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:

Rwanda

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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

A post shared by Singita (@singita_) on Oct 23, 2020 at 6:01pm PDT

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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.

Kenya

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What’s not to love about quality time away from work or anything that is the new normal? Look out for our great offers as you sample firsthand the pleasures of an exciting getaway for family and loved ones. ⁣ #MoreThanADestination⁣

A post shared by Kenya Tourism Board (@magicalkenya) on Oct 19, 2020 at 6:20am PDT

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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.

Qatar

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Sunsets in Qatar are a sight to behold with vibrant orange, red, and purple hues shaping the sky over the rippled golden sands of the desert. #StayInspired #VisitQatar 📸 @nihalnoooh – تتميز مشاهد غروب الشمس في قطر بتدرج ألوانها البرتقالية والحمراء والأرجوانية النابضة بالحياة التي تعكس لوحة فنية في غاية الروعة خاصة على امتداد صحاري قطر.

A post shared by Visit Qatar (@visitqatar) on Sep 3, 2020 at 9:54am PDT

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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.

Tunisia

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📷 @beautifulworld8640 ・・・ Amazing 💙💙 Cc to the rightful owners .💙 #traveltunisia #tunisia_pics #travelon #travelwithme #travelcaptures #tunisia #tunisia_tourism #tunisia🇹🇳 #tunisianblogger #wonderfulview #world_photogroup #aesthetic_photos #beautifulviews #beautifulworld #beautifulcityview #citylife #cityphotography #natureoftheday #naturephotography📷 #skybeauty #skyfantasy #amazingviews #fantasticearth #beautifulscenery #amazing_fs #worldmastershotz_sunsky #traveltheplanet #traveltheworldofficial #aestheticshot

A post shared by Tunisia | تونس (@tunisia) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:53am PDT

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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.

Egypt

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📍The Pyramids of Giza Photography by @kadrya.salama . How to get featured?  Follow us and tag us in your photos. 🇪🇬 #egypt #gizapyramids #desert #pyramids #pyramidsofgiza #travelholic #travelphotography #traveling #traveller #travelgram

A post shared by @EGYPT (@egypt) on Aug 21, 2019 at 4:05pm PDT

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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.

The Maldives

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Weekends are made for treats: how about some creamy mozzarella and carb induced happiness? Only served with an Indian Ocean view 😎 #fsmaldives #maldives #pizzalover #foodielife 📸 @talexanderphotography

A post shared by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives (@fsmaldives) on Sep 26, 2020 at 5:56am PDT

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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.

The Islands Of Tahiti

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Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley is home to magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Tahiti. #LoveTahiti

A post shared by Tahiti Tourisme North America (@tahititourismenorthamerica) on Oct 1, 2020 at 11:59am PDT

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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.

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