Discover the Best Places to Travel for Beginners – Your Next Travel Destination Awaits!

We all have to start somewhere, right? For me, my wanderlust kicked into high gear when I started looking at images of far-off lands on travel blogs and Instagram. And, before I knew it, I had booked my first trip abroad. 

But, finding the best places to travel for beginners wasn't easy-peasy back then (18 years ago!). So, to make your life a bit simpler, I decided to share my list of the best countries for your first international adventure based on places I’ve visited as a solo traveler and from feedback from my travel friends.

Unpacking the Idea of the 'First-Time Traveler'

Alright, let's get into it. Do you remember the first time you ever did something really big? I mean, something like riding a bike, your first day at school, or even your first job interview. It was all so new, a little bit scary, but also thrilling, right? That's exactly what it feels like to travel for the first time.

When you're a first-time traveler, there's so much to take in. New faces, new places, new everything! It's like stepping into a different world. Now, if you're anything like me when I first started, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. And that's totally normal.

Fears of the First-Time Traveler

There's a lot of fear that comes with the idea of traveling for the first time. The fear of the unknown, the fear of getting lost, or even the fear of not enjoying the trip can be daunting.

When I first decided to travel abroad, I had my fears too. I was worried about missing flights, getting lost in a city where no one spoke my language, and not to mention the food – what if I didn't like it?

How to Overcome Travel Fears

The thing is, fears are a natural part of any new experience. And while they might feel overwhelming at times, they're not insurmountable. You know what I did to overcome my fears? I prepared. Preparation is key when you're a first-time traveler.

Get to know the place you're visiting – read up on it, talk to people who've been there, learn a few basic phrases in the local language. And don't forget to pack right. You won't believe how much better you'll feel knowing you've got everything you need right in your backpack.

Now, I'm not saying everything will go perfectly – but that's part of the fun! Traveling is all about embracing the unexpected, learning as you go, and making wonderful memories along the way.

Top Tip for First-Time Travelers

And here's a little top tip from someone who's been there: don't try to do everything. That's right. Instead, focus on a few things you really want to see and do. Trust me, it will make your trip way more enjoyable.

Even now, after traveling for almost 20 years, I make a listof must-sees and then a list of “maybe, if I have time”. Even if I don’t get to all my must-sees, I don’t beat myself up. Travel shouldn’t be about working through an agenda to the detriment of all else, it still needs to be enjoyable.

So, if you want a morning of just sitting in a cafe, reading a book and sipping on tea or an afternoon where you catch up on the latest Netflix hit, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

Thailand: The Ultimate Travel Destination for Beginners

Fellow globetrotters, let me share a secret. If you're looking for your first international travel destination, Thailand is the place to visit. This country is safe, easy to navigate, and one of the most visited countries in the world. It's also a great place for beginner travelers.

Why Thailand?

Thailand, fondly known as the Land of Smiles, is like a massive playground for new travelers. From the bustling streets of big cities like Bangkok to the tranquil beauty of natural places like its breathtaking beaches, it's a country full of contrasts.

One of the best things about Thailand, especially for first-time international travelers, is the language. English is widely spoken, especially in big cities and tourist hotspots, which makes the dreaded language barrier much easier to handle. But don't worry, no matter where you go, you'll find the locals are always willing to lend a hand!

Bangkok and Beyond

Starting your trip in Bangkok is a smart move. It's one of the easiest cities to navigate, thanks to its efficient public transportation. Hop on a train, grab an uber or take a canal boat to get around. You won't want to miss the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the buzzing Chatuchak Weekend Market, or the vibrant nightlife.

But Thailand isn't just about big cities. For a different pace, head north to Chiang Mai. This charming city is known for its stunning temples and delicious food. It's also super affordable, making it an ideal place for backpackers. And if you're a solo traveler, you're in luck! The city has plenty of hostels, making it a great solo destination.

The Beaches and the Hospitality

Now, let's talk beaches. Thailand's beaches are simply out of this world. Imagine crystal clear waters, powdery sand, and stunning sunsets. It's my favorite part of the country!

