8 Travel Bubbles We Can’t Wait to Pop

September 27, 2021

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As vaccination rates rise, so do our chances of international travel – particularly when it comes to these hot destinations.

Countries around the world are very quickly opening up to vaccinated international visitors, putting international travel well and truly back on the cards for Australians. So prepare your passports; here are the top destinations we think you’ll be able to jet away to first.

South Pacific

Paradise awaits in the South Pacific, with its crystal-clear waters, palm-fringed patches of sand and idyllic island lifestyle.

Between the exclusive elegance of New Caledonia, family-friendly Fiji, adventure-laden Vanuatu, culturally rich Samoa and the barefoot beauty of the Cook Islands, you’re bound to find something to delight and discover on its shores.

Fiji sunset — Sunset in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

Qantas plans to resume flights to Fiji in mid-December 2021, just in time for the school holidays. Explore our collection of South Pacific holiday packages, or get ahead of the crowd by browsing Fiji escapes.

Singapore

From Michelin-starred street stalls to sensational shopping, Singapore is a jewel in South-East Asia’s crown – and we might be getting there sooner than you think.

Spend your days traversing the multicultural metropolis, stopping in for a Singapore Sling at the world-famous Raffles Hotel, before shopping ’til you drop along Orchard Road. Finish the day at one of the many hawker centres for a feast of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours. Families will find plenty of activities on the island of Sentosa, including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Water Park and SEA Aquarium.

Singapore has led the world with one of the highest vaccination rates anywhere. An incredible 83 percent of all people have been vaccinated and Singapore has already opened ‘green lanes’ to Germany and Brunei, with lots more on the way. As Australia’s vaccination rate approaches 80 percent, expect Singapore to reopen sooner rather than later.

You can even start planning your Singapore adventures now with our collection of incredible Singapore hotels.

Thailand

After eighteen months at home, it’s time to rediscover some of our very favourite holiday spots and Thailand is first on the list for many Australian Luxury Escapes travellers. Qantas expects to start flying to Thailand in April, but with a Phuket Sandbox already up and running (via Singapore), it’s likely Australians will be able to visit a lot sooner than that. Luxury Escapes is currently selling one of its best-ever Thailand packages to the incredible Robinson Club Khao Lak, offering the perfect way to restart your overseas travel adventures with a five-star all-inclusive Thailand trip.

Need inspiration for your Thailand itinerary? Start in vibrant Bangkok to explore the country’s exquisite historical attractions and thriving food scene, before making your way south to the sands of Phuket, Koh Samui and Khao Lak for days of beachside bliss. Head north to Chiang Mai for night markets and marvellous mountains, or escape the crowds on the breathtaking Koh Lanta, where untouched white-sand beaches, azure waters and thriving rainforests await.

Check out the incredible escape to the five-star Robinson Club Khao Lak.

New Zealand

With vaccination rates on both sides of the Tasman increasing, it’s incredibly likely our neighbours in New Zealand will re-open the travel bubble with Australia late in 2021 or early in 2022.

One of the world’s best natural playgrounds, New Zealand is brimming with unique experiences – from hot springs in Lake Tekapo, to wines and vines in Marlborough, you’ll be spoilt for choice on your first international getaway.

Qantas are currently selling flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington from mid-December 2021 – just in time for a summer escape.

Need some inspiration? Discover our bucket list of New Zealand experiences

UK

London’s calling! After almost two years, the UK is open and thriving once more and just waiting to be explored. Starting in England’s capital, catch a show in the West End, feel like royalty for an afternoon at Buckingham Palace and Tower of London, or admire the work of the Grand Masters in the National Gallery. Then it’s time to get out of town – from the coasts of Cornwall and Norfolk, to the peaks of Snowdonia and the Scottish Highlands, there are rivers deep and mountains high to explore.

Don’t forget the regional cities – Liverpool, Manchester or the univeristy town of Bristol – where the latest in art and culture emerge, or Northern Ireland, where history continues to be carved into the books.

Qantas is recommencing flights to the UK in mid-December – make sure you’re ready with our collection of UK stays.

Japan

Tradition and technology intersect in timeless Japan, giving visitors a unique look into the ancient rituals of the past while enjoying every modern (and sometimes futuristic) comfort along the way.

Discover imperial history in the temples of Kyoto or learn more about the country’s diverse culture through its food – Japanese cuisine goes well beyond sushi and sashimi. While it may be tempting, don’t fall into the trap of sticking to the cities – the natural landscapes of Japan are possibly its best-kept secret. Take to the mountains of the north to ski or hike before soaking sore muscles in a traditional hot springs onsen, or head south to find sensational snorkelling and diving in the sunshine.

Japan is also on Qantas’ list for recommencing flights in mid-December 2021. Start creating your itinerary with our selection of Japan hotels.

USA

The bright lights and big cities may dominate our screens, but there’s much more to the great American experience.

Follow the music in Austin, Nashville or New Orleans, or take a cross-country road trip through deserts, mountain ranges and rainforests, chasing open skies and roads. Dive into plates of lobster, barbecue, tacos or bagels along the way, or sample the award-winning flavours of the country’s lauded fine diners in San Francisco, Washington DC and LA. That’s not to say the cosmopolitan cities of Chicago, Las Vegas, Boston, Miami and New York City aren’t worth the journey – after all, there’s a reason they top bucket lists worldwide!

Qantas is set to resume international flights to key American ports in mid-December 2021. Live the American dream with our curated collection of USA escapes.

Canada

You’ll never be lost for something to see, eat or explore in Canada. The world’s second-largest country has a diverse range of attractions (historical and natural), foodie finds, cultural hotspots and outdoor activities, including some of the world’s best ski resorts. The sheer variety of landscapes that puts the North American nation top of many travellers’ lists: who could say no to summers spent hiking across breathtaking mountain ranges, swimming in crystal-clear lakes and moose-spotting, or winters speeding down slopes and polar bear-watching?

But it’s not just the great outdoors that delivers diversity – you’ll be spoilt for choice with Montreal’s French influences, Vancouver’s seafood, Toronto’s premiership-winning sports teams and Edmonton’s festival fever.

Qantas and Air Canada are both aiming to resume flights in mid-December – browse our collection of Canada hotels to start your trip planning.

Written by Emily Jacobs

Yet another Aussie in London, Emily spends her days dreaming and writing about food, while planning her next European adventure. If not eating, she can often be found at the gym, or exploring the latest and greatest in London.