can go snorkeling in Palaiokastritsa, a village on the northwestern side of Corfu.

Turks and Caicos

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of around 40 islands with breath-taking beaches and waters of shades of blue and turquoise, which you won\'t resist not swimming in. From famous to more secluded beaches, this destination should definitely be on your list. Providenciales is one of the islands with many activities to do, like snorkeling in Smith\'s Reef and home to Chalk Sound National Park, where you can get mesmerized by various small cays.

Another activity you should consider if you plan to go to Turks and Caicos is to charter a yacht. Whether you are traveling with your groups of friends, with your partner, or with your family, you can find a charter package to fit your needs. Therefore, if you wish to have a day party with your travel buddies, you can do so if you book an entire day. Or, if you are on holiday with your partner, a sunset cruise on a yacht overseeing the beautiful landscape sounds like the ideal romantic dinner.

Madeira, Portugal

Portugal’s 4-island archipelago is one of the must-see island destinations in Europe. If you need any confirmation of this, Madeira Islands are known to be the best island destination worldwide, named this way every year since 2015. So, there is no denying that going to Madeira is an excellent idea. The islands’ famous wine, pebbly beaches, and natural lava pools which are sure to take your breath away, are some of the beautiful things you will see there. Therefore, Madeira and Porto Santo are one of the top destinations this year – and probably for many years to come. 

With gorgeous cliffs where you can go on hikes, you have the chance to see spectacular views overseeing the Atlantic Ocean. Afterward, you can go down to the beach and swim in the calm, clear, and warm water to cool off. The climate on Madeira Islands isn\'t too high, so you can enjoy mild temperatures while strolling around Funchal, the largest city with both impressive wide boulevards and narrow streets. If you feel adventurous, snorkeling, windsurfing, and paragliding are some of the activities available on the islands.

Sicily, Italy 

Italy\'s largest Mediterranean island is located at the bottom, on the western side, by the country\'s \"toe\" – as Italy\'s shape is famously known to look like a boot. It is an incredible island destination where you will taste amazingly delicious Sicilian food, visit ancient cities like the Valley of the Temples where you will find seven temples in excellent condition, and relax on one of Sicily\'s beautiful beaches such as Cala Rossa.

If you travel to Sicily’s east coast, you will be able to see Mount Etna, one of the largest active volcanoes in Italy. Its appearance is majestic and worth seeing. Since 2013, this volcano has been a UNESCO-declared World Heritage site, given its cultural, educational, and scientific importance. A noteworthy mention will be that, if you decide to visit Mount Etna, it is crucial to check weather conditions and if there are any restrictions during your travels. There are times when visiting is not allowed for safety reasons, which is perfectly understandable given that it is an active volcano. 

Seychelles

Located in the Indian Ocean in East Africa, Seychelles consists of 115 islands. It is undoubtedly the place to go for seeing out-of-this-world views, both on land and underwater. It is home to many natural reserves and, if you go snorkeling or diving, you will be witnessing the wonders of the submarine world, like coral reefs. Plus, it is the place where you will be able to see the wonderful Aldabra tortoises, one of the largest tortoise species in the world, that can live as many as 120 years. There is no doubt this rare animal is worth seeing. 

If Seychelles is your dream destination and you wish to visit it as soon as possible, it is good to know that the best times to book your tickets are from May to September. Around this period, the temperatures are not as high, and rainfalls are rare. So, take this into consideration, as you will definitely want to make the most of your holiday there.