Things may be looking up for the world but it’s safe to assume that most travel in 2021 will still be a domestic and socially distanced affair. However, that’s not to say that you can’t or shouldn’t travel this year, but your 2021 travel bucket list may just require a little fine-tuning. 

I should mention that there are some overseas destinations still welcoming tourists during the pandemic. Obviously, check government advice before you go but if you’re in a position to safely travel, I’ve added a few of my favorite destinations to this list. 

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Take a Weekend City Break 

International travel restrictions don’t mean that you can’t take an awesome city break in your own backyard. It’s always good to enjoy a change of scenery and have fun exploring a new city.

If you’re based in the USA like me, take a look at the best US cities for a luxury staycation. There are some incredible cities to explore, from friendly Chicago to vibrant New Orleans. 

Enjoy a Girls’ Trip

It’s always a good time for a girls’ trip, so why not get away for a week or two with your best friends? Whatever your girl gang enjoys, it’s great to hang out, relax and spend some quality time together. The past year or so has been rough for us all, so a bonding session may be long overdue!

Go on a Wellness Retreat

Everyone’s health and wellbeing has suffered in one way or another during 2020 and 2021, so a wellness retreat is the perfect antidote. I love nothing more than dedicating a week to my physical and mental health in a beautiful, luxurious setting. For more reasons to go on a wellness retreat, take a look at this article.

Best of all, there are some of the world’s very best wellness retreats right here in the USA, so be sure to take a look at this article for inspiration. I’m especially partial to Amangiri in Utah – I mean, just look at those dramatic desert landscapes.

Party in Las Vegas

If wellness isn’t your thing – or perhaps you just like a healthy balance! – then why not party it up in Las Vegas? The city’s clubs and casinos are open, albeit at reduced capacity with social distancing measures in place. Plus, you’ll still be able to enjoy the city’s first-class shopping, kooky hotels and huge selection of shows. 

Visit New York 

I’m not sure I’d want to live in New York permanently, but it’s always so much fun to visit the Big Apple. There’s so much life, culture and vibrancy in New York, not to mention fantastic dining and shopping. 

Relax at a Spa Resort 

There are plenty of amazing spa resorts open in the USA right now, so why not pack a bag and go relax at one of them? 

Travel to The Maldives

The Maldives is one of the few international destinations that I will put on this 2021 luxury travel bucket list. Why? Because I travelled there myself back in November. 

The geographical layout of The Maldives, as well as the fact that the resorts have plenty of resources, mean that they’ve handled covid-19 exceptionally well; in fact, tourists have been visiting since June 2020 and the total number of cases in the country has never exceeded 200 per day, with fewer than 100 deaths. 

The resorts tested us upon arrival and did everything they could to make us feel as safe as possible. Social distancing measures were in place, but other than that it was so nice to kick back and feel normal for a while.

Visit Dubai 

Whilst Dubai’s covid numbers aren’t quite as low as The Maldives, the UAE has again kept remarkable control during the pandemic. You’ll have to take a PCR test within 72 hours of departure and you may be required to take a second test upon arrival at the airport. If so, you’ll be required to self-isolate in your hotel until you have your results back (this usually takes less than 24 hours, so it’s a good opportunity to sleep off the jet lag.) For more advice, read this article.

Dubai is a wonderful city with so many luxurious experiences to be had. It’s a place of dizzying wealth, state-of-the-art technology, amazing hotels and faultless service. Nothing about Dubai is mediocre and a visit is very much a bucket list worthy experience. 

Take a Trip to Mexico 

Mexico is open! In fact, you don’t even need to take a PCR test to enter – although if you’re returning to the US you’ll need one for the way back. Of course, getting tested before you go is a responsible move so I would recommend it, but it’s nice not to have to stress about your trip getting cancelled if there’s a delay with your results.

If you’re ready to relax on a pristine white sand beach in Tulum or experience all sorts of adventurous activities in the country’s many spectacular national parks, stick Mexico on your 2021 travel bucket list. 

Now that you’ve got your 2021 travel bucket list sorted, check out my packing list for your carry on bag. If you don’t want to travel in 2021, why not host a wellness weekend at home instead?