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Nothing soothes the soul quite like something to look forward to.

For a number of people, looking to the future, once we’re back on track after the pandemic, means planning a holiday.

This makes sense. A trip is effectively the anti-lockdown. It’s freedom and new experiences all wrapped up in one.

We know this is happening because a few surveys have done the rounds recently with the aim of finding out where people want to go, when they’re allowed to visit the rest of the world again.

A travel survey conducted in May showed that South Africa was chosen as the most popular post-COVID-19 destination among travellers.

The results of a more recent survey by Big Seven Travel also names two of our tourist hotspots on their list of The 50 Most Popular Destinations For Post-Lockdown Travel.

Looking at the destinations our readers have been searching for the most on site, a survey of our 1.5 audience on social media, taking into account trending holiday locations on Google Search in the past 30 days, we can see that there’s a clear a trend for post-lockdown getaways: remote islands, peaceful countryside breaks and tropical paradise beaches.

First, the top three post-pandemic travel spots.

1. Santorini, Greece

Image: Aris Messinis /AFP/ Getty

Greece was one of the countries least affected by the coronavirus pandemic, in turn making it one of the most appealing countries for international travel when overseas holidays are an option again.

As for the most wish-listed place to travel to after lockdown? Santorini! A trip to Greece isn’t complete without Santorini — the most well-known and oft-talked about island (for good reason) of them all. A volcanic explosion created the stunning cliffs of Santorini, which now feature two gorgeous cobblestoned towns — Oia and Fira.

Santorini, already the most popular tourist destination in Greece, had no cases of COVID-19, which adds to its popularity as a safe post-pandemic destination.

2. South Island, New Zealand

Image: Outside Online

New Zealand celebrated no new COVID-19 cases earlier in June. Since then, four cases have been discovered.

South Island in New Zealand hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on, from Mt. Cook (where you’ll find one of the most beautiful roads in the world) to the stunning lakeside resort of Queenstown. It’s also home to the city of Christchurch, where you can visit the eclectic cafes that dot the city and wander the city streets to admire the creative art that meets you around every corner.

Overall, compared to the rest of the world, they’re ahead of the pack when it comes to controlling and beating the pandemic which makes them appealing to the cautious traveller.

3. Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Image: Success Tours

Italy was one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, but they’re slowly rebuilding.

The hillside town of Positano is a riot of sunny colours and flowers, with seaside views and a pretty pebble beach. The most popular place to visit along the Amalfi Coast, this is a place you’ll never forget.

Spend afternoons on your balcony, glass of wine in hand, looking out at the waves below. Your Instagram will look insane after a few days in this scenic spot…

You had me at ‘glass of wine on a balcony’.

Moving on the South African gems that made the list.

Coming in at number 20:

The Kruger National Park

Image: East Cape Tours

The Kruger National Park is always a popular tourist destination.

Safari experiences in general have been a popular search term for Big 7 Travel readers. The Kruger National Park is a vast space in North Eastern South Africa, that covers 19,485 km² and is home to a huge array of wildlife.

The park has safari experiences of all kinds and appeals to those who miss the great outdoors.

A few places behind at number 36 (but still a tourist favourite):

Cape Town

Image: Azamara

It’s good to know that we’re still up there as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighbourhoods and turquoise waters. What more could you ask for?

Hike Table Mountain National Park, learn about the country’s history and see penguins up-close. Cape Town is also home to amazing wine and food, and we predict that the next decade will see plenty of exciting new additions to the city’s hospitality scene. South Africa isn’t allowing tourists in until 2021, but it’s worth the wait.

It’s really not the worst place to wait out a lockdown.

Check out the rest of the list, here.

Hang in there! And while you do, have a look at potential holiday spots for when this is all over.

[source:bigseventravel]