Travel Again: American and International Destinations Open Up After Long Hiatus

Get Ready to Explore: Latest Updates, Tips, and Guidelines for Safe and Exciting Travel in 2023

By Stefanie Michaels

We’ve dreamt of this moment in time for what seemed like an eternity — the new normal. Included in life’s newest chapter, everyday travel for fully-vaccinated Americans just got upgraded from road trips only into post-pandemic ports of call around the world. Dust off your passport and finally go wheels up to somewhere new for a change. 

Dalmatian Coast of Croatia

From Rijeka to Dubrovnik, travel the Dalmatian Coast boasts a picturesque Mediterranean lifestyle at its finest. And, while California Zinfandels are in any oenophile’s portfolio, the grape’s lineage begins within the Kaštela region where you’ll find the OG of Zinfandel, Crljenak Kaštelanski. The coast’s most famous red, Plavac Mali, joins this ancestral quest. But, also don’t miss out on the bounty of white varietals. Two must sips dominating the region are Grk and Pošip which are plentiful on the gorgeous island of Korčula.

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Italy’s bread basket features indigenous products such as Balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto and Lambrusco. Italy’s wealthiest region is also revered for its art of movement across the Motor Valley showcasing  luxury automobile designers such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, and the incredibly rare Pagani. Explore the 15 specialised museums, 16 private collections open to visitors and 4 racetracks for competitions, which have attracted over 1.2 million tourists to the territory.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

You can leave your passport behind in this American territory. From the easternmost point in the U.S., Point Udall, to the centuries old waterfront town of Frederiksted in the west, beachfront stays are a must. Make this island your resort-style vacation. Dating back to the 1600s, The Buccaneer Resort shares an extraordinary history with the island earning the Historic Hotels of America prestige, but with modern, family-friendly amenities. You can also enjoy views of the vibrant turquoise Caribbean at the newly renovated Carambola Beach Resort, a Marriott Bonvoy property. 

Yukon Territory, Canada

The return of international travel for our North American neighbors is hopeful this fall, just in time for winter, the longest season in sub-polar territories. Explore its rugged beauty while dog sledding, ice fishing, snow shoeing, or snowmobiling. Glacier flight-seeing with Icefield Discovery Tours gives a glimpse of Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. Still, it’s the northern lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis, which literally steals the show. The Canadian night sky painted in vibrant hues from mid-August to Mid-April is best seen from 10pm-3am.  

Did you know?

One exciting trend in post-COVID travel is the rise of “workcations.” With remote work becoming more common, many people use their newfound flexibility to combine work and travel.

Workcations typically involve traveling to a destination for an extended period of time (e.g., several weeks or even months) and working remotely while enjoying the local sights and activities during non-work hours.

A little history:
A workcation is a combination of “work” and “vacation”. It refers to a situation where an individual or group combines their work and leisure activities while traveling to a different location. It allows people to work remotely while experiencing new places and cultures, enjoying activities, and taking a break from daily routines.

Individuals or groups can work from their hotel rooms, coffee shops, co-working spaces, or any location with a good Wi-Fi connection during a workcation. They can also take breaks from work to explore local attractions, engage in outdoor activities, or relax and enjoy the environment.

Workcations have become more prevalent in recent years, mainly due to the rise of remote work and the availability of technology that enables people to work from anywhere. Many destinations now offer workcation packages that include accommodation, access to co-working spaces, and activities to help balance work and leisure.

This trend will likely continue as more people embrace remote work and seek new ways to balance their professional and personal lives.