But what truly sets Thailand apart is its hospitality. Thai people are incredibly welcoming and friendly. Plus, the country is also known for its mouthwatering cuisine. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, the food here is super cheap and super delicious.

Top 10 Countries to Visit for Beginner Travelers

Ready to kick off your international travel adventure? Exciting! Choosing where to go first can be a bit overwhelming, so here are the rest of my 10 best countries to visit, especially for beginner travelers.

2. Australia: The Land Down Under

I might be biased, but I think Australia is perfect for first-time international travelers. English is the official language, the locals are super friendly, and there's an abundance of beautiful places to explore. From the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef to the bustling city life in Sydney, it's a great place to start!

3. Canada: The Friendly Neighbor

Looking for destinations where everyone speaks English? Head to Canada. This country is known for its friendly folks and jaw-dropping landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the cosmopolitan vibes of cities like Toronto.

4. Italy: A Taste of Europe

Italy is one of the easiest countries to travel in Europe. It's full of history, mouthwatering cuisine, and incredible sites. Don't miss the Colosseum in Rome or the canals of Venice. Italy is also perfect for a solo traveller.

5. Japan: Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Japan may seem a little intimidating at first, but it's super organized and easy to get around, especially with their efficient public transport. Plus, you'll be able to experience everything from ancient temples to futuristic technology.

6. Ireland: The Emerald Isle

Ireland is one of the safest and friendliest countries to visit. It’s cheap, it’s beautiful, and everybody speaks English. Whether you're taking selfies in front of breathtaking landscapes or enjoying a pint in a local pub, Ireland won't disappoint.

7. Spain: The Fiery Flamenco

Spain is a wonderful first destination for beginners. It's full of vibrant cities, delicious food and wine, and there are tons of things to see. Plus, Spain has an excellent and affordable public transport system.

8. Portugal: The Atlantic Jewel

Portugal is another beginner-friendly country. It's one of the safest countries in the world, it’s super affordable, and English is widely spoken. Plus, it's filled with off-the-beaten-path spots just waiting to be discovered.

9. New Zealand: The Adventure Capital

If you love outdoor adventures, then New Zealand is for you. It's one of the easiest countries to travel, with friendly locals and mind-blowing natural beauty. Just don't miss a visit to Hobbiton!

10. Costa Rica: The Eco-Paradise

Rounding out our list is Costa Rica. This Central American gem is an easy and affordable destination for first-time travelers, offering everything from lush rainforests to pristine beaches.

How to Choose Your Travel Destination

So, you've decided to take the leap and start your adventure abroad. But now comes the challenging part: choosing your travel destination. There are so many beautiful places to visit around the world, it can feel overwhelming. 

Fear not, my travel-hungry friends! I'm here to share some tips on how to choose your first time international trip.

Think About What You Want to Experience

First things first, let's start with what you want to get out of your trip. 

Are you craving a taste of different cultures? Do you want to explore bustling cities, or would you prefer quiet, natural places? Maybe you're looking for the best countries to travel for food, history, or adventure. 

The world has so much to offer, and narrowing down what you're most interested in will help guide your choice.

Consider Ease of Travel

When you're venturing abroad for the first time, it might be best to start with destinations known to be easier to travel. Think about factors like language, safety, and transportation. 

Countries where English is widely spoken or at least commonly understood can make your journey less daunting. For example, destinations for beginner travelers could include Australia or Canada where English is the country's primary language.

Set a Budget

Budget is a big factor in deciding where to go. Some countries are much cheaper to visit than others. Consider the cost of not just getting there, but also daily expenses like food, accommodation, and tourism activities. 

Wonder why I’m usually found in places like Southeast Asia and Central America? It’s because they are known to be quite affordable and are often listed as some of the best destinations for first-timers on a budget.

Do Your Research

Never underestimate the power of a good research session. Read travel blogs, watch travel vlogs, and take advantage of travel forums and Facebook groups. You'll find a ton of practical tips, ideas for easy travel destinations, and real experiences from people who've been there and done that.

Remember, There's No Perfect Choice

Here's my top tip for choosing your first travel destination: There's no such thing as a perfect choice. The world is brimming with breathtaking destinations, each with its own unique charm and allure. What matters most is your enthusiasm to explore and see the world.

