15 Best Destinations To Travel In 2021
Are you looking for a good destination to travel to in 2021? To start the year off right, we believe that there is no better way to start 2021 than by taking a plane and discovering new places. This is how you will charge your batteries to face a year full of optimism. The first months of the year is not the most touristic month of the year, so there are a lot of interesting options. In this post we tell you the 15 best destinations to travel in 2021.
No matter which destination you choose, don’t forget to go with your travel insurance. You will have coverage for accidents that require medical assistance or even return home, as well as unforeseen travel such as theft or cancellations of transportation.
15 best destinations to travel in 2021
1. New Zealand , our favorite destination to travel in 2021
Spending more than a day travelling to get to know New Zealand is always a great idea. It is tiring, but there a lot of surprises that await you. We always say that New Zealand is our favourite country and first months of the year is probably the most pleasant month to get to know this oceanic country.
In New Zealand, the seasons of the year are the other way around than ours. Usually, at the first parts of year, the country is in the height of summer. If you like to walk, swim in the lakes and enjoy nature to the fullest, the early months of the years are the perfect time to discover New Zealand in all its splendour. Interestingly, that is precisely what this country can best offer, its outdoor activities.
However, it also has its drawbacks. Locals enjoy their holidays, there are more people everywhere and accommodation prices are higher.
We recommend visiting New Zealand during the first part of January to March to avoid coinciding with the Chinese New Year. It is a very popular destination for Chinese and it is difficult to find accommodation. Especially on the south island. So if you think New Zealand will be your destination to travel in January, do well to book hotels in advance.
2. Harbin ( China ) and the spectacular Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival
China is a spectacular destination. Your time there will give you experiences of a lot of interesting places. However, make a route through China during the first months of the year is not the best idea. Basically because it is the coldest of the year and all the attractions will be covered with snow and ice. And that is the main reason to visit Harbin! This city located 2 hours by plane from Beijing hosts one of the most impressive festivals in the world.
The Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival is held every year from the end of December to the end of February. Various artists build a lot of sculptures and other constructions made entirely of ice. Quite incredible!
Of course, you must be willing to put up with average temperatures of -20 degree Celsius. Even so, we believe that it is one of the best destinations to travel in 2021. This has to be seen once in a lifetime!
3. Oman, one of the jewels of the Middle East
Oman is a country that is becoming increasingly fashionable. And it has a lot of treasures! Although its climate favours the arrival of tourists throughout the year (except for the sweltering summer months), Oman can be a very interesting destination to travel in 2021. The early months of the year is probably the best time to discover this country.
The temperatures range between 25 and 17 degree Celsius. And despite being the rainiest period of the year, there are only 2 days of rainfall. So the rain is hardly going to ruin your vacation! February is a good month to visit but it is much more popular because some of the most important festivals of the year take place.
4. Budapest (Hungary), one of the best European destinations to travel in 2021
Budapest is one of the most interesting cities in Europe(link), with little expenses to cover for your travelling. Especially because due to its cold temperatures (an average of -2 degree Celsius) it is an unpopular destination at early part of the year.
But if you are cold, in Budapest you have it easy. There is nothing better than warming up in the Schezeny spa, the most famous in the city, eating a good goulash and ending the day with a drink in a shabby bar.
5. Siem Reap (Cambodia) and the wonderful temples of Angkor, one of the best destinations to travel
Siem Reap City is the heart of Cambodia’s historic Angkor region. Around the city, you’ll find hundreds of temples that were an essential part of the great Khmer civilization. The most famous and largest is Angkor Wat, but it is worth spending three or four days exploring the area and discovering other gems such as the Bayon Temple or Pre Rup.
January is a fantastic month to get lost in the temples. You will be in the dry season and temperatures will range between 20 and 30 degree Celsius. So you’ll have a better chance of seeing a splendid sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the must- do things to do in Siem Reap.
And if you have the opportunity, we recommend you visit Phnom Penh. It is not the most interesting city to see in Cambodia but it is the most interesting. Furthermore , January 7 marks the end of the Khmer Rouge genocide and is a very exciting day for the locals.
6. Chamonix ( France ), the paradise for skiers at the foot of Montblanc
Chamonix is one of the most beautiful villages in France. You just have to look at the alpine mountains that surround it. This picturesque town is located right at the foot of Montblanc, the highest mountain in Europe.
From Chamonix, you can visit several lakes, glaciers and viewpoints such as the one at l’Aguille du Midi , at 3777 meters high. But above all we believe that Chamonix is one of the best destinations to travel in January to ski.
7. Atacama Desert (Chile)
January is the best month to visit Atacama, one of the driest places in the world. There are some areas where it hasn’t rained for centuries! Its location between two mountain ranges is responsible for the extreme aridity of the terrain. The landscapes will make you feel on another planet: fascinating rock formations, geysers, salty lagoons with greenish tones …
Without a doubt, Atacama is one of the best destinations in America to travel in 2021.
You can establish your base in San Pedro de Atacama, where most hotels and restaurants are concentrated. During the day there are a lot of possible excursions. Don’t think that magic ends when the sun goes down, it’s on the contrary!
The Atacama Desert is a privileged place to observe the stars. The sky looks like a work of art, especially in early months of the year because it is so clear. Remember to bring warm clothes! There is a great thermal oscillation : during the day it is about 25 degree Celsius, while at night the thermometers drop to 5 degree Celsius.
8. Phuket ( Thailand ), a perfect destination to travel in 2021 in search of sun and party
Thailand is a country that we would visit every month of the year. But if you want to enjoy the beaches in the south of the country to the fullest, the early months of the year is a great time. The climate is dry and the temperatures are very warm, reaching 30ºC. Phuket is the most famous island in Thailand because there is no shortage of things to do. It has a perfect combination of beaches, cultural attractions and party.
