14 beautiful countries to visit without coronavirus

5. Mongolia

This famously wide, empty country is the least crowded nation on earth (its population is less than one 20th of the UK’s). The phrase “Big Sky Country” is simply inadequate for Mongolia, according to Telegraph Travel writer Terry Richardson. “This enormous, landlocked country of green steppe, vast flat plains, intricately braided rivers, electric-blue highland lakes, snow-licked mountains, dense pine forests and shifting desert is presided over by a skyscape of such bold blue immensity it beggars description,” he adds.

6. Madagascar

A paradise for nature-lovers, the world’s fourth largest island is considered “megadiverse” – David Attenborough even dedicated a series to its fascinating fauna. From the cutely creepy aye-aye lemur (which has an extra-long middle finger for skewering grubs) to the Malagasy giant rat (that can jump three feet into the air), it’s home to many curious critters. It also has a clutch of world heritage sites, including the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve – a labyrinth of limestone that shrouds much of the island’s western side.

7. Peru

Filled with Incan ruins, Peru also delivers sun-baked coastal deserts, cities steeped in history and the mighty Amazon river. Chris Moss suggests an itinerary that begins in the capital, Lima (BA offers direct flights from London Gatwick between late March and late October) and takes in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, a rainforest stay and, of course, Machu Picchu. Sitting 7,972ft above sea level, the ruins aare a “potent, stirring high point in the wanderings of any traveller,” writes Moss.