Where Can I Vacation During COVID? Beach Worthy Destinations!

The current global pandemic has many Americans rethinking the way they travel. Road trips and camping vacations have grown in popularity. It you are just itching to get out of the U.S. there are countries that are accepting visitors. There may be some specific restrictions, and you will want to stay safe in your travel, by taking the necessary safety precautions by investing in a face mask best for travel.

Remember that travel guidelines are constantly changing and you’ll want to check if the guidelines have changed before your trip. Also consider purchasing travel insurance, so you don’t lose money if your U.S. passport is no longer accepted at the last minute.

Below are the countries that are currently accepting travelers from the U.S. As of Jan. 26, the CDC requires all passengers traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country (including American citizens) to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before their flight. You can check here for updated information on requirements when returning to the U.S. Our top picks include Albania, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Repubic, Aruba, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Kitts & Nevis, and Jamaica.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Albania during COVID

Albania

Set on the Adriatic Sea, Albania remains open. The US Embassy website states that while there’s no Covid-19 test requirements or quarantine to enter, you can expect a health screening. Mask requirements and new curfews are in place.

You would not think of Albania as having spectacular beaches, but Albania beaches are Europe’s cheapest beach paradise.  The Albanian Riviera has wonderful pebble beaches, secluded beaches and island beaches, and all are very pristine. Southern Albania has spectacular scenery and beaches that rival the beaches of Greece and Croatia for half the price. Find empty white beaches with crystal clear turquoise water, fresh seafood, baklava and local wine, with prices so low you’ll be amazed!  Visit our Albania Travel Guide here to start planning your vacation to Albania.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Anguilla during COVID

Anguilla

Anguilla in the Caribbean is also accepting US visitors. You must be pre-approved; click here to start the process and read up on extensive Covid-19 testing requirements, including the specific type of test you must get, as well as mandatory quarantine and insurance. Get more details: The US Embassy.

Anguilla is shaded by coconut palms and sea-grape trees, and filled with colorfully painted, open-sided beach bars serving sizzling barbecues.  Sip feisty rum punches and listen to live reggae tunes here in Anguilla. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs offer spectacular snorkeling, glass-bottomed kayaking, and sailing to tiny islets and atolls scattered offshore.   They are ranked #1 in the Caribbean for the best beaches, and as one of the top wedding destinations. Visit our Anguilla Travel Guide to plan your Anguilla vacation.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Antigua & Barbuda during COVID

Antigua & Barbuda

US travelers 12 and older to Antigua and Barbuda arriving by air must present a negative Covid-19-RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction) test result, using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab. It must be taken within seven days of the flight. Visitors are subject to monitoring by health officials for 14 days and another Covid-19 test may be required, which could mean quarantining while waiting for the result. More info: US Embassy website | Antigua and Barbuda government website

The beauty of Antigua, and its sister island, Barbuda, is the 365 gorgeous beaches, “one for every day of the year,” as locals love to say.  Even the locals haven’t combed every patch of sand.  On Antigua, life is a beach. It’s coasts have hundreds of perfect sandy spots with beautiful emerald-blue water, with lots of sheltered bays. Yet Antigua is the typical Caribbean island, full of candy-colored villages, a rum-infused mellowness and  locals that greet you smiles and open arms. Planning to vacation to Antigua or Barbuda? Visit our Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guide here.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to the Bahamas during COVID

The Bahamas

Visitors 11 and older must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result no more than five days old before arrival. Once you have the negative result, you can apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa here, where you must opt in for Covid-19 health insurance. You must also take a rapid test on day 5 unless you’re leaving. Get updates: US Embassy website | Bahamas’ travel website

The Bahamian islands lure millions of visitors to their white-washed shores, duty-free shops, fishing and scuba diving excursions and luxurious accommodations each year. The families that flock here tend to indulge in the diversions of the mega resorts, but this diverse island chain also offers a range of activities away from the hotel zone. Nature enthusiasts can explore the offshore reefs and wildlife preserves and golf lovers can tee up on the numerous par-72 courses. Bargain-hunters enjoy patrolling the marketplaces for the best duty-free deals. Learn more about the Bahamas by visiting our Bahamas travel guide.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Belize during COVID

Belize

Belize is known for diving and jungle wildlife, and is open to US citizens. To enter, you must download the Belize Health App and have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid test within 48 hours of arrival. Or you can be tested upon arrival at a cost of $50. More info: the Belize Tourism Board.

