The world is struggling with a new threat called Coronavirus (COVID-19). Your travel plans may have hit a snag due to the respiratory virus but the condition is not as serious as it is in the region of origin. Nations world-wide have taken rigorous measures to curb the spreading of the virus as soon as the warning was out. Though some countries are grappling with the situation and have been marked red due to the emergence of positive cases, there are also places that have tested negative or the situation is under control if the virus managed to sneak in.
Inside Scoop
- Safer destinations to travel right now
- Festivals & events in these destinations you should be excited about
- Weather highlights in the destinations for upcoming months
- Safety tips for traveling
There is fear doing rounds among travelers whether they should travel to Asia amidst outbreak. While their concern and doubt are legitimate, travelers should also know that some Asian countries still safe to visit. Countries like Indonesia have reported zero cases of coronavirus thus far and the situation is very much under control in UAE and Sri Lanka. Things may seem grim and serious in some areas at the moment but the situation will ameliorate in the coming months of March and April.
On that note, if you are thinking of taking a vacation in the upcoming months, you can go ahead though with the wind of caution. One may have qualms about losing their money due to last-minute cancellations. To mitigate the situation, here are a few things you can do at your end like:
- Booking refundable flights: While booking flights, you could search for flights with refundable fees.
- Checking with hotels: This is a prime season of travel in Asia. With fewer people traveling, the rates of the hotels and properties have gone down majorly. You could check with the hotel if they offer a refund on cancellations.
Safe Destinations Where You Can Travel Right Now
Are you looking for safe travel destinations during coronavirus outbreak? No cases of coronavirus have been recorded yet in these countries. So, it is safe to travel to these places. Needless to say, the governments of these countries are following strict measures to keep the virus at bay.
Note: The international destinations mentioned in the blog are in no particular order of safety scale.
1. Mauritius
So far, Mauritius has not recorded any cases of coronavirus. You can roam carefree in the Flacq village or meander through the streets of Port Louis. The lush forests of Black Gorges National Park and Ile aux Cerfs are calling out your name.
Weather conditions: Plenty of sunshine and cool breeze make Mauritius an amazing place to visit in spring.
Upcoming events: Be a spectator to colorful National Day in Port Louis on 12th March.
Famous for: Dodo (an extinct flightless bird the size of a swan), incredible and luxurious resorts, multicultural population, Mauritius rum, sugar and fruit jams, the Seven Coloured Earths, an underwater waterfall, and more
Best time to visit: May to December
Places to stay: Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa, Seavilla Mauritius
Go tropical. Get the best Mauritius holiday deals.
Suggested Read: Mauritius In March: A Blueprint To Explore The Blue Waters In An Offbeat Month
2. Seychelles
Newlyweds will be glad to know that the most-beloved honeymoon pad is a coronavirus-free country. Enjoy sunbathing on the beaches and discovering under-water treasures without any care about the world. Don’t hesitate from exploring the trekking trails where you will stumble upon an abundance of nature.
Weather conditions: Seychelles experiences a calm weather in March-April which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Famous for: Pink-sand beaches, UNESCO sites, scuba diving in Seychelles and more.
Best time to visit: April to May and October to November
Places to stay: Chez Batista Villas, Pension Fidele
Get best holiday deals for Seychelles.
Suggested Read: Visiting Seychelles In May? Here’s A Quick Guide For You
3. Turkey
Hop onto a hot air balloon ride and soar high in the sky from where you can admire the enchanting landscape of Cappadocia. Forget about all the worries on your holiday in Turkey. The breathtaking architecture of Istanbul will keep you hooked and the vibrant nightlife will surely leave you intoxicated with joy.
Weather conditions: The weather turns in favor from late March to explore the beautiful sites and flora-fauna in Turkey.
Upcoming events: SONAR Festival, the most distinguished event of Europe in the fields of movies and arts, will be held from 5th-7th March.
Famous for: Diverse set of both oriental and European cultures
Best time to visit: April, May, September and October
Places to stay: Side Resort Hotel, Rixios Beldibi
Book your trip to Turkey.
Suggested Read: Turkey In May 2022: An Exquisite Guide For Your Wanderlust Soul!
Destinations In Asia That Are Safe For A Holiday
If you have booked a holiday to these safe destinations in Asia or on the fence of booking one, then you can rest assured and have a great time with your family or spouse. Though one should keep an eye on updates for caution as no holiday experience is worth risking your health.
4. Sri Lanka
The island country is one such place where you get the best of beaches, wildlife, nature, and history. Whether it’s a honeymoon or a family vacation, Sri Lanka poses a great destination for all kinds of experiences. Taking a trip to Sri Lanka right now is the best decision you could ever make.
Weather conditions: March is arguably the best time to take a trip to Sri Lanka. The temperature in March-April ranges between 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. The little showers make it even better.
Upcoming Events: Attend the Festivals of Lights in March and wish Sinhalese New Year in April.
Famous for: Known for its religious and historic significance, which attract tourists from all over the world with its mystic beauty.
Best time to visit: December and April
Places to stay: Light house Beach Hut, Hilltop Cabanas
Plan your holiday right away. Book your Sri Lanka tour package.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In March : A 2022 Guide For Witnessing The Cultural Colors Of The Country
5. Nepal
Could there be a better place to celebrate Holi? We think not. Just like India, Holi is kind of a huge affair in Nepal. So, if you have not sorted your Holi plans yet, here is an idea. Nepal is also a hub of adventure and nature’s wonders. Boost your adrenaline levels with bungee jumping and Mount Everest helicopter tours on your trip to Nepal.
Weather Conditions: Enjoy spring season in Nepal from March to May. The maximum temperature does not rise above 30 degrees Celsius in Kathmandu. The countryside is cooler and pleasant.
Upcoming events: Holi and Nepal New Year are your gateways to learn more about Nepal’s culture.
Famous for: Natural beauty, mountains and landscapes, esp. Everest, prominent temples and national parks, heartwarming locals, and delicious cuisine
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Places to stay: Jurassic Resort & spa, Hotel Snow Peak, Elegance Grand
All set to plan a trip? Explore these Nepal tour packages.
Suggested Read: Nepal In April: Visit the Himalayan Nation for Unique Travel Experience
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Since coronavirus is highly contagious, one should be wary and take heed of coronavirus travel advice to avoid catching the virus even when traveling. Even though the countries are following strict protocols, here are a few steps that you can follow to ensure safety at your end.
Before The Trip
- Call the hotel authorities ahead of your visit to get latest updates on the situation.
- Check the official travel website of the country you are traveling to for live updates.
- Rest, rest, and rest. Even though you are on a holiday, you must ensure that you get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to boost your immunity system
Suggested Read: Indonesia Asks Not To Cancel Your Bali Vacay, West Australian Government Seconds!
On The Plane
- Wear a mask, especially when you are on the airplane and in crowded places. The N95 respirator is the best available option.
- When on the flight, do not eat off of the tray tables and seats.
- Keep a hand sanitizer handy. It is the most effective and simplest way to avoid catching the flu. Seat belts, trays, and knobs of the restroom are some of the major spots for germ breeding.
During Vacation
- Drink water at regular intervals to keep your throat from drying.
If you show even slightest symptoms of common cold or flu, go and see a doctor immediately. - Cover your mouth or use your elbow while coughing.
- Do not consume seafood. It is better to refrain from non-vegetarian meal for a while. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Further Read: Tokyo Olympics 2022 Robots: The Next Big Thing From An Ever So Amazing Nation
You are also advised to comply with authorities at the airport check-in since they are doing their best to minimize the threat. Again, no holiday experience is worth more than the risk of your health. Keep a tab on the latest updates on the situation. Be careful and stick to the preventive measures when you are on a holiday.
Disclaimer: The coronavirus updates mentioned here are from the time when the article was written.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus Free Country
Is it safe to travel Bali right now?
Yes, travel to Bali is open now and all the safety measures are taken meticulously by the authorities to restrict the spread of virus. However, if you are planning a vacay to Bali, it is important to check Bali Covid guidelines before planning a visit for a safer experience.
Can you travel to Sri Lanka during the coronavirus outbreak?
Yes, you can enjoy your holiday plans in Sri Lanka since it is one of the safe destinations to visit at the moment. Visa on arrival for Chinese travelers was suspended as soon as the first and the only case was detected.
Is the Maldives a safe destination to visit right now?
No, Maldives has recorded a couple of cases due to which the island is shut down for tourism at the moment.
Which places are safe to visit during coronavirus outbreak?
These international destinations are safe for a holiday right now: 1. Mauritius 2. Turkey 3. Mexico 4. Nepal 5. Seychelles 6. Sri Lanka
Is Nepal safe for taking a vacation amidst coronavirus outbreak?
The Tourism Minister of Nepal has declared the country a coronavirus-free zone. The government is conducting strict health surveillance at the airport.
Is Bhutan safe to travel during coronavirus?
Things look fine in Bhutan at the moment. There is no coronavirus threat in the country. However, the entry of Indians has been banned for the time being due to the emergence of cases in India.
Is Seychelles safe from coronavirus?
Seychelles is one of the top holiday destinations that have been marked safe during coronavirus outbreak. So, one may continue their travel plans to the heavenly island.
What happens if my preferred destination suddenly becomes unsafe amidst the outbreak?
Since the situation is evolving on a daily basis, we cannot predict the 'safety' of a destination. If you are concerned about your travel plans, then you can buy travel insurance to be on the safer side. It will reimburse you for any last-minute cancellations of flights and hotels. Travel insurance comes cheap and even covers medical contingencies. Read the terms and conditions carefully before buying. Remember, travel insurance is only valid for the destinations that are safe right now and not for the countries where the outbreak has already happened.
If some people enjoy window-shopping, Dhaarna takes pleasure in day-dreaming about solo trips when she’s not working. A gypsy at heart, she likes to spend her money on vacations, plants, and all things boho.
