The year 2020 has been nerve-racking for people all around the globe. The free souls that once traveled to all the destinations on their bucket list are now confined within the spaces of their houses, hoping for the day they will be able to travel stress-free. Most of the countries have closed their international borders in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. There are a few countries that have still not reported any cases yet. These 8 countries that have no COVID-19 cases are essentially small islands some of which are rarely visited by tourists.
Traveling during the pandemic should only happen if absolutely essential. Moreover, with the international borders of many countries being closed, it wouldn’t be possible to get a visa to visit these countries as of now. However, they are likely to welcome tourists soon enough to revive their economy. So, let’s have a look at these 8 countries that COVID-19 failed to conquer.
What are the countries that haven’t reported any COVID-19 cases?
Presently, there are 12 such countries that claim to be free of Coronavirus. These countries also include North Korea, Turkmenistan, Nauru, and Vanuatu. However, I have selected the below 8 countries with a tourism perspective. So, as soon as countries are open to tourism, you can plan your next post-pandemic vacation in one of these beautiful countries.
- Marshall Islands
Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Marshall Islands is an island country that is also an associated state of the US. Marshall Islands comprises 1156 islands and islets that are spread out over 29 coral atolls. However, only 24 of the islands and atolls are inhabited. The islands are halfway between Australia and Hawaii.
The best time to visit Marshall Islands is during the dry season which is from December to April. The rainy season from May to November is not a good time to visit due to strong typhoons and tropical storms.
The country receives an estimated 5000 visitors around the year. The currency used in Marshall Islands is US Dollars. The country is safe to visit for tourists and the crime rate is extremely low. Some of the best spots of Marshall Islands are Arno Atoll, Roi-Namur, Likiep Atoll, Ebon Atoll, and Ebeye.
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- Palau
The Republic of Palau is an island country that is located on the western Pacific Ocean. It comprises more than 500 islands including 340 coral and volcanic islands. Palau is a paradise in itself that one must definitely visit. In 2019, 90,000 tourists visited Palau which resulted in a 20% contribution of the tourism industry towards GDP.
The currency of Palau is United States Dollar. The islands offer various points of interests and activities for tourists. For instance, tourists can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, lagoons, reeds, etc in Rock Islands. It is also famous for the wrecks of cargo ships, seaplanes, and torpedo boats from World War 2. The must-visit sites in Palau are Rock Islands for snorkelling and scuba diving, Jellyfish lake, Koror Island for beahes and cultural sites, the Ngardmau Waterfalls, and Bgeaur Island. Know more about – Ashoka Waterfall Igatpuri
The best time to visit Palau is in the months of January to June as the islands experience rainfalls and rare typhoons between July-December.
- Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia is a country located in the western Pacific Ocean that consists of over 600 islands. Essentially, the country has 4 island states; Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae.
In comparison with Palau, Micronesia doesn’t experience as many tourists. Micronesia houses some of the best palm-shaded beaches and also offers other attractions such as wreckage, ancient ruins, sunken basalt temples, burial vaults etc. Tourists can also visit lagoons, Kepirohi waterfall, view sea turtles, reef sharks, and indulge into activities like scuba diving, surfing, etc. The must-visit sites in Micronesia are the Chuuk Lagoon for scuba diving, Pohnpei for surfing and scuba diving, Ulithi which has a lagoon, and Pingelap Atoll. Know more about waterfalls in India.
The best months to visit Micronesia are February, April, August and September when the temperature is warm with low rainfall. The currency used in Micronesia is the US Dollar.
- Kiribati
The Republic of Kiribati is located in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 32 atolls and isles with a majority of the population living in Tarawa atoll. As a matter of fact, it is the only country that is situated in all the four hemispheres.
Travelers would love the white sand beaches and lagoons in Kiribati. The capital of Kiribati, houses remnants of WWII which was fought on the coats of Tarawa. The currencies used in Kiribati are Australian Dollar and Kiribati Dollar. The must-visit places in Kiribati are Ocean Island, Tabuaeran for the white sand beaches, Betio island for the WWII relics and beaches, Butaritari, and Abemama Island which has a lagoon.