There’s also no harm in opting for a group trip on your first time. The best ones are filled with other solo travelers, so you can build your travel aptitude while surrounded by some potential friends.

From the vibrant cities in Europe to the pristine beaches of Asia and everything in between, every place has something special to offer. So, if you're ready to pack your bags and head on a day trip or a month-long journey, just pick one of these great destinations and go for it. Whether you're traveling alone or with companions, choosing your first destination is the beginning of an exciting journey.

Best Places to Travel for Beginners

Everyone has a different style when it comes to traveling. Some of us might want to chill on a beach, some might want to visit iconic historical sites, and others might want to lose themselves in the hustle and bustle of a big city. That's why I have rounded up a varied list of the best places to visit for first-time travelers.

Embarking on your first trip abroad is an exciting experience. It's a big world out there, and finding the best places to travel for beginners can be a bit daunting. But remember, the most important thing is that you want to travel, and no matter which country you choose, there will be experiences and memories waiting for you that will last a lifetime. 

Just choose a place that calls to you and start packing those bags! So, are you ready for your first trip abroad? I know you are! Happy travels!

Looking for more? Check out these other travel guides:

Hey there! Just wanted to be transparent and let you know that some of the links in this blog post may be affiliate links. What does that mean? It means that if you click on one of those links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But don't worry, it doesn't cost you anything extra! In fact, it helps support the blog and allows us to keep creating awesome content for you.

Booking Family Holidays With FinalPrice

Travel can be expensive enough when you factor in booking your plane tickets but once you add in the hotels, rental car, and activities you could be in for more than you’ve budgeted for. I know this can make some people hesitant about planning their own trip and even put a stop to overseas holiday plans altogether.

I’ve written a lot recently about how to save money when planning your vacation and some of my favourite travel websites and apps to help you plan.

Recently, though, I learnt about something I hadn’t tried before, an app called FinalPrice .

I’m currently planning a family holiday for August next year and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to test out FinalPrice. I have my sister and brother coming for the first four weeks and then my brother-in-law meeting us in the last three weeks. We also have my sister’s new baby along for the trip for the very first time. All of these more different room configurations can prove to be quite difficult when booking so this is going to be a real challenge!

How does FinalPrice work?

FinalPrice is a new and unique app to book your hotels, flights and rental cars. The app is very similar to other popular apps like Expedia, Trip Advisor and Booking.com. Spoiler Alert - their pricing can be considerably less than the others. 

They have two options during your checkout. You can checkout for free and take 50% of the public price discount or if your savings are more than $99 or you plan on traveling a lot in the next year, you can upgrade to the unlimited savings plan for $99 a year and take 100% of the discount.

Features:

• Book for ten travellers on one account
• Can share subscription with friends and family
• Full flexibility is included in the booking process (including pay now, pay later, breakfast, no breakfast, and all room types)
• All transactions are handled on the app so you don’t get any annoying redirects or popups to different sites
• Curated Recommendation engine
• Filter out the brand you want to book at (ie Westin, Intercontinental, Hyatt, etc)
• You get your frequent flyer or rewards program points
• Money back guarantee - if you don't earn your subscription fee back in savings in your first year, you will be refunded the difference

Comparing FinalPrice with Trip Advisor

Generally, I like to use Trip Advisor as a comparison since I can see reviews alongside while getting a ballpark amount and then will always check prices with HotelsCombined.com. HotelsCombined is a great aggregator and nine times out of ten finds me the best price.

For this review, I used the free version of the FinalPrice app. While using the free version, any savings that FinalPrice finds are halved so they keep 50%. You also don’t have access to the Flight and Car Rental modules of the app. It’s up to you whether the savings are worth paying the $99 subscription fee but hopefully, this review will help you make your mind up.

So, how did FinalPrice stack up against my favourites?

I chose five hotels amongst the different cities we plan to visit and did a direct comparison of the lowest prices that I could find through each option.

Out of all five options, FinalPrice was always the cheapest. Sometimes it was by a few dollars and for one option, I saved $211! If I tallied up my total spend and compared it to what I would have paid had I only used TripAdvisor, I would have saved $562.