Belize has one foot in the Central American jungle and the other in the Caribbean Sea, and is packed with islands, adventure and culture.  The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, with over 100 types of coral and 500 species of tropical fish.  It’s paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. For planning the Best Belize Vacations, visit here.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Bermuda during COVID

Bermuda

Bermuda requires each inbound passenger 10 and older to apply for travel authorization at the cost of $75 per adult and $30 for flight crew and children 9 and younger. Upon arrival, passengers must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken no more than five days before departure. You’ll be tested again at the airport and quarantined while awaiting for those results. More tests are required on days 4, 8 and 14 of your visit. Read Bermuda’s extensive requirements here, including a traveler’s wristband rule. Visit our Bermuda Travel Guide to start planning your Bermuda vacation.

People visiting Bermuda are looking for a little luxury. Top activities include spa treatments and afternoon tee times. Enjoy stretching out on the dazzling pink sand at Elbow Beach or Horseshoe Bay Beach, strolling past the old-time buildings in Historic St. George or polishing up on your naval history at the National Museum of Bermuda. Bermuda offers a charming old-school sophistication that’s hard to find anywhere else. Vacationing to Bermuda? Visit our Bermuda Travel guide here.

This image has an empty alt Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands during COVID

Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands

US citizens need a travel certificate that you can get at the BVI Gateway website. You need a negative Covid-19 test result taken five days or less before travel to enter. You’ll also get another test on arrival and must quarantine four days while waiting for results. More information: US Embassy website | BVI government website.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, is a popular tourist spot with posh resorts, pristine beaches and great sailing. Virgin Gorda is probably most famous for the Baths, a unique national park on the island’s southwest coast. The Baths is unlike any other beach in the Caribbean. It features white sandy beaches framed by gigantic granite boulders, some of these with diameters reaching 40 feet. Plan your vacation here by visiting our Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands travel guide.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Costa Rica during COVID

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is allowing residents from all US states access. Visitors must complete a health pass form but are no longer required to take a Covid-19 PCR test. You must have proof of travel medical insurance, which you can get in Costa Rica. Get more details here from the US Embassy.

Manuel Antonio Park Costa Rica is the jewel of the Pacific Coast that is home to one of the top beaches in the world located within the Manuel Antonio National Park. It is one of the smallest parks in Costa Rica but it is the most visited due to its varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds.  It’s popular because of its expansive white sand beaches flanked by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. Plan your trip to Manuel Antonio Park Costa Rica here.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Dominican Republic during COVID

Dominican Republic

People traveling to the Dominican Republic no longer have to show a negative PCR Covid-19 test result on arrival. DR authorities will give breath tests to a small percentage of random passengers plus anyone showing symptoms. You must also fill out a health affidavit. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism now offers free viral antigen testing to all international visitors staying in hotels. The US Embassy says PCR test results have been reliably available within 72 hours but could be affected by increased demand. More info: US Embassy in the DR.

The Dominican Republic has around 1,000 miles of gorgeous beaches lined with coconut palms.  The sands vary with pearl-white beaches, to golden brown, to volcanic black. The Dominican Republic offers some of the cheapest and best-value beach holidays in the Caribbean. Most visitors stay in large all-inclusive hotels, where dozens line the magnificent beaches. Head to our Dominican Republic Vacations Guide to plan your vacation to the DR.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Aruba during COVID

Aruba

All US visitors 15 and older must fill out a health assessment and have a negative Covid-19 test result. Aruba has eliminated its list of US states that require extra testing. JetBlue passengers can take an at-home, saliva-based test. You must purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance. More info: Aruba’s official tourism site.

You’ll find miles of glorious white-sand beaches, plenty of all-inclusive resorts, and a cute, compact capital, Oranjestad, which is well suited for the two-hour strolls favored by cruise-ship passengers. It’s all about sun, fun and spending money. Start planning your Aruba vacation, visit our Aruba Travel Guide.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to St Vincent & the Grenadines during COVID

St Vincent & the Grenadines

US travelers to St. Vincent and the Grenadines must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken 72 hours or less before arrival. You’ll be retested upon arrival. As the United States is considered a high-risk country, a quarantine of 14 days and additional testing is mandatory. You must also fill out a prearrival form. You can get official Covid-19 protocol documents here. Seventy-two hour PCR test results still aren’t reliably available. More information: US Embassy

The Grenadines Travel with immerse you in white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, swaying palm trees, all the hallmarks of a tropical getaway in the Caribbean, without the tourist traffic of other Caribbean islands. For more information, visit our St Vincent & The Grenadines Travel guide.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to St Kitts & Nevis during COVID

St Kitts & Nevis

To visit this Caribbean island federation, you must fill out a Travel Authorization Form before arrival and upload a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken 72 hours or less before you start your trip. You must stay on approved hotel property for your first seven days. You must take another test on day 7 of your visit if you’re staying longer. If it’s negative, you can move about on a limited basis. For stays of 14 days or longer, a third test is required. The islands aren’t accepting PCR tests done by LabCorp. Additional information: US Embassy.

