10 Places We Wish We Could Travel to This Memorial Day Weekend

As many as 43 million Americans traveled for Memorial Day Weekend last year but the outbreak of COVID-19 has prompted stern travel restrictions and closures severely limiting the places travelers can visit this holiday weekend. With many traveling only as far as their backyard, their local park or a nearby beach this Memorial Day Weekend, here are some of the marquee destinations we wish we could visit instead.

One of the world's premier spring break destinations, Cancun and Mexico's Riviera Maya region is the ideal mix of sun, sand and sea and the perfect place to kick off summer but officials in Quintana Roo don't anticipate reopening to international travel until the start of next month.

Like many places, Las Vegas is accessible but severely lacking in tourist amenities due to restrictions and social distancing guidelines implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19. There is a reason for optimism, however, as MGM Resorts International is allowing guests to book nights at its Las Vegas properties as soon as June 1.

The Dominican Republic has experienced the most confirmed COVID-19 cases of any country in the Caribbean and recently extended its state of emergency by another 15 days, meaning travelers daydreaming of an escape to Punta Cana, Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata will have to remain patient and focus on planning their future visit.

Like much of Europe, France is essentially a no-go for foreign visitors this Memorial Day Weekend. While many would have been flocking to Paris to experience the annual French Open at Roland Garros this weekend, there's no clear timetable on when Americans will be able to travel to France without being required to quarantine for up to two weeks.

The Aloha State offers something for everyone, whether you prefer relaxation, adventure and or romance. Unfortunately, Hawaii's governor David Ige has extended the mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers through the end of June, making it effectively off-limits to Memorial Day Weekend travelers.

Spain's unparalleled variety of offerings, from culture-rich cities and historic sites to picturesque island paradises, make it a favorite for those seeking a long weekend abroad. However, Spain is among the countries that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis and thus officials have made the difficult decision to ban tourists from entering the country until at least June 15.

The Bahamas is not only a dreamy destination ideal for families, couples and even groups but it's also one of the most convenient Caribbean hotspots for Americans, especially those traveling from the East Coast. Nonetheless, Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis recently confirmed that the country plans to reopen commercial travel on or before July 1, more than a month after Memorial Day.

One of the premier paradises Americans can visit without a passport, the Florida Keys typically draw visitors year-round with gorgeous weather, world-class fishing and snorkeling and, of course, the one-of-a-kind Key West. This year though, travelers will have to wait until June 1 to visit. Starting then, hotels and vacation rentals will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Alongside cities such as London, Dublin, Paris and Vancouver, Rome is one of the top international destinations for Memorial Day Weekend, based on the most recent AAA data. Sadly, COVID-19 restrictions won't allow cross-border travel into Italy until June 3 while visitors from outside of Europe will have to wait until at least June 15.

There's nothing quite like the unofficial start of summer in the Big Apple but New York City has been one of the hardest-hit places by COVID-19. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the city and surrounding state as a whole are behind the reopening trend. For now, summer travelers will have to wait to take part in NYC's one-of-a-kind experiences.