Practical Places to Visit When Coronavirus Travel Restrictions Are Lifted

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted strict travel restrictions and bans, statewide stay-at-home orders, temporary destination closures and important safety guidelines that have limited travelers to their homes or local communities. With better days surely ahead, let's take a look at some viable places that travelers might consider visiting in a post-pandemic world.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, attracts millions of visitors each year. However, with a total area of more than 816 square miles, the expansive park offers no shortage of awe-inspiring sites to explore off of the beaten path.

With a population density of just 0.4 people per square mile, Greenland is the least densely populated territory in the world. Nonetheless, visitors will still find people in remote but charming places such as Ittoqqortoormiit, Nuuk and Ilulissat. If animals are more your scene, this is your chance to experience dog sledding.

A Costa Rican vacation is what you make it as this country is among the most diverse on the planet. Visitors will encounter natural beauty at seemingly every turn in addition to an incredible array of wildlife. If adventure sounds like too much work, there are countless beautiful beaches to unwind on and fascinating culture to explore.

The Last Frontier is vast and renowned for its wide range of outdoor experiences that visitors can enjoy in a variety of locales, including mountains, rivers and even glaciers, among others. Alaska Railroad also makes it easy and fun to explore this great state.

The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota have much to offer, perhaps no attraction more notable than Mount Rushmore. But the iconic Keystone sculpture is just the tip of the iceberg. Visitors won't want to miss out on a trip to Custer State Park or the otherwordly Badlands National Park.

Puerto Rico is one of the few places in the Caribbean that Americans can visit without a passport and travelers can also find plenty of cheap flight deals from major U.S. cities to the capital of San Juan. From Old San Juan to Humacao Nature Reserve and everything in between, this U.S. territory doesn't disappoint.

Head out to Colorado's Rocky Mountains to experience one of the happiest places in America in Boulder. There are plenty of restaurants, breweries, shops and other attractions downtown as well as scenic hiking and biking trails and outdoor adventures to be had not far away.

North Carolina's Outer Banks is the ideal beach vacation for large groups and families who will have a ton of awesome vacation rentals to choose from as well as plenty of beaches to spread out on, from Corolla to Ocracoke.

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are separated by just 30 miles but there are some key differences between these two resort islands, including size, sites and cost. Nonetheless, both are renowned for their beautiful beaches and undeniable charm.

You don't have to be a fan of the hit Netflix series "Ozark" to fall in love with this Midwest lake resort. The best part is that vacationers can do as little or as much as they want, whether it's as simple as casting a line or as epic as touring an elaborate cave system.

Far from the hustle and bustle of New York City, the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York offer visitors a seemingly endless list of activities suited for all ages and interests, including every outdoor pursuit imaginable, family-friendly attractions in places like Lake George, mouthwatering restaurants and wineries and so much more.

Isolated from mainland Australia, Tasmania is best known for its rugged wilderness but there's also a ton of culture waiting to be experienced in the capital of Hobart. History buffs and foodies are also sure to appreciate this underrated island state.

A short journey for most Americans on the East Coast, the Bahamas isn't just a hot cruise destination and promises visitors a budget-friendly paradise featuring friendly locals and plentiful family-friendly sites and attractions.

Arizona's stunning Red Rock Country is the perfect place to get outdoors and stretch your limbs in a post-pandemic world as it offers 400-plus miles of hiking and biking trails in addition to world-class art, delectable restaurants and numerous opportunities to achieve your wellness goals.

There's a lot to love about Virginia's Shenandoah National Park beyond its colorful fall foliage and scenic camping. The 105-mile-long Skyline Drive is great for taking in gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains without having to get out of your vehicle.

It's quite easy to overlook this tiny island just north of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula with Cancun and Riviera Maya so close by but the truth is that the serene, car-less Isla Holbox is an ideal place to hit the reset button when its safe to travel again and COVID-19 restrictions are finally lifted.

Iceland boasts one of the world's lowest population densities, with a majority of citizens residing in the capital of Reykjavik. What's more, there's much to do to renew your spirit and practice some all-important self-care, from soaking in the Blue Lagoon to reconnecting with nature at remote Hornstrandir.

Yet another sensational place for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, New Zealand's South Island is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. For example, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like bungee jumping and skydiving await at the striking lakeside resort destination of Queenstown.

A getaway to the Great White North doesn't get much more picturesque than in Banff, a coveted destination for skiing, hiking, rafting and so much more. Visitors can also enjoy captivating museums as well as recharge in the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Maui in 2020, including the Hawaiian island's amazing beaches, exceptional dining and unparalleled culture. Visitors can also help support conservation and give back through Maui's many voluntourism opportunities.