Where to Travel in 2021 According to Your Star Sign

Planning a trip? We’ve consulted the stars to find the destinations that bring out the best of each zodiac sign – and where to stay when you visit. Explore Costa Rica, kick back on the Canary Islands, recalibrate in Ishikawa, Japan or go off-radar in Pakistan.

12 March, 2021

Words by
Rae Boocock

Scouting out the most exciting destinations of 2021, from Shetland to the Sahara, we've pinpointed adventurous itineraries suited to fire signs and the places where earth folks will feel most grounded. Those governed by air will blow away stresses and cement social connections, while sensitive water signs wash up in small towns and soul-soothing islands.

Star attractions: the best 2021 destinations, according to your zodiac sign

Aries

21 March – 19 April

Costa Rica

Ruled by Mars, fire-sign Aries gets a double whammy of determination and ambition. Trailblazing comes second nature; you're the first sign of the zodiac, after all. To visit Costa Rica is to fight fire with fire. The "rich coast" is a pioneer of sustainable tourism, farm-to-fork restaurants and green energy - it aims to be among the first carbon-neutral countries by 2050. Plus, it punches above its weight in terms of biodiversity and outdoor activities. Embrace pura vida ziplining through cloud forest, hiking volcanoes, spotting bright-billed toucans and snoozing sloths or navigating white-water rapids. Like this? Guyana is another good option for Aries.

Stay: Nayara Tented Camp

Taurus

20 April – 20 May

Azores, Portugal

Earthly pleasures make Taureans tick, which is why we're packing you off to the Azores. Floating in the mid-Atlantic - 1,500km from mainland Portugal - this cluster of nine volcanic farming islands has been carved by nature. Expect dramatic cliffs, pastures fringed by hydrangeas, geothermal pools and vineyards crisscrossed by trails. As you island-hop between São Miguel, Faial, Terceira et al., epicurean tendencies are indulged by deliciously cheap pesticos and local grass-fed beef. This bull sign is known to grab life by the horns, so we've pulled together a detailed guide to the Azores' best places to stay and play.

Stay: Solar Branco Eco Estate

Gemini

21 May – 20 June

Vietnam

Multifaceted Geminis need a destination that stimulates them socially and intellectually, a place where you can both connect and escape. Versatile Vietnam is a good foil for these twin desires. Beau monde meets biodiversity in the newly opened Zannier Hotels Bai San Hô, which has created a stir on a white-sand crescent in Phú Yên. Meanwhile, summer 2021 will see the launch of The Vietage, a boutique train by Anantara that puts a modern spin on Orient-Express opulence as it gently steams between Da Nang and Quy Nhon. Like this? Geminis will be equally happy hopping between Hong Kong's shops and skyscrapers before recharging on a hiking trail to Lion Rock and one of more than 100 beaches.

Stay: Zannier Hotels Bai San Hô

Cancer

21 June – 22 July

Shetland, Scotland

Staycations are best suited to crabby Cancers, the homebodies of the zodiac. Thankfully, Britain - including its islands - has more than 30,000km of coastline for this water-loving sign to visit. Floating between mainland Scotland and Norway, the subarctic Shetland archipelago coaxes you out of your shell geographically but makes up for it by way of an elemental nature fix - the wildlife and northern lights are big attractions - and a native larder stocked with seafood, lamb and black potatoes. The Dowry in Lerwick serves some of the best, but Cancerians will enjoy cosying up with reestit mutton soup in The Peerie Shop Café.

Stay: Waters Edge, Brae

Leo

23 July – 22 August

Accra, Ghana

No sign likes to up the drama of the astronomical jungle like Leo, and such fiery, outgoing personalities are well-matched by Accra. Thanks to a young crowd embracing and elevating cultural traditions, the Ghanaian capital is among Africa's brightest, most electric cities. The good weather is a balm to Leo's sunny soul, while its cultural attractions appeal to both Leo's creativity and spontaneity. On the agenda: Makola Market, the colourful clamour of Jamestown, ANO art gallery and sunset strolls on Bojo Beach before letting your mane down among Accra's roaring nightlife.

