By Waiching
Further on from the news announced a week or so ago by the UK Foreign office advising Brits against all but non-essential travel indefinitely, amidst the growing Coronavirus pandemic, which is getting worse every week, this means that in 2020, there will be little to no free movement being made, until countries are given the all-clear and to open up their borders to all. As the days pass by social distancing becomes even more of a stretch and as a result of the lockdown. Travel restrictions have been extended further, making it virtually impossible for us to go on holiday, free-from the virus and free from worry and panic.
Whilst on my days off from work, I stay at home and do the chores and listen to the radio, blog and do stuff to take my mind off work, as well as COVID-19 during the lockdown, I am already planning ahead for 2021, - a big year for me as I turn 40 -, and even further afield, insofar as travel is concerned and thinking about where I want to head out to next on my travels, as soon as this all blows over or when this comes to an absolute end, or that it is safe for us to do so because, at this moment in time, it is making feel people desolate.
Coronavirus has well and truly scuppered our plans that many of us are looking forward and onwards to hopping onto a plane next year; of course, we all want to be travelling right now: whether this is to experience new cultures, new places or visit family and friends, but the best we can do is watch youtube videos on travel.
''It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way'' - Penelope Riley
I'm not giving hope in not travelling, ever again post-COVID-19; if anything, this pandemic and in overcoming it, has made me even keener and determined to see the rest of the world. It's important to feel optimistic and the tide will eventually turn at some point. People will spend the lockdown period and this time dreaming and planning their next getaway escape and in knowing where they want to go to next.
Travel isn't going to end for good and there is nothing wrong making plans for next year and beyond for that. We should use this time as an opportunity to look and plan ahead and push forward with our dream destinations when restrictions are lifted and things do get back to normal, or be it the new normal, and by immersing ourselves in something that makes us feel good, positive and happy, as well as inspires you.
2021 & Beyond
Spain / Valencia, Barcelona, Sevilla - Spain is an inexpensive and affordable place to go to with plenty of sun and sea, along with their easy-going, sociable lifestyle and warm hospitality. Its success as a tourist spot is a culmination of different factors. Food is varied - from Valencian paella to Madrid's Patatas Bravas, as well as tapas, churros & seafood, there is nothing I wouldn't try out and eat. Oh, and Spanish is second only to Chinese Mandarin when it comes to widely spoken languages in the world with so many dialects and is one of the most phonetic languages around. Having visited and enjoyed Madrid last year with my sister for the first time, this made me more eager to pursue other cities and regions of Spain. I haven't been to many places, but in Spain, it has become and is one of my favourite destinations. It's more than Buena.
USA / New York City - one of the leading metropolis for food, art, culture, theatre/theater, musicals, the so-called Big Apple, without a doubt, easily rival London's in this respect. My sister has been to NY several times -, I haven't yet and I have set my sights in doing so next year, and I can't wait. Times Square (especially at night), Chinatown, Central Park, the statue of liberty are amongst the attractions, as well as shopping. It is one of those famous cities everyone has to pay a visit to once in their lives. I'm also interested in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston to name as well.
Hong Kong - if Asian cities were Far East versions of New York and London, Hong Kong would certainly be one of them. I love the Westernness of HK, its multicultural aspect makes me feel like I get the best of both West and East in just one place. Many street signs have both the English and Chinese names, & its bilingual aspect is what sets it apart from other Asian cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, as it makes it easy to get in and around Hong Kong. Another reason is for the food: when it comes to culinary options, Hong Kong has so much to choose from. For me, Hong Kong is like a second home. A former British colony, it is buzzing with energy and the city life is one has to fully experience and immerse themselves in.
Canada - From some of the images, it's a Northern America with European influences; a cosmopolitan and multicultural society, it carves out a distinct personality by way of its French heritage via Quebec. There is, on one side, the hustle and bustle of city life in Vancouver and the other, the rural side with the Rocky Mountains and mooses. Its outdoors lifestyle is what attracts people the most about Canada: from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, fishing and biking there is so much to see and do.
France - Like Spanish is to Spain, the French language is synonymous with France, sophistication, elegance, style, its cultural repertoire is so vast with the Effiel Tower, French Rivera that goes further with art, food. That, along with its multicultural diversity of people of different ethnicities makes it one of the most visited places for many tourists and travellers.
Italy/Venice or Milan - from art (Pablo Picasso) to food, cars (Lamborghini, Ferrari), history, language, fashion and football (soccer), the Italians thrive in many areas. Like Spain, it combines so many elements into its national character through its elegance, Latin origins, sense of style and easy-going lifestyle and vibrant scenery. Burano has some amazing and colourful looking houses that wouldn't look out of place in Venice.
Peru/ Lima - this is on my most wanted list, Peru is one of the most diverse countries in South America with a mixture of cultures including Andean, African, Asian and European, and one that has in recent years developed a substantial following.
Japan/Tokyo, Okinawa & Kyoto - the home to Manga and Anime, sushi, Nintendo, Sony with a city nightlife to rival Hong Kong's, New York and London to name, Japanese culture is oh so weird, wacky, but also fun, eccentric and brimming with coolness with its technology and gadgets. Combining traditional experiences with current and future ones is one of the reasons why Japan is marvelled and revered by many and as one of the must-see places in the world to visit.
Argentina/Buenos Aires - currently, the third biggest country in South America in terms of population size behind Columbia (2nd) and Brazil (1st), Argentina is the Spain of South America like Brazil is to Portugal of South America. With its lush mountains, huge hills, it provides endless opportunities for adventurers, with the city of Buenos Aires leading the way. After seeing the images, I am dying (well, not dying) to visit Buenos Aires sometime.
Australia/Sydney (New South Wales) or Melbourne - one of the most remote places in the world, but also one of the most expensive with tickets setting you back as much as £600 +, it is far from cheap. But with beaches, barbecues and surfing to rival the U.S's, as well as kangaroos, wombats and koalas, there is so much to see. It's interesting to see how Australia's regions differ from each other: Melbourne is more cultural and urban, whilst Sydney has the sun, the landmarks such as the Opera House, Bondi Beach. For native English speakers like myself, the language barrier is no worry; I can pretty much get by most places and granted, its vibrant - yet laid-back culture is another reason why Australia is on my 'must visit' list.
Uruguay/Montevideo - the capital of Uruguay is wedged between South American big players, Brazil and Argentina making it the middle child, yet there is something about the continent's smallest country that intrigues me that I actually want to go there and see for myself how it is like there.
South Korea/Seoul & Busan - home to boyband, BTS, it has in recent years grown to become an exciting and interesting alternative as a destination in East Asia, to the likes of Japan and China; South Korean food is a must-try, especially for those who have grown up on or enjoy Chinese food, as they have somewhat echo similar taste buds and dishes. Seoul has been getting a lot of love as the nation's capital city, yet judging by the youtube videos, Busan is far right my alley with its futuristic, urban looking streets at night.
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