Although most of the world is still suffering under the fetters of COVID-oppression, a lot of forward thinking and freedom loving countries have finally removed their insane and devastating restrictions for the summer season, allowing healthy unvaccinated people to travel again.
As most countries still won’t let the cheerful people in, I find it useful to create a list of exceptions where you’re not obliged to get vaccinated, to provide a PCR test, or to mask yourself in the name of health and protection of fellow people. Perhaps this is your final chance to fill up your dreaded batteries before the return of oppressive measures or the collapse of the global economic system.
Unfortunately, life is not that simple so you can just get anywhere without restraints. While the mentioned countries warmly welcome unvaccinated people, many airports and airline companies still maintain their own rules regarding mask wearing, PCR testing or even vaccination requirements. In addition, not every country maintains direct flight routes to a destination where unvaccinated people may spend their vacation, requiring you to depart through a country which demands vaccination for everyone passing through its borders. You might also get ordered to go through random testing here and there.
So please keep in mind that this list is presented for you as-is, without any warranty of being able to enter a given country without jumping through hoops and barriers.
The list is separated into three categories: countries within the European Union or Schengen area, allowing visitors free travel without borders (passport or Visa still required for many foreign visitors), countries outside the EU or Schengen area but still in Europe, and countries outside Europe, where the abolishment of restrictions is still much rarer than on the old continent.
Within the European Union or Schengen area:
Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein
All three countries welcome guests from all over the world.
Visiting them is especially recommended for those who want to find a great hideaway from the summer heat. In the summer season, the otherwise white or barren mountains are coated in nice green color. Let’s also not forget about the rich heritage of Austrian and Swiss culture, especially in Vienna, Zürich, Salzburg and Linz.
Switzerland & Liechtenstein are not parts of the EU, but they do belong to the Schengen area, allowing travel without border checks.
Belgium
Unfortunately, Belgium is still surrounded with countries where vaccination requirements remain in place. That may not be a huge problem as most European countries maintain direct flights to the center of EU.
This year’s Tomorrowland already sold out, and you can’t just walk into Holland as their restrictions are still in place, but outside of Brussels and the European parliament, you can enjoy the great belgian beers & waffles or have a walk on the shore, although the sea is sometimes a little cold, even in summer.
Bulgaria
If Bulgaria, then Black Sea! Varna provides great sightseeings and cultural programs for the whole family, while Sunny Beach, 100 km south of Varna, is one of the hottest vacation destinations for the European youth. This resort has a 8km long sandy beach, a ton of hotels, apartments, restaurants and night clubs, and even two fairly large aqua parks. Outside the city, but still very near it resides the medieval town of Nessebar. So when your history teacher asks you: where did you spend your summer, you don’t have to just blink awkwardly as if your only acitivites were drinking and chasing girls. 😉
Bulgaria is a very wallet-friendly country. You can partake in most programs for cheap, and with the exception of some fancy restaurants, even the food costs much less than in other European countries.
Croatia & Slovenia
Croatia owns most of Adriatic sea’s eastern shores. The rocky landscapes, untouched natural habitats and national parks form a nice contrast with the bohemian entertainment programs taking place around the shores.
It’s relatively easy to rent a boat, yacht, or even a seaplane. These two countries are perfect for middle class families who want to get entertained on a budget. The youth can still find venues & night clubs around the shores. Let’s also not forget that the European edition of Ultra Music Festival also takes place in Croatia every year.
Our only complaint may be the mostly gravel-coated beaches instead of sandy ones.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic serves as home for the world’s finest draft beers – I think I told you everything why it would be a deadly sin to leave this nice country out from your bucket list. Outside beer manufacturer tours, the historic downtowns of Prague or Brno provide sightseeings and cultural programs, where you can find some fruitful occupation even under the summer heat.
Greece
Greece is one of the hottest summer destinations for tourism. Every caste, from lower middle class to international elites can find their favourite place here, and you don’t even have to pressure yourself into serious compromises. If you want company, you can choose from a huge list of beach settlements, but if you require solitude or a more intimate experience spent only with your closest friends, there are hundreds of tiny islands or small, peaceful towns to choose from.
Hungary
As a landlocked country, Hungary may not be the hottest summer destination filled with sandy beaches, but you still won’t have to give up your crave for water on the hot summer days.
Hungary is the world’s number one country in terms of thermal baths – we have over 1300 of them. In addition to thermal baths, a plethora of aquaparks, smaller lakes and artificial beaches provide a great hideout from the pressure of civilization. We also have Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe which is also so shallow that it’s water temperature sometimes reaches 28 degrees Celsius at the peak of summer season. With some supervision, small children or even babies are safe in the water, especially on the southern shores where you can walk hundreds of meters into water with your legs still touching the mud on the bottom.
Let’s also not forget about our famous music festivals like Balaton Sound, Central-Europe’s EDM headquarters; Sziget, the world’s third largest music festival; and O.Z.O.R.A., maybe the largest psytrance gathering in the whole world.
Italy
They were late in lifting restrictions, which only happened in june. Despite that, Italy is now fully available for the summer season. A plethora of sandy beaches, a rich cultural heritage of the ancient Roman Empire, and plenty of hideaways in the summer Alps await the visitor.
Latvia & Lithuania
Not everyone craves for crowded beaches and unbearable noise. If that’s your situation, just put everyone including your kids and grandma into the car, and head north! The tiny countries of Latvia & Lithuania offer nice & peaceful hideaways from everyday problems. You don’t even have to plan on the trip months in advance, as both countries can be travelled around pretty quickly.
Poland
Poland offers every traveller a not-so-everyay hospitality and an opportunity to visit many historic towns and cities, all these at bearable prices. Please keep in mind that Slovakia still has its restrictions in place, so you might have to go around it if you come from the south.
Romania
Transylvania is among the most beautiful, largely untuoched natural habitats in the whole Europe. Here you can also visit the famous Dracula castle and the world’s most unique amusement park carved out of an undeground salt mine.
Bucharest is similar to other mid-eastern European capitals with some unique attractions. The sea shores of Romania may be not as important as Bulgaria’s, but the area of Constanta still offers a great tourist destination.
Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland
Those who rather would like to escape from the summer heat instead of enjoing it should embrace the opportunities these Nordic countries offer to them.
Denmark, as one of the happiest places in the world serves as an excellent destination for conservative travellers looking to trip hassle-free. Norway and Sweden are notable for their exotic landscapes and for having the highest standard of living in Europe. If you can get there somehow, Iceland’s spectacular geysers and volcanic territories are also worth a visit.
