Let’s take a second to reminisce about a time when COVID-19 was not in existence. Around this time of the year, many of us would have filled our suitcases, hopped on a plane, toured a gorgeous city, and feasted on scrumptious food ordered from foreign menus. We can never say this enough: we miss travelling. While flying across oceans might seem like a pipe dream at the moment, many nations around the world have made exceptional progress with their vaccination programmes, hence a handful of countries are opening their borders to others. As Singapore inches closer towards herd immunity and reinstating air travel at the end of the year, here are some of the countries that are welcoming those who are fully vaxxed – with certain restrictions, of course.

Destination No.1: France

Entering France is much simpler than we think, those who have received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines may enter the country two weeks or more after receiving their second jab – there is no need for a negative pre-departure PRC test or self-isolation upon arrival in France. After a 14-hour journey, Paris is yours for the taking. Stroll down Champs-Élysées, shop luxury goods till you drop, and don’t forget to eat your hearts out on decadent pastries and desserts. Feeling a little adventurous, take a train out to the Palace of Versailles and bask in the glory of the beautiful countryside while sipping tea at one of the garden cafés.

If you’re not resonating with the vibes of the city, luxury holiday travel operator – Scott Dunn – recommends going on a scenic bike tour of Provence or trekking through the canyons and mountain creek pools in Charmonix.

Destination No. 2: Spain

Dust off your passport, fill in a health control form from the Spanish health department, and you are set to travel to Spain. Madrid is a hotspot for tourists, not just for the sights but for the food and shopping. Get yourself a local guide during the day to show you around their favourite spots that you might easily miss if it is your first visit to the city – quaint little eateries and boutiques await you at every street corner.

For wine sommeliers, Scott Dunn suggests venturing to the Rioja wine region up north and experience how some of Europe’s finest wines are made and taste some samples at the boutique wineries while you are there. Animal lovers can charter a boat to enjoy a day out ocean off the coasts of Tenerife where you can swim, snorkel, and take pictures of whales.

Destination No. 3: Iceland

Now that we have all learnt our lessons to never take travel for granted again, it is the perfect time to venture to more exotic countries like Iceland. Grab a few buddies, a car, and embark on a road trip to explore the many breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls on the outskirts of the city. How about being on two continents at once? The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are located in Thingvellir National Park for you to enjoy the novelty of being in two places at the same time.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, Scott Dunn proposes taking to the skies in a helicopter over Vatnajokull National Park towards the Skeidararjokull glacier, where you can enter the depths of the Blue Dragon ice cave.

Destination No. 4: Georgia

Regarded as one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, there is no way you could miss a visit to local wineries and witness how the bottles of vino are made firsthand. The Kvarelli Lake Resort in Northeastern Georgia has a unique spa package that uses wine in every treatment – wine baths, wine massage, wine detoxifying facials, and more.

Scott Dunn recommends boujee travellers to dine at one of the most unusual restaurants in the world certified by Forbes. Dig into a luxurious four-course meal while being suspended 50 metres off the group in mid-air and enjoy the panoramic view of the city Tbilisi and its outskirts.

Find out more at Scott Dunn here.