A lot of flexibility and a little caution would be the first things to pack if we are thinking about traveling again. 

Little by little, some borders are opening up. Among them, those of Chile. And the desire to visit other places, to break out of the routine, returns. 

Where could our next trip take us? Somewhere exotic and far away? A classic destination that we absolutely must visit at least once in our lives?

In the cultural webinar "Opening Borders," held last Thursday, July 29, we discussed five alternative destinations for all types of travelers. 

Here are what they were: 

South of India lies a teardrop-shaped island country. It is Sri Lanka (until recently called Ceylon). It offers beaches for all tastes, timeless ruins, many elephants and wildlife, and a highland region that the British covered with tea plantations. A destination where natural beauty, history, and culture abound.

Something closer? More classic? It could be one of Europe's best-kept secrets: Slovenia. It is one of the smallest countries (it fits thirty-seven times inside Chile) and probably one of the most charming too. A perfect destination for nature lovers. Forests, lakes, and rivers that have been the setting for films such as The Chronicles of Narnia, underground caves, castles, and even a Venetian-influenced walled city on the Adriatic coast are just some of its treasures, and all within easy reach. From its capital, Ljubljana, it is possible to visit any of the country's wonderful landscapes and cities in a single day.

Jordan. Its capital, Amman, exudes a fascinating blend of traces left by Bedouin nomads, Roman legionaries, Crusaders, and Byzantines, to name a few, and modern cosmopolitanism. Further south lies the lost city of Petra, one of the wonders of the ancient world. It is one of those places that reminds us of Indiana Jones, and which every traveler dreams of visiting at least once. Petra is an amazing city that remained hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt discovered it in 1812.

Very close to Jordan is another destination that must be visited before you die: Egypt. Contemplate with admiration what remains of a civilization that was already ancient and advanced when the Greeks and Romans were just beginning to develop. Sail down the Nile River and remember that Cleopatra and other immortal pharaohs sailed down that same river many times. 

Visit Colonial Mexico between October 28 and November 2 is much more than just a trip—it's an experience! This time of year marks the celebration of the Day of the Dead, one of Mexico's most iconic and well-known festivals. Death is experienced in a unique way, full of color and tradition. Cemeteries are filled with flowers, candles, and visitors (mainly during night vigils), and every corner is filled with altars and offerings to welcome deceased relatives who return to earth at this time of year to visit their loved ones. 

Magdalena Guzman

Journalist and Master's degree in Political Science. 

Organizer of group trips to Asia and the Middle East.