Can you believe we’re already at the end of 2020 and preparing for 2021? This year wasn’t a great year for travel, but we’re feeling hopeful for the year ahead.

International borders to many countries are still closed, but according to travel planners, vacation bookings are on the rise. Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder and CEO of Indagare tells Forbes, “We are definitely seeing an uptick in trip-planning and requests right now for the holidays and into 2021, as well as far-flung international trips. Many of our members are planning trips for 2021 and 2022 because they know demand will be high in popular destinations eventually.”

As more countries reopen, there will be new health and safety protocols in place to ensure travelers aren’t infected or spreaders of the COVID-19 virus. 

If you’re planning your trips for 2021, here are the 7 best destinations to add to your list:

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Having weathered a painful political history, Rwanda has been transformed in recent years through visionary leadership and the gentle and optimistic nature of its people.⁠ ⁠ Their shared love for the “land of a thousand hills” is at the heart of this remarkable story of recovery and rebirth, inspiring the enfolding warmth of the guest experience at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House.⁠ ⁠ Here, guests can find solitude and sanctuary; a nurturing space in which to reflect on an encounter with the mountain gorillas who live in the cloud forests alongside the lodge. It’s an experience that provides a sense of respite and the opportunity for much-needed rest and restoration.⁠ ⁠ #SingitaVolcanoesNationalPark #SingitaKwitondaLodge #KwitondaLodge #SingitaKatazaHouse #KatazaHouse #Gorillas #MountainGorillas #GorillaConservation #VisitRwanda #Rwanda #OurSingita #Singitagram #Singita_ #WildlifeConservation #SustainableTourism

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Rwanda has been big on sustainable travel since 2005 and has handled the pandemic really well. Head to Kwitonda Lodge, located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park for an amazing experience. 

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Kenya reopened its borders in August and is another country handling the pandemic really well. With testing requirements and safety measure in place, Kenya is big on making it’s travelers feel safe. 

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This Middle Eastern country was recently voted as the safest country in the world as well as the richest country on earth. If you’re into a glamorous vacation, Qatar is the place to be.

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This North African country is great for travelers who love learning about the history and culture of a country when visiting. You can trek through the Sahara desert or head to a seaside village.

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Egypt reopened to Americans over the summer and is filled with bucket-list attractions. Head to the pyramids at Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 2021 will also be the year the Grand Egyptian Museum will be open, making it the largest archeological museum in the world.

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The Maldives has been a hot spot destination for some time, but it will be even hotter in 2021 because it allows travelers to be socially distant. With its strict COVID policies, you’ll be able to feel totally safe when visiting this beautiful destination. 

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Hitting up The Islands of Tahiti is a great place to celebrate getting through 2020 and relaxing. Tahiti does not require a visa or quarantine period from U.S. travelers and they have introduced a Common Cancellation Policy, which allows travelers to not feel penalized if their trip is cancelled because of the borders closing or if they test positive for COVID-19.

Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Tahiti, Tunisia, Middle East