With over 200 cases reported in 2018, it’s important to know the risks associated with Zika virus, not only in your area, but also in the places where you travel.
Zika Virus, spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, can also be transmitted through sex. The problem with Zika is that it can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus causing serious birth defects. Currently there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. While Zika is a risk in many countries, we have compiled a list of 10 destinations that are Zika-free!
Bermuda
Looking for a quick flight? Bermuda, a British island territory, is about a 2.5-hour flight from New York and is the only Caribbean Island that is Zika-free. This island is known for its pink sand beaches such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay and is recommended for its world-class shopping and golfing sites!
Whether you are looking to soak up the sun, visit museums, take advantage of bike trails, or go snorkeling, Bermuda has it all.
Not sure what to do? Here’s a full list of activities.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is comprised of 117 islands in the South Pacific that spreads over a marine area the size of Europe, giving snorkelers and divers plenty to see!
While it may be a long flight, (about 15 hours from New York) popular islands like, Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea offer a once in a lifetime experience.
Splurge and stay in an over-the-water bungalow with everything at your fingertips. This trip may be on the pricier side but is the perfect destination for a babymoon!
Learn more about the islands comprising the French Polynesia and how to travel there on a budget.
California
If you are looking to stay within the Unites States, California is Zika-free with plenty to see and do. Fun activities for the family include visiting Disneyland, only about 40 minutes from the city of Los Angeles, or experience the most visited location – the San Diego Zoo!
Whether you want to immerse yourself into Hollywood life, see the sights, or relax on a beach, California has it all.
Since California is big, it’s hard to visit everything this state has to offer. To better plan your trip, get to know the different cities you can visit and what they have to offer.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, one of Spain’s Islands in the Mediterranean, is frequently visited by the Spanish Royal Family. It is known for its amazing beaches, like, Playa de Muro, with white sand and crystal–clear waters. The island is also rich in culture and architectural buildings like The Le Seu cathedral. This is one of the tallest gothic cathedrals in the world; “its nave reaching to 44 metres tall (by comparison, the nave of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is a mere 33 metres).”
With many old towns to walk through, you can immerse yourself into the culture and beautiful sites, enjoy the beach, or explore the variety of sports the island has to offer.
Learn more about Mallorca, Spain.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Prince Edward Island is one of eastern Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Only about 3.5 hours from New York, this large island is known for its red-sand beaches, lighthouses, fertile farmland, and seafood like lobster and mussels.
“Charlottetown, the capital, is home to Victorian government buildings & the modern Confederation Centre of the Arts, with a theatre and art gallery.”
If you’re looking for a beach to visit and a country to explore, Prince Edward Island is the place for you!
Learn more about visiting PEI.
Hawaii
Hawaii, a U.S. state, is an isolated volcanic archipelago in the Central Pacific. Its islands are known for their beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, tropical foliage and beaches with gold, red, black and even green sands. “Of the 6 main islands, Oahu has Hawaii’s biggest city and capital, Honolulu, home to crescent Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor’s WWII memorials.”
Hawaii is Zika-free for couples to island hop safely. “The diversity of activities, from lounging on the beach with no plans to snorkeling, hiking, and swimming in waterfalls all day, means there’s something for everyone on the second-largest Hawaiian island.”
While it is over a 10-hour flight from New York, Hawaii will not disappoint. Weather is always beautiful with an average of 75-80 degrees with a light breeze.
Learn more about visiting Hawaii!
Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons, located in New York on eastern Long Island’s South Folk, is known as a summer destination for many New York City residents. “It’s marked by long stretches of beach and an interior of farmland, towns and villages with 18th-century shingle buildings and estates hidden behind tall boxwood hedges. East Hampton is home to high-end restaurants, bars and designer boutiques.” You may even see a celebrity or two!
There are many options of places to stay – you can rent a house, stay at an inn, or waterfront hotel. Get to know the Hamptons like the locals with this insider’s guide.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a coastal city and vacation destination located on the center of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile continuous stretch of beaches on the east coast of the Unites States.
It has a beachfront boardwalk full of “arcades, souvenir stands and restaurants, as well as the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels.” Myrtle Beach also holds some of the best mini-golf courses!
With plenty to see and do you have many options for food, entertainment, and relaxation. Full list of activities and how to plan your trip.
Portugal
Portugal is an affordable and diverse destination that borders Spain. “Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes”.
Take time to visit The Algarve’s, Portugal’s southernmost region and enjoy beautiful golden beaches. Or visit Lisbon, the capital city, and enjoy its architecture during the day and its nightlife after hours.
About a 7-hour flight from New York, this country celebrates its rich history and Portuguese culture.
What to know when visiting Portugal.
Arizona
This southwestern U.S. state is best known for the Grand Canyon, the mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River. This “natural formation distinguished by layered bands of red rock, reveals millions of years of geological history in cross-section.”
Only 2 hours away from the Grand Canyon is the town of Sedona. This desert town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, but uptown Sedona offers a lot of shops, spas and art galleries. If you are looking to take in the sites even more, take a hike in Red Rock State Park or Oak Creek Canyon. If you are looking to relax, “check out Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge, located eight miles north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Lodging is in either a small or large cabin, and a stay in one of the cabins includes cooked-to-order breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. Many of the cabins have wood-burning fireplaces, and the lodge also offers yoga classes and spa services.”
Learn more about visiting Arizona .
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