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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The year is fast coming to a close. That means it’s almost time to celebrate New Year’s Eve yet again! So without further adieu, here are the 15 best places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Veteran visitors praise the sight of fireworks reflected in the water in the canals while celebrating the holiday in one of the city’s cozy cafes. Many locals leave the city but there are still many places to party. The fireworks over the river IJ is a popular show as is the one in the park near Westerdoksdijk.

There are events in most major squares. Wherever you go, be sure to get there early with your drinks and chairs. Dress warmly as the city’s cold in December. Buy some traditional dutch snacks, oliebollen, for the morning too.
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2. Cape Town, South Africa

Experts say Cape Town is “one of South Africa’s most visited destinations.” One of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve there is the V & A Waterfront. Experience the culture and beauty of the city backdropped by iconic Table Mountain.

At the Waterfront, you can be a part of the excited crowd or quietly sip champagne at one of the numerous restaurants or cocktail bars. Walk around the area but be sure to find a good spot to take in the fireworks display over the harbor. There’s plenty of parking or you can use Uber or the convenient MyCiTi bus service.
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3. London, England

There’s plenty to do during the day and at night London has a famous firework display. It’s attended by over 100,000 people annually. Those in the know suggest getting tickets to see it from Tower Bridge.

Get out early and see the popular Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. It’s still open and the crowd is smaller. Ride the rollercoaster; go ice skating and have a drink at the ice-bar. Buy souvenirs too.

Get there by midday. Take the train. Plan ahead too as getting out of the city can be tough after midnight.
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4. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong offers several options for a memorable New Year’s Eve. Celebrate at one of the skyscraper bar tops, a boat ride along the river or go native. For the local experience, go to the well-known Victoria Harbour’s Avenue of Stars and await midnight.

But don’t expect a rowdy “Western New Year’s”party there. Oddly, everyone simply kicks back quietly on the sidewalk, eats snacks and awaits the countdown. Mind you, while it’s not “party central,” you will enjoy some phenomenal views of the noteworthy firework display at midnight. The juxtaposition of the calmness of the waterfront and a massive celebration is quite memorable.
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5. Dubai, UAE

New Year’s Eve here features several noteworthy fireworks shows lighting up the impressive buildings. Budget concerns? No worries. If you come up too short to attend the fanciest parties, you can always watch them for free.

One famous show will be hosted by the Burj Al Arab 7 star hotel but you can see it from Sunset Beach, or better yet from Al Sufouh Beach from where you can see both the famous Burj Al Arab show and the popular Palm Jumeirah show as well. You can also watch the fireworks being set off at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
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6. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik locals put on a traditional community fireworks show that is one of the best on the planet. The profits from all fireworks sales go to support ICE-SAR, (the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue.) Fireworks are set off way prior to midnight.

However, once the clock strikes twelve, there are additional fireworks going off from all around you. Head for the hills (where the famous Perlan is perched) for the best view. Go to the big NYE party there too. If you’d rather kick back with the locals, watch the fireworks with hundreds of other folks from the parking lot.
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7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the biggest NYE celebrations on the planet occurs every year at the famous Copacabana Beach. Roughly 2 million visitors travel to one beach to watch the fireworks show and to jump seven waves in the ocean at midnight. Jumping the waves is a local tradition that is said to bring one luck for the new year. Another fun local tradition is that everyone wears white at this event.

This is a family-friendly event, too. The party begins at roughly 8 p.m. You can buy drinks there or bring your own booze.
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8. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the warmest places in Europe and the offseason is a great time to visit. There are fewer tourists and it’s reportedly “more cost-effective” as well. In fact, there are several free events in the main square, Praça do Comércio, and along the Tagus River.

There are live bands and fireworks at midnight. Want to stay out all night? There are many little local events where people decorate their neighborhoods.

Wander the streets of Bairro Alto or Alfama. Parties abound in the bars and restaurants too. Dance into the morning light if you wish!
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9. Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s biggest city hosts numerous events on New Year’s Eve. Hit the inner-city’s family-friendly Wondergarden at Silo Park, for live music, street food, and other entertainment. You’ll also find things to do in Ponsonby and on the waterfront.

