Outside the European Union or Schengen area, but still in Europe:
The whole Balkans & Moldova
Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Albania equally welcome visitors with much love! As these countries are not EU members, you definitely have to look at their requirements for entry before deciding on travel.
Albania & Montenegro’s sea shores are hidden gems of the old continent, which aren’t being ruined by party tourists and other mismatched elements. The price levels are really friendly, and their hospitality is the inverse of that, so please don’t look down on the Balkan region.
Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Macedonia are landlocked countries (although Bosnia has got a very tiny shore), so my recommendation regarding them is to visit their numerous historic settlements and try out the local cuisine. Let’s also not forget that Serbia serves as home for Exit Festival, one of the most prestigious electronic music events in the whole world.
Moldova is not being counted among serious tourist attractions, so you’ll never find a better place to hide away from the woes of society. If you’re equipped with a really adventurous spirit, you should not shy yourself away from taking a detour toward the separatist state of Transnistria.
Please keep in mind that while Romania is a member state of the EU, Moldova is not.
Turkey
As an islamic country with a generally liberal attitude, you can enjoy similar programs and activities to any western country, usually at reduced prices. Istanbul is filled with entertainment opportunities, vacation destinations near the shores are numerous, and the country’s cultural heritage is really mesmerising – we Hungarians got a decent amount of taste of it during the reign of Ottoman Empire.
There’s a few cultural differences compared to western societies which are good to know before taking the trip, but nothing too extraordinary.
United Kingdom & Ireland
United Kingdom was among the first to lift restrictions, thanks to Boris Johnson derailing the official COVID narrative. Their example was followed by Ireland. Anyone curious about the history of one of the world’s most influential empire should do a visit to this rather rainy country. The United Kingdom is not part of the EU since 2020, but it’s important to know that neither the UK nor Ireland are parts of the Schengen area.
Outside Europe:
Argentina
The only country in southern America which has opened its borders for healthy visitors. There’s a small inconvenience compared to other countries, as Argentina requires you to fill out a form before travel, and you are also obliged to apply for a special insurance which covers the cost of healing you if you accidentally catch COVID. But at least there are no vaccination, mask wearing or PCR testing requirements.
Argentina is a huge country, so you probably won’t get bored while visiting all the beautiful landscapes this country has to offer. You can also enjoy the vast amount of ocean beaches. If you’d rather stay in Buenos Aires, its vibrating night life is the best bet for lively young adults.
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Grenada
There’s only one thing to know about Costa Rica: according to the Happy Planet Index, it’s the world’s happiest country. No wonder as even healthy people can partake in the life of community.
As this country is bordered by oceans from two directions, your only headache might be the pressure to choose which one you want to visit. You can also stay in the mainland where you can explore rainforests filled with exotic animals like wonderful toucans.
El Salvador is similar to Costa Rica, just smaller, while Jamaica might enjoy unbrilded success in the ranks of hippie-hearted people as this country serves as the ancient home of reggae music.
Cuba
Contrary to the authoritarian United States or Canada, this central-american island country maintains a more libertarian attitude toward foreign tourists. Although you will have to fill out a declaration before entering Cuba, and airport crew may randomly instruct you to take a PCR test, these restrictions are still pretty much bearable compared to the demands of free market dictatorships.
Cuba is a heaven for classical tourists where you may contemplate its rich cultural heritage later spread to other countries. You can enjoy a great cigar while eating Cuban sandwitch and dancing salsa in the sunset, drinking some mojito afterwards. Cuba also has a lot of beach resorts.
Gabon, Congo
These two neighbouring countries are the only ones in Africa where there are no restrictions. Many adventurous people are travelling to the black continent in order to know the real state of these countries as opposed to the propaganda the mainstream media wants to shove down our throats. Congo is not to be confused with the much larger Democratic Republic of Congo where tribal wars and militia operations might pose great danger to your life – the small country of Congo is much safer.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, The Maldives
You might be forced to choose a single country from the above list, as – with the exception of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – none of these are each other’s neighbors.
Kyrgyzstan is often considered as the Switzerland of Asia, thanks, in addition to its small size, to its mesmerizing landscapes decorated with tall mountains. Kazakhstan is a country where tradition meets modernity. You can sleep in a yurt as your glamping vacation, explore the vast landscapes or stay in Almaty, the largest city for a more cosmopolitan experience.
Afghanistan is a great question mark, but according to the COVID regulations map, they lifted all restrictions. So if you don’t mind risking your life, give it a chance.
Mongolia is hardly a conventional tourist destination, but they’re a hospitable nation and among the most connected to nature and their ancient roots. There is not a lot of modernity in Mongolia, and you can take this as a compliment.
The Maldives is an archipelago south of India. It consists of very small islands, so it’s only recommended if you’re a great swimmer and can bear the pressure of water surrounding you from all directions. You have to send them a declaration before entry.
Mexico
Mexico was among the first nations to lift restrictions: tourists are welcome since the very first day of this year.
Mexico is filled with tourist destinations all around the country. It has two very long shores and tropical climate, but the middle of mainland is rather dry and in some places deserty. Mexico City is the largest city of the whole Americas, and the land is filled with mayan and aztec monuments, so you definitely won’t get bored on your visit.
Vietnam
Since may 15th, Vietnam welcomes all healthy visitors who can enjoy the beauty of nature straight from a fairy tale, the not everyday hospitaly of local catering services, and the plenty of food you get on your plate without the miser rationing we have got used to in money hungry economies.
Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrein
I’m in trouble when I have to recommend these countries, as I have to admit that they’re not for everyone. Yemen and Oman are each other’s neighbours, but Yemen is currently suffering under a great humanitarian crisis. The remaining three don’t share borders with each other, so you have to choose only one of them or not bother at all.
Fortunately, YouTube is filled with travel vlogs regarding basically every existing country, so you might be interested in them instead of my own recommendation. Here you are: Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrein.