Dust off your passport because travel is well and truly back! With the new two-tier system, the government has scrapped the Amber List and there is now a single Red List which has shrunk this week from 54 down to just seven countries. Every other country in the Rest of the World category is effectively green, including some of our top winter sun destinations such as South Africa, Mexico and Indonesia, as well as old favourites like Brazil and Namibia. We’re taking this as irrefutable proof that travel is back, and we couldn’t be happier. Read on for a roundup of our favourite Rest of the World countries to visit in 2021 and beyond...
1
Africa
Some of our favourite safari destinations are back in action including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. This is great news for any wildlife lovers who have spent lockdown daydreaming about Big Five safaris and luxurious lodges in the bush. Some seriously dreamy destinations like the Seychelles and Mozambique, known for their unspoilt coastlines and idyllic islands, have also made it onto the Rest of the World countries list.
2
Asia
If you’ve spent the past year dreaming about turquoise waters and fragrant food markets, you’ll find all that and more in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Fiji which have been added to the Rest of the World countries list. Enjoy the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation as you spend your days exploring bustling towns and cruising around faraway islands. Thailand and French Polynesia are both back in play too (with some restrictions and testing in certain parts).
3
Americas
Ready for your next adventure? Lose yourself in Canada's wide-open spaces and spend your time tracking wildlife with a knowledgeable local guide or delve into the wildlife-filled jungles of Costa Rica, Guyana and Brazil. Or, if it’s culture you’re craving, explore ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala and wander beautiful belle epoque streets in Argentina.
4
Europe
Sweden has opened its doors to UK travellers and just in time for Christmas in Swedish Lapland. Enjoy dog sledding adventures and snowmobile tours by day and Northern Light spotting come nightfall. Or, if you’re in the mood for warmer weather, Greece and Turkey fit the bill for a winter sun escape, with glorious sunny days and balmy evenings. And of course, you can never go wrong with Spain, Portugal and Italy.
