Covid-friendly Travel: 6 Post-COVID Self-guided Tours

It’s been a year since coronavirus turned the world upside down and confined most of the population to their homes. Although this time of stillness has led to plenty of reflection (such as how we can travel more sustainably), many of us are ready to see somewhere new. The rollout of covid vaccines has also increased the eagerness to travel as the pandemic looks like it will (finally) be coming to an end. However, there are still various precautions to keep in mind before you embark on your next adventure. Which brings the following question to mind: “What are the best covid-friendly travel options?” 

If you plan to travel in 2021 and would like to do it safely, we recommend booking a self-guided tour. Self-guided tours offer numerous benefits for those looking for an independent, small-group adventure. To make your search a little easier, we have put together 6 covid-friendly, self-guided trips that will be perfect for your next vacation. 

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Why book a self-guided tour post-covid?

You may still want to steer clear of crowds even if you get vaccinated before you travel. Self-guided tours can help you scratch your travel itch as more research is done on the vaccine and its efficacy to halt the spread of the virus. 

Here are 6 reasons why self-guided tours are an excellent option to consider:

1. Self-guided tours are often nature-focused and activity-focused, such as doing walking or cycling tours in remote countrysides. Researchers predict that this style of wellness travel will be popular this year, and we agree. Outdoor trips can be the perfect antidote to being sedentary for so much of the last year. (Read about other covid-inspired travel trends here.)
2. It’s easy to stay socially distanced on self-guided tours. You’ll be able to take a nice, deep breath of fresh air… and sneeze without frantically looking over your shoulder. But on a serious note, being away from overpopulated cities and escaping to the outdoors can reduce fears of catching or transmitting the virus. 
3. Booking a self-guided trip caters to “pod travel” – in other words, enabling you to travel with an exclusive, small group. Whether you travel with a few family members, friends, or your ‘quaranteam’, you won’t need to worry about traveling with strangers. It will also be easier to verify that everyone in your group has taken proper covid precautions (i.e getting vaccinated if possible, wearing masks in public spaces, etc.)
4. Self-guided tours offer lots of flexibility with regards to the departure date. Most itineraries are available to be booked any time over the course of several months. This means you can book months in advance, and preferably, once your entire group has been vaccinated.
5. This travel style is ideal for quality time to catch up with your loved ones.  Leisurely exploring a beautiful country on foot or by bike leaves plenty of time for all those in-person conversations you missed out on during covid.
6. A self-guided trip is perfect for travelers who savor their independence and like a touch of convenience and luxury. You won’t be hand-held by a guide while you’re adventuring. That said, most self-guided trips come with a GPS and/or road book, 24/7 on-call support, and luggage transport between your accommodations.

Are you ready to take a trip with your travel squad? These tours will be truly uplifting and good for your soul after a year of limited social interaction. 

6 Covid-friendly Self-guided Tours

The following self-guided tours will give you peace of mind. They incorporate several covid safety measures, have flexible departure dates, and reasonable cancelation policies. The accommodation options are also often small and/or locally-owned so you will avoid large hotel chains and resort lodgings that usually cater to big groups of tourists.  

With that said, here are six covid-friendly walking & cycling tours to book in 2021. Our walking tours are in Ireland, Spain, and Portugal; while our cycling tours will take you through Portugal, Romania, and South Africa.

Covid-friendly Walking Tours

(Skip straight to the cycling tours)

These three walking tours will take you through beautifully diverse landscapes as you journey from one town to the next. The difficulty level ranges from easy to average, but with some preparation, anyone can participate in these walking holidays. 

We especially recommend these walking tours for free-spirited solo travelers, active families, and adventure-seeking travel buddies. You can complete these walking tours at your own pace while either enjoying the company of your travel squad or embracing complete tranquility. 

1. Kerry Camino (Tralee – Dingle) Walking Tour (Ireland)

On this walking tour, you will embark on a 6-day adventure through southwest Ireland. The Kerry Camino is a 57km (35.5 miles) walking trail from Tralee to Dingle which will take you through the lovely Irish countryside. As you venture to Dingle, you will encounter charming fishing towns, beautiful rose gardens, and more.

If you’re big into walking holidays, you probably are already familiar with the Camino de Santiago. If “the Camino” is new to you, or if you are wondering how this segment of the trail in Ireland is connected, here’s a little historical context.

The Camino de Santiago (or “Path to Santiago) is one of the most well-known walks in the world. Rooted in religion, the Camino represents a network of pilgrimage routes that converge at the Santiago Cathedral in Spain. There, pilgrims pay homage to a shrine dedicated to St. James the Apostle. (In English, the Camino de Santiago is referred to as the Way of St. James.) 

The Kerry Camino shares a link with the Camino de Santiago as the St. James Church in Dingle was the starting point for medieval Irish pilgrims before sailing to Spain where their journey continued.

