So, during this “shelter in place” or quarantine period, many friends have asked me this question. My short answer is: I would go anywhere it is safe, and happy. Narrowing it down, I would say New Zealand, Thailand, and Cape Town. Why?
If things were safe everywhere, where would I go? How about the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, Tasmania, and Yerevan, Armenia. But reality speaks loud and clear!
New Zealand is clean, not heavily populated, and loves the outdoors. It feels safe there, yet far enough off the beaten path to avoid pandemic issues.
Thailand, simply has the number one rated hospital in the world. Add to that, great food, nice people, world class shopping, and a very interesting cultural explosion.
Cape Town, home to Barry the V, means I would be treated like a Prince at Chez Varkel. A previous two week visit was one of my best vacations. Unique culture, wine tasting, humorous Barry, beautiful home. Here I come, Barry!
All kidding aside, I think, in very short order, we can begin to think about hitting the road again. Many travel experts say we will literally hit the road, taking RV, and car trips, along with camping. Others say the airfares and hotels are so cheap, long distance travel is the preferred trip. You decide!
Let me give you a few examples:
London $332
Rome $376
Istanbul $206
Moscow $378
Dublin $252
Hong Kong $384
Kuala Lumpur $483
Tokyo $546
Saigon $420
Rent an RV for only $140 per night.
Take Amtrak from California to Chicago for only $136. You think I can find a bargain on the Orient Express?