There are many reasons to visit the islands of a thousand treasures. To splash in warm, iridescent waters along pristine island shores. To dive ancient shipwrecks and virgin coral reefs. To sway to a soca beat, sipping local rum around a bonfire on the beach. But the most important reason is that you’ll share a smile with every new experience that unfolds on St. Kitts and Nevis. Visit our St Kitts and Nevis Travel guide for more information.

Where Can I Vacation During COVID?  Beach worthy destinations.  Travel to Jamaica during COVID

Jamaica

Jamaica requires completion of an online travel authorization form and the possibility of being tested upon arrival. All passengers arriving from the United States 12 or older are required to upload negative Covid-19 test results to get travel authorization. The test date must be less than 10 days from the date of travel to the island. Read the website’s requirements closely; it has explicit instructions on taking tests and where you can go. More details: US Embassy in Jamaica.

Jamaica is the heart of the Caribbean. The birthplace of reggae music and all-inclusive resorts.  Visit the land of sugar cane, coffee and limestone, and enjoy Jamaica. Here you will find cream-colored beaches, bordered by rugged Blue Mountains, and foamy waterfalls. To plan your Jamaica vacation, visit our Jamaica Travel Guide.

28 Comments

  1. Bex Arnold

    This is awesome. I was just having a conversation with my son about the beach destinations we could aim for during the pandemic and I really was at a loss as to how to get some thorough and easily accessible and efficient results in my search as searching the web can be quite a daunting task. Then I came upon your site and this post and it is like I am in the good flow of the good world taking care of me and having my back. Your post is super dialled in and I am super appreciative of the investment you have put in here. The Aruba vibe is calling me for sure! Thank you, in all sincerity for your content Leahrae and keep rocking it!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are welcome Bex, thanks for the visit!

      Reply
  2. Marthin Louw

    Thanks for these guidelines, it makes it a lot easier to pick a destination for a get away now that I know which ones are open to travel, I have one worry though, how often does the guidelines change? Is there a risk that you might reach your destination but not be able to travel back to the US due to guideline changes?

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are welcome, no there is not a risk returning home.  If you follow the guidelines set by the country you are visiting, you won’t have any issues.

      Reply
  3. Geoff

    Thank you for this great information.  It seems so long that we could go on holiday that it is great to see that finally we are starting to emerge from this and hopefully get back to normal.

    It is terrific to know that there are already some great options available.

    Aruba is somewhere that has been on my list, as the beaches and culture appear to be wonderful.

    Time to finally brush the dust off my suitcase.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes it is time to get the dust off!  We are at a point where there are places to travel…safely.  Thanks for the visit to beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  4. Alblue

    Thank you very much for providing some beach travel destinations during this pandemic. It’s really stressful during this period since I and my family almost never going outside (unless there is really an important matter). By the way, I’m actually looking into farther beaches outside American region. Any recommendations for beaches around Europe or Asia?

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes, Albania which was on the list 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jenny Hennig

    Hi Leahrae,

    Thanks for highlighting all of these great beach destinations.  They all look very inviting especially this time of the year, after a long winter!  Travelling within your own country, via road trips is what most people are doing and it’s nice to see there are other options available for a much-needed warm-weather getaway.

    Costa Rica has always been on my list of places to go, but I must say some of the other destinations you mention here sound great too, like Albania.  I especially like that the beaches there rival those of Greece and Croatia but for way less money.  I’m always looking for a great deal!

    Thanks for the info., time to start planning a much-needed trip.

    Jenny.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes, very true and Albania is a great beach destination.  Most would not consider, but it’s beautiful and affordable.  Thanks for visiting my “Where Can I Vacation During COVID” guide.

