2021 Hotspot Predictions by Flight Centre’s Travel Experts

When and where will we be able to get away for that much-needed holiday? That’s the question on everyone’s lips right now. And while we’ve had a bit of structure from the government about the traffic-light system set to launch next month, we still don’t know what destinations we’ll be allowed to visit. But that’s where our experts come in.

Now, we don’t have a crystal ball or Mystic Meg on hand, but our in-house travel pros really know their stuff. As such, we’ve compiled their suggestions for the destinations that we reckon will feature on the UK green list come 17th May and will hopefully allow international tourism (dependent on vaccination/testing protocols of course). Our insights are based on facts, figures, and connections on the ground in destinations around the globe. So check out the list below, and the rest of our Get Travel Ready guides here.

At the start of the pandemic, things were looking pretty sketchy in the US with the virus spreading rapidly – especially in the big cities. However, in the last couple of months there’s been a huge turnaround. The States are now one of the frontrunners with their vaccination programme, having administered over 200m doses (correct at 22/4/21). Although the US recently increased its threat level warning for travel to/from the UK, we are monitoring this closely to see if this changes over the coming weeks. Indeed, US citizens have been travelling domestically throughout the crisis, and some sources are suggesting that President Biden is looking to expand that to the UK and Europe with some kind of travel corridor around mid-May.

So, whether you fancy a bite of the Big Apple, some sun-soaking in Florida or a road trip in Cali, USA holidays are our safest bet for the summer.

With relatively low case numbers (3,800 total), Barbados is a great choice for the government green list. It, and several other Caribbean islands, actually reopened last year when restrictions eased, so we’re confident it will be just as liberal this time around. Visitors are currently required to have a negative PCR test to visit but, apart from that, the country is keen to restart its tourism industry, which makes up over a third of its economy.

Tourism is a huge part of the Maldivian economy too, so it’s no surprise the resorts on this tropical archipelago are keen to welcome back Brits. That, and the fact its numerous islands make it fairly easy to practise social distancing. COVID case numbers are decreasing here too, making it the perfect green-list contender.

A successful vaccination programme and relatively low case numbers put Malta in good stead to get the go-ahead. Last month the local tourism authority confirmed the country is planning to reopen to vaccinated tourists – Brits included – from 1st June 2021. It’s expected you’ll need to show proof of having had your vaccine (both sets) at least 10 days prior to travel, but otherwise it’s looking like sun, sea and sand are on the cards here this summer.

As one of the first countries to launch its vaccination programme, Israel is a world leader in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s almost immunised its entire adult population, meanwhile its case numbers are steadily decreasing, making it one of the safest places to make the green list. It’d be great news for culture vultures too, with Tel Aviv boasting incredible architecture on the Med, and delicious cuisine to boot.

Gibraltar has had one of the most successful vaccination rollouts in the world – 85% of adults here have had the jab! This makes it a really strong candidate for the green list, not to mention the fact it has started easing its own lockdown restrictions and reopening pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities. Plenty to keep you busy on your trip!

Iceland has already confirmed that it is keen to welcome back tourists – indeed, those who have had both doses of their vaccine and can show their certificate at the border will be exempt from additional border measures and will only need to required to take one test on arrival.

The Seychelles has been welcoming visitors – regardless of their vaccination status – since the end of March. A negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours prior to departure, must be presented on arrival, and the island-nation has also curated a collection of approved accommodation for tourists. Best of all, with some of the most luxurious, exclusive resorts on the planet, we reckon social distancing will be a breeze here.

We’re tentatively coming into bat for the following destinations too, especially given the rumours that there could be up to 30 countries on the green list. The following countries are working hard on their vaccination programmes and reducing COVID case numbers. It’s worth noting, though, that even if some of these countries do make it to the list it doesn’t automatically mean we can visit – that depends on the destination’s entry rules too (Aus/NZ we’re looking at you)…

• Spain
• Greece
• United Arab Emirates
• Sri Lanka
• Canada
• Morocco
• Grenada
• Australia
• New Zealand