Where Elon Students Want to Travel Post COVID-19

We all remember last March. Coronavirus, what’s that? When it all started, it was a simple two weeks meaning a little extra spring break time. Then another week, and another… until we all realized there would be no end in sight for a while. After months of quarantine with our families, we all felt trapped and were itching to go out into the world again. When we asked students about what they are most looking forward to being able to travel again (without masks and COVID-19 restrictions) we got so many different answers of places people are itching to see. Although travel has been possible for some in the recent months of the pandemic, we all are dreaming about the day when the world reopens, and we can book a flight to a destination without worrying about if we will expose ourselves or others to the virus. With a few different vaccines being distributed and feeling optimistic about hopefully being able to travel like this later this year, we asked a few Elon students the first place they would like to travel to post COVID-19:

Fiji

Home to over three hundred tropical islands and found in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji and its beautiful coastline is Adger Lewis’ go-to vacation destination. “I want to go swimming in the crystal blue waters and snorkeling especially,” Adger says, “I would love to experience Fiji’s beaches since I have never been to any outside of the United States.” Known for its endless possibility of adventures, including hiking through its secret waterfalls and rainforests, skydiving, or even immersing yourself in Fijian culture by visiting a local village, there is always something exciting to do in Fiji. No matter where you are or what you’re doing in Fiji, you’re bound to be blessed with breathtaking backdrops.  

Adger is spot on with the “crystal blue waters” hope. Snorkeling doesn’t get any better than floating in these waters. Photo by Joe Cakacaka on Unsplash.

Tarnow, Poland

Located in the southeastern region of Poland, the city of Tarnow is Karolina Rutyna’s first place on her extensive list of places she wants to travel to and more importantly, her hometown. “Mostly all of my family lives there, and being the nostalgic person that I am, I have been looking back at photos and videos from past trips,” Karolina says, “Now I want to go back there more than ever before, particularly to my hometown.” Tarnow is a populated metropolitan area known for its traditional Polish architecture. Besides Tarnow, Karolina wants to visit the city of Krakow, go hiking, and experience other day trip excursions throughout the country. Krakow is the country’s capital and has preserved the architecture from way back when in medieval times, very well. Dense with history and culture, we see why Rutyna is eager to go back.

The lush greenery contrasts with the icy rocky mountains to create a setting for the most intimate lodge. Photo by Michael Block from Pexels.

Jordan

Jordan, an Arab country known as the crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe, is at the top of Naz Shokri’s travel list post pandemic. “I want to go back and visit my family in the Middle East,” Naz says, “Especially when visiting Jordan, I would like to go back to the Dead Sea, and go to the famous desert, Wadi Rum.” Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is located in southern Jordan. Here, visitors can take a tour, go on camel rides, camp under the moonlight and stars, ride Arabian horses, hike, and go rock climbing. Aside from the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, tourists in Jordan also like to visit Petra, Mount Nebo, The Treasury, al-Siq, and the Ajloun Castle. 

Environments like this really make you realize just how big the world is and how much there is to see. Photo by Mike van Schoonderwalt from Pexels.

Tetbury, England

A small town about an hour train ride outside of London, Tetbury, England is where Dara Grocer wants to visit post COVID-19 with her mother. “My mom is from England and her best friend lives in Tetbury.” Dara says, “It is a small town, and it feels as though time just stops there, a little living fairy tale.” Tetbury is known as a historical town with a rich heritage of wool merchants, and it is famous for its antique shops. In between digging through antiques looking for that perfect vase and finding the coziest sweater sourced locally, stop for an afternoon tea to do it like the British. Dara has been there a few times throughout her life but looks forward to the day it is safe for her to go back.

The inviting warm tones of this garden automatically call for a relaxed day. Photo by Samuel Sweet from Pexels.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The capital and most populated city in the country, Amsterdam is the first foreign destination Sidra Kennedy wants to visit after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted worldwide. “I’ve never been to Amsterdam, and I have friends who live there I would really love to visit,” Sidra says, “I want to stroll the streets and immerse myself in their culture. I do not care what I do there as long as I am experiencing something new.” When visiting Amsterdam, there are so many unique activities waiting to be done and parts of the city to explore. Some popular examples include its world-class museums– the Anne Frank Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Another way to absorb the beautiful culture and city is taking a ferry boat ride around the famous canals weaving in and out through the city or renting a bike to go cycling like a local. 

Notorious for its canals, Amsterdam glistens with reflections of the funky houseboats and Neo-Gothic buildings. Photo by Liam Gant from Pexels

Italy

The gem of Southern Europe and the peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is the country at the top of Sydney Koopman’s list of places to travel post-pandemic, specifically Rotondi and the Amalfi Coast. “I miss my family in Rotondi. Since I only visited them once around five years ago, I don't really know them too well,” Sydney says, “I miss the food and beautiful sights of Italy. It is truly an experience you cannot get anywhere else.” Rotondi is found in southern Italy, while the Amalfi Coast coastline is about two hours south of the small town. Sydney’s hope is to rent a villa with her family on the Amalfi Coast, and then travel up to Rotondi to visit her family there. 

Sun bathing on these balconies would be a dream come true. We can dream right? Photo by Silvia Trigo from Pexels.

 Daydreaming about upcoming international travels will have to do for now, but making a list and looking for some inspo at the time being can’t hurt, right? Make sure to tag @theedgemag on your travels to your dream destinations!