There is no denying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel over the past year and a half. 

Even though people are not working from home or avoiding trips in the same way that they did in early to mid-2020, life is not entirely normal.

Traveling is still a significant issue, which is why learning about travel safety tips during the time of COVID is so helpful.

Aside from understanding how to protect yourself on vacation, you may want to know about the safest countries to visit in the winter of 2021.

Below are the best countries to visit this winter, when taking the pandemic into consideration:

Singapore

A bustling part of South East Asia, Singapore has done an outstanding job at avoiding much of the disaster related to the pandemic. A mixture of lockdowns and contact tracing quickly ensured the small nation was not about to become inundated with new cases or deaths.

One of the reasons why Singapore is a must-visit this winter is because everything will likely be open. The nation has little to no restrictions at present, so long as travelers are willing to abide by their rules relating to testing and quarantining on arrival.

When you step out on the streets of Singapore, you will be relieved to know that your chances of catching the virus are next to none. When there have been spiking case numbers in the country, they are usually related to migrant workers who live in close quarters and work in similar areas.

Australia

Despite making the news for the occasional lockdown, Australia has done a very good job of making it through the pandemic. Anyone who wants a taste of summer during their winter vacation may want to head Down Under, rather than going to Europe or any other part of the world, and check out wineries in Mclaren Vale.

Australia does have strict policies where travelers are concerned. Ensure you have your visas and tickets squared away, while you should also read up on the nation’s quarantine requirements. 

If you are concerned about Australia going into lockdown while you are visiting, you should note that most of those measures happen in and around Melbourne. Other parts of the country, especially Western Australia, have been doing very well with the pandemic.

There are so many fun places to visit in the West of Australia, with Perth one of the major cities that you can experience. Those who enjoy the outdoors will always have a lot to do in Australia, as there are ample hiking and biking trails, beaches, and other outdoor activities.

Madeira Islands

If you are hoping for a more traditional winter vacation, you may want to consider the Madeira Islands in Portugal. They have roughly 12 times fewer cases of COVID-19 per million people, compared to other European nations.

Those who want to head to Europe this winter can do a lot worse than Madeira Islands, as it is one of the most beautiful and appealing tourist destinations in the world. Madeira takes safety very seriously, which is why travelers must go through testing on arrival to ensure they are not bringing the virus to the islands.

One of the best times of the year to visit this area is Christmas, because the Madeira Christmas market is famous in Europe. The market often wins the award for the “Best Sunny Christmas Market in Europe,” thanks to its charming illuminations, flowers, crafts, wines, and wonderful weather.

Austria

Another great place to visit in Europe is Austria, especially Vienna. The city is doing a lot better than some other European cities, in terms of its COVID-19 case numbers and deaths. Their hospitals still have a lot of capacity, while all travelers are appropriately screened to ensure no one is roaming around on vacation while sick.

There are so many exciting adventures that you can undertake in and around Vienna. The Christmas markets are a sight to behold, while you can spend an entire day admiring the architecture of the buildings in the downtown area.

If you have a few days to spend in Vienna, you must visit Schonbrunn Palace, which is one of the grandest buildings in all of Europe. A trip to the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is also a great way to spend half the day, while you can experience the Zoo Vienna to round off your excursions.

Dubai

Most people would not assume that a city such as Dubai would be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, given the large population and busy shopping centers. The United Arab Emirates, however, has a very high vaccination rate, which has ensured case numbers are very low.

If you want to enjoy a vacation of luxury and class, there are few better cities to visit than Dubai. The Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab are two landmarks that you have to see to believe, while the Dubai Mall is a place where you could get lost for countless hours.

Dubai also has a great Aquarium and Underwater Zoo for people who have an interest in marine life, while the Aquaventure Waterpark is a must-visit for families.

Plan Ahead To Experience A Great Vacation

People who plan out their vacation in detail end up having a much more enjoyable experience, as they can fit in a lot of activities into their itinerary. Careful planning also ensures you are safe during your travels, while you end up spending time and money at the places you have the greatest interest in seeing.