We’ve already toldja why we shouldn’t be traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic, and we want to reiterate that as of May 2020, it’s still not time to start getting back out there. But that doesn’t mean we can’t brainstorm about all the amazing places we can’t wait to visit when this is over and done with. Travel ain’t going anywhere, no matter what anyone tells you. It may look a little different, and there may be a new future ahead none of us had anticipated before, but there’s nothing that’ll keep us permanently grounded. Here’s our list of the 13 places we want to travel after COVID-19 is just a crappy memory:
Cambodia
Andrew: “This one hurts. We had to cancel our adventure to Cambodia just TWO DAYS before I was supposed to step on the plane. The whole thing was so well-planned and orchestrated, and I’d spent months putting the itinerary together. The worst thing about the sudden evaporation of tourism in developing countries is the impact on the locals who depend on that income. Forget Marriott. Forget Delta Airlines. The people taking the brunt of COVID-19 are the local tour operators and business owners who have no other avenue for income. Because of this, despite canceling our booking with a local tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap, we ended up wiring him the money anyway. He’d need it more than us.
I told him we’d come visit him and take the tour we’d planned on as soon as we could. And I plan on making good on that promise.”
Malaysia
Andrew: “Similarly to Cambodia, Malaysia was part of the Southeast Asia trip we’d had planned. But this one was partly work. I was booked to perform for a couple thousand local kids with the Malaysian Philharmonic. When that gig was canceled it was a gut punch, but we’re crossing fingers that when life returns to semi-normal, we’ll be able to perform for those kids again. I also can’t WAIT to check out the sights like the Patronus Towers, the Batu Caves, and the lightning bug shows at dusk along the southwestern coasts. Oh… and that FOOD. I might be most sad about missing out on the curry.”
New River Gorge, West Virginia
Andrew: “You don’t have to venture far from home to have an adventure, and the first place I want to go when this is over back to my local happy place: The New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. I’m a rock climber, and the climbing there is world class. But Summersville Lake is an amazing summer chill spot and the hiking is gorgeous as well. We’ve stayed away during lockdown because we don’t want to spread the virus to small towns with less medical infrastructure, but as soon as we’re able, we hope to get back out there.”
Patagonia
Andrew: “The top of the bucket list. I’m obsessed with the brand and all the good they do in the world, I’m obsessed with that skyline, and I’m obsessed with the lore. I could watch Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell conquer the Fitz Traverse (climbing all 7 peaks in a single push) over and over again. As a climber, this is pretty much Mecca, so it’s GOT to happen. The end of the world is a place I sure as hell want to visit. Especially after we’ve survived the end of the world.”
Joe’s Valley, Orangeville, Utah
Andrew: “There are plenty of communities right here in the US of A that were hit hard by the drop in travel and tourism. The climbing area of Joe’s Valley in South-central Utah is one of the only things supporting the little town of Orangeville these days. When COVID hit and the climbers stopped coming, life got pretty hard there for small business owners. I’d love to get back out there as soon as possible and start spending my money with those folks in a hope of keeping them afloat and doing my part to help revitalize the town. Wherever Orangeville is for you, as soon as this is passed and it’s safe to visit, make it a priority. That said, PLEASE don’t go before it’s safe. As of May 2020, it isn’t yet, despite what the government is saying.”
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Andrew: “This is it. My ultimate happy place. It’s in a dead heat with Squamish, BC as my favorite place on Earth. Virgin Gorda is one of the lesser known islands that make up the British Virgin Islands. It’s tiny, but full of life. From dirtbag climbers to fancy shmancy yachters to the locals who call it home, Virgin Gorda has a little bit of everything. And the beaches… the beaches are absolutely second to none. To get there you have to take a ferry from either St. Thomas or Tortola, but that just adds to the fun. I can’t wait to go back.”
CEBU, PHILIPPINES
Andrew: “BEFORE I DIE I’M SWIMMING WITH A WHALE SHARK DAMMIT. That is all. That is all you need to know. And since I haven’t been to the Philippines and I haven’t swum with a whale shark, this is a match made in dream board heaven. Honestly, I know nothing about Cebu outside of the whale sharks. But that’s my favorite way to travel. Buy tickets first, research later. Gotta live dangerously sometimes.”
Capetown, South Africa
James: “I’ve had loads of friends from the cruise industry from Capetown and Johannesburg, South Africa and so many of them have been laid-back, warm, hospitable, entertaining people that have spoken volumes to the kind of beautiful place South Africa is. From wineries to wildlife, South Africa offers some of the best in the world. Add a population that’s fun to get ’round a table for breaking bread and cutting up? It’s a recipe for a journey you’ll never forget.”
Andrew: “Yeah and there’s world class rock climbing in the Rocklands that have been on my radar for yeeeeears. I got-ta get myself to Cape Town. Stat”
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
James: “Wow. Where to start? The food. The MUSIC. The people. Christ the Redeemer. The ENERGY that pervades the entire country that is Brazil. And if I should be so lucky to be there for Carnaval with all the dancing and costumes and the infectious delicious that goes along with it? Absolutely. Let me be a part of all that. There WILL be a day when we’re dancing in the streets again, and there’s no better place for that than Rio.”
Glacier National Park, Montana
James: “Now more than ever it’s important to support the national parks system, not only for their incredible value to us as a country, but also for their breathtaking beauty. Lake McDonald is one of those places that has to be seen to be real, I think. My eyes need to glut themselves on the views around and under the lake. The multicolored stones that floor McDonald are something I want to behold when we’re out and about again, and keeping our national parks alive and thriving is a cause very near and dear to the hearts of THE ADVENTURE DUDES.”
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
James: “After trekking Everest, I’d been bitten by the bug. Though the weather would be VERY different, I think taking on Kili would be a tremendous feather for an already well-pluméd cap. Andrew and I have already been to Africa twice, so another voyage to the birthplace of life would be a homecoming, just to a different auntie’s house.”
Easter Island/Patagonia, Chile
James: “See?! THIS is the problem with traveling as much as we do. When Andrew and I were in Santiago and surrounding areas a few years back, we found out the hard way it’s difficult to squeeze in all the awesome, even if you are on the adventure for a couple of weeks. When we get back to South America, I hope it will be to see the idols on Easter Island and to see the puffins off Cape Horn. I HATE cold weather, but I’ll brave it for a chance to see those guys.”
West Java, Indonesia
James: “This beautiful, remote area is known for its lush flora and its excellent surfing. Ombak Tujuh translates to “seven waves” and is outstanding for ripping curl, especially for <ahem> beginners like me. Andrew and I took surfing lessons while we were in Senegal and loved it, but I think the waves would be easier caught and ridden if most of them had seven tries in them every time we paddled into it like they are said to be here. Combine that with gorgeous weather, affordable pricing and a country we’ve never seen before? Yeah. Sign me up and hang some ten.”
So that’s it! If you were wondering where to travel after Covid, these 13 places are at the top of our list. What about you? Where’s the first place you want to travel after Covid? Comment below!