You can visit the best beaches in Phuket , but we weren’t really impressed. We find the ones on the Krabi Peninsula and the famous Phi Phi islands much better. It is easy to go from Phuket to Phi Phi, so you have no excuse to take a dip in its turquoise waters.
Phuket is a perfect destination for young people wanting to party. It has a very lively atmosphere, especially at night. If you like to go out at night, you cannot miss the Full Moon Parties or the bars of Patong.
9. Seville ( Spain ), a smart option to visit in winter
Seville has a special colour during all months of the year and is one of the most beautiful cities to see in Spain. But in summer the heat is suffocating! And at more than 40 degree Celsius, its attractions are not so enjoyed. Winters in Seville are very pleasant, which is why many rate it as one of the best destinations to travel in winter.
Temperatures range between 7 degree Celsius and 17 degree Celsius on average, much higher than in the rest of Spain and the continent, and the days are quite sunny. So you will have a magnificent opportunity to enjoy its gastronomy and visit the Real Alcázar of Seville, a treasure that the Arabs left in Spain and which is my favourite place in the city.
10. Tromso (Norway) and the Arctic Light Festival, a very special place to travel in January
If you dare to face the extreme temperatures of the Nordic winter, you will have great rewards. Tromso is the Arctic capital of Norway and offers a lot of unforgettable experiences. The city is surrounded by natural movie scenes. You can discover unique fauna, such as Arctic wolves, take a cruise through the fjords or walk on the snow. As there are many hours of darkness in January, it is easy to see the wonderful Northern Lights.
As if all this natural beauty were not enough, the last week of January is very special in Tromso. The Arctic Light Festival is held, a musical event with performances by artists of various styles. Another great way to get closer to the local culture is by visiting the fishing villages. Of course, get ready to experience sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfalls , a great winter adventure!
11. Dubai (United Arab Emirates), a superlative city
If you only like to see snow in photographs, surely Dubai seems like an excellent destination to travel to in 2021. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has an enviable climate. There is practically little or no rain and temperatures are warm all year round. In January the thermometer is around 20 degrees, so you will not suffer as much heat as the rest of the year.
The urban atmosphere is amazing, its skyscrapers will leave you with your mouth open.
You can go up to the viewpoint of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Besides, in Dubai there are many luxury hotels for a relaxing trip like a king. Although it is not so impressive, you cannot miss the traditional area of the city with its souks.
You can also enjoy the sun tanning on its beaches or walking barefoot on the desert dunes, a few kilometers from the city. Make a desert safari is a great experience. We also recommend taking an excursion to Abu Dhabi to see the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, it is probably the most beautiful building we have ever seen.
12. Bagan (Myanmar), a perfect destination to travel in winter in search of magical sunrises
Bagan is a magical destination to travel during winter. It was the ancient capital of the Pagan empire in the 9th century and then it had 10,000 temples. After several earthquakes, there are only about 2,000 left, enough to leave you speechless.
Riding a hot air balloon at sunrise is the most famous way to see this sea of stupas and temples. Due to weather conditions, balloons only fly from October to March. It is a special activity but quite expensive. The low cost version is to rent an electric scooter to travel the plains of Bagan in search of temples. If you want more comfort you can book a car tour in English.
January/February are great months to visit Bagan because most days are sunny. During the day it is quite hot, but when the sun is not hot, it’s advisable to wear a jacket. We recommend you get up early to watch the sunrise, rest at the hotel at noon (when it’s hotter) and go back out to enjoy the sunset.
13. Athens (Greece) and its archaeological treasures
It is always a good time to visit the capital of Greece. But if you want to avoid crowds, meeting her in the early months of the year can be a great option. Winters are mild with temperatures between 7 and 13 degree Celsius. So, you can visit the Acropolis and its main monuments without the sweltering summer heat or the crowds of the big cruise ships.
Bear in mind that many tourists visit Greece alongside the Greek islands. And precisely the early months is not a good month to visit Mykonos or Santorini since many hotels and restaurants are closed because during the winter there is a lot of rain and wind.
If you have several days in Athens, you can always take an excursion to Meteora or visit other places in mainland Greece such as Delphi or Corinth.
14. Panama, a great little country to travel to in 2021
The virgin beaches with crystal clear waters are the most striking face of Panama. With lots of miles of coastline, both in the Caribbean and in the Pacific, it is a great country for diving enthusiasts. Bocas del Toro is one of the most popular destinations to see coral reefs, but there are many other spots to swim with marine creatures. Do not miss the beaches of the Caribbean to experience a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere. There is also no shortage of first-rate natural settings, such as the cloud forests full of fauna that you can fly over with a canopy tour.
The capital of the country also has no waste. Many compare Panama City with Miami for its skyscrapers, but it also has a historic centre with colonial buildings. Of course, you cannot miss the Panama Canal, a great engineering feat.
It is also an excellent destination on a cultural level. In Panama there are various indigenous communities that you can visit to learn about their way of life. In short, Panama is a small country where great adventures await you.
15. Hallstatt (Austria), a charming town very attractive for winter sports lovers
Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful towns to see in Austria and Europe. It looks like something out of a fairy tale! And under the snow it has an even more magical air. It is very photogenic! Temperatures range between 2 degree and -4 degree Celsius. It is not the most pleasant climate, but when your eyes see those snowy landscapes, the cold will go away. Especially from Skywalk, its viewpoint par excellence.
Also, if you like skiing or snowboarding, you can enjoy good slopes at Hallstatt. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best places to travel in 2021.
