The best places to travel for your first trip out of the country
Just thinking about traveling overseas for the first time can be intimidating for anyone—but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re ready to see the world, these top destinations are waiting.
It’s a big world, and just thinking about traveling overseas for the first time can be intimidating for anyone—but it doesn’t have to be. If trip planning, language barriers, long flights, or exchange rates are holding you back, we’ve got tips for traveling internationally for the first time. Our experts know the best places to visit outside the U.S. for first-time travelers, and we’ll be with you every step of the way on our guided international tours. If you’re ready to take the leap and see the world, these top destinations will be waiting to catch you with open arms.
Why we recommend going guided for your first trip
If you’re nervous about traveling for the first time, you’re not alone. In fact, many of our travelers have reported feeling some type of travel anxiety, whether it’s their first international trip or their fiftieth. Fear of the unknown is natural, but you don’t need to let it stand in the way of you seeing the world. If you’re ready to take the leap, going guided can help you overcome your travel anxiety. We’ll take care of all of the planning and logistics for you, so you can focus on tracking the Big Five in Kenya, taking a Seine River cruise in Paris, or sipping a piña colada in Costa Rica.
Even if you choose to travel solo, you’ll never be alone. An expert Tour Director will be with you every step of the way, and you’ll travel with a group of fellow travelers who are just as eager (and, quite possibly, as anxious) as you are. Traveling with peace of mind can help turn your anxiety into excitement for the adventures ahead. Just don’t forget to embrace our most important travel tip for first-time travelers: Have fun!
Read on for our list of the best places to visit for first-time travelers.
If the language barrier makes you nervous:
Ireland, Scotland, or England
Though the Irish brogue, Scottish grammar, and English pronunciation may give you pause from time to time, language won’t be a barrier here. You can strike up a conversation with friendly locals in a cozy pub on a trip to Ireland. On a tour of Scotland, you can browse the authentic shops along The Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. And when you visit London, you’ll have no problem asking how to get to Westminster Cathedral or Piccadilly Circus. Instead of burying your head in a phrase book, you’ll experience all the amazing things these countries have to offer.
Tip for first-time travelers in Ireland, Scotland, or England:
Balance historic landmarks with contemporary experiences.
- When you join our Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland tour, we’ll make sure you see all the iconic sites and historical landmarks on your list—places like Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the staggering Cliffs of Moher.
- We’ll also make sure you see plenty of off-the-beaten-path locales, like your favorite Ted Lasso filming locations in London or the best pubs in Ireland. The United Kingdom is hardly short on history, but its modern attractions help to make it one of our favorite places to visit.
“This was everything we wanted on a tour,” said traveler Dan of our Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland tour. “Being our first overseas trip, we wanted to see as much as possible, and this tour group exceeded our expectations. We came home so fulfilled and full of stories. ... This trip was worth every penny.”
If you prefer shorter flights:
Iceland or Costa Rica
Did you know that a nonstop flight from Boston to Reykjavík, Iceland (five hours), is an hour shorter than from Boston to Los Angeles (six hours)? It’s also an hour less from New York to Costa Rica than it is from New York to Portland, Oregon. If you don’t want to add long flights to your first international trip, consider our group tours of Iceland or trips to Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s lush jungles and Iceland’s geothermal landscapes might have you feeling like you’ve traveled to another planet, but both countries are easy to reach from North America—no interstellar travel required.
Tip for first-time travelers in Iceland or Costa Rica:
Taste new-to-you cuisine.
One of our favorite things about international travel is the opportunity to try regional cuisine that’s different from our own. Whether you’re enjoying multicultural cuisine at Hlemmur Mathöll, a bus-station-turned-food-hall in Reykjavík, or sitting down to feast on local specialties sourced on-site at a ranch in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, you’ll have many opportunities to sample authentic local fare.
