Honestly, we know you’re tired of the pandemic. We are too. Unfortunately, the fact is some countries are still not open to travelers from around the world. We know we miss traveling to some countries, how about you? Here then, is a list of places that we miss traveling to the most.    

12 Countries We Miss Traveling To The Most

1.  Argentina, South America

You will find Buenos Aires, arguably one of Latin America’s cultural capitals, here in Argentina. It is here you will discover the Argentine tango, appetizing asados, and delicious grilled meats. Some travelers, including US citizens, are not permitted into the country as this goes to press. Travel experts confirm there are no present plans to fully reopen any time soon either. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has racked up at least 5.25 million cases of COVID-19.

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Australia

Australia has had multiple lockdowns and conducted a reportedly “heavy vaccination campaign.” The powers that be hope to reopen the place before December. So vaccinated travelers will once more be able to see wild koalas and kangaroos, experience the outback, and even go snorkeling or scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef. According to Our World in Data, at least 62 percent of Australians have already received a minimum of one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  

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Bulgaria, Europe

Red zone countries such as the US, are currently barred from entering Bulgaria. However, if you’re a citizen of a red zone country, you can still visit Bulgaria provided you enter from an orange or green zone nation. It might be a challenge and yet Bulgaria has a noteworthy culture and beautiful scenery and cities–such as the capital, Sofia. Bulgaria has had more than 491,000+ cases of COVID-19 and nearly 25,000 deaths. 

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Hong Kong, China

US citizens coming from the US are not presently permitted into Hong Kong. Indeed no one is allowed to travel from a red zone nation–such as the USA–to Hong Kong for the foreseeable future. This is unfortunate since Hong Kong is home to ancient temples, incredible skyscrapers, a hip art scene, and Disneyland Hong Kong. It’s also the best place to enjoy Chinese culture with a Brit influence. There’ve been only 213 COVID deaths.

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India, South Asia

India was hit hard last year and has suffered 446,000+ fatalities. Thus, the country has not yet been reopened to tourists. Before the pandemic, millions of travelers enjoyed the food, ancient culture, and, of course, the Taj Mahal. Less than 45 percent of the population has received a minimum of one shot and less than 16 percent is fully vaccinated.

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Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania

American citizens can’t visit this renowned “wellness vacation destination” yet without a valid visa. Indonesia is famous for its ancient temples, lovely landscapes, and some of the best beaches on the planet. COVID fatalities have passed 141,000 and 31 percent of its residents have had at least one vaccination.

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Japan, East Asia

The famous 2020 Olympics and Paralympics piqued interest in traveling to Japan. Yet as this goes to press in October 2021 tourism is still not permitted. Those events may be over but there remains so much to see there including the arts, the culture, food, nightlife, some of the largest cities on earth, and even a great place for the disabled. So while we may be anxiously anticipating the official reopening, experts say it “could be a while yet.” After all, the virus has taken down more than 17,000 people. Almost 69 percent of the locals have been given at least one shot. 

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Kazakhstan, Asia

Perhaps a lot of people might find this entry to be surprising. Nevertheless, veteran visitors know that this relatively new nation is home to numerous noteworthy attractions. Here you will find deserts, mountains, scenic plains, a “futuristic capital city”, and a distinct diverse combination of cultures ranging from Turkish to Russian. There have been 816 COVID deaths and at least 34 percent of the citizens are fully vaccinated.  

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Madagascar

The island nation of Madagascar is not currently allowing any tourists traveling from the US into the country. That’s sad since here you can discover some of the world’s most striking flora and fauna. Madagascar is where you will find five percent of the entire planet’s biodiversity. That’s why so many lovers of plants and animals normally travel here to participate in exciting expedition-style adventures. Even though 958 people died from COVID-19, the country still only has under one percent of its citizens even partially vaccinated.

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Malaysia, Southeast Asia

Malaysia is home to incredible beaches, jungles, and a mix of Asian and British influence. Its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, offers both futuristic skyscrapers and colonial buildings to explore. Currently, American citizens cannot travel to the country for tourism purposes. Malaysia has had over 25,000 deaths due to the pandemic, though 60 percent of its population is currently fully vaccinated. 

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New Zealand

The Lord of the Rings film franchise was shot here. Now not only hikers but film buffs are drawn here to enjoy the stunning natural geography, complete with the famous rolling hills of The Shire and the rugged volcanic mountains of mighty Mordor. Ah, but now this attractive island nation has some of the world’s strictest pandemic regulations and border policies. These regulations are credited with keeping the virus death toll down to 27 deaths. Additionally, at least 67 percent of the residents have received a minimum of one shot. 

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Norway, Northern Europe

Your rovin’ writer can confirm that Norway is a great country to visit. It features majestic mountains, icy fjords, and wonderful winter scenes. It’s also a good place to see the world-famous aurora borealis.  

Sadly, Americans looking forward to traveling here will have to wait unless they are immediately related to citizens of Norway. The officials in Norway have no plans to change these restrictions in the near future either. They have suffered the loss of 850 people. As this goes to press, at least 76 percent of the total population has been given at least one shot.

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Are you into swinging?  Discover the best swings in Bali!  Bali swings have been big since Bali has had rice fields.  The first official Bali swing was reportedly opened north of Ubud at the Zen Hideaway Villa.

The Instagram app soon took the Bali swing to new heights of popularity. Villa guests took selfies and other visitors were soon paying $35.00 for the experience.  Today only guests enjoy the privilege.

Some sources believe the villa’s owner got together with other local entrepreneurs and launched the nearby Bali Swing Park.  The park is specifically dedicated to Bali swings.  If you’re going to Bali and want to be a swinger, check out our official guide to Bali swings complete with information on hours, charges, and more.

