What does travel look like after COVID-19? 

Perhaps, the world feels less open than before, with more rules to abide by, and a widening chasm between those who hold different health concerns. In the current pandemic landscape, we must travel responsibly by respecting the health guidelines of our host country. And since there is nothing like falling ill to put a damper on any trip, staying healthy should be everyone’s top priority!

The first factor that you should consider is the COVID-19 risk level of your bucket-list travel destination. For an overview of risk levels worldwide, you can use the Global Epidemics dashboard by the Brown School of Public Health, which ranks countries by the number of daily cases per 100,000 people.

Another statistic to look at is the vaccination rate by country. Ideally, you would want to choose a travel destination with a lower daily case rate, and a higher vaccination rate.

Once you have decided which countries are ‘safe’ to visit, you should proceed to research their COVID-19 entry requirements. International airlines will usually list such information on their websites. For instance, Emirates has a Travel Requirements by Destination page that is regularly updated. On the page, you will also find links to authorised laboratories for COVID-19 testing.  

If you are unvaccinated, or intend to travel with unvaccinated family members, you may want to consider safer travel options, such as sticking to outdoor activities, and choosing an accommodation with excellent health practices. Guests with the Pan Pacific Hotels Group can be reassured that we have implemented Pan Pacific Cares—a set of safety and cleaning protocols in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines—across all our hotels worldwide.

In addition, do remember to purchase travel insurance, which is a must in this new era of unpredictability. Some countries have even made it mandatory for visitors to have adequate health insurance coverage for COVID-19 medical treatment and hospitalisation costs. 

When choosing a COVID-19 travel insurance policy, do ask about:

• Coverage for trip cancellations based on border closures and government travel advisories

• Overseas quarantine coverage (if you should test positive for COVID-19 during your travels)

• Overseas medical consultation and treatment coverage

• Overseas hospitalisation coverage

• Repatriation coverage

• Trip curtailment coverage

Need inspiration for your travel bucket list?

You could begin by perusing ‘around the world’ travel compendiums such as these:

• Lonely Planet’s Best Places to Eat in Every Country (2021)

• Your Travel Bucket List: The Ultimate Guide to Enrich Your Life (2020)

• The New York Times: 36 Hours World, 150 Cities from Abu Dhabi to Zurich (2019)

• Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips (2018, 2nd ed.)

• Lonely Planet’s Atlas of Adventure (2017)

Or, you could take your pick from the ‘new’ Seven Wonders of the World. The backstory behind this: in 2001, an organisation called New7Wonders Foundation invited millions of people to vote for their favourite world attractions, and the winners were:

1. The Great Wall, China (an ancient wall to protect against invasions by neighbouring kingdoms)
2. The Taj Mahal, India (a mausoleum, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz)
3. Petra, Jordan (a historic city showcasing the tombs, temples, and living spaces of the Nabatean civilisation)
4. The Colosseum, Italy (the largest amphitheatre of the Roman empire)
5. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil (an imposing art deco statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro)
6. Chichén Itzá, Mexico (an ancient Mayan city)
7. Machu Picchu, Peru (an Incan citadel set in the Andes Mountains)

Read more about these enthralling sites that continue to fascinate the world today, and experience them in 360° video here.

Not content with the 7 Wonders? The Pan Pacific Hotels Group has some bucket list ideas for our favourite cities:

1. Whistler, Canada: Encounter amazing wildlife during summer or take a three-day skiing holiday in winter
2. London, UK: Celebrate romance at iconic attractions like St Paul’s Cathedral, or have a memorable solo getaway
3. Tokyo, Japan: Experience luxury travel or hunt down the city’s most unusual museums
4. Melbourne, Australia: Take the family on a road trip, starting with a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: See the ingenious Cu Chi tunnels and marvel at architectural icons built during French colonial rule
6. Hanoi, Vietnam: Stroll through the walking streets in the Old Quarter and soak in the local vibes, or go off the beaten path
7. Yangon, Myanmar: Be captivated by ancient glimmering pagodas and tranquil lakes
8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Visit the Batu Caves, the most famous Hindu sanctuary outside of India. It is also a popular rock-climbing site!
9. Penang, Malaysia: Enjoy top-rated local food at Chulia Street, and discover the vibrant nightlife 
10. Singapore: Get to know Singapore’s rich culture and best scenic spots, including the sci-fi Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

You could also shortlist options based on what other travellers are searching for—use this guide to view popular travel experiences by continent, and see what excites you the most!

Need help to plan your trip, or accommodation advice? Get in touch with us at the Pan Pacific Hotels Group today!