Friday Around the Planet

Welcome to Friday Around the Planet, a roundup of some of the travel-related news and inspiration you might have missed over the past week.

While it’s hard to believe that we’re almost halfway through the year, it seems like anyone who has the opportunity to travel this summer has already made plans. Bookings are up, and all signs are pointing to a busy summer travel season, as more countries forge ahead with reopening plans.

One of the biggest reopening stories this week came from New Zealand: the South Pacific nation reached a major milestone on Monday by opening its borders— for the first time in more than two years— to tourists from places like the US, the UK, Singapore, Germany, and more. Travelers at the arrivals gate in Auckland received a warm welcome from Māori cultural performers and were treated to locally made chocolate bars as the first international flights touched down.

If you are considering visiting New Zealand, some inspiration awaits. Explore these 12 incredible road trips that will take you off the beaten track to showcase some of the country’s best natural wonders.

In the southern hemisphere, Fiji has streamlined its entry process, allowing vaccinated travelers to visit without pre-arrival COVID-19 testing. This simplifies travel, leaving you more time to find an affordable resort in Fiji or to decide what should be included on your itinerary.

Europe Continues to Roll Back Restrictions

Greece has made significant progress this week by eliminating all pandemic entry requirements. No vaccination or recovery certificates are necessary to enter the country or hospitality venues. However, while it’s mostly back to normal, face masks will remain essential in indoor public places until June.

Croatia has followed suit by removing restrictions. Similarly, neighboring Italy has abandoned its Green Pass, meaning no vaccination certificates are needed to access venues— just be sure to bring a recovery or test certificate to enter Italy.

A hopeful signal that things are improving in Europe is the news that Oktoberfest will return to Munich this year after a two-year hiatus. Cheers to that!

Must-Do Cultural Activities

For anyone in the US unable to travel to Europe this summer, consider attending a free event in Washington, DC. It allows you to experience different cultures as embassies open their doors to the public.

You can also embark on a journey of cultural exploration by visiting 12 essential Asian American destinations in the US. This list showcases vibrant neighborhoods from New York’s Chinatown to San Francisco’s Angel Island, highlighting the contributions of AAPI Americans.

Additionally, a groundbreaking Afro-Atlantic exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC is a must-see, shedding light on the history of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring influence on the African diaspora.

Escape the Noise

If you’re seeking an outdoor adventure away from crowds, consider planning a trip to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, as national park officials announced this week that it will reopen for the season on May 15.

In the midst of a taxing news cycle, you may want to explore serene destinations worldwide that emphasize peaceful experiences, allowing you a moment to disconnect from the noise and recharge.

More Streamlined Journeys

In other travel news, the trend of ultralong-haul flights continues as Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, revealed plans to connect New York and London with cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane on non-stop flights. These flights will be quite lengthy, averaging 19 hours for a direct route from Sydney to New York. However, travelers will have to wait until 2025 for this service to kick off.

Another streamlined journey soon launching is the long-awaited Crossrail high-speed rail line in London. The first phase will commence on May 24, with one of the most significant phases debuting this fall. If you’re arriving in Heathrow, you’ll find it takes just 38 minutes to reach the city center, which is a substantial reduction from the current duration on the Underground. A speedy and environmentally friendly journey is certainly appealing!