Top 10 Countries Travelers Can't Wait to Visit Post-Pandemic

Now, six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, folks stuck at home are keeping their wanderlust alive by browsing the internet in search of the destination where they'll be heading once things return to "normal." Visa application and processing firm ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was curious as to which areas of the globe had become most popular for those dreaming of post-pandemic vacations. It tapped into the power of the Google Keyword Planner tool to discover the most-searched-for countries among users who input such search terms as "Flights to X" and "Holidays in X." Compiled from data pulled in August 2020, the following are the top ten hottest countries being researched online among potential tourists.

Given that, earlier this year, Italy endured such a substantial swell of COVID-19 infection, it's somewhat intriguing that the European nation took first place among the world's most coveted travel destinations. Owing to strict lockdowns, Italy had mostly brought viral spread under control by the time summer rolled around, but case counts began growing again in mid-August.

Italy is still maintaining restrictions for some travelers (namely, those coming from outside of Europe), but is now open to tourists from anywhere in the Schengen area and some neighboring countries.

The Maldives may actually be the world's most idyllic tropical destination, and it seems like, these days, more and more people are becoming aware of this mid-oceanic Heaven-on-Earth. This string of paradisiacal islands, set like brilliant jewels into Southern Asia's Arabian Sea, is also continuing to see new resorts developed on its myriad of private atolls, where guests can (quite literally) get away from it all and experience the ultimate in peace, luxury and exclusivity.

Like some of the other countries on this list, the Maldives has already opened to travelers, even those coming from the U.S., which means that users searching for accommodations on this insanely beautiful archipelago may actually be booking their trips right now.

Coming in third, Mexico is also already open to U.S. residents and is also located quite conveniently for travelers who are willing to dip their toes into the realm of international travel but aren't ready to commit to a transoceanic trip. Like the U.S., the breadth of Mexico's terrain encompasses all kinds of landscapes and weather, from hot and cold deserts and arid savannahs to Mediterranean, subtropical and rainforest climates. Being bordered by the Pacific in the west, and the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico on its eastern side, Mexico offers a wealth of enviable areas for beach vacations, or visitors might opt to explore the cultural treasures to be found inland.

Thailand is not currently open to foreign tourists and has implied that it likely won't reopen to international travelers until sometime in 2021. The intriguing Southeast Asian country encompasses so many exciting offerings, from the bustling, modern, urban landscape seen in Bangkok to cultural and artistic marvels like the opulent palaces, ornate temples and ancient ruins scattered across the countryside. Coastal areas provide excellent spots for beach and island getaways, while adventure travelers are drawn to the north for trekking and interaction with ethnic minority groups who still live in the forested mountains.

Spain was another European nation that was harshly impacted by the spread of COVID-19 early on in the course of the pandemic. While U.S. travelers are still prohibited from entering Spain, the nation is welcoming other European Union member countries and those that are part of the Schengen area, as well as other countries that have established reciprocal agreements with the government for accepting travelers. Some of those contracts require quarantine periods or other restrictions on arrivals, while others do not. A current list can be found here.

While Canada is keeping its borders closed to U.S. leisure travelers through at least October 21, subject to (probable) extension, it's likely still a popular search due to the fact that colder seasons suitable for winter activities are approaching, plus its proximity to the U.S. remains appealing to travelers who are still somewhat tentative.

With its Mediterranean climate, stunning landscapes, captivating architecture and depth of its cultural heritage (not to mention the food), Greece routinely draws international tourists in the absence of a pandemic. Despite ongoing global COVID-19 concerns, Greece is actually accepting foreign visitors right now and was among the first to reopen its borders to tourists in June, likely because the industry generally accounts for about 20 percent of the nation's GDP.

Like Greece, Turkey also benefits from the beautiful Mediterranean climate and boasts a spectacular Aegean coastline, in addition to having amazing cuisine and a famous coffee and tea tradition. It's also an ancient seat of humanity, with all of the cultural and archeological legacies that you'd expect to experience in an area with 25,000 years of human habitation under its belt.

Turkey reopened to foreign tourism in July and is now accepting visitors from all nations to enter under its standard pre-COVID-19 regulations. Arrivals are subject to a health screening and temperature check, but there's no mandate for viral testing unless passengers are displaying symptoms.

The exotic Eastern appeal of Japan almost seems self-evident, as it juxtaposes the ultra-modern world while preserving its legacy of ancient traditions and upholding a long history of cultural heritage, surviving archeological treasures and the island nation's natural splendor.

At this point, U.S. travelers are still barred from entering Japan, but, with the 2020 Olympic Games (delayed until 2021) scheduled to be held in Tokyo next summer, we're guessing its borders won't stay shut forever.

Still fighting its own internal battle with COVID-19, Australia remains closed to outside tourists. Still, the Southern Hemisphere's country-continent continues to be top-of-mind among aspiring travelers with its diverse landscapes, sometimes otherworldly terrain and captivating assortment of anomalous wildlife that can be found nowhere else on the planet.

Unfortunately for those who are itching to experience the Land Down Under, Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has announced that the country will likely remain closed to international travelers until 2021.