“An amazing adventure!” said traveler Diamond of our Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife tour. “I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica, and I’m so glad I did. There were so many beautiful sights to see. We encountered so many animals and the sweetest people! Oh, and the food... AMAZING!”
One travel tip: If you’re joining our Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights tour, be sure to try one of our favorite things to eat in Iceland: a hot dog. We know there’s a good chance you’ve had a hot dog before but trust us—not like this.
“For my first international country [trip], I was extremely impressed and comfortable with EF Tours,” said traveler Norma Jean after joining our Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights tour. “I saw so much in a short period of time. EF Tours took care of everything. Already recommended EF Tours to my family!”
If figuring out foreign currency makes your brain hurt:
Belize
Daydreaming about snorkeling around barrier reefs, relaxing on white-sand beaches, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins—not converting euros, yen, and baht to U.S. dollars? We get it. That’s why we think a trip to Belize is one of the best vacation ideas for first-time travelers. This tiny nation nestled along the Caribbean Sea accepts both Belizean and U.S. dollars, so there’s no need to exchange money. And by law, the Belizean dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate of two to one. One U.S. dollar equals two Belizean dollars. That’s math we can all do, and it makes traveling internationally much simpler!
Tip for first-time travelers in Belize:
Forge a deeper connection with the local culture.
When you join our A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests tour, you’ll have a chance to spot marine life, relax on soft sand, and explore ancient temples hidden within lush rainforests. You’ll also learn about local conservation efforts to combat coral bleaching and visit a sustainable orange farm.
One of our favorite hidden-gem places to visit in Belize is the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative. Here, you’ll learn traditional Mayan handicrafts and cooking techniques. You’ll leave this experience with a heart full of memories and a true understanding of Belize’s rich heritage and commitment to sustainability.
“This was my first [Go Ahead] tour and I went solo,” said traveler Rebeccah of our A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests tour. “Alfie was an amazing Tour Director who created a safe and adventurous experience. Being able to experience both the culture and people of Belize, as well as its beauty and nature, created an unforgettable trip. Being on this tour allowed us to go beyond the typical tourist attractions and get to know the history of the area and country more in-depth.”
If you want to see it all in one trip:
Grand Tour of Europe
Whether you’ve been waiting a lifetime to take one international trip or you want to jumpstart a lifetime of travel, a Multi-Country Tour is a great way to hit several bucket list places to visit on one trip. If you want to squeeze in as many destinations and cultures as possible, try a tour like our Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome. On this sweeping 16-day journey, world-famous sights like Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and the Colosseum are just the beginning of what you’ll experience. You’ll get a taste of multiple languages, cuisines, and cultures as you journey from Great Britain to France to the Netherlands, travel across Germany, and continue through Switzerland and Italy. It’s the ultimate international vacation ideal for travelers who can’t settle on just one destination, and it offers a great way to sample different places to inspire future trips. (Just don’t be surprised if you want to revisit them all!)
Tip for first-time travelers in Europe:
Ask your local guides for ideas.
- When you join us on any of our guided tours, your expert Tour Director will be with you every step of the way to keep you informed and take you to the must-see sites and hidden gems. In some locations, however, you’ll also have a local guide leading you on tour. Having another person around who actually lives in the city you’re visiting and can make recommendations for where to grab a bite or pass some free time is one of the many advantages of going guided as a first-time traveler.
“If you want to experience the many countries and cultures of Europe, this trip is awesome!” said traveler Valerie after returning from our Grand Tour of Europe: London to Rome. “I had never been to Europe and had always wanted to go. The things I had always heard about and wanted to see were in different countries. This tour provided me the opportunity to see it all. If and when I decide to go to Europe again, I have a much better idea of where I want to spend more time.”
