World

The Best Destinations for a Road Trip during COVID-19

Published

5 years ago

February 28, 2021

The road trip is a great way to see so many places, but this has never been more relevant than during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. With planes and trains becoming increasingly dangerous as the virus spreads, hopping in the car is a perfect alternative for a getaway. When you use your own transportation, the options multiply. Plus if you’re comfortable getting on a plane, there are plenty of places you can hit the open road to relax and take on some adventure while enjoying lower numbers of the virus. Here are some of the best destinations for a road trip.

Iceland

Not only is the tiny island country of Iceland a short flight from Europe or the East Coast of the United States, it is one of the best countries for a road trip. It only takes eight days to drive around the entire country, and spreading the itinerary out can make for a leisurely and immersive trip through one of the most beautiful places in the world. With glorious green hills, ocean views, waterfalls, and more, Iceland has it all for those who love the outdoors. Camp or stay in small inns along the way. While you will have to do the mandatory 14-day quarantine, when you are able to hit the road you will enjoy a small population and low COVID-19 numbers.

American Southwest

With the highest numbers of the COVID-19 virus in the world, few international travelers will want to come to the United States. But if you already live in the US and want to take a road trip, the Southwest is a great option. You’ll want to avoid California but with Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas, you can have wide open space and room to drive to great sites and parks. You have the option to camp or stay in hotels where they’re open. If you don’t have a car, now might be the right time to invest in one with a used auto loan. Then you will be able to enjoy the gorgeous vistas of the Southwest in your new car.

Canada

Canada has a fraction of the US population and a ton of land to work with, which makes it a great option for road tripping. It depends on where you want to go, but there is no shortage of options. You can even take a trip from Montreal to Vancouver and see the whole bottom belt of the country in style. Canada has so much to offer in the way of natural beauty and sites, you won’t have a hard time avoiding people. The travel restrictions are tight, but if you can make it in the country and do the obligatory quarantine, you will have less to worry about.

Australia/New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand have strict COVID-19 regulations, which make it a safe place for a getaway. After the 14-day quarantine, you will enjoy low numbers of the virus and wide open spaces. There is a lot of room in these countries to spread out. However, to get into Australia you will need to spend at least two weeks in New Zealand if you’re not a citizen, resident, or immediate family member. Still this provides a variety of avenues to visit Australia and stay safe by driving around the country instead of using public transport. When you follow the rules and be safe, you will have a great opportunity to enjoy these two countries and all the natural beauty they have to offer.

While you may think it isn’t appropriate to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, life will have to continue at some point. There is no avoiding a return to relative normalcy. If we don’t, the world economy could be in danger of collapsing. Make your travel plans ahead of time and do your best to be safe. If we don’t live our lives and enjoy it while we’re here, what are we doing? It is completely possible to be safe and moral but enjoy yourself. If you feel comfortable traveling, these road trip options provide the ability to stay away from people and enjoy the natural world. It will do all of us a lot of good.

World

Swiss International University Makes Global Impact with Top 500 Times Higher Education Ranking

Published

4 weeks ago

June 24, 2026

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU) got a real kind of milestone , when it landed inside the worlds top 500 universities in the newest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Which is kind of huge because it is SIU’s first time appearing in those widely respected rankings, and it also shows how its influence keeps growing in international higher education.

SIU was competing with nearly 2,000 universities from different parts of the world, and that first debut basically underlines its dedication to academic quality, sustainability and a real societal footprint. Overall it seems like the result mirrors SIU’s own plan for delivering solid education , while also aligning with bigger global development objectives.

Now, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings look at universities through what they do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , or SDGs. So the assessment is about universities creating verifiable positive change through education, research, community activities, plus governance— not just statements.

One of SIU’s strongest areas was the recognition tied to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In that section, SIU placed roughly within the top 100 to 200 universities worldwide, and that points to its focus on advancing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and those institutional values that actually stick.

This recognition shows SIU keeps working hard to get students ready, with the know-how , the ability to act and those ethical foundations, so they can face tangled global problems. And you know, by supporting responsible leadership and pushing for good social results, the university keeps building up its part in shaping the next generation of professionals and people who make real decisions

Key Highlights of SIU’s Achievement

• Ranked Among the World’s Top 500 Universities

In its first-ever participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SIU managed to land a spot among the top 500 universities worldwide.

• Outstanding Performance in SDG 16

SIU reached a ranking in the top 100 to 200 range, across the globe, for its work related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Strengthening Global Academic Presence

This win also reinforces SIU’s long-term vision, and it further tightens its standing as an emerging influence in international higher education.

Recognition from Times Higher Education is an important endorsement of SIU’s mission, to give accessible high-quality education while also making a positive impact in society. As the university keeps expanding its academic offerings and international reach, this milestone , works like a solid base for what comes next—future growth, more innovation, and that global recognition everyone is aiming for.