Have you taken more than a year off from travel? And more than a year away from friends and family? Got pent-up energy to get out and party with your loved ones? Sounds like you might want to gear up for a destination wedding. In a study of more than 25,000 couples conducted by The Knot, nearly a quarter of all couples who married in 2019 traveled away from their hometown for their nuptials. You can bet that those numbers will be even higher in the latter half of 2021, what with vaccines rolling out and countries opening back up. There are countless hot spots to tie the knot around the world. You just have to choose your desired experience and get creative to make it work for your budget and your guests.

It's no surprise that Italy, one of the most desirable travel destinations period, is recommended right off the bat. Travel + Leisure contributor Stefanie Waldek says Italy is one of the dreamiest countries for a wedding. Two popular spots are the Amalfi Coast in the south and the villages of Cinque Terre in the north, which are both perched on the coastline but have slightly different terrain. Italy has exquisite food, world-renowned sites and dazzling culture. If you want to head north and don't need the ocean, Tuscany and Lake Como are rustic, romantic, bathed in delicious wine and dotted with villas.

Destination Wedding Planners writer Ruchika Soni forecasts several trending locations for the upcoming summer wedding season including the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Greece. The UAE caters to jet setters with an eye for luxury, as most of the populace is wealthy ex-pats. The venues are lavish; the staff services are unparalleled; and the parties are on a grand scale unlike any other.

Soni consulted destination wedding and travel experts to dive into other trending locations. Nanya Tanthapaiboon, founder of The Wedding Bliss Thailand wedding planning company, states that her home country is the antithesis of the Emirates. Whereas Dubai is the mega-New York, full of glamor, fashion and spending, Thailand is a natural eco wonder for chic adventures among staggering tropical beauty. From jungle lodges to mountain retreats to private villas and beaches, this island is abundant with experiences but surprisingly cost-effective. Additionally, Thailand was ranked third in the Global COVID-19 Recovery Index throughout the height of the pandemic, and the Thai government is set to start welcoming tourists with fewer travel restrictions in late summer.

Greece has forever been an idyllic wedding setting, with its picturesque white cities and turquoise sea. Thomas Politis, owner of For Your Event, Greece, remarks that his homeland is the perfect place to enjoy both mountains and ocean as you taste some of the best and most memorable cuisine the world has to offer. The country has delightful weather year-round, and adventurous couples can opt for dramatic backdrops in and around famous historical and archaeological sites.

All of these locations could be perfect, but how does the location affect the rest of the planning? WeddingBells contributor Alison Mcgill states that you have to tailor your destination to your desired guest list. Yes, this is your day and you should go where you want, but you also want to ensure that the people you really there can attend! Due to cost, flights, accommodations and other travel expenses, a wedding abroad will most likely limit your attendance. Older guests could add extra layers of travel and safety logistics. This fact alone has caused an increase in domestic destination weddings, says WeddingWire contributor Lindsay Tigar, with California, Florida, Michigan and New York as popular locations. This option could provide the thrill of adventure but also comfort and ease for you and your guests.

No matter where you choose to go for your big day, make sure to do your research, stay up-to-date on travel restrictions and communicate well -- and far in advance -- with your guests. The world is opening back up, and it's yours for the taking!