9 Dazzling Destinations You Must Visit Post-Lockdown

Well... it's been an interesting start to the year to say the least, but the silver lining is that you have SO much time to plan your next adventure. It's inevitable that the travel bans will be lifted and we'll be more hungry than ever to explore the world post-lockdown. Corona may have stopped our travel plans temporarily, but it hasn't killed that inner travel bug!

Here is our top 10 travel hit list so you can spend #iso planning the trip of a decade!

Sure the Olympics have been postponed to 2021, but Japan should still be on your list! With so many cities to explore, this country is consistently a favourite amongst Aussie travellers because of its unique culture, landscapes and incredible food. 

Anywhere you go, you will be overwhelmed with mouth watering restaurants such as the famous noodle bar, Fumotoya in Shinjuku and the many, many Sake Bars. Whether you’re an adventure junkie looking to get your fill or you’re needing some space to relax and rejuvenate, Japan is full of unique and memorable experiences.

To make the most of Japan in all its glory, we recommend getting yourself a JR Pass which enables you the flexibility to explore a variety of cities on Japan's seriously impressive transport system.

If you’re looking for a party post-lockdown, out in the big, wide world, after being tucked up at home for too long - then head on over to Singapore! With its year-round summer, buzzing nightlife, diverse neighbourhoods and unique experiences, Singapore is a must-visit this year.

Singapore is a melting pot of culture, which makes it truly a special place to visit. Two of the biggest ethnic groups in Singapore are the Indian and Chinese culture, so head on a walking tour of Little India or Chinatown; both buzzing precincts that are vibrant in culture, food and experiences. 

Other highlight experiences to check out include the Singapore Zoo which provides a unique multi-sensory wildlife night Safari adventure, as well as Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios and the Singapore Mega Zipline.

We get it, you’re probably thinking, “I’ve been to Bali a million times before. Why on earth would this be on a travel hit list?” Hear us out. We’re not talking Seminyak and Denpasar, Bali is so much more than these cities and beyond them are some of the most stunning hidden gems that should be on your list to visit this year.

From the relatively untouched island of Nusa Penida which is brimming with the best beaches with incredible diving spots such as Crystal Bay, to the small coastal villages like Amed which is home to some of the best snorkeling; make 2020 the year you step beyond the tourist hot spots and into some of the most stunning adventures you’ve probably ever had. 

This is the perfect destination for the traveller looking for the ultimate foodie adventure. One of the biggest trends this year is the experience of “street food”, and what better place to taste some of the most incredible street food on offer than Vietnam.

Vietnam is famous around the world for its incredible cuisine. Places such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have some of the best street food tours where you'll have the opportunity to taste the best, most authentic flavours of Vietnam.

An added bonus to this destination is that it is also rich in history and culture. It is full of ancient buildings that speak to the thousands of years of various civilisation and governance. You’ll also discover some of the best natural beauty the world has to offer. 

The south of Italy was a hidden gem that slowly became discovered throughout 2019 and it only seems to be getting even more popular as we speak. We suggest hitting this incredible destination after the travel bans are lifted, before word gets out and it still has a wonderful local culture.

Some key spots to hit include Puglia, which is famous for its hill towns and their whitewashed architecture. Food in Italy is always enjoyed, never rushed or endured, and Puglia is no exception. This region is home to some of the most mouth watering dishes you’ll ever taste.

Sicily is another part of Southern Italy that you need to check out. It is rich in history and has a hybrid of culture that comprises of Norman-Catholic, Byzantine-Orthodox and Arab-Islamic. It’s also affectionately given the name, “God’s Kitchen” because of its endless amounts of wine, pasta dishes, ice creams, and pastries.

Getting to and from Southern Italy is also so easy with the Eurail pass, which means adding it to your next European adventure is a no-brainer. 

Food and fun! Seoul perfectly balances both of these. This buzzing metropolis combines pop-culture, history and hipster cafes and is the place to be for anyone wanting a big city escape!

Enjoy a feast at the Gwangjang Market, experience the very best of K-Pop and indulge in Korean snacks such as the mung-bean pancake. For the thrill seekers, head to the Lotte World Theme Park and brave the staggering heights of the Gyro Swing!

One other thing you can’t miss when you visit South Korea is a shopping spree to invest in their brilliant skin care. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, book yourself in to one of their brilliant spas and take that holistic wellness journey your body is craving. 

We’ve had Southern Italy and South Korea, and in keeping with the “southern” trend, we’re putting South Africa on the list of places to travel to this year.

Cape Town in particular is a must visit in this stunning nation. Surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Cape Town boasts spectacular mountains and landscapes. This city is full of history and a visit to Robben Island will provide a glimpse into this, having been the location of maximum security prisons for political prisoners for several centuries, including Nelson Mandela.

Move from the history to explore breathtaking natural scenery and experience as you tour Table Mountain or experience the stunning Cape Peninsula. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, fantastic wineries or incredible hikes, Cape Town is perfect for you.

If you have never been to Switzerland, then you better pencil it in. From the stunning snow capped mountains to cute medieval-esque towns, this country has so much to explore.

A highlight town to visit is the well-preserved city of Luzern. Don’t miss out on a visit to this town’s main landmark, the flower-bedecked Kapellbrücke also known as Chapel Bridge. Built in 1333 (yes, you read that right), this is the world’s oldest covered wooden bridge, and crosses the Reuss River in the heart of the city. While you’re visiting, you must also head up to Mount Pilatus, a 2,128-metre mountain with spectacular views overlooking Luzern.

Another stunning town in Switzerland is Zermatt. This town is home to the magnificent, Matterhorn. There is no escaping this stunning view of the famous jagged peak, with vantage points found throughout the town. Zermatt is perfect for any adventure traveller; with amazing ski runs and incredible outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking paragliding. It's also just great for the gram, or an epic TikTok.

Getting to Switzerland is simple and cost effective with the Eurail pass.

Last, but most definitely not least on our list is Ireland. With stunning landscapes, history and bucketloads of Guinness, this destination is full of fun and adventure.

Stop past the country’s magical capital, Dublin, where you'll be charmed by the vibrant houses along the river and learn about its history as you explore Dublin Castle, various art museums, the Guinness Storehouse and even the Irish Whiskey Museum Tour and Tasting. 

Ireland is a very small but stunning country, which means that you can pretty much drive the country in a week. This also means that you are able to easily explore outside the famous cities and head into the local, undiscovered parts of Ireland. Make sure to check out where the Titanic was built in Belfast, as well as Giant’s Causeway.

So what are you waiting for? You have A LOT of free-time in 2020 to plan your future travel so hop to it! #togetherintravel #armchairinspo