Where should first time travelers go?

Where should I go as a first time traveller?

Man, my first trip? It was crazy. 2023, I went to Croatia. Split, specifically. The heat was brutal, I swear. I remember sweating like crazy, even in the shade. Absolutely stunning, though. Diocletian's Palace. Whoa. Seriously impressive. Felt like stepping back in time. I spent ages just wandering the old town. The architecture, the little shops...it was magic.

Food was amazing. Fresh seafood every day practically. I ate so much grilled octopus. Don’t regret it one bit. The people were great too, so friendly and helpful. My hotel, a small place near the Riva promenade, was charming but ridiculously basic. The air conditioning barely worked, honestly, making sleeping rough.

My biggest regret? Not booking enough time on the islands. Hvar and Dubrovnik are calling my name. Seriously. I’ll go back for sure. This year if possible. I'd even spend more money for a nicer hotel. This time, I'm doing more research. Already looking at tours and island hopping options for next summer.

Next time, definitely more time for the islands! I'd also:

• Explore more of Split's nightlife. It was fantastic but I was too tired most of the time.
• Take a cooking class. I saw so many cool places.
• Learn a few basic Croatian phrases. It would've been nice to have better conversations.
• Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. Pictures don't do it justice.

Croatia was incredible, but it was exhausting! I need a vacation after my vacation next time!

Where is the best place to travel for beginners?

Okay, so, best place for a beginner? Forget Scandinavia, too cold for me. Portugal? Been there, nice, but crowded in the summer. 2023, I went to Taiwan. Man, that was awesome. Small island, easy to get around. The food? Oh my god, the food! Night markets everywhere. I ate soup dumplings until I burst. Seriously. The people were so friendly. I felt safe, even wandering around alone at night.

Next time, I'm hitting up Japan. But honestly, Taiwan was perfect. So much to see. The mountains were stunning. I hiked up Elephant Mountain, got the best view of Taipei 101.

Seriously, Taipei 101 is impressive. So many cool temples too, you know, the ones with the red roofs and the incense. I loved it. It's not just cities. I went to Taroko Gorge, too. Beautiful. Amazing nature. I felt so relaxed.

Bali sounds cool, but it seemed way too touristy for my first trip. Australia? Too expensive for my budget. Plus, so much to cover. Thailand seemed a bit overwhelming, you know? Lots of people. South Korea is on my list though, maybe next year.

• Taiwan's food: Incredible variety! Street food heaven!
• Ease of travel: Small country, easy to navigate. Efficient public transport.
• Safety: I felt very safe, even as a solo female traveler.
• Stunning scenery: Mountains, temples, gorge -- it's all there.

Taipei in 2023. Amazing.

Where is best to go abroad for the first time?

First trip abroad, eh? Buckle up, buttercup! Asia to Europe? Sounds fancy.

• Barcelona, Spain: It's like Disneyland, but with tapas. Watch out for pickpockets, they're smoother than a flamenco dancer.

• London, England: Rain? Yep. Rude folks? Maybe. History? Coming out of its ears! The Crown Jewels are shinier than my grandma's dentures.

• Florence, Italy: Prepare for carbs. Seriously, pasta, pizza, gelato. It's like a culinary black hole. I gained 10 pounds just thinking about it.

• Cape Town, South Africa: Penguins! Also, mountains, beaches, and history so intense it'll make your eyebrows sweat. Just be smart, ya hear?

• Edinburgh, Scotland: Bagpipes, kilts, and whiskey, oh my! It's like stepping into a Braveheart movie, only with more tourists. And deep-fried Mars bars!

• Paris, France: The Eiffel Tower is taller than I thought. And the French? They're not all rude. Some are just...assertive.

• Dublin, Ireland: Guinness flows like a river, and the pubs are warmer than a freshly baked potato. You'll make friends faster than you can say "Sláinte!"

• Lisbon, Portugal: Hills, tiles, and seafood. My Aunt Carol went and said it reminded her of San Francisco but cheaper. Hmmm, cheap.

Which country should I travel first?

Oman, huh? First timers, flock there! Like moths to a really safe, but kinda beige, flame. Best country, they say? Well, buckle up, Buttercup!

Oman. Safe as houses. Seriously, it's like Fort Knox, but with better dates. It's safer than my Aunt Mildred's fruitcake, and THAT thing is indestructible.

