As we inch towards normalcy (thank you, Covid-19 vaccines and new, approved anti-viral pill), we are ready to get back to traveling. If you are wondering where you are even allowed to visit and what the guidelines are once you get there, we are here to break it down for you.
United States
Big Sky, Montana
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Masks and social distancing are recommended, vaccinated or unvaccinated. Currently, Gallatin County, Montana has a 59.4% vaccination rate.
What to do
If you love being outdoors, active, and in nature, Big Sky, Montana is a wonderful vacation destination. Enjoy fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking, golfing, and more. In October, Big Sky can get up to a high of 56 degrees F and a low of 25 degrees F. Once November comes, temperatures get significantly cooler for the rest of the winter season.
Telluride, Colorado
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Masks are required for all public indoor spaces, vaccinated or unvaccinated. Currently, San Miguel County, Colorado has an 82.2% vaccination rate.
What to do
Similar to Big Sky, Montana, traveling to Telluride, Colorado will immerse you in nature and the mountains. In addition to beautiful hikes, golf courses, and biking, take advantage of the gondola to get a stunning view of the Telluride landscape. In October, Telluride can get up to a high of 58 degrees F and a low of 25 degrees F. Once November comes, temperatures get significantly cooler for the rest of the winter season.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Masks are required for all public indoor spaces, vaccinated or unvaccinated. Currently, New Mexico has a 74.6% vaccination rate.
What to do
If you love art, Santa Fe, New Mexico will be an exciting travel destination. Walk down Canyon Road, popping into all the different art galleries. Enjoy delicious food and go for a bike ride around the town. In October, Santa Fe can get to a high of 66 degrees F and a low of 36 degrees F. In November, the temperature drops by about 10 degrees.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Masks are recommended but not required for fully vaccinated people. Specific spaces like public transportation, healthcare facilities, and youth settings require masks. Currently, Monterey County, California has a 67.6% vaccination rate.
What to do
Walk down Ocean Avenue towards the water for fun shopping, restaurants, and art galleries. Once you get to the water at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, sit and enjoy the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Explore side streets to look at the iconic cottage-like Carmel homes. If you have a car, drive through the “17 Mile Drive”, stopping at Pebble Beach for lunch with a view. In October, Carmel can get to a high of 70 degrees F and a low of 51 degrees F. In November, the temperature drops about 5 degrees.
Honolulu, Hawaii (Keep an eye out for our special Hawaii newsletter in October)
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Masks are required for all public indoor spaces, vaccinated or unvaccinated. Currently, Hawaii has a 73.9% vaccination rate.
What to do
Spend the day at SALT, a shopping center that doesn’t feel like a tourist destination, for hip shops and great food. Drive to Kailua to enjoy the breathtaking beach. Walk around Honolulu to enjoy the mix of metropolitan and traditional aspects of the city. Spend the day at the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Europe
Brighton, England
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
All travelers must show a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 3 calendar days of travel regardless of where you are traveling from. Currently, England has an 82% vaccination rate.
What to do
This waterfront town is charming and full of life. Walk down The Lanes for shopping, stop at the beach for a picnic, or watch a show at the Brighton Dome. In October, the weather can get to a high of 62 degrees F and a low of 55 degrees F.
Cavtat, Croatia
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
All travelers need either an EU Digital Covid Certificate, proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or a negative test within 72 hours of boarding. Currently, Croatia has a 42.4% vaccination rate.
What to do
Cavtat, Croatia is a beautiful seaside town. Walk along the water, head to the pier and boardwalk, shop, and enjoy fantastic architecture. In October, the weather can get to a high of 71 degrees F and a low of 57 degrees F. In November, the temperature drops by about 10 degrees.
Algarve, Portugal
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
All travelers need either an EU Digital Covid Certificate, proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or a negative test within 72 hours of boarding. Currently, Portugal has an 84.1% vaccination rate.
What to do
Algarve, Portugal is the ideal travel destination for travelers who love being seaside, nature, and wine. Algarve’s harvest season is September so you can visit wineries and learn more about how they grow their vines. Other things tourists enjoy doing in Algarve are hiking, surfing, biking, dining out, and shopping. In October, the weather gets to a high of 73 degrees F and a low of 57.2 degrees F.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Travelers with proof that they are fully vaccinated may travel into Denmark and do not have to quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers must provide a “worthy purpose” for traveling to Denmark — having a job in Denmark, being a student or au pair, or documented business meeting. If you are able to provide a worthy reason, you must receive a Covid-19 test at the airport. Currently, Denmark has a 75% vaccination rate.
What to do
Shopping, dining, art, culture, and history are all things that Copenhagen has to offer. Hop on a bike or go by foot to explore the lively streets of Copenhagen. In October, the weather can get to a high of 54 degrees F and a low of 45 degrees F. In November, the temperature drops by about 10 degrees.
Asia
Japan
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Right now, all foreign travelers are barred from visiting Japan for tourism or business. Currently, Japan has a 61.3% vaccination rate.
Thailand
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
All travelers must provide proof of insurance that will cover the costs of Covid-19 treatment and a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departing. Once travelers arrive, they must take another test and test negative. Travelers who are vaccinated must quarantine for 7 days upon arrival. Travelers who are unvaccinated must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Currently, Thailand has a 22.8% vaccination rate.
Phuket, Thailand’s vaccination rate is at 67.2% and the island is open for vaccinated travels.
Hong Kong
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Hong Kong is restricting travel for travelers who have visited any of these places in the last 21 days: Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Malaysia, Nepal, The Netherlands, Pakistan, The Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the US. If you have been in any of these places in the last 21 days but are fully vaccinated, you can enter Hong Kong if you provide a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours before flight to Hong Kong, certificate to show that the lab that did your test is approved, and room reservation confirmation for a 21-day quarantine. Currently, Hong Kong has a 56.4% vaccination rate.
Australasia
Australia
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
Australia’s borders are closed. Travelers who can enter are: Australian citizens, permanent residents, immediate family members, and travelers who have been in New Zealand for at least 14 days prior to their departure to Australia. Currently, Australia has a 45.8% vaccination rate.
New Zealand
Current Covid-19 Travel Guidelines
The New Zealand borders are heavily restricted unless travelers have a critical purpose for travel. Currently, New Zealand has a 39.7% vaccination rate.
Editor’s Note: Because travel guidelines, mandates, and vaccination rates are ever-changing, always check the latest requirements before traveling somewhere.
Who would actually want to travel for ? pleasure with all these restrictions and constant mask wearing in place? Stay at home! Travel is overrated.
Agree, its not easy. But, well worth it for the right adventure! Plus, far fewer tourists, grateful guides and hospitality folks and pristine locations.
Vaccination rate is only part of the picture. Case rates in the locations listed above vary widely.
The figures for Australia are out of date. We’re around 70% now for people over 16.
Just returning from a solo trip where I joined a horseback riding safari across the Masai Mara and then flew to Zanzibar (Tanzania) for some Indian ocean relaxation. Btw, most folks on my ride are your target market and loving life (would love to see a story about this rare East African experience). Both countries have taken robust steps to ensure the management of COVID. We tend to lump much of Africa together and call it “red”, when truly we need two look at countries, cities and counties similar to the USA.