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The Wanagiri Hidden Hills Swings

The people of Wanagiri Hidden Hills were quick to jump on this swinging trend.  They have a number of different overlooks, nests, and swings available for visitors.  The view of  Lake Danau Buyan is said to be beautiful.

The swings here are also often aesthetically pleasing.  Enjoy the views from the bamboo platforms too.  The swings are situated on the left side of the road out of Bedugul.

Veteran visitors confirm that the locals can be aggressive in competing for your business.  They all want you to use their platforms and swings.  It’s remarkable how quickly they cashed in on the growing trend to provide nests, platforms, and swings for tourists.  Those in the know suggest taking the turn marked by a large sign noting: “1 km this way”. This route leads to the biggest swing spot in the area.  It features the region’s largest swing, platforms, nests, and even zip-lines.

Charges vary and fluctuate here.  While it’s not uncommon to pay $10.50USD for each swing or each viewpoint, some of the natives are willing to negotiate.  Some visitors have paid as little as $1.18USD per swing.

Location: Jalan Munduk – Wanagiri, Sukasada Kabupaten Buleleng

Hours: All week 9am until 5pm (in general)

Admission: Negotiable/varies

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The Terrace River Pool Swing

Don’t confuse the Terrace River Pool with the Tegalalang Rice Terraces swings.  The swing park here at the Terrace River Pool is growing in popularity.

It features several swings set at different heights, Instagrammable nests, and even has couples swings that start at $21.20USD.

Location: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Gianyar

Hours: All week 9am until 6pm

Admission: $10.60USD

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The Tegalalang Rice Terrace Swings

You’ll find the most famous Bali swings right here at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces.  In fact, Tegalalang itself is quite popular with travelers.  Its years of popularity are due in part to the terraced rice fields that span the valley about less than 25 miles away from Seminyak and six miles north of Ubud.

It’s easy to find the most accessible swing in Bali.  Simply go into the village of Tegalalang and stand so that the cafes are on the valley’s southern side and the various shops are on your left.  From there it’s just a brief stroll down the road.  You’ll see it almost as soon as you spot the rice terraces.

As of late last year, you could swing across the valley here for roughly $17.63USD.  More swings are being constructed and prices are growing even more competitive though as the demand increases.  There are another two swings across the opposite of the valley.

They provide guests with another experience.  They are located above a significantly steeper section of this valley.  You can get some stunning selfies for Instagram here.

Mind you, in order to reach them you will have to hike through the famous rice terraces and down steep slopes too.  Visitors are warned to be especially careful though when it is raining because the above-mentioned slopes become very slippery when wet.  Hikers should wear appropriate hiking boots and be in decent physical shape additionally in order to best avoid suffering a sprained ankle or other injuries.

Ah, but the trek is well worth the effort.  Those who have been there say the view from there is incredible.  In fact, prior to the erection of the swings, hiking there was the area’s main draw.  

Once you arrive at the swings you will be secured in a special harness made for swinging out over it all.  It is not recommended for anyone the least bit afraid of heights since the men who launch you out across the valley are very enthusiastic in order to maximize both the fun and the fear.

Location: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar

Hours: All week 8 am until 5 pm

Admission: $17.66

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The Bali Swing Park

The country’s most popular place to swing is the Bali Swing park.  Situated less than 10 miles out of Ubud, Bali Swing has 15 single swings available.   It also has a trio of tandem swings so you can be frightened with your friends and family.

You can also take pics on one of the four huge posing stones.  (It’s become the thing to do there.)

There are also half a dozen artistic nests you can pose it too.  They are built natural elements like leaves and branches but are generally lined to be a more comfy spot to be photographed.  (Yup.  Posing in the nests is also a thing.   “When in Rome . . .”)

The park even offers a free shuttle service from Ubud.  Package tours (including other activities such as elephants rides, chasing waterfalls, and rafting) are also available.  It’s generally cheaper to create your own itinerary and hire a driver.

Admission: $28.24

Location: Jl. Dewi Saraswati No.7, Bongkasa Pertiwi, Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung

Hours: All week 8am until 5pm

Warning!

Not all these activities are for everyone.  Be aware that the demand for Bali swings has led to the creation of swings that are not safely monitored.  Just last summer a man from France lost his life at Tegalalang when he attempted to push his child on a swing but did not let go.  He was pulled along with the swing and fell to his death.

(All images courtesy of original owners) 

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Are you tired of ordinary hotels?  How’d you like to check in some place completely different?  From futuristic pods to Hobbit-like holes, here are several unusual places to stay around the world.

The Jetstar, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK

If you really enjoy planes then this place is the best place for you!  Presently grounded at Redberth close to Tenby, the Jetstar is an airplane from the 1970s that once transported as many as nine passengers.  Today airplane aficionados can spend the night there.

This unique, self-catered accommodation includes a single bed, a double bed, and a big leather couch on which someone can sleep.  Veteran visitors say it is a great place for couples or even couples with two kids.  You can even play pilot thanks to the cockpit’s Xbox.

Collective Governors Island, New York City, US

If you’d like to take in New York City’s distinctive skyline, you don’t have to book a high-rise hotel room.  If you want a memorable night in the famous “Big Apple”, stay at Collective Governors Island. Situated on a decommissioned, historic military base (Governors Island), this glamping spot offers incredible views of the Manhattan shore, the New York harbor, and the famous Statue of Liberty.  Enjoy eating dinner at the campground’s restaurant and some s’mores for dessert at a cozy communal campfire.  Don’t forget to see the city too. 

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