All prices are in USD 

What I like about FinalPrice

• Separate sections including Top Rated, Big Savings, and Best 4 & 5 Star to help you quickly find what best suits you
• Hotel ratings are front and centre to help with your comparison
• You can see hotels on a map view
• Great range of hotels in big cities and smaller towns
• Friends and family sharing - no more sneaky sharing of logins!
• Interface is very straightforward and intuitive. I even got my mum to try it out and she had no issues navigating the different options.

I’m very impressed with the savings available through the app and would definitely recommend you check it out. It seems like the savings are larger when you’re spending more on a hotel so if you’re looking to spend less than $100 then you might not see as big a discount. The best part is though, that you are will be refunded the difference in your subscription fee if you don’t save more than $99 so it’s really win-win.

Head over to FinalPrice for more information and to check it out for yourself. Use the promo code INLANTON to get a $20 credit so you can save even more.

Let me know in the comments if you would give something like this a try and what you think about the service.

This is a sponsored post brought to you by FinalPrice. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

What Are The Best Vegan Gift Ideas

I’ve been vegetarian for most of my life and know the plight of many of my friends and family when it comes to getting gifts for vegetarians especially travellers! There seems to be so many rules and labels and many people struggle to think of good gifts for vegans. I personally am vegan at home and tend to add dairy to my diet when I travel but still maintain a cruelty free stance when it comes to cosmetics and clothes. Other vegans and vegetarians have their own guidelines that they live by and it really is a very personal choice.

This makes coming up with vegan present ideas tricky! This guide for vegan gift ideas should clear up any doubts and gives you some clear suggestions of great vegan gifts for her, vegan gifts for him, some practical vegan travel gifts and even a few funny vegetarian gifts. I’ve aimed to include some unique items that your vegan friends might not have seen before so your gift will really stand out! Most items are under $50 and all are under $150. If you have any suggestions for a vegan friendly gift please let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list.

Jump to:

• What not to give a vegan

• Vegan gift baskets

• Vegan makeup

• Vegan hiking boots

• Vegan food gifts

• Cute and Funny Vegetarian Gifts

Who could eat this little cute little guy?

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

What Not To Give A Vegan

Being vegan means different things to different people and there are many ways to live a vegan lifestyle. In a nutshell, Vegans seek to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

What this means for you when buying vegan presents is to avoid three main things:

• Animal based foods like meat (inc. fish, shellfish and even insects), diary, eggs, and honey,

• Non-food products that are made with animal materials, like fur, leather, silk, and wool, and

• Products that have been tested on animals, usually common in cosmetics.

This can sound pretty complicated so to help you out here are some definite no-nos that are 100% not vegan friendly gifts that can seem like a good gift idea to the unsuspecting:

• Beeswax candles

• Makeup, bath or body products tested on animals or containing animal products

• Jewellery with feathers or pearls

• Down coats or bedding

• Leather purses

• Non-vegan wine or alcohol - some drinks can be filtered through things like bone marrow or fish bladders

• Vegan Friendly Gifts

So now you know what not to give, here are some of the best gifts for vegans and of course these make great presents for vegetarians as well. For the traveller in your life, think small useful gifts they can take on the road or things they can use at home that will actually add value.

Vegan Gift Ideas - Gift Baskets

Vegan Gift Baskets

A gift basket or hamper is one of my favourite types of gifts! It’s like getting a bunch of different presents all in one and it can be very easy to make your own vegan hamper maybe using some of the suggestions on this page or by adding some of your friend’s favourite products.

A gift basket or hamper is one of my favourite types of gifts! It’s like getting a bunch of different presents all in one and it can be very easy to make your own vegan hamper maybe using some of the suggestions on this page or by adding some of your friend’s favourite products.

Here are great vegan gift baskets that you can find online from retailers like Etsy or Amazon.

• Luxury vegan beauty and bath products

• Healthy Gourmet Gifts

• Vegan Bath Bomb Gift Set

• Vegan Jerky Sampler Gift Box this is a great one to take as a snack when travelling!

