Traveling internationally for the first time can be daunting, from nerves about flying to not being sure of how another country will accept tourists. I know some of the common fears that I have are “how will I be able to communicate if I don’t speak the native language?” Another deep fear is, “how will I get around if I don’t want to drive or don’t know how to get a taxi?” Whatever fears or nerves you may have, it should not be a hurdle that makes you avoid international travel all together. In this blog, I’ll let you in on a little secret about the best places to travel as a first-time international traveler.
Switzerland
Known for the Swiss Army Knife, Swiss cheese, fondu, and countless other creations, Switzerland is a must-visit destination, and what better time to visit than your first international trip? With several large cities, like Zurich and Geneva, and plenty of small mountain towns in the Interlaken region, Switzerland has plenty for everyone. With several national languages, German, French, Italian, and Romansh, you will find a community of people who are excellent at communicating with everyone. In most destination towns, people speak English, and you will likely see many menus in several languages when dining out. Traveling within in country is always a main concern for first-time travelers, but in Switzerland, that doesn’t have to be a worry. Trains and buses are the best and most common types of transportation in Switzerland. You can purchase cards for a week or pay-as-you-go cards that will let you travel wherever you want to travel in the country.
Costa Rica
Many people know Latin America for their all-inclusive resorts, which makes it great for first-time travelers, and Costa Rica is no different. But there is more to Costa Rica than the inclusive resorts, and the entire country is a great destination for first-time travelers. This small country nestled in the heart of Central America is one of the best destinations for first-time travelers. Although the primary language spoken is Spanish, almost everyone you encounter will be able to communicate with you. If it’s been a few years since your last Spanish lesson or it’s a language you’ve never even heard, the patience of Costa Ricans as you navigate their language is unlike any other destination. On top of the welcoming people of Costa Rica, it is perfect for relaxing and unwinding or soaring from the tree tops. Visiting one of the central cities of La Fortunate and soak in the natural hot springs, or visit the Cloud Forest and be transported to an experience unlike any other. One of the things that I think you will fall in love with as a first-time traveler is the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Costa Ricans embrace the simple or pure life. The pace of life is slower, more relaxed, and less stressful. This is the perfect environment for a first-time traveler.
Australia
If a long flight is not a concern for you, Australia can be an incredible destination. As a first-time traveler, one of the things that is calming is that all of the signs, packaging, and communications are in English. This is often one of the biggest concerns that first-time travelers face. Australia is also a great destination because of all of the incredible offerings that the massive country has to offer. If you land in Sydney, one of the most iconic destinations is the Sydney Opera House. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Australia offers an incredible amount of opportunities for all types of travelers, from Ocean lovers with endless surfing, water sports, and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. to adventure seekers by climbing the Harbor Bridge, repelling off the Gordon Dam, or even swimming with Great White Sharks. Australia has something for everyone and is the perfect place to “get your feet wet” as a first-time traveler.
Now is the perfect time to get out there and travel internationally. If you are still feeling concerned about traveling after exploring these excellent first-time destinations, schedule a consultation with me to talk through those concerns. We can plan the perfect trip, and I will be there for you every step of the way.