Stay: Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City

Virgo

23 August – 22 September

Helsinki, Finland

If high-achiever Helsinki had a star sign, it would be Virgo. This smart, clean city claims to be the world's "most functional and sustainable", and you'd be hard-pressed to find evidence to the contrary. Between its Baltic air and marvellous architecture - note Alvar Aalto's Finlandia Hall - the Finnish capital has design savvy to rival Copenhagen. Seeing as Virgos love to take charge of lists and itineraries, we'll get you started with some must-sees: Kiasma, Amos Rex, Oodi library and Seurasaari island. Recharge with forage-to-fork fare in Vanha Kauppahalli as well as excursions to beaches and forests.

Stay: Hotel St George

Libra

23 September – 22 October

Ishikawa, Japan

Represented by the scales, Libra is the zodiac's mediator. Much of your energy can be given over to worrying or caring for others, so we say: it's time you find some inner balance in Ishikawa. This lesser-visited coastal prefecture is prime territory for slow-paced exploration interspersed with steaming away stresses in Kaga Onsen. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty and art, Libras will revel in Ishikawa's artistic heritage too. The 16th-century Madea clan kickstarted Kanazawa's reputation as an enclave of good craftsmanship, and today that manifests in time-honoured Ohi ware ceramics and gold-leaf art. Roll up your sleeves and join a workshop - our pocket guide to Ishikawa features some of the best.

Stay: Kayotei

Scorpio

23 October – 21 November

Pioneertown, California, US

A little mysterious. Challenging the status quo. A craving for deep experiences. Such traits typically matched up with Scorpio, ruled by passionate and intense Pluto, could equally wind up in a description of Pioneertown. Set among San Bernardino's High Desert - a 40-minute drive from Palm Springs - this 1940s Western movie set turned real-life residence is ideal for Scorpios who like to get to the heart of a destination. Knock elbows with its close community of avant-garde creatives in Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace between browsing artisan makers along Mane Street. Good news that Scorpios are night owls; views of the Milky Way are excellent from here.

Stay: Pioneertown Motel

Sagittarius

22 November – 21 December

Chad

Sagittarius folk are born explorers. Symbolised by the wise archer, this last fire sign of the zodiac is forever planning its next odyssey, eager to broaden horizons. India, New Zealand and Iceland are some obvious recommendations here, but independent spirits would really thrive in Chad. Intrepid travellers are yanked out of their comfort zone, trekking between the Sahara, Ennedi Plateau and Tibesti Mountains, and embarking on safaris in Zakouma National Park. Need a metropolitan fix? Set your sat nav for the port capital of N'Djamena.

Stay: Camp Nomade

Capricorn

22 December – 19 January

Pakistan

The adventure-travel destination par excellence. Shaking off its troubled past, Pakistan is in the early stages of a tourism renaissance, spurred by easing travel restrictions and improved flight connections to Islamabad. It's not a completely risk-free destination, but Capricorns are well known for their ability to rise to a challenge and take the road less travelled. Symbolised by the hardy goat, this sign will be in its element with their calves burning across the 3,700m Shandur Pass and zipping along the jaw-dropping Karakoram highway. The Mughal architecture of Lahore satisfies their penchant for history too.

Stay: The Nishat Hotel Johar Town

Aquarius

20 January – 18 February

Georgia

Innovative, creative and a touch rebellious, Aquarians are the pioneers of social and technological change - and the sign most likely to enjoy Georgia's visa for digital nomads. Its program "Remotely from Georgia" invites entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers and their families to stay in the country for up to a year. Extended workation? Sorted. Thanks to the country's proximity to Europe, Asia and the Silk Road, Georgia is a melting pot of culture - most notably in the capital, Tbilisi. Between clocking in office hours, enjoy some R&R in the sulphur baths before mingling with the liberal elite in design-forward concept stores and bars buzzing off Georgian wine. Stepantsminda makes for a dramatic weekend break.

Stay: Stamba Hotel

Pisces

19 February – 20 March

Canary Islands

Pisces are a sensitive, spiritual bunch - after all this water sign has soaked up the wisdom of its astrological predecessors. It's a heavy load to bear, so a soul-soothing break in the Canary Islands should be on the cards. Think peaceful walks between the pines of Gran Canaria, morning yoga warmed by the north African rays and indulging your fishy alter ego surfing at Fuerteventura's Punta Blanca. Recalibrate mind and body on excursions between lush La Palma and Lanzarote, where lava fields give way to minimalist buildings dreamed up by architect César Manrique in the 60s. Book a spot at Mirador del Río restaurant and order some local plonk.

Stay: Faro Punta Cumplida

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21 of the Best Destinations to Visit in 2021
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