Here in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s summer too so you can celebrate outside comfortably. There are longer daylight hours too so the party lasts longer. Be sure not to miss the fireworks show at the Sky Tower at midnight. It’s the first major show on the planet!
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10. Tokyo, Japan

Enjoy New Year’s Eve in the traditional Japanese way. You can still celebrate a western-like countdown but why not try something different? Dine on Toshikoshi soba to bring you luck in the new year. (Soba noodles are long and represent a long life. But slurp them don’t bite them or you cut your life short!)

Right before midnight, go to a shrine for “Hatsumode” (the year’s first shrine visit.) The Meiji shrine is the best place since it’s found right next to Harajuku Station. Listen for the “joya no kane” or midnight bells and pray for a good new year.
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11. Madeira, Portugal

The island of Madeira held the official Guinness World Records title for “Greatest Fireworks Show in the World” until 2012. Some call this place “the Hawaii of Europe.” This spot draws tourists looking to escape the cold weather and catch the NYE fireworks.

Visit Funchal ensconced in a hill-surrounded bay. Here you will see fireworks set off from several locations across the bay. Cruise ships even line up at the Port of Funchal so passengers can see the show. Visit before Christmas and leave after NYE.
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12. Cusco, Peru

Celebrate NYE in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Most of the hostels and hotels are within walking distance of this main square. The event is free and the streets get busy at about 7 p.m.

Keep in mind that according to tradition, you need to wear yellow underwear beneath your clothing to guarantee a full year of good sex. If you wear yellow underwear over your clothes you will get lucky that very night. So don’t be surprised to see people running around the square in yellow undies after midnight.
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13. Nashville, USA

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Nashville, Tennessee celebration complete with fireworks, live music, and noteworthy food and drink. The legendary world country music capital holds an all-day concert and it’s free. Dine and dance at the well-known Acme Feed and Seed, have a drink or three at the local “honky tonks”, then stroll on over to the famous Bicentennial Capitol Mall for the concert. See the famous 15-foot Music Note (Nashville’s answer to New York City’s Times Square Ball) drop at midnight. Stay at the historic Hermitage Hotel.
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14. Guatemala City, Guatemala

The best place to be on NYE in Guatemala is the well-known rooftop terrace of the upscale Hyatt Centric Hotel in the Zona Viva neighborhood. This chic hotel includes an infinity pool and incredible 360-degree views of the city skyline, various volcanoes, and the Torre del Reformador.

The midnight fireworks light up everything with a splash of color. Admission includes canapes, dancing to DJs, and midnight champagne. Parking is not included.
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15. Sydney, Australia

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebration is world-famous. You can see a big fireworks display at the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge at midnight. Veteran visitors say that the best place to enjoy the show is from the botanical gardens. You can watch for free from Macquaries Point.

Relax in the sun as you await the show. After all, you have to have your spot reserved well ahead of time. Take in the pre-shows and for those with kids, there is an early fireworks show at 9 p.m. There’s also a special light parade of boats in the harbor too.

The post 15 Best Places in the World to Celebrate New Year’s Eve appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.

Are you looking for something different?  If the typical day at the beach no longer appeals to you then we’ve got something for you.  Here in both warm and cold climates are the 12 most exotic black sand beaches in the world. 

Ficogrande, Italy

Ficogrande is one of the more popular black sand beaches on Stromboli, an Aeolian Island north of Sicily, Italy.  Accessible only via boat, its popular active volcano has erupted regularly for over 2,000 years.  This beach offers travelers concessions stands, umbrellas, and lounge chairs.  See the famous volcanic rock known as Strombolicchio.  Stroll along the ebony sands and take a dip in the clear blue water of the welcoming Tyrrhenian Sea too.

Miho Beach, Japan

From the black sands of rocky, tree-lined Miho Beach the views of Mount Fuji are incredible.  The bordering Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove includes literally thousands of pine trees.  In 2013 the area was designated an official part of famous Mount Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hit this beautiful beach in the summer and enjoy diving, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing.  Tale in the scenery, too.  It actually inspired artist Utagawa Hiroshige’s famous traditional woodblock prints.

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