Be inspired by athletes and locations all over the world.
Are you excited for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which will be starting in just a couple of weeks on July 23, 2021?! I am!
And although nobody from overseas can attend in person, we all can watch our favorite events on TV this year.
The great news is, there are some previous sites of Olympic games that are open, and are great locations to visit. Here are six which are open this summer and available to vacationers. These travel requirements are current right now, but of course we know how quickly things can change these days, so be sure to check with me for the latest requirements before you travel!
Barcelona, Spain: the host of the 1992 Summer Olympics
Barcelona also hosted the 1936 Olympics, and built many sites such as the Estadi Olympic de Montjuic and Camp Nou, which hosted the soccer events and is now home of FC Barcelona. Barcelona also boasts the sagrada Familia, La Rambla, and many gorgeous beaches.
If you’re traveling to Spain right now, you only need to register on the Spain Health Travel Portal, with no proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.
Beijing, China: host of the 2008 Summer Olympics
The Beijing Olympics may have been the most-watched Olympics in modern history! These Olympics included 31 venues in the city, including the National Stadium. The stadium, nicknamed the “Bird’s Nest,” will also be used to host the opening and closing ceremonies for the Winter 2022 Olympics.
If you’re traveling to China right now, you must have a Covid test within 72 hours of traveling, or documentation of recently having recovered.
Albertville, France: host of the 1992 Winter Olympics
Albertville is a small town in southeastern France, gaining international fame with the 1992 Olympics. Here, you can visit the Halle Olympique, host of the figure skating and short speed skating events, and many museums including the House of the Olympic Games in the Palais de Justice.
The EU recently opened its borders to US travelers, meaning that with a vaccination or a negative Covid test within 72 hours of traveling, you’re good to visit.
London, England: host of the 2012 Summer Olympics
The Olympic Park in London was officially renamed the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The stadium is home of the West Ham United soccer team, surrounded by parks, waterways, playgrounds, and cafes.
The UK was one of the hardest-hit areas in the world with the Coronavirus. Right now, everyone entering the UK must present a negative Covid test taken with 72 hours of arrival and complete a passenger locator form. Additionally, travelers from the US are currently considered to be on the “amber” rather than the “green” list, and are still required to quarantine for 10 days and take a day 2 and day 8 Covid test. However, this rule is expected to be updated soon, to not having to quarantine if you are fully vaccinated.
Athens, Greece: home of the 2004 Summer Olympics
The oldest modern Olympic venue in the world, the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the 1896 Olympics, also hosted in 2004. It’s the only stadium in the world built completely of marble. Today they require a small entrance fee to roam this historical location.
If you are fully vaccinated, you don’t need a pre-travel Covid test to travel to Greece. If you’re not vaccinated, you need a negative Covid test within 72 hours of travel.
Salt Lake City, Utah: host of the 2002 Winter Olympics
Although Salt Lake City was the official site of the Winter Olympics, many of the venues were located in the mountain location of Park City. Today, you can visit the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center, watch professional skiers practice their Nordic and aerial jumps, and visit a local ski museum. When not being used, the jumps are open to the public.
Bonus: all you need to visit this destination is a vehicle and a possible plane ticket. Masking is required on flights and may be requested if you’re not vaccinated, but no Covid testing or vaccination is required.
Coming out of this year of distancing, the Olympics seem especially necessary to help us feel connected to each other and have people to cheer for. I can’t wait! Let me know if you’re interested in visiting the site of previous Olympic venues, to be inspired by the abilities of athletes all over the world.