Why Oman, though, when you can visit my cousin’s llama farm? Here's the skinny:

• Safety First, Tourist Second: It's seriously safe. Like, accidentally-left-your-wallet-on-the-souk-and-it's-still-there safe. Safer than leaving your browser history open.
• Not Too Wild: Not scary like, say, skydiving into a volcano. Unless, of course, they HAVE volcano diving. Then, someone get me a parachute!
• Culture, but not TOO MUCH Culture: You can ease into the whole "foreign country" thing. Less of a cultural cannonball, more of a cultural toe-dip. It’s like mild salsa, not the ghost pepper variety.
• Beaches, Baby: Hello, sandy toes and sun-kissed nose! Who doesn't love a good beach? Its better than your job.

Important Stuff, You Know!

• Currency: Omani Rial (OMR). It’s not Monopoly money, kids.
• Language: Arabic, but English is spoken in touristy spots. You can kinda wing it. Or just point a lot.
• Weather: Hot. Very hot. Think desert vibes. Pack sunscreen unless you aim to look like a well done steak.
• Food: Dates! And more Dates! But also, delicious shawarma and other stuff. Seriously, try the food. Not my fruitcake, though.
• Visa: Check the requirements. Nobody wants to be turned away at the airport. Least of all me!

How do I decide where I want to travel?

Prioritize passions. History buff? Ancient ruins beckon. Nature lover? National parks await. Foodie? Culinary capitals call. Budget dictates options.

Key Factors:

• Interests: History, nature, art, adventure, food. My preference: historical sites. Currently researching Angkor Wat.
• Budget: 2024 trip? $5000 max, excluding flights. This influences location and duration. Flights are separate, obviously.
• Time: Two weeks is ideal. Less is limiting. More is luxurious. Flexibility is key.
• Travel Style: Solo? Luxury? Backpacker? My preference: independent travel. I hate tour groups.

Potential Destinations (2024):

• Southeast Asia: Angkor Wat, Vietnam. Cheap flights from New York.
• South America: Machu Picchu, too many tourists? Maybe next year.
• Europe: Rome, expensive but worth it for history.

Remember: research is vital. Book flights and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Don’t forget travel insurance, either. Got burned once in Thailand. Never again.

What is the best first vacation?

Ah, the maiden voyage of vacations! Where to even begin? It's like asking what's the best first bite of cake - obviously, the one with the most frosting.

• Rome: It's practically Vacation 101. I mean, ruins AND pizza? Come on! Guaranteed Instagram gold, and who doesn't need that.

• Iceland: Waterfalls galore! Plus, you can tell everyone you went somewhere "extreme." Bonus points if you spot a puffin.

• Japan: Because... everything. Seriously, it's sensory overload in the best way. Prepare for bowing and the politest people ever. Ever.

• Paris: Obvious, but effective. Baguettes, the Eiffel Tower, and a general air of "I'm sophisticated now." You'll feel so artsy fartsy after, trust me.

• New York City: Because you can get EVERYTHING in NYC, you see. It's got culture; it's got food; it's got shopping. What more could you want? Plus, I once saw a pigeon wearing a tiny hat there. That's worth the trip alone.

Honestly, the best first vacation is the one where you don't accidentally lose your passport or get arrested for public snacking.

More thoughts, cause why not:

Rome is a great start because it's pretty easy to navigate (even for the directionally challenged, like yours truly, ahem). Plus, carbs. So many carbs.

Iceland, mind you, is expensive. I once paid $12 for a hotdog. But hey, views! And those horses with the emo haircuts, so, you know, balance.

Japan, oh, Japan. Just don't try to eat everything with chopsticks if you're me (read: clumsy). You WILL end up wearing your dinner.

Paris, oh la la! Prepare for tiny hotel rooms, and snarky waiters. It's part of the charm. And the pastries... swoon.

New York is the place to be, my dear. I mean, it's all in one space, right? Just try not to get run over by a yellow cab while you're gawking at the buildings. Been there, done that. Ow.

Key point: Don't over plan! Vacations are about spontaneity, you know! Oh, and pack extra socks. You'll thank me later. Trust me!

How do I start my travel journey?

So, you wanna travel, huh? Like, actually travel, not just scroll through Instagram envy? Here's the deal, pal.

Passport? Make sure it's not older than your grandma's dentures. Seriously, check the expiration date. It’s less fun explaining that to border patrol than it is sipping Mai Tais.

