International traveling is an exciting opportunity that is so much more accessible today than it ever has been before. Airlines are in constant competition with each other and as a result, you can find some great, reasonably priced deals on international flights. If you’ve never traveled abroad before, there are some top places recommended for first-time travelers. These places are often easy to navigate, have English as a common language, and offer an array of interesting, historical, and adventurous things to do.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is one of the most popular travel destinations for many reasons. Its stunning natural beauty is an obvious draw for all outdoor lovers, as you can spend time on the black sand beaches, take a dip in the natural hot springs, and hike trails along volcanoes. What makes Iceland a first-time traveler destination is that it’s easy to get to – a surprisingly short 4-hour flight from Boston – and you can usually fly some cheaper airlines to get there.
Iceland is a good choice for first-time travelers because most Icelanders speak English, and there are English signs in many of the towns and cities. Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland and is a great starting point for your Icelandic journey. The city is home to usual pillars of culture that are worth visiting, like the National Museum of Iceland, but also more unique attractions like Laugardalur Park and Blue Lagoon, which are geothermic spas. Reykjavik is also well known for its eclectic flea markets and open-air shopping district, which is even open during the winter, and has a great nightlife if you’re looking for a place to unwind after a long day of exploring.
Tourism is one of Iceland’s biggest industries so there are also fantastic day trips available that leave from Reykjavik, which makes it easy to explore further into this beautiful country. Iceland is also touted as being the place you should go if you’re traveling alone, as crime rates are extremely low, it’s easy to get around to places you want to see, and the fantastic tourism infrastructure offers an array of different adventures that you can take every day.
London, England
London is a great choice for your first journey overseas. It’s a huge city with a diverse array of things to do, see, and experience. It is also a highly diverse city, so you can interact with many different people from all over the world. There are London’s obvious attractions, like Big Ben, London Bridge, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and a range of free-to-enter museums. But there is so much more to experience as well.
If you’re a fan of film and theater, go to Leicester Square for some cheap tickets to great shows. You can also often find cheap tickets to small theaters scattered around London, so you get to see excellent shows for a fraction of the price of Broadway.
Being an international city, you will find restaurants in London from all corners of the globe. There is a large Indian population in England, which means you can find some of the best quality curries outside of India itself. There is obviously a large European influence as well, making it easy to find an authentic Italian restaurant or fresh Greek food.
A key piece of getting around your first international city is navigation and learning public transportation. London has some of the best mass transit in the world, from the underground subway (more commonly known as the Tube) to buses and taxis. The Tube is cheap and easy to ride, and every station stop has a simple map to show you where you are and which line you need to take to get to your destination. If your preferred mode of transport is simply walking, there are helpful city maps perched eye-level at street intersections to help you know where you are and what landmarks you’re walking towards. With English being the primary language, it is easy to stop and ask for directions if you happen to get lost.
Melbourne, Australia
Everyone is familiar with Sydney and the iconic Sydney Opera House, but Australia is home to other amazing cities that also are well deserving of tourist attention. Melbourne is a friendly, diverse city with lots to do and has a laid back attitude that doesn’t make you feel like you need to plan your trip down to the last detail. A great place to start your adventure is the Melbourne Zoo, which offers amazing interactive and educational experiences for travelers of all ages. While the zoo is home to animals from all over the world, it also showcases Australia’s strange and unique wildlife, offering a fascinating look into how creatures evolved differently depending on their location. Melbourne is conveniently located to satisfy every nature-lovers needs. It’s close to the beach and the water is warm enough to swim and relax. Brighton Beach is well known for its cute and colorful bathing boxes and is just a quick walk away from shops and restaurants. Approximately a 4-hour drive from the city is the Otways Rainforest, which offers hiking through a forest that appears and feels prehistoric. Hikes through the Otways offer beautiful views of waterfalls, stunning vistas from high cliffs, and hidden beaches to swim at. You can also get some great photos from the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk.
Within the city proper, be sure to add Melbourne’s Federation Square to your list of activities. This mixed-use development in the heart of the city and is Melbourne’s first public square, designed to bring people together to enjoy shopping, food, music, and art. Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings, as this open-air public space is full of interesting designs and architecture, like the paving in the main square. Designed by Paul Carter, the paving is actually a huge art piece titled Nearamnew, and the pavers are crafted from sandstone that comes from Western Australia.
Thailand
If you want to try going somewhere that’s very different than what you’re used to in the U.S., consider Thailand as your first international excursion. Thailand is a beautiful country with an amazing history and culture to experience. The flight is definitely a bit longer and may have a few layovers, but the time it takes to get there is well worth it. Even though your plane ticket might cost a little more than going somewhere closer, Thailand itself is a very affordable country, so you won’t break the bank by going out to eat, exploring the historic monasteries and temples, or going out for a night on the town. This country is also great for a first-time traveler because it is famous for its peoples’ happy, friendly, and welcoming hospitality. You’ll be immersed in a country that can show you its historic and meaningful Buddhist temples and allow you to relax on a pristine beach, while also offering a rich urban experience and wild nightlife adventures.
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