The emergence of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus has led many travelers to seek safe tourist destinations with low infection rates for their summer vacation. While there is no way to have a completely risk-free holiday, travelers can minimize their chances of contracting the virus and experiencing severe illness by being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and practicing precautions such as testing, wearing masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and sanitizing when traveling. Some international destinations are considered safer than others based on guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as reported by Travel Pulse.
**Bulgaria**
Bulgaria is one of the few European countries that have received a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State. The country is experiencing low levels of COVID-19 infections, according to the latest CDC assessment, having reported approximately 425,000 cases since the pandemic began, but it has seen a significant slowdown in the virus's spread since late March.
**Romania**
Located north of Bulgaria, Romania is another Level 1 destination that travelers can visit this summer. The U.S. Department of State states that visitors can take normal precautions, as the CDC has reported low virus levels within the country's borders. Romania has reported over a million COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic but has seen a significant decline in positive cases since April. The U.S. Embassy in Romania notes that foreign nationals can visit the country but will be subject to quarantine requirements unless they provide proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or evidence of recovery from an infection.
**Slovakia**
The U.S. Department of State advised taking normal precautions in Slovakia as of July 19. The country has also received a Level 1 travel advisory from the CDC, reporting only over 600 cases between July 19 and August 1.
**Dominica**
The Caribbean island of Dominica has recorded only 12 cases of the virus since July 19 and fewer than 220 cases overall, leading the U.S. Department of State and the CDC to issue Level 1 travel guidance. The tourist destination has also received a safe travel stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and is currently open to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers, although the latter will face additional entry hurdles. Visitors will need to submit a health questionnaire and upload negative test results as part of the entry protocols to Dominica.
**Grenada**
As of July 12, the U.S. Department of State indicated that citizens can take normal precautions in Grenada, the Caribbean island, where the CDC has reported low case levels. The popular Spice Isle resort recorded only three COVID-19 cases between July 19 and August 1. As of July 31, Grenada announced that all travelers over the age of 13 must be fully vaccinated to visit. Visitors will also need to quarantine while awaiting the results of their COVID-19 test.