If you want to stay connected with family back home:
Peru
For many people, one of the most challenging things about traveling internationally for the first time is leaving their life and their loved ones back home. Even though modern technology helps us stay more connected than ever, it can be tough when the time difference between home and overseas can range from six to 12 hours. If you need to stay connected, Peru’s one of our favorite places to visit. While its seasons are the opposite of what we experience here in North America, Peruvian time is quite similar to our Central and Eastern time zones. Because Peru does not observe daylight savings time, Peruvian time is the same as U.S. Central Time during our summer. During our winter, it matches our Eastern Time. That means that when you join us on a trip to Peru, you’ll never be more than a few hours off from your loved ones back home—even if exploring Machu Picchu feels like stepping back in time.
Tip for first-time travelers in Peru:
Extend your tour to see more breathtakingly beautiful places.
- As if lost cities perched among the clouds and the Sacred Valley of the Incas (or any of the other bucket list attractions in Peru) weren’t enough wonders for one trip, our Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu tour offers an optional extension to the Amazon, where you can admire *even more views you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The lush flora and diverse fauna of the Amazon make up one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, and you’ll explore it by way of walking trails, river cruises, and canopy walks.
“This was my first time out of the country and I couldn’t have had a better experience if I’d tried,” said traveler Kathrynne of our Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu tour. “Our Tour Director and guides were fun, informative, and genuinely beautiful people. They took care of everything and our Tour Director even arranged for an unplanned excursion to swim with sea lions for me and a few other travelers. Machu Picchu was breathtaking, and spending time in the Amazon jungle was unbelievable! Highly recommend this tour.”
If you want someone with you every step of the way:
Kenya
What could be more exciting your first time traveling overseas than jetting off to Kenya for a safari? Imagine the heart-pounding thrill of sighting the Big Five: leopards, rhinoceroses, buffalos, lions, and elephants. The beauty of such an exotic trip is that our experts, from your Tour Director to your experienced local guides, will be with you every step of the way. When you join us on a guided tour of Kenya, all you have to do is soak in the beauty of the country’s lush landscapes, rich culture, and magnificent wildlife. You’ll travel from towering Mount Kenya to the wild expanses of the Maasai Mara to witness the drama of the bush unfolding around you. And at every turn, we’ll take the mystery—and worry—out of enjoying one of the best places to travel to.
Tip for first-time travelers in Kenya:
Pack thoughtfully.
We always recommend doing some research and packing mindfully before taking any tour, but that especially rings true when you’re going on safari. Because there is limited space in a safari vehicle, there are strict restrictions on what you can and can’t bring. For example, your luggage must be packed in a soft, flexible duffel bag, as hard suitcases take up too much space in the vehicle. We also recommend dressing in light layers.
When you join us on our Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour, many of your game drives will start in the cooler hours just after dawn but can extend into the afternoon when the Kenyan sun is at its hottest. For more tips, check out our Safari Packing Tips Guide.
“This trip exceeded all my expectations and wildest dreams,” said traveler Wendy of our Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour. “Our group was fortunate to see the Big Five, which was incredibly exciting. Peter, our Tour Director, went well above and beyond to make our trip special. ... The hot air balloon ride is a must! Floating above the National Park spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, and much more was exhilarating! The champagne breakfast when we landed was a very special touch. One of the best parts is how hospitable Kenyan people are. They are always happy, smiling, and friendly. If this tour is on your bucket list, don’t hesitate! Book it! You will not be disappointed!”
If you want to go all out on an epic trip:
Australia and New Zealand
If you’re a first-time traveler looking for places to visit that offer exhilarating adventures paired with show-stopping scenery, consider a trip to Australia or a tour of New Zealand. Sure, you’ll have to travel a bit further from home to get there, but it’s worth it for the dramatic landscapes, glowworm caves, and Great Barrier Reef—not to mention the koalas and kiwi birds. Also, like some of the other international destinations on this list, you won’t have to deal with a language barrier once you arrive.
Tip for first-time travelers in Australia and New Zealand
Be open to new experiences and go with the flow.
- The Australian way of life is pretty laid back, and we recommend adopting the local mindset when you