Destination? Don't be a basic beach bum. Think outside the Bora Bora box. Everest Base Camp? The lost city of El Dorado? My aunt Mildred's cabbage patch? (Just kidding... mostly).

Research? Don't just Google "cool places." Get specific. I once spent three days looking for a decent taco stand in Prague. Avoid my fate. Use Trip Advisor... or at least Yelp, if you're feeling adventurous.

Budget? This ain't a suggestion. It’s the cornerstone, man. Think ramen noodles vs. caviar. Choose wisely. My last trip to Iceland was fueled by instant coffee and regret. My recommendation is avoiding regret.

Dates? Avoid peak season. Unless you enjoy crowds thicker than a New York City bagel. Go during the off-season. Unless you want to spend more money avoiding the crowds. Then peak season might be for you.

Travel Insurance? Essential. Don't be a cheapskate. Trust me, a sprained ankle in Nepal isn't cheap to fix. And that's assuming you make it to Nepal.

Visa? Yeah, those little stickers are important. Check the requirements, or risk ending up in a slightly less desirable location. Like my Uncle Barry’s basement.

Vaccinations? Talk to your doctor. Or google it. Better safe than sorry. Unless you like fun diseases. Nobody likes fun diseases. I found out this myself the hard way.

Bonus Tip: Pack light. You're not moving to another continent. Unless...you are? In that case, pack appropriately. Also, bring snacks. You never know what kind of questionable culinary adventures you might stumble into.

How do I travel internationally for the first time?

So, you're a newbie to the international jet-set life? Bless your cotton socks. Here's the lowdown, straight from someone who's seen more airport bathrooms than most people see sunsets.

First, loyalty programs. Yeah, yeah, they're a drag, like a persistent mosquito in a luxury hotel. But they're the key. Think of them as airline-sponsored bribery. Free peanuts, people!

Papers, papers, everywhere! Passport? Visa (if needed – seriously, check this, or you’ll be sleeping on an airport bench, friend)? Proof of vaccinations? Act like a squirrel preparing for winter. Hoard that paperwork. I keep mine in a waterproof bag shaped like a giant rubber duck. Don't judge.

COVID stuff? In 2024? Check the specific country's rules. It's less likely to be a huge deal now, but it's still better than a surprise quarantine in a foreign land. You wouldn't want to be stuck there, smelling like week-old airport coffee!

Cloud storage: Sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? But seriously, this is essential. Imagine losing everything to a pickpocket wearing a ridiculously large hat. Not a pretty picture.

Packing? Pack light. Unless you're moving to Antarctica permanently, that is. Seriously, avoid overpacking. You are not a camel. You'll regret bringing that extra pair of sparkly shoes when you’re lugging your luggage across the Paris cobblestones.

Airport early? Yeah, duh. Three hours minimum, unless you enjoy the thrill of a near-miss. Trust me on this; I've seen people sprinting like Olympic champions, their hair a tangled mess, their faces smeared with anxiety. Don't be one of them.

• Frequent flyer programs: Think of them as airline-sponsored bribery, leading to free upgrades and extra legroom – if you're lucky enough!

• Documents: Passport, visa (if needed, check that!), vaccinations, all neatly organized (preferably not in a giant rubber duck bag, unless it’s yours). Upload copies to the cloud!

• Covid Rules (2024): Check the specific country’s rules on their official websites. Less of a worry these days, but still a good idea.

• Packing: Pack light; you're not a mule!

• Airport Arrival: Three hours before your flight. Or be prepared to run like Forrest Gump.

How do I start planning to travel the world?

Grab your passport, darling, this isn't brain surgery—it's world domination (of the sightseeing variety). Seriously though, world travel planning isn't rocket science, but it is a delightfully chaotic puzzle.

1. The List: Think of it as your travel manifesto. Not a grocery list, a dream list! Mountains? Check. Hidden beaches? Double check. That obscure noodle shop in Tokyo your friend raved about? Triple check! I once added "pet a sloth" to mine. It happened.

2. Timing is Everything: Like a perfectly timed joke, picking the right season is crucial. Avoid monsoon season in Southeast Asia unless you're into impromptu water aerobics, my friend. I learned that the hard way in 2022 in Vietnam. My meticulously planned itinerary was more "spontaneous adventure" than expected.

