Lockdown doesn’t have to mean shutdown.
The world is still out there ready to be explored and enjoyed. However, the global Lockdown does mean that there are some restrictions and formalities to be respected when traveling. These protocols should not be interpreted as stop signs. Rather, “proceed with caution”.
If you don’t want to put your adventure plans on hold until we get a hold on the pandemic, you’ll need to check the travel restrictions as they pertain to your destination. But also equally important is where you are traveling from. Before setting out, verify with the relevant government agencies, both yours and those of your destination, for specifics. Or you can plan your trip with Kandoo Adventures.
With that in mind, here is a short list of destinations with minimal to no travel restrictions that you should consider visiting during lockdown.
Costa Rica
There are currently no testing or quarantine mandates for travelers entering this Central American country famous, among other things, for its natural parks and wildlife reserves. However, travelers are required to purchase health insurance. A guide to the entry requirements can be found here.
Though a relatively small country, Costa Rica offers an impressive diversity of topography: rainforests, beaches, volcanoes. With over 30% of its surface area dedicated to national parks, Costa Rica boasts dynamic biodiversity, over 500,000 species, including macaws, sloths, and iguanas.
One day you could be relaxing on the beach, and the next you’re trekking Tenorio Volcano National Park with its famous Celeste Waterfall and natural hot springs. Its diversity of activities as well as its reputation for welcoming and accommodating visitors are what make Costa Rica a popular destination for both the adventurous and the less adventurous traveler.
Dominica
Formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, this oft-overlooked hidden gem of the Caribbean boasts lush vegetation and mountainous terrain appealing to hikers. For marine enthusiasts, it offers gorgeous beaches and reefs, while its natural hot springs and hot sulfur spas have garnered the island the moniker “Caribbean’s Wellness Capital”.
Travelers entering Dominica must provide a PCR test with a negative result taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival. More information about protocols and requirements can be found here.
The Wapta Icefields, Canada
A series of glaciers that runs along the Continental Divide of the Americas in the Canadian Rockies offers a unique experience to more experienced hikers and mountaineers. Enjoy breath-taking panoramic views, replenish with fresh glacier water and maybe spot a grizzly or two (though with proper social distancing).
Normally, travelers entering Canada must quarantine for 14 days. However, exceptions can be made for travelers entering Alberta via Calgary International Airport, which is conveniently close to the Wapta Icefields.
Botswana
When visiting an Africa country during Covid, you will most likely have to undergo a 14-day quarantine period. However, that is not the case with Botswana. To enter Botswana you simply need to provide a negative PCR test from up to 72 hours prior to arrival.
You can explore the African bush on foot or take a river safari. Whether it’s zebras or elephants you want to see or perhaps your taste run more exotic, Botswana is open for adventure.
Kenya
Known for its wildlife parks and safaris, Kenya also boasts a rich coastline with white sand beaches and vast coral formations. Swim with manta-rays and white-tip reef sharks one day, then the next day you can ride on camelback through Maasai Mara Game Reserve alongside a tower of giraffes.
Kenya is open to visitors provided they can show a negative PCR test and a medical certificate claiming they are Corona-virus free.
Maldives
Dubbed the couples’ paradise the Maldives offer privacy and seclusion, sandbank dining while surrounded by crystalline waters.
If exploring amazing marine life or luxuriating in picturesque locations is your cup of tea, the archipelagic state in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean should rank high on your list of destinations.
Fortunately, entry to the Maldives during Covid is relatively easy. The protocol for entry consists of filling out a health declaration and submitting a negative PCR test of up to 96 hours prior to departure.
Conclusion
Many countries have either closed their borders to visitors or require a 14-day quarantine upon entry. However, there are still many worthwhile destinations that have relatively few to no entry restrictions.
Provided you act responsibly, check the protocols and requirements for entry of your destination, you can still satisfy your need to explore even during lockdown.
If in the past you have chosen to travel without going through a group or an agency, now might be a good time to rethink that approach. With so much uncertainty regarding travel during Covid, it might be a good idea to solicit some help from the travel professionals.
