Pina coladas with a sunset. A fantasy that seems to be long and far from where we all are now. COVID-19 has completely flipped our world upside down, with numerous hassles keeping us away from traveling. But, what if there was no COVID-19? Would those sunset-filled evenings be checked off your list already?

The following list of destinations, inspired by Forbes’ Top 50 Destinations List, has been organized by global regions. Maybe you can find some inspiration for your own dream vacation (or maybe even a real one for the summer)!

Asia:

1. Taipei, Taiwan

Take breathtaking photos at the observatory deck at Taipei 101, the tallest skyscraper in the city. The tower is also home to a luxury mall, perfect for buying souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. Also, Taipei’s night markets are perfect for all you foodies out there. With multiple Michelin-star restaurants and local eateries, Taipei nightlife is filled with numerous food adventures!

2. Doha, Qatar

Ranked as the second safest city in the world by the United Nations, this capital city is perfect for strolls and museum lovers. Spend time at the National Museum of Qatar, an immersive experience of the country’s culture. Besides the numerous skyscrapers and jaw-dropping architecture, stroll the streets of The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island with a gigantic pearl sculpture to take pictures in front of.

Africa:

1. Kenya

Home to numerous species of animals, the safaris of Kenya are both cheap and mesmerizing. Spend time strolling through the numerous national parks such as the Amboseli National Park and Nairobi National Park. If you get lucky, you can even see herds of animals migrating at the Masai Masa National Reserve every summer!

2. Cairo, Egypt

This is the perfect year to visit Egypt since the Grand Egyptian Museum is opening this year (November). Right outside the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, this museum will give a modern twist to the history of Egypt’s past. Also, once inaugurated, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world! Dilan Patel, President of the Class of 2024, wants to go to Cairo because he has never been there before and wants to see the Pyramids of Giza. He also wants to go sightseeing, visit local attractions, and learn about Egyptian culture by visiting museums.

Oceania:

1. Sydney, Australia

This city is for those festival lovers out there. The Vivid Sydney festival features outdoor light installations and projections all over the city for everyone to enjoy. Seana O’Connell, a math teacher at Morris Hills, for her dream vacation, wants to put everything to the side and fly to Australia! She’s heard it has some wonderful sights such as the Sydney Opera House. She wants to be able to experience all the different types of environments the continent has to offer. Besides trying the local cuisine, Ms. O’Connell wants to visit the Great Barrier Reef and hike at the Blue Mountains National Park.

2. Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Waiheke Island, just outside Auckland, has numerous biking and hiking trails with beautiful views. Magnet Senior, Amisha Belthur, wants to travel to Australia’s neighbor, New Zealand. She wants to visit the south island to go hiking and sightseeing. She would walk through the streets of Auckland and taste anything vegetarian the Kiwis have to offer!

Europe:

1. Milos, Greece

All the islands of Greece are beautiful, but many get too crowded. The island of Milos is a hidden gem as it is home to the stunning Sarakiniko Beach, the catacombs of Milos, and Kleftiko Caves, two underground adventures perfect for families! Michelle Uhler, Choir Director at Morris Hills, has always wanted to visit Greece. Her neighbors are from Greece and they always share so much of their culture. She is also a sucker for crystal blue waters and loves Greek food!

The Americas:

1. Montréal, Québec

Home of the 1976 Summer Olympics, Montréal’s Olympic Park is home to the Montréal Tower, a funicular-type tower learning over the Olympic Stadium. You can also see the beautiful sculptures made out of plants at the Montréal Botanical Gardens!

2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Visit the tortoise breeding center on Santa Cruz Island or snorkel off the coast of San Cristobal; the Galapagos Islands is filled to the brim with hiking trails and swimming activities, a perfect island getaway. Kevin Chen, a sophomore, and Mary Paulson, teacher of World Languages, would both travel to Ecuador. They both want to see the wildlife and stunning biodiversity the islands have to offer. Ms. Paulson wants to stay at one of the inhabited islands, working with a conservationist at a sanctuary to best understand the history of the island. She also wants to see the volcanic rocks that Galapagos Islands are so famous for! Kevin would want to book an oceanside resort to relax in the sun near the warm waters.

3. Walt Disney World, Florida

Don’t want to travel far? Travel south to Walt Disney World in Florida! They are currently celebrating with 50th-anniversary celebrations which will last for 18 months (started Oct. 1, 2021). Visit Epcot Center to delve into cultures from across the globe or go to Magic Kingdom and ride the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!

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We may be stuck in a pandemic right now, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop dreaming! Lora Santucci, teacher of AP Computer Science A, would love to travel to Cairo. She is tired of staying at home and would love to learn about Cairo’s history through hands-on experience!

Abigail Kopp, a junior at Morris Hills, wants to visit Italy! She is worried about the water levels in Italy and is afraid of not being able to visit before it is too late. Her family is also Italian so she would love to explore her own culture! She would definitely admire the architecture there and would enjoy tons of real Italian food! I, personally, would like to go to India. I want to try all the authentic Indian street food dishes such as pav bhaji and pani puri. Besides snapping photos at the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, I would also want to spend time with my family and friends who live in small villages.

As the pandemic (hopefully) nears its end, travel restrictions across the globe have started to disappear, but it can still be tough trying to travel to a perfect vacation spot. Most countries either require proof of vaccination or/and a negative COVID test, but it is different for each country. So, before checking the country’s rules that your dream destination is in before actually visiting. Safe travels!