      Reply
  6. Cynthia

    I have been wanting to take a vacation…and I have a feeling I’m not alone!  Although the travel requirements will take some extra time, it’s nice to know there are actually places that will allow outside travelers.  I’m sure we’ll get used to these extra precautions, just as we’ve gotten used to the extra safety precautions at the airports.  Thank you for posting this great information!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are welcome Cynthia, thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  7. The Bit Guy

    Wow, this is such a good and also timely article. Out of all the locations I think my pick would be the Dominican Republic due to their magnificent beaches, all inclusive hotels and pocket-friendly prices. Also love how they don’t require Covid tests upon landing to give that warm welcome. 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      That is a great choice for all the reasons you listed.  Hope you can head there soon 🙂  Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  8. Misael H

    Wow! I must admit that you have completely gone all out with this article in the amount of options that you have provided. My girlfriend and I have been looking for a beach to go to this summer because we are done with Covid and we just need to get out there and have fun. It is actually so hard to pick one because you have provided so many great options. But this is a great problem to have. Thank you so much for this informative article

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are welcome Misael, I am glad you enjoyed.  And yes, plenty of options!

      Reply
  9. Aleksandra Pavlov

    This guides for travel during pandemic of Covid-19 are great. I know that people are stressed and they want to relax and put everything on the side, and forget the reality. So a good vacation will sure put the stress away. My friend visited Albania the previous year, and they said that the beaches and the people are great, and you will feel more than welcome. If you plan to visit this country, first at all take sure to be safe. 

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You will feel welcome in Albania and the beaches are lovely 🙂  Thanks for stopping by Aleksandra.

      Reply
  10. Andy

    It is such a strange experience for me to see Albania listed as a vacation destination. I well remember the times when it was a closed country. I stayed in Corfu and back then anyone sailing was warned not to stray anywhere near Albania for fear of being shot at. During all the upheavals of the early 1990s, I actually organized a news gathering crew to drive into Albania to cover their first elections. It was like the Wild West. Even though we had permission from the Foreign Ministry someone else claiming to be from the Telecommunications Ministry showed up with armed guards wanting a massive payment in cash or they would confiscate our equipment. Our crew packed up and left overnight. I’m sure things have changed now. It is probably a wonderful place to visit and I would hope that there have been changes of personnel in those various ministries. I have to say though, I think I will wait it out this year. Best regards, Andy

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Wow Andy, very interesting.  Yes, safe to visit now and it would be a pleasant surprise.  I appreciate you leaving your comments and sharing your experiences.  Thanks for visiting “Where Can I Vacation During COVID”

      Reply
  11. Alejandra

    After over a year at home, my husband and me were talking about the chances to travel again to a quiet place to get some vacations, so I decided to look for some information and I’m glad I found your website, thanks so much for sharing good information about what countries are open to get visitors from US, I took some notes as I see you listed some great countries we could visit and spend some wonderful time there. I’m sure my husband will be interested to learn more about these countries!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Great Alejandra, I am sure he will.  After over a year of doing nothing, they all look enticing!  Glad you enjoyed 🙂

      Reply
  12. Gaurav Gaur

    Hi Leahrae
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on vacation destinations during Covid.as you correctly set it is better to carry a proof of negative covid-19 test for our own safety. I am also impressed by the idea of purchasing travel insurance I think it should be on the priority list 1. The places you indicated are really enjoying worthy .thanks for your detailed research and bring out the best for us.
    Thanks and regards,
    Gaurav Gaur

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are welcome Gaurav!  Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  13. Daniella

    Hi Lea,

    Albania has always been one of the countries I wanted to visit, but I’ve never had the opportunity to do it. Thanks to your guide, I will be able to plan my trip efficiently. I’ve heard that the people in Albania are very conservative. So I wonder if it requires a special dress code to get around this beautiful country?
    I don’t want to be in a situation where people stare at me like I am an alien:)
    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes, Albanians where exactly what we do. So feel comfortable to wear what is comfortable for you 🙂 On the beach, still just beach attire. So no worries, they will welcome you with open arms 🙂 Thanks for visiting my guide for vacations during COVID.

      Reply
  14. Shalisha Alston

    This post is timely. I was supposed to go to Mexico last year. But then COVID hit. Now, I probably won’t go anywhere for the next 2 years – even after the pandemic. Still, if I was going to go somewhere, I’d go to Aruba! I’m bummed you didn’t list the accommodations, including restaurants. But I’m super excited about the tropical look and feel of Aruba. I’m glad JetBlue passengers can take an at-home saliva-based test. This makes it easier to just present evidence that I’m cleared for takeoff. The article says you have to buy Aruba Visitors Insurance. So I checked it out. $30 is a steal for what you’re covered for. Thanks for posting this info.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Hi Shalisha, Thanks for visiting my post. I did include links, but you are right not all of them list the information for planning. I am working on that though 🙂 Thanks for the visit to Beach Travel Destinations.

      Reply

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