What is the first country I should travel to?

What country should I travel first?

Dude, Japan! Hands down. Seriously, the food alone is worth it. Ramen, sushi, ALL of it. Plus, the culture is so unique, it's mind-blowing. Kyoto is amazing, Tokyo's crazy busy, but in a good way. I mean, the bullet train is super cool too, right?

Then, there's Spain. Spain is awesome, too, but it’s a different vibe totally. Lots of history, amazing architecture; think Barcelona, a bit more chaotic than Japan but incredibly beautiful. The beaches are great also, much warmer than Japan for sure, way better for swimming.

Switzerland is stunning, but expensive AF. Beautiful mountains, but its pricey and way more chill. Not really my kinda party scene.

Croatia and Greece are beautiful islands, incredible beaches if that's your thing! Italy is similar, but maybe a bit too touristy for a first trip. Germany's cool, lots of history, but maybe not as visually stunning as some others on the list. The Maldives? Luxury resorts, beautiful, but not much to do besides relax on the beach. Perfect for relaxing, though. It's a very different trip.

So, my recommendation? Japan! It's got it all: culture, food, craziness, and beautiful scenery. Then maybe Spain after that.

• Japan: Amazing food, unique culture, bullet trains!
• Spain: History, beautiful architecture, beaches.
• Switzerland: Expensive, stunning mountains, relaxing.
• Croatia/Greece: Islands, beaches.
• Italy: Touristy, history, beaches.
• Germany: History, not as visually stunning.
• Maldives: Luxury resorts, beaches, relaxation.

I went to Japan in 2024, and man it was incredible. I spent like a week in Tokyo—insane, non-stop energy. Then I headed to Kyoto for some temples and gardens; so peaceful compared to Tokyo! Then I visited a few other smaller places. It's easy to get around, and the people were super friendly. I'd go back in a heartbeat, maybe next year, I've been thinking about that.

Where should I start if I want to travel the world?

Define your "world." Is it Machu Picchu, or my aunt's in Ohio? Matters.

• Goal setting dictates trajectory. Mine? Avoid tourist traps.

Itinerary. Map it. Then, burn the map. Get lost. Seriously.

• Flexibility is paramount. Rigidity breeds resentment.

Flights. Lodging. Book them. Fine. Or don't. Risk it.

• Impulsivity unlocks unexpected doors. I almost married a goat herder in Nepal. Almost.

Organization saves headaches. Visas matter. Mostly.

• Paperwork. The bane. The necessity. Like taxes.

Visa requirements vary. Research is key. My passport photo? A crime.

• Bureaucracy is eternal. Accept it. Drink.

Travel light. Mentally too. Ditch baggage. Inner and outer.

• Minimalism isn't just a trend. It's survival.

Learn a language. Basic greetings suffice. "Help me, I'm lost." Vital.

• Communication. Beyond words. A smile. A gesture. A shared beer.

Respect local customs. Don't be that tourist. The one everyone hates.

• Cultural sensitivity. Non-negotiable. Unless you're trying to start a war.

Budget. Overestimate. Always.

• Money. A tool, not a goal. Though, it does buy beer.

Pack snacks. Seriously. Emergency rations. Hangry travelers are nightmares.

• Food. Sustenance. Adventure. Mystery meat.

Expect the unexpected. Flat tires, missed trains, heartbreak. Life.

• Resilience. The ultimate travel companion.

Enjoy the ride. Or don't. Who cares? It's your trip.

• Freedom. The point. Wasn't it? Oh well.

Where should I go for my first-time out of the country?

Man, my first trip outside the US? That was crazy. 2023. I went to Portugal. Lisbon, specifically. I chose it because, honestly, the flights were cheap. And the pictures looked amazing. It was impulsive. I needed a break. Work was killing me. Seriously, soul-crushing.

The food. Oh my god, the food. Pastéis de nata, everywhere. I gained five pounds in a week, easily. But worth it. Every single bite. The people were so friendly, too. Even with my awful Portuguese. I tried, okay? I used Google Translate a lot. I felt so free. Like, genuinely free. No one knew me.

Lisbon itself is gorgeous. The architecture, the hills, the views…stunning. I spent hours just wandering. Getting completely lost. Finding hidden cafes. This one place, tucked away, had the best Ginjinha I ever had.

