Where to go in 2021 - 12 suggestions from readers

At the end of 2020, I set newsletter subscribers a challenge: where to go in 2021? The question is simple, but the year 2021 is anything but a certainty. So the question was more hypothetical. 

Due to the current circumstances, with the evolution of Covid-19, I was interested to know what the wishes or dreams of the readers of Uncertain Places are, as almost no one will have firm plans for the new year yet.

I received many and varied responses from all over the world, with wishes for almost every corner of our planet. Some more economical, like travelling in Portugal, others more expensive, like going on safari in Africa.

From popular places like the USA to paradisiacal beaches where Portuguese is spoken. From marine life to imposing mountains, where wolves, bears and... vampires roam, passing through places that are more difficult to access. off the beaten track. From Asia to Europe, from America to Africa.

Anyone who knows me - and as I've already mentioned on the blog - knows that I plan well in advance (at least mentally) where I'm going to travel in the coming year. For 2021 I've already done a similar exercise and, after a year off, I feel like going to so many places that I'm not even sure where to start... Maybe I'll embark on another long journey, like the one I did From Portugal to Macau.

I hope these top 12 ideas suggested by readers will serve as an incentive for the places you want to visit in 2021. And by the way, subscribe to the newsletter to receive the best travel tips and promotions.

It's important to remember that nowadays, before travelling, it's important to check the requirements for entering the country in terms of Covid-19.

Destinations for 2021

1Thailand

Thailand was one of the destinations most desired by readers who wrote to me when I asked them where to go in 2021.

2020 was the year I myself had planned to visit Thailand. In fact, when the pandemic broke out, I had already booked a flight and had even exchanged money with a friend who had visited the country. He kept my American dollars and I kept the Thai Baht (the local currency) he had left over when he was there.

This is a destination that has always appealed to Portuguese travellers, and indeed to any traveller. Just look at a picture of a beach in Thailand and your mouth drops open. From popular places like Koh Phi Phi, Phuket or Koh Lipeto less talked about areas such as Koh Kradan, Koh Phra Thong or Koh Kood.

Without ever forgetting the miraculous capital Bangkok or the unknown region of Ayutthaya. I can't wait to visit Thailand...

Several other readers dream of nearby destinations (some even neighbouring ones) such as Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Macau.

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

2Romania

The first time I was in Romania, it was to visit the capital Bucharest. When I was there, there was still a lot to do (and clean up) from the country's tumultuous past.

I returned to Romania a few years later to discover some interesting towns in the Transylvania area. Places like Sibiu, Sighisoara or Cluj.

However, this Eastern European nation has more to offer than "just" these beautiful museum cities. On my next visit, I want to explore the Carpathian Mountains, where you'll find some beautiful natural gems. On the day I'm writing this article, a National Geographic documentary highlights just that. The Carpathian Mountains are one of the (few) places in Europe where large carnivores such as grizzly bears, European lynx, wolves and even bison survive in considerable numbers.

Even without the presence (which we hope will continue) of these fantastic animals, the landscapes of the Carpathians are formidable. The Carpathians also include Poland, Slovakia and Serbia.

Romania was, to my surprise, one of the most mentioned places in response to the question: where to go in 2021.

When is the best time to visit Romania?

3USA

2021 is the ideal year to visit the United States. Firstly, because of the change in the country's president, which makes the atmosphere lighter and more inviting. However, for the reasons I've already mentioned in this text, it shouldn't be a regime, a president or a politician that determines which countries we visit or stop visiting.

The USA is a vast country with lots to see, but at the top of readers' favourites are places like California, with the Big Sur and the city of San Francisco, but also Salt Lake City. Not far from there (for distances in America) is the fantastic Yellowstone National Park.

The Big Apple - the mythical city of New York. In fact, it's incredible to visit a place that you've seen hundreds of times in films and series. It's as if we ourselves are now the main actors (and we are) in reality.

When is the best time to visit the USA?

4Mozambique

Mozambique is one of many readers' dream destinations (and mine too). It's not just the historical connections that attract visitors to the country, but the fact that it's still an uncut diamond in tourism terms. And this makes Mozambique a place, a dream, long postponed. 

From the wildlife of Gorongosa National Park, to the Portuguese heritage on Mozambique Island, to the pristine seascapes of Bazaruto Island, Vilanculos and, above all, Quirimbas.

Just writing these names gives me goose bumps and I can't imagine what it will be like to finally arrive in Mozambican territory.

Three other destinations mentioned in Africa were the Serengeti in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, with highlights including the Imire reserve and the unimaginable Victoria Falls - where I have already been.

When is the best time to visit Mozambique?

5Portugal

When the going gets tough, the safest bet is to "stay at home". We often choose to go abroad when we know little about our own country. 

This may be a fault of most travellers (myself included), as we are often more attracted by an exotic destination, a language we don't understand and a cuisine we haven't tasted.

But staying "at home" is very good. And home, for many of the readers who wrote to me, is Portugal. But it could also be, in the future, for those who are going to explore the country with a view to living there later - like one of the readers who wrote to me.

When thinking about travelling around Portugal, several destinations stood out, such as the Douro or the city of Porto, Foz Coa, the Paiva Walkways or the warm beaches of Porto Santo. 

When it comes to Portugal, however, two regions topped the list of preferences for those planning to travel around Portugal in 2021: the Alentejo and the Algarve, with the Costa Vicentina receiving numerous mentions.

The slogan "Go outside in" will certainly apply in 2021.

When is the best time to visit Portugal?

6Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar was the country I chose to make my debut in Asia. From what I know, what I've read, heard and, above all, seen, it was the right choice. Although in Asia it's hard not to be surprised by the culture, the kind people and the sui generis this region of the globe.

