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Last Updated 3 years ago

On Tuesday, the CDC added three popular Caribbean nations to its high-risk category for travelers. Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and Anguilla moved the CDC’s COVID-19 high-risk list. 

The level 3 high-risk category is now the highest risk category after the CDC changed its rating systems for assessing COVID-19 dangers for U.S. tourists. 

• Level 3 ‘high-risk’ is the top category
• Level 2 ‘moderate risk’ is the middle category 
• Level 1 ‘low risk’ is the lowest category 

Previously, the CDC had a level 4 very high-risk category; however, they removed this category for special circumstances—including an emergence of a new variant and super high case numbers. Currently, there are no nations in the level 4 very high-risk category. 

The New High-Risk Nations

1. Jamaica 

Jamaica is one of the most popular travel destinations for American tourists. Better still, the island nation removed all COVID-19 entry requirements last month. As a result, U.S. travelers can enter without proof of vaccination, testing requirements, quarantine, or health forms. 

However, the CDC now deems Jamaica as a level 3 high-risk nation for COVID-19. The nation is witnessing a small spike in cases, with a seven-day average of 276.

Jamaica has removed most internal COVID-19 restrictions:

• The government recommends wearing masks, but it’s not mandatory. 
• There is still a 70% limit on venue capacity. 
• Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate until fully recovered. 

2. Turks & Caicos 

The CDC has moved Turks & Caicos—a popular destination for American tourists—to its level 3 high-risk category.

Turks & Caicos hasn’t removed its COVID-19 entry requirements yet. Travelers must be fully vaccinated to enter the islands. In addition, 14 days must have passed since the traveler’s final vaccination dose. Unvaccinated travelers can only enter if they have special permission from the local government.

On top of the entry requirements, travelers still face internal COVID-19 restrictions. These include mandatory face masks in all public spaces, including supermarkets, restaurants, shops, hotels, and holiday accommodation. The local authorities may give you a $50 fine for breaching the mask laws. 

3. Anguilla 

Although not as popular as Jamaica, Anguilla still attracts American visitors. However, the CDC has moved Anguilla to its COVID-19 level 3 high-risk category.

The island nation hasn’t removed all of its COVID-19 entry requirements yet. If travelers are over 18, they must present proof of vaccination. Anguilla still bans unvaccinated tourists from entering the nation.

In addition, travelers must wear face coverings in public places and mandatory social distancing laws are still in place. 

Other Nations In The CDC’s High-Risk Category

The CDC has placed most of Europe in its level 3 high-risk category, including popular European destinations for U.S. tourists:

• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Portugal
• Spain
• The United Kingdom

Other notable nations in the level 3 high-risk list include:

• Brazil
• Canada
• Costa Rica
• Malaysia
• South Korea
• Thailand

Nations In The Level 2 Moderate-Risk Category 

Nations in the level 2 moderate-risk category have witnessed 50 to 100 COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days.

On Tuesday, the CDC moved eight countries to the moderate-risk level:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Cuba
• The Dominican Republic
• Guyana
• Moldova
• Poland
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Tunisia

Nations In The Level 1 Low-Risk Category

Nations in the level 1 low-risk category have witnessed fewer than 49 cases per 100,000 residents in the last 28 days. On Tuesday, the CDC moved Kuwait and Mauritania to this list.

There are over 50 nations on the level 1 low-risk list as of Tuesday. 

Final Thoughts 

Although the CDC has moved various nations to the high-risk category, American travelers can still visit these nations with no additional restrictions upon return to the U.S.

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Last Updated 5 days ago

The United Nations (UN) wears many hats, oftentimes on the darker side of the spectrum in places not deemed fit for tourists.

Take Haiti, for example. If you’ve been able to decipher real news through the election cycle’s talking heads, then surely you’re aware of Haiti’s continuous tragic downfall.

Founded in 1945, the UN’s purpose has been to promote peace, security, and basic human rights worldwide and step in as needed when nations fail to do so.

That’s why you’ll see the UN present for humanitarian crises, such as Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen – none of which ever sniff top tourism numbers.

But the UN also promotes tourism within their World Tourism Organization branch, especially unheard-of destinations in need of a boost.

In their own words, the hope is to encourage travelers to visit as a ‘driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability’.

Dozens of unknown places made the cut for their ‘Best Tourism Villages 2024‘ list.

To simplify said list, we’ll highlight Mexico’s 3 undiscovered towns because you’re not really going to visit Roches Noires, Mauritius or Azheke, China, are you?

Capulálpam de Méndez: Oaxaca’s Untouched Mountain Village

As one of Mexico’s hotspots for all types of travelers, Oaxaca’s gorgeous coastlines and immensely cultural namesake city have been well explored.

But venturing northeast through the Sierra Juarez is a quiet mountain town you’ve likely never heard of and may need to tap into your Rosetta Stone skills.

Capulálpam de Méndez may be a mouthful to say, but the UN believes it’s well worth a visit – and yes, ‘mouthful’ is a double entendre as there may be no better authentic food region in Mexico.

While the highly anticipated train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca is destined to showcase the region’s hidden gems, Capulálpam de Méndez is an extra layer of “hidden” as most travelers overlook the Sierra Juarez’s villages.

Set 7,710 feet high, this delightful town is oozing timeless charm. So much so, it can quite literally take your breath away.

In fact, the town’s real claim to fame was being designated as a pueblo magico in 2007, but it’s ready to embrace its newfound fame as Oaxaca has soared to new heights.

Start your day with a coffee and epic views at El Verbo de Méndez Café, wander timeless streets and witness the crown jewel, Parroquia de San Mateo, and rest your head at Hotel Chorromonte, housed in a traditional colonial building.

Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza: In The Heart Of Mexico’s Final Frontier

There are few states in Mexico where you may not recognize a city, but that’s the case for the state of Coahuila.

In fact, the claim to fame may be in Texas’ Big Bend National Park as a bi-national natural wonder stretching across the border.

Other than that, it’s quite likely you haven’t heard of a single place here. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, as there’s a bit of a loophole to visiting this small desert oasis.

Dubbed as the ‘Galapagos Of Mexico’, and also designated as a pueblo magico, if you’re into stunning nature and colonial charm, this off-path region is right up your alley.

Home to enormous craters, glassy rivers, vivid blue pools, along with postcard-worthy cobbled streets on the “urban” side, your sense of wanderlust will be redlining.

As off-the-beaten path as it may be, it’s not a treacherous journey. Two border towns, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras, offer bus routes, but if it were me, I’d fly into Torreon (nonstop flights from Dallas and San Antonio) and take a 3-hour bus from there for a safer option.

Palizada: Campeche’s Riverfront Treasure

Surprise, surprise – another pueblo magico. Experiencing old Mexico never gets, well, old.

Mexico’s ‘magic towns’ are teeming with rich history still permeating on every street.

Palizada is no different, but may be the most eye-catching of the bunch. Located in the state of Campeche, which has slowly begun creeping onto travelers’ radars, is gleaming with vibrancy and historic charm.

Wandering the streets is the best way to get a feel for the way of life here where you can visit local artisan shops, eat delicious local cuisine like Atapakua and Churipos, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rio Palizada.

The easiest way to get here is to fly into Villahermosa or Campeche, one of Mexico’s safest cities, and take a bus.

As far as modern conveniences go, Palizada may be the most convenient of the bunch with well-preserved buildings, more accommodation options, and plentiful captivating excursions like river cruises and Mayan ruins tours, which you can read more about here on the town’s official tourism page.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.