The best time to visit Kiribati is between March to October when the weather is warm and dry. The paradise of the South Pacific Ocean may soon disappear under the ocean as years pass by. Therefore, it’s best to visit this beautiful country as soon as possible.
- Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands is a country in Oceania which consists of 6 major islands and more than 900 tropical islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean.
A vacation in Solomon Islands for a week would cost approximately US $950 per person. The country houses many WWII-era sites, offers hiking trails past waterfalls and the rainforests, scuba diving in lagoons filled with wrecked warships, and much more. Adventure seeking travelers can also climb a 1770m tall dormant volcano in Tetepare Island. Do check out highest waterfalls in India
The best islands to visit in the country are Uepi, Rennell Island, Tulagi Island, and Kasolo island. The best time to visit Solomon islands is from June to September. Moreover, the currency used in Solomon islands is Solomon Islands Dollar.
- Samoa
The Independent State of Samoa consists of two main islands, two small islands and various uninhabited islands. It is home to reed-bordered beaches, rainforests, and beautiful waterfalls. The majority of the population resides in two main islands which are Upolu and Savai’i.
Upolu, a must-visit, offers backwaters with palm-lined shores which are known for scuba diving, surfing, and coral lagoons. Travelers would also love the dramatic swimming hole at the To-Sua Ocean Trench. The islands also offer hiking trails that go through a national park, lava fields, volcanic peaks and coastal forests. The other must-visit places in Samoa are Lalomanu Beach, Alofaaga Blowholes, and Piula Cave Pools.
The best time to visit Samoa is between July and October. The currency used at Samoa is the Samoan tālā.It is a safe island and the locals are considered to be quite friendly.
- Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga is a sovereign state of Polynesia and an archipelago consisting of 169 islands in the South Pacific region. The island is adorned with white beaches, coral reefs, tropical rainforests, lagoons, and limestone cliffs.
On the main island Tongatapu, tourists can find traditional Polynesian folk art, blowholes, and royal tombs. They can also enjoy surfing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, reef-diving, and other water sports.
The best places to visit in Tonga are Ha’atafu Beach, Tofuacanic island with a crater lake), Hunga Tonga (a volcanic island), and Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon (a monumental coral gate from the 1200s). The best time to visit Tonga is between May to October. The currency used in Tonga is the Tongan paʻanga.
- Tuvalu
Tuvalu is a microstate in Polynesia in the South Pacific region. It comprises 9 small atolls and reef islands. The country offers palm-lined beaches and WWII sites as tourist attractions. Moreover, tourists can also enjoy the calm waters for snorkelling, diving, swimming with sea turtles and tropical fish.
The Funafuti atoll has a large lagoon where one can view WWII ship and plane wrecks from a charter Yacht. Further, the island offers cultural traditional dances and games for entertainment. Tourists can also shop for Polynesian handicrafts such as mats, fans, and mother-of-pearl fish hooks. The best time to visit Tuvalu is between May and October.
Conclusion
Tourism in these 8 countries has been currently restricted by the government due to COVID-19. However, the tourism industry all over the world is gradually picking up. A few countries have resumed operations for their international flights to destinations that have opened their international borders. Soon, there will be a time when we will be able to travel again although with a lot of precautions.
Traveling post-pandemic is eagerly awaited by all kinds of travelers and tourists. All of the above 8 countries that have no COVID cases offer the same kind of activities and views more or less. So, people from all over the world can choose the nearest destination, download the right travel apps, make their bookings, and unwind with a long vacation at these tropical islands. These islands will surely make up for all the travel and vacations missed due to coronavirus. They are the ultimate destinations to spend a peaceful time on the serene and calm lagoons, the beautiful white sand beaches, and amidst luscious green tropical rainforests.
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