After more than 700 days, New Zealanders will be free to explore the world again from March 2022. Travel was something we took for granted, and this long period of isolation has been an adjustment for Kiwis, given our renowned sense of adventure. Now it’s back on the agenda – where should you go?
Dublin, Ireland
Possibly the most visitor friendly city in Europe, with a remarkable array of attractions, landmarks and points of interest in the city centre, not to mention around 750 pubs.
I visited incredible museums, the historic Croke Park (home of Gaelic Football), ancient castles and some famed whiskey distilleries, as well as making the pilgrimage to the Guinness Storehouse, while you can spend hours wandering the famous lanes.
Perhaps the highlight though, is realising that everything you imagined about Irish people is true; they are convivial, gregarious, charming and always game for a laugh.
An enduring memory was a weeknight dinner in a random pub, far from the tourist hot spots. In one corner a musician belted out songs with verve and pride, while locals, relaxing after work, were animated in conversation.
The singer finished the night with some traditional Irish favourites and almost everyone joined in, in a wonderfully unscripted moment of national pride and pure fun.
Peru
If you choose one country in South America, this is it, as Peru offers a dizzying kaleidoscope of experiences, from mountain ranges and lost cities to jungles and mysterious ancient cultures.
Cusco, the heart of the Inca empire, should be on everyone’s bucket list and is the base to explore, while Machu Picchu is a rare example of an iconic destination that lives up to – or even exceeds – expectations.
The capital Lima offers urban beaches, brilliant restaurants, great night life and a captivating gold museum.
For a touch of Indiana Jones, head for the Amazon. It’s much easier to access than in Brazil, but still has all the amazing ecology and fauna that characterises the world’s most famous rainforest.
Peruvian cuisine is arguably the best on the continent (guinea pigs are strictly optional though!) and it’s the birthplace of Pisco Sour, a popular cocktail.
Travel within Peru isn’t always straightforward, but it’s worth the effort and just adds to the adventure.
Lithuania
Probably not on most traveller’s lists, who opt for more well-known European destinations, but that’s the point.
The capital Vilnius has a stunning Baroque old town, comparable to Prague but without the tourist hordes and American expats.
Free of Soviet occupation for only three decades, Lithuanians have inspiring joie de vivre and a wonderful zest for life.
The country is a lovely mix of slow and old, fast and new and English is widely spoken in the capital.
Lithuania is compact – about a quarter of the size of New Zealand – and easy to get around, while a side trip to the neighbouring Baltic states of Latvia and Estonia is highly recommended.
Vancouver, Canada
A trip to Vancouver brings a double bonus. It’s a perfect gateway into North America, as well as being a magnificent destination of its own.
Travellers can process through US customs at the airport (avoiding the sometimes painful experience in America) while the west coast city is a great base to discover British Colombia, especially Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler.
But Vancouver is an underrated gem, especially Stanley Park, which is an urban marvel and fantastic to explore (grab a bike).
The Capilano suspension bridge is another must see, an engineering marvel in a spectacular setting, 20 storeys off the ground. Vancouver has fabulous bars, restaurants, markets and nightlife and an ultra-modern transport network.
It’s also one of the best places in the world to see Ice Hockey, Canada’s national obsession and the atmosphere inside the Rogers Arena is amazing.
A published travel writer, Michael Burgess has visited more than 45 countries and once had a stint as a tour guide in South America.