Vegan makeup

Makeup is a very personal thing for most women but there are a few things you can buy that will be happily accepted and are generally universal. A great place to go to in person is your local Sephora store, they stock a lot of vegan makeup brands; or if you’re into online shopping you should find most on Amazon.

Vegan lipstick

• Pacifica Devocean Natural Lipstick

• Lime Crime Unicorn Lipstick

• Zuzu Luxe Lipstick Allure

• Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick

• Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick

Vegan Mascara

• Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara Supernova Top Choice on Amazon

• Aquarian Gaze Water Resistant Mascara

• Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Vegan Makeup Brushes

Brushes are a really important part of a woman’s makeup routine and most people don’t realise that they’re traditionally made from animal hair, like squirrels, minks, and horses. Synthetic brushes are easy to find if you know what to ask for. Here are some of my favourite good quality vegan makeup brushes.

Qivange Makeup Brushes
Flawless Beauty 10 piece
Bamboo 4 piece
Ecotools Cruelty Free Set
Amoore Makeup Brush Set

Vegan Lip Balm

Hurraw! Lip Balms
Lush Key Lime Pie Lip Balm
Crazy Rumours Lip Balm
PETA Vegan Lip Balm
Eco Lips Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm

Vegan Hiking Boots

For the vegan traveller in your life, these could be the best gift you could get. I’m always on the hunt for a great pair of hiking boots that will travel well and last. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a trek, out in the middle of nowhere and have your boots fall apart.

For the vegan traveller in your life, these could be the best gift you could get. I’m always on the hunt for a great pair of hiking boots that will travel well and last. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a trek, out in the middle of nowhere and have your boots fall apart.

Finding a great pair of vegan hiking boots can be tough because they’re not always advertised as vegan. Here are my top three recommendations for great vegan hiking boots at three price points but still under $150 making it a perfect vegan Christmas gift to go under the tree.

Will’s Vegan Shoes

These boots are a great price from a  company that is wholly vegan. I love how plain they are, as I’m not a fan of outlandish design or loud logos splashed across my clothes.
Check out the latest prices on Men’s and Women’s

Altra Lone Peak 3 Mid Neo Running Shoes

These shoes are a lightweight dream and get consistently excellent reviews online.
Check out the latest prices on Men’s and Women’s

La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Boot

This award winner gets top reviews on Amazon and are full featured but still lightweight.
Check out the latest prices onMen’s and Women’s

Vegan cook books

Vegan Food Gifts

For the vegan chef in your life one of the best gifts you could give is one that helps them put together their own favourite vegan meals. Here are some of my favourite products for the kitchen and some of my favourite vegan cook books.

Vegan cook books

• Thug Kitchen 101 (my personal favourite)

• Beautifully Real Food: Guilt-Free, Meat-Free Recipes to Indulge In

• The First Mess Cookbook: Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes to Eat Well Through the Seasons

• Vegan for Everybody: Foolproof Plant-Based Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and In-Between

• The No Meat Athlete Cookbook: Whole Food, Plant-Based Recipes to Fuel Your Workouts—and the Rest of Your Life

Clever kitchen items for vegans

• Blender - for morning smoothies and healthy soups - Ninja Professional Blender

• Food processor - for making dairy free pesto - Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor

• Cast iron skillet- every kitchen should have at least one! - Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

• Ice cream maker - give your friend the joy of dairy free ice cream - Cuisinart ICE-21

• Pasta maker - egg free pasta at their fingertips - Marcato Atlas Pasta Machine (Made in Italy)

Cute and Funny Vegetarian Gifts

Here are some really extra ideas if you want to be really creative with your gift giving ;)

• Let’s Avo Cuddle t-shirt

• Vegan AF t-shirt

• Bae Not Bacon t-shirt

• The Vegan Stoner Cookbook: 100 Easy Vegan Recipes to Munch

• Powered by Plants - Vegan Gift Shirt

Hopefully this guide makes your shopping easy for your vegan loved ones. You should be able to find some great vegan birthday gifts or vegan Christmas presents that they will love.

Please let me know if you have anything you would like to add in the comments or if you found something new to buy!

Home made vegan dessert - yum!

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