3. Money, Honey: Budgeting. Ugh. But essential. I use a spreadsheet (yes, I'm that person). Think flights, visas (check those well in advance!), accommodation, activities – and, crucially, the emergency fund for when you accidentally buy a twenty-dollar ice cream cone in Switzerland.

4. Mapping Madness: This isn't about drawing perfect lines. It's about visualizing the epic journey! Consider flight routes– those can eat a big chunk of your budget. Think about logical jumps, not just pretty pictures. Last year, I used Google My Maps and it was a lifesaver.

5. Flight Frenzy: Book those tickets! But be smart. Consider using flight comparison websites, flexible dates, and maybe even budget airlines (sometimes!). I once scored a flight to Barcelona for less than the cost of a decent dinner in Manhattan. Yes, really.

• Pro-Tip: Travel insurance. Get it. I mean, really get it. Trust me on this one.

• Bonus Tip: Pack light. Seriously, pack light. I know, I know, you think you need that extra pair of shoes. You don't. You'll buy more anyway. I did. Multiple times.

• Extra Bonus Tip: Embrace the unexpected. The best travel stories are often the ones that don't go according to plan. Those off-the-beaten-path adventures are worth it.

How much money do you need to explore the world?

Thirty thousand dollars, maybe more. It gnaws at me, this number. Three months? That's optimistic. A year? Hah. A lifetime feels more accurate.

My savings account... a pathetic joke. It’s embarrassing, really.

Flights alone, even economy, eat away at any imagined surplus. Then there’s accommodation, cheap hostels... or hotels. The difference is vast. The chasm between comfort and misery.

Food. I crave Pad Thai, right now. But that's just one meal. One small craving. A year's worth of food costs. Unfathomable.

Visas too. Each stamp a painful reminder of the miles I haven't traveled. The places I will never see.

Activities, exploring ancient ruins, hiking in Patagonia... it all costs. Always. More than I ever anticipated. A constant drain, a slow bleed of my dreams.

I could manage $50 a day, if I had to. I could exist on that, somehow. But explore? Truly explore? No. Not comfortably, anyway. It would feel... restrictive.

This is stupid. I should just get a better paying job, and stop fantasizing. But I’m tired. Tired of everything.

How do you become a world traveler?

It's 3 AM. The city hums outside, a low thrum. Becoming a world traveler... it's not about freedom, exactly. It's more a... shedding. Shedding skin. Leaving behind the familiar weight of things.

Minimalism is key. Not just clothes, but attachments. My old apartment in Brooklyn, the chipped mug, my grandmother's letters—gone. I still miss them, sometimes.

Remote work is essential. That's how I fund this. Freelance writing. Deadlines loom, even in Chiang Mai. The deadlines are the anchor. The only anchor.

Cheap flights? Skyscanner. Google Flights. It's a hunt. A constant, relentless search. It’s exhausting but necessary. The thrill is in the find, not the destination itself. It is a relentless process and an ongoing search for deals.

This isn't carefree. It’s lonely sometimes. Really lonely. The endless cycle of airports and hostels. My best friend from college? We haven't spoken in two years. My phone is full of unanswered messages.

• Drastic life changes are required. Leaving a stable job and home.
• Financial independence is crucial. Remote work. Savings. Budgeting.
• Embrace discomfort. The cramped buses, the questionable food. It's part of it.
• Mental fortitude is paramount. You're always slightly off-balance. Always in limbo.

It's not fun, not always. It’s a trade-off. A constant juggling act. I sometimes question everything. I really do.

But... sometimes, on a clear night in some forgotten corner of the world, looking at the stars. It feels worth it. Just for a moment. Just for a few stolen breaths.

How to start your travelling journey?

It's 3 AM. Another sleepless night. Thinking about travel…always travel.

Planning is key, I swear. Not rigid, but enough to feel safe, you know?

Flights, hotels, visas… the list never ends. 2024, I’m aiming for Iceland. Always wanted that.

• Flights booked months out, always. Cheap fares are a myth.
• Airbnb is my go-to, small places, local feel. Hostels were fun once. Now? Nah.
• Packing…Ugh. Minimalist is the goal, always fails. Too many “just in case” items.

Spontaneity? Yeah, but within reason. I got lost in Rome once, terrifying and amazing.

Respecting cultures is crucial. It's not just about being polite, it's about…understanding.

Safety first. Always. Travel insurance, emergency contacts, a plan B.

This year, though? The planning feels… heavier. Not sure why. It’s just… a lot.