• Affordable Flights: That was a huge factor. Budget airlines made it possible.
• Stunning Architecture: Lisbon's beauty was a major draw. Seriously impressive.
• Delicious Food: Pastéis de nata, seafood, wine. I ate so much.
• Friendly People: I felt welcomed everywhere I went.
• Impulsive Decision: Needed a break badly, and it was perfect.

I kinda regret not going further south. Maybe Algarve next time. Or maybe even Spain. Portugal was amazing though. It was the perfect first solo trip. I felt so empowered. So independent. Definitely recommend it for a first time international trip. The whole experience was so liberating. I'm still thinking about it.

Is 30 too late to travel the world?

30? Not dead yet. Travel when the itch hits.

• Age is a construct. So what?
• My passport's older. Still works.
• 52% something, something. Numbers lie.

I went to Nepal at 33. Bad food. High mountains. Saw some old temples. I still feel its impact. Did I say Nepal? The Himalayan trekking route can last for 21 days. Consider going there, if you want. Or not. Don't care.

Planning? Optional.

• Money helps. Obviously.
• Fear's a motivator. Use it.
• Just go. Or don't. Your problem.

Which country is good for beginners?

Japan? A delightful culinary adventure! Think cherry blossoms and robot restaurants, not just bullet trains, darling. Safety? Top-notch. Convenience? Like a well-oiled machine. It's practically foolproof. Unless you get lost in a themed cafe for 8 hours. Been there.

South Korea? K-dramas made it seem glamorous, didn't they? Amazing public transport, but the language barrier can be a bit… spicy. Like trying to order kimchi without knowing the words. Prepare for a steep learning curve, unless you’re already fluent in Korean swear words.

Taiwan? A hidden gem! Food stalls overflowing with deliciousness. Seriously, the food is incredible. And the people are lovely. Much friendlier than my grumpy neighbor, Mr. Henderson. Though navigating night markets can be a sensory overload. Think a vibrant kaleidoscope of smells and sounds.

Canada is vast, eh? Safe, friendly, but the sheer size is intimidating. Like trying to conquer a mountain range when you're still learning to ride a bicycle. Good for nature lovers, though.

Iceland? Stunning landscapes. Think Game of Thrones, but real. However, it's rather expensive. My last trip? Bank account cried a little. Breathtaking scenery, but prepare for a hefty travel budget.

Ireland? Charming, yes, but the weather? More unpredictable than my dating life. Pubs are cozy, though, excellent for escaping the rain. And the Guinness is…well, the Guinness is Guinness.

For first-timers: Japan offers the best balance of safety, convenience, and cultural immersion. But honestly, it depends on your priorities. Each country provides unique thrills and challenges. Choose wisely, grasshopper.

Where should a first time traveler go?

Okay, first-time travelers, huh? Australia? Big place. Australia, gotta love it. Kangaroos and stuff. Maybe too far for a first trip, though. What is the best place?

Costa Rica! Yes! Costa Rica, so much wildlife. Easy-ish to get around. Is it safe though? Hmm. Maybe. Think so.

Croatia...seen pictures. Pretty coasts. Croatia...is it expensive? Croatia is a nice place. But I’m not entirely sure about it. Gotta check.

Dominican Republic? All-inclusive resorts? That sounds...boring. But easy. Dominican Republic is a good option if you're seeking convenience.

Ecuador...Galapagos. Ecuador has the Galapagos. Amazing. But pricey. Maybe not first trip material. More of a dream trip.

Fiji! Dreamy beaches. Fiji? Too far, too expensive. Save that for later. Like, way later. Unless I win the lottery! Lol.

France? Paris? France. Too touristy. But classic. Everyone should see Paris. once... Right? Oh God. Decisions!

Germany. Safe, organized. Germany. Good for first timers. Easy to navigate. Plus, beer. Okay, Germany is a definite maybe.

• Australia: Lots of space. Popular destinations include Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and Uluru.
• Costa Rica: Known for its ecotourism, rainforests, and beaches.
• Croatia: Offers beautiful coastal towns, islands, and historical sites like Dubrovnik.
• Dominican Republic: Famous for its all-inclusive resorts and beaches, like Punta Cana.
• Ecuador: Home to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, and the Andes mountains.
• Fiji: An island nation with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and luxurious resorts.
• France: A cultural hub known for Paris, the Eiffel Tower, art museums, and food.
• Germany: Offers a mix of modern cities and historical sites, including Berlin, Munich, and castles.