The UK loosened their restrictions on international travel from July 6th. There are a number of countries that the UK now deem COVID-safe enough to allow nationals to travel to, previously dubbed them “travel corridors” or “air bridges”. These countries are only in Europe and include France, Italy, Spain, Germany among many European nations. Most importantly it also means that UK nationals don’t need to self quarantine for 14 days once they arrive back in the UK.
As you can imagine like most travellers I’ve been itching to be able to go travelling whilst in lockdown. When this news broke a few weeks ago it was hard not to feel excited and upbeat. There’s many countries I felt I would miss out on visiting and in particular, many countries in Europe I want to visit. But now there’s hope for us here in the UK with restrictions being relaxed.
Here’s the top 5 countries I’ve got my eyes set on in the near future:
1. Budapest, Hungary
My heart has been set on Budapest as far back as late last year. It was featured on my post about my travel plans for this year, specially for this summer. But with the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic I didn’t think it was going to be possible.
Fortunately with the restrictions loosening all hope is not lost. I’m still hopeful of visiting the place as part of a 7 day interrail trip: spending 2/3 days then travelling to other neighbouring countries. One which is on this top 5 list also.
I’m most excited about going to the ruin bars and experiencing the nightlife and taking a dip in the thermal baths with the warm sun beaming on me! I’ve heard just as positive things about the street food at the markets and vendors. It’s going to be awesome when I do go.
Image Credit: Unsplash
2. Cyprus
Cyprus has been one of the islands that I’ve kept on my radar for a few year now. With murmurings of cheap holidays being offered and with it being mid summer I can’t help but feel tempted. Plus it’s been a while since I last went on holiday to an island.
Imagine feeling the mediterranean sun beaming on you with some Cypriot food to keep you well fed. To top it off some stunning aesthetics to marvel at whilst on a beach or paradise-looking resort. Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol – you’re spoiled for choice!
3. Switzerland
A trip to Switzerland would suit me to a tee. Indulging on fine sweets and chocolates, classy watches and around organised people if the stereotype about a lot of the Swiss is true. Not to say the rest of Europe are behind on time though 😜
Summer in Switzerland is considered the best time of the year for some quality sightseeing and hiking. While in the cooler seasons a ski trip is the must do activity!
Notice how I didn’t include a city also. That’s because I’m still debating where exactly in Switzerland I’d like to go. This country has quite a few places that usually appeal to me. You’ve got Zurich, Geneva (cant not do Geneva without a jog or walk along the Lake Geneva itself), Basel, which is closely situated to France too.
Also Montreux, which I don’t think doesnt get as much attention from as it’s such a scenic place to visit. I had it down as one of my preferred romantic places in Europe to visit.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
A second visit to Dam has well been overdue for me. I went three years ago with my sports team and ever since I boarded the plane to return to London I knew I had unfinished business in the city.
Boat trips along the canals, indulge on some authentic Dutch waffles and crepes and cycle on the cycle-friendly streets and ramming people over like they did to me 3 years ago. The nightlife is supposed to be immense over there so that’s a big bonus.
As you can see theres a lot of activities well associated with the city that I’ve yet to tick off. I’m more than ready to have the ultimate Amsterdam experience.
5. Monte Carlo, Monaco
To cap off my top 5 is one of the few principalities left in the world and that’s Monaco – home to a small 38000 residents approximately.
Being a Formula 1 fan and watching cars race in the streets of Monte carlo was enough for me to want to go to the principality. The glitz and glamorous lifestyle, the casinos, the yachts and scenic landscape are all just bonuses to be honest.
However Monaco is the least likely in terms. As a budget traveller could I afford it? But this list is one of places I really want not necessarily a list of countries that I will end up visiting. Plus one can hope and dream of course.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Summary
Those are the 5 countries in Europe I want to visit after quarantine. Portugal was another country I so dearly want to visit. Unfortunately the UK government didn’t include Portugal as part of their travel corridor plans due to the risk of COVID-19 infection still being high. Over the coming months I can only imagine they’ll be more of these “travel corridors” as more countries start to open up their borders again. The travel and tourism industry has been hit tremendously by the pandemic. They need more money coming as well as governments because a lot of countries’ economies thrive on their tourism value.
What are yout thoughts on my top 5 list? Do you like it? Which countries would you most like to visit. I’ve left a picture with a list of countries that UK tourists can travel to quarantine free. Make sure you follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest otherwise what the hell are you doing with yourselves!
Safe travels guys!
Johnny is a 23-year old solo traveller and travel blogger with a craving to know the world better and make the small world bigger!
This post makes me want to pack my bags and travel the world! All these countries are so beautiful. Amsterdam is also high on my wish list 🙂
My list is almost the same! I’ve been to Switzerland and it’s absolutely incredible. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Some of my favourites are also Oslo and Salou 😍
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
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Wow that’s awesome that you had an amazing time over there. Whereabouts in Switzerland did you go?
Oh this whole list makes me want to move to Europe!
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You’re welcome anytime!
Johnny! I love your passion for travel. I am right there with you. I started traveling at 16 and still have not had enough (I am considerably older now). 🙂 I have traveled all over Europe and lived there for 8 years. After these 5 destinations you mention, you should try lesser known destination like Poland (I especially like Toruń), Romania (the Transylvanian mountains are gorgeous), and Sofia, Bulgaria. The lesser touristed destinations are equally beautiful but more satisfying as you will not be surrounded by crowds. Happy traveling adventurer!
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Thank you so much Krysia. I’m grateful that you’re sharing a bit of your experiences here. I don’t think you can ever get bored of travelling. Every adventure is a new adventure that you’ve never had! A new story to tell. I went to Warsaw last year and enjoyed it for what it is but was a bit underwhelming for me. If I was to go back I’d definitely go Krakow, Wroclaw or Toruń like you suggested. You’re right, rural destinations are just as important and beautiful as most popular places and deserve their recognition. Thank you for coming on here and I hope I’ll see you on this blog more often 🙂 Happy travels!
I can’t wait to travel again! Also, can endorse budapest, it was hands down my favorite place I’ve ever been! Anyone reading this comment, go caving if you’re there!
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😂😂😂 I’m liking this I’m liking this! Inject it all, where you planning ing to go next?
Such beautiful pictures *-*
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Thank you!
All beautiful places! Switzerland and Amsterdam are high on our list too.
Hopefully you’ll get to see them soon.
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I’m having my fingers crossed tight for us! Whereabouts in Switzerland you wanna go?
Amsterdam and Monte Carlo are both pretty high on my travel list as well. I just can’t wait to get back to traveling after all this is over!
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Me too! I’m so so excited!
Such blue, blue water! I have never heard of a ruin bar before, but I looked it up and it sounds like a wonderful way to soak in the stories people have left behind in the crumbles of old buildings. 🙂
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100%, there’s definitely a lot of history at those bars. Some crazier than others obviously with alcohol involved 😂 Yeah I can’t wait to swing by Hungary
Cyprus has also been on my radar for quite a while. I wanted to hop over there the last time I was in Greece but the plans didn’t work out. It just seems so intriguing especially with the separation that exists within the country.
Amsterdam is one place I cannot wait to go back to. My friend and I were only there for a day and definitely did not have enough time to see everything. I’d like to go further north next time and explore some of the less touristy cities and go see the windmills and Rotterdam.
Good luck in your travels wherever you decide to go!
Wow. This quarantine and lockdown, and then this post. smh
Cyprus is gorgeous, there is so much to do there!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thanks for sharing, I would like to go back to Switzerland, its a lovely place to visit, plus I can go and visit one of the Girl Guiding world centres to 🙂
I think these are some great choices. Let us know how the situation is for COVID in those countries and how you research how to travel there. I’m curious to know how you prepare for those places. Keep safe!
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Thanks! Yeah I think it’ll be a blog post whenever I do travel next. For sure it will, gotta keep everyone informed!
Since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. Do you speak the languages of some of the countries you visit? They all sound like great places to see the sights and learn about the culture. Great post!
Great post! I love travelling Europe as it’s so accessible and usually fairly inexpensive. I was hoping to do a lot of travelling this summer – and I was especially looking forward to going back to Amsterdam but now I’ll probably have to wait until next summer 🙁
Roni | myelevatedexistence.com
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Yeah it’s very affordable if you have enough money to play around with. It’s a shame you couldn’t make your adventures happen cos of the pandemic but hook or crook I’m sure you’ll make it happen last summer! Fingers crossed for you 🤞🏾
Beautiful pictures, I would totally love to visit Switzerland
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Thanks! Ohh cool cool, whereabouts in Switzerland would you go?
I don’t know yet… I would have to do my research
Johnny, I love your list! I’ve never been to Europe, so I definitely have a looooong list of countries I want to visit. But, Netherlands and Switzerland are in my radar, too. I’m especially intrigued to visit Amsterdam 🙂
I can’t wait for it to be safe to travel again!
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com
I love to know where people are really interested to travel to, great post! Currently living in France, and I can’t wait for it to be safe enough to travel! Hungary is on my bucket list! It would be so cool!
Wish we were in Europe and could take advantage of these!!! Cyprus is on my list as well!
We are in Budapest right now and we love it here! Traveling during Covid within Europe is not a problem at all. We’ve been here before and just had to come back. So glad it made it on the list 🙂
This is a great list. I think I’d have all of these pretty high up on my list. Although Monaco for the Grand Prix would be the ultimate trip. Rob and I have toyed with Amsterdam for a while now, he loves it and been several times but I have not yet.
We have a few small UK things booked this year but maybe next year for us. I look forward to hearing all about your travels x
Wow lovely pictures and content
Awesome for including Cyprus on your list! Don’t forget to drop by on any Cyprus village or go up to Troodos Mountains. Nevertheless enjoy the sea! 😉
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I’ll look into that! Appreciate the suggestions 🙂
Amsterdam and Budapest are at the top of my list too!
Katy | http://www.katystephenson.com
They are all nice places and look so beautiful. I’d definitely like to travel to Monaco and Amsterdam.
I loved all of these and they are ALL on my bucket list! I was even able to add a few (Cypru) I never new I needed too! Thanks for the inspo!!