However, you certainly don’t need to be religious to enjoy walking these beautiful trails! Alongside the sense of achievement and numerous chances to taste the local Irish food and experience the traditional Irish culture, this walking trip entitles you to receive the Kerry Camino Certificate in Dingle and a Celtic Camino Compostela from the Camino Society of Ireland.

This trail has a moderate difficulty level and is recommended for walkers with mountain walking experience. If you are not the most active adventurer, don’t let this deter you. With prior preparation and determination, anyone can conquer this trail! We recommend walking 3 to 4 times a week or doing some other form of regular exercise before your Camino.

*Current covid regulations: As of April 2021, the Irish government advises against all non-essential travel to and from Ireland. If you plan to travel to Ireland before restrictions are lifted, you must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours before your arrival, fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form, and undergo a 14-day quarantine. For more information visit the Government of Ireland’s official website.

*Booking notes & cancelation policy: This trip is bookable through mid-October (2021) and then again starting next April (2022). A 20% deposit is required to book, and it’s 100% refundable until 3 months prior to the trip start date. Alternatively, you can postpone your trip to a later date for free.

2. French Way (Sarria – Santiago) Walking Tour (Spain)

Don’t be fooled by the name – this Camino trip actually only takes place in Spain. 

Fun fact: The route is called the French Way because it was primarily used by French pilgrims in the middle ages to walk to Santiago. 

This 8-day Camino trip from Sarria will take you through fairytale-like forests, quaint Galician hamlets, open countryside, and historical towns. You’ll end your journey at Plaza Obradoiro in front of the spectacular Cathedral of Santiago in the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela. 

The French Way is the perfect trip for novice Camino walkers. It is the best-signposted route and has a great range of services, such as cafes & restaurants, along the trail. As you explore the mystical region of Galicia, you will have the chance to eat culinary delicacies, such as Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, and collect Compostela stamps along the way in the pilgrim passport provided. You’ll also receive the certificate of completion that certifies you finished the Camino de Santiago walk with a minimum of 100kms on foot.

*Current covid regulations: All passengers that enter Spain by air or sea transport coming from a COVID-19 high-risk country or region must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test, a Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) test, or any other test based on equivalent molecular techniques are accepted). You must take the test in the last 72 hours before your arrival. You must also complete a health control form before visiting Spain. Find more information on Spain’s official tourism website, Travel Safe. 

*Booking notes & cancelation policy: This trip is bookable through mid-October (2021) and then again starting next April (2022). A 20% deposit is required to book, and it’s 100% refundable until 3 months prior to the trip start date. Alternatively, you can postpone your trip to a later date for free.

3. Atlantic Route Coastal Walking Holiday (Portugal)

This week-long  Atlantic Route Coastal Walking Holiday will lead you along Portugal’s Costa Verde (Green Coast) which is known for its lush, green vista. You will also have amazing views of magnificent mountains from the nearby Minho countryside.

Experience an ever-changing coastal terrain of wide sandy beaches, rocky coves, pleasant seaside towns, and fishing villages. You’ll also spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo and end up in the charming town of Caminha, just across the river from Spain.

This self-guided walking tour does not require any special preparation. The difficulty is easy so you can spend the week leisurely exploring the Portuguese coast and admiring the picturesque surroundings. This makes it a great getaway for couples or solo travelers looking for serenity near the sea. 

*Current covid regulations: Visitors from the EU and Schengen Area are free to travel to Portugal, but border restrictions between Spain and Portugal will remain in place until mid-April. The Portuguese government requires a 14-day quarantine on indirect flights from Brazil, the U.K., and travelers coming from countries with more than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days. Find more information on the Visit Portugal official tourism website.

*Booking notes & cancelation policy: This trip is bookable through October (2021) and then again starting next March (2022). If you need to change your trip dates, it’s free to postpone your travel. You will get 90% of the trip cost back as long as you cancel at least 30 days before your departure date.

Covid-friendly Cycling Tours

If you’re an active traveler looking for something a little more fast-paced, then cycling tours may be for you. These covid-friendly cycling tours will allow you to explore small towns and rural areas. You will also learn about the regional culture and history. 

Some of these cycling trips are bookable for 2+ travelers. Therefore, we recommend this socially distant outdoor escape for couples, active families, or small groups of friends. The difficulty level for the first two tours is average. You do not need to be an advanced or expert cycler to book these trips, though an intermediate level of fitness is recommended. The last tour on the list is more difficult and is for the hardcore cyclists out there. 

You should prepare for these cycling holidays by spending some time on your bike and getting accustomed to the daily distances for each trip before your departure. The more prepared you are, the better experience you will have enjoying the stunning scenery and culture around you. Also, don’t forget that on these cycling tours all you need to worry about is the actual cycling. Your luggage will be transported for you and because it’s self-guided, you can cycle at your own pace and take breaks as often as you need!

4. Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago (Portugal & Spain)

Enjoy a truly unforgettable ride as you spend a week cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago. You will follow the coastline north as you pedal your way along ancient pilgrim trails from Porto to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Expect to pass by beaches, sleepy seaside towns, and fresh market gardens along the way. 

You will also have plenty of opportunities to experience the authentic local culture as you weave your way through charming towns. Stop for oysters in Arcade before using ancient stone paths to cycle through the forests and villages to the city of Pontevedra and then test the thermal waters in the town of  Caldas de Reis. 

The Coastal Camino de Santiago cycling route generally uses the same route that pilgrims follow on foot. It has a total cycling distance of 259km (161 miles) and the route is a combination of rural paths, forest trails, and some main and secondary roads. You will encounter some steep climbs and descents, so advanced physical preparation is necessary in order to do this trip.

*Current covid regulations (Portugal & Spain): Portugal has currently restricted land and sea travel to Spain until April 15. The Portuguese government requires a 14-day quarantine on indirect flights from Brazil, the U.K., and travelers coming from countries with more than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days. Find more information on the Visit Portugal official tourism website. All passengers that enter Spain by air or sea transport coming from a COVID-19 high-risk country or region must present a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours. All visitors must fill out a health control form before their visit. Find more information on Spain’s official tourism website, Travel Safe. 

*Booking notes & cancelation policy: This trip is bookable through October (2021) and then again starting next March (2022). If you need to change your trip dates, it’s free to postpone your travel.  You will also receive 90% of the trip cost back as long as you cancel at least 30 days before your departure date.

5. Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike (Romania)

Uncover another side to Transylvania beyond Bram Stoker’s legend of Dracula.

Beautiful pastoral landscapes, untouched nature, and rich culture & history are only a few of the many reasons you should consider this cycling tour for your first covid-friendly vacation.

Cycling in Transylvania will take you through numerous cultural sites as well as several small nature reserves. You will also explore the rich history of the region. The Saxons arrived in the 11th century to guard the Carpathian Mountain passes between Transylvania and Wallachia against the Tatars and the Ottomans. This is just a hint of the rich heritage that you will discover during this trip. An exceptional holiday is waiting for you!

On average, you will be cycling 22 to 46 miles (35 to 74 km) daily with some climbs. With that in mind, you need an intermediate level of fitness to enjoy and complete this tour. 

*Current covid regulations: Entry from EU Member States and countries in the Schengen Area is allowed without restrictions, with the exception of countries or areas that are considered at high epidemiological risk. A 10-day quarantine applies to all travelers from high-risk countries, who present a negative test result. A 14-day quarantine applies to all travelers from high-risk areas that do not present a negative test result. 

*Booking notes & cancelation policy: This trip is bookable from April 20th to October 15th each year and a 30% deposit is required to reserve your spot. Good news though: if you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will be kept as a credit which can be used on a future trip.

6. Karoo Crossing Cycle Tour (South Africa)

Cycle your way through the Karoo region in South Africa on this eco-friendly self-guided tour. Appreciate the region’s natural beauty as well as its unique heritage as you cycle through the Swartberg Nature Reserve, Swartberg Pass, and historic towns. This self-guided tour has a little bit of everything!

You will swim in waterfalls, enjoy South African braai (traditional barbeque pronounced “bry”), and discover local cuisine and wine. The best part is that you will enjoy a rejuvenating full-body massage halfway through your journey!

This 358km (222.5 miles) cycle route goes through the Karoo region from Knysna to Calitzdorp. Once you arrive in Capetown, you will travel to Knysna where the cycling will start. This trip is a self-guided cycling tour with a backup vehicle fully supporting you along the way. It can also be tailored according to your needs and fitness level. 

*Current covid regulations: A paper copy of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours and signed by a medical practitioner is required to enter South Africa. All travelers must complete an Entry Health Screen Form either prior to or on arrival. Travelers must show proof of accommodation or address in South Africa in the event self-quarantine is required and are encouraged to install the COVID Alert SA mobile app. Find more information on South Africa’s international travel requirements here. 

*Booking notes & cancelation policy: This trip is bookable from March to November each year. A 20% deposit is required to book, and it’s 100% refundable until 61 days prior to the trip start date (except the 5% administration fee). If your plans change due to covid, your travel dates can be changed and your deposit credited toward a future trip.

How Will You Travel Post-Covid?

Self-guided tours are a great option for a covid-friendly vacation. They are usually nature-focused, in the open air, and you only travel with those you book with. They are also great for solo travelers, couples, and small groups looking to escape outdoors after being cooped up for what feels like a lifetime.

If you’ve never tried this style of travel before, we strongly encourage you to give it a go! We hope these trips piqued your interest and you get out into the world as soon as it’s safe.

*The regulations mentioned are up to date as of April 2021. Please check with your government’s travel regulations & restrictions and those of the country you plan to travel to before booking a trip.