Despite the (big) problems with the refugees, I was delighted with the hospitality, genuineness and welcome of the Burmese.

And, of course, with so many fascinating places to visit, it was impossible not to fall in love with the country. It was there that I witnessed perhaps the most beautiful sunrise in the world, sailed across the incredible Inle Lake or entered the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

There are also little-talked-about places like Mrauk-U, where the Portuguese of yesteryear also passed through on their discoveries... or the clear sands of Ngapali.

When is the best time to visit Myanmar?

7Turkey

I've spent many days in Turkey and I'm pleased to think that many readers agree with my attraction to the country. Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to. 

Turkey's romantic capital attracts us, surprises us and ultimately seduces us. It's a place I return to every time I pass through the country, because I find so much to discover or revisit.

When travelling to Turkey, you'll find guaranteed places like the incomparable Cappadocia or Pamukkale or unexpected sites like Eskisehir or Konya.

This, of course, without forgetting Van or the magnificent coastline of Antalya and areas such as Oludeniz. One reason why 2021 is a good year to go to Turkey is that the Turkish lira has devalued a lot, making travelling even more economical.

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

8Morocco

Morocco is right next door to Portugal. However, I have yet to visit this fantastic North African country. Although it's only a short geographical distance away, Morocco is light years away from Portugal. 

With its completely different customs, culture and landscapes, the African nation is calling out to us. I've been wanting to visit Morocco for a long time, not least because it's a particularly appealing place to photograph, so perhaps I'll be able to visit in 2021.

The ancient and colourful medinas make Morocco a favourite destination for escaping the winter cold and getting a change of scenery without having to spend a lot of money. I'm passionate about Africa and I'm sure that if I travel to Morocco in 2021, I'll be back more often. 

Marrakech had been named Africa's first Capital of Culture in 2021 in honour of its rich heritage. However, the government decided at the last minute to award the title to Rabat.

In Morocco, you can escape the crowds in the Berber villageson the beaches of the Atlantic and in the distant desert dunes. Places like Fez, Essaouira, Meknes, Chefchaouen or Tetouan should be on your itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Morocco?

9Guatemala

Those who think of Central America usually opt for more popular or predictable destinations such as the Mexico or Costa Rica. However, many readers surprised me with the various answers that mentioned Guatemala.

And I couldn't agree with them more, because this Latin country is a huge surprise for those who have never visited it, but it becomes a certainty as soon as you get there.

Firstly, the mysticism and grandeur of the Mayan ruins of Tikal. I called it the Mayan ruins from another planet. In addition to the natural beauty of the Lake Petén or Río Dulce.

If the natural attraction of the mountains, volcanoes and lakes absorbs you, then the culture and friendliness of these people do the rest. Around the fabulous Lake Atitlán, there are villages and towns that still preserve the local culture and take great pleasure and pride in preserving it.

If there's one country I really want to return to, it's Guatemala.

Still in Latin America, but much further south, there are those who dream of the Rio de Janeiro, o Pantanal and Amazon (two more of my great wishes).

When is the best time to visit Guatemala?

10Georgia

When I set off on my long-haul trip from Portugal to Macau, Georgia wasn't on the original itinerary, as I had intended to go from Turkey to Iran. However, I spent 45 days in this Caucasian country.

In the former Soviet republic I enjoyed varied and delicious food, quality wine at a low price and friendly, friendly people.

The icing on the cake, however, was the unbelievable scenery of mountainous landscapes. I climbed mountains and admired snow-covered slopes and lush green ones in Mestia (Svaneti), Ushguli e Kazbegi.

And in Georgia I also found places with history such as Vardzia or Kutaisi, not forgetting the spectacular capital - Tbilisi. This is currently one of my favourite cities, along with Istanbul.

In Tbilisi, the creative wave has been evolving for several years, with young designers, chefs, architects and artists making the city burst with energy.

And by the way, did you know that recent discoveries point to Georgia as the birthplace of wine 8,000 years ago?

When is the best time to visit Georgia?

11Japan

Japan isn't the cheapest destination of 2021, not by a long shot. However, those who have been to Japan say it's worth all the money invested in the trip. 

Apart from the chaos of Tokyo, there are other must-see places in the Land of the Rising Sun, such as Osaka and Kyoto. The latter is an ancient imperial capital with incredible shrines and temples.

However, in 2021 Japan gains an extra reason to book your flight to the other side of the world: Japan is the organising country of the Olympic Games. So you have another excellent reason to get to know this Asian country.

Japan's ancient culture is another key factor in visiting Japan. During your visit to this superb travel destination, you can learn a lot about history by visiting castles, temples and shrines. Kyoto is an ideal place to get to know Japanese culture.

When is the best time to visit Japan?

12Europe

I suspect that proximity and cost have motivated the many references to European destinations. I've already highlighted the ones that have been mentioned the most, such as Romania, Georgia and Turkey.

However, classic destinations such as Rome, Paris, Vienna or Budapest continue to figure in our desires. Because a daughter is studying there or because you love a city like Paris so much that it's unthinkable not to return.

However, there are other places that many readers want to visit in 2021, such as the Sardinia or Tuscany - two fabulous regions of Italy. 

The Irish capital, Dublin, or the west of Ireland, such as the Croagh Patrick or Slovenia (especially Ljubljana and the majestic Lake Bled) were also on the wish list.

Also on this list were mentions of Iceland - one of my favourite destinations.

Where to go in 2021 - from dream to reality

From the responses I received, I'd also like to highlight other references to such incredible destinations as Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius or Moldova.

Like me, many people see 2021 as the year of new beginnings. I feel so excited about travelling again - perhaps even more so than when I travelled for the first time.

As soon as possible in 2021, don't skimp on hugs, kisses, smiles, compliments, sentiments and words of comfort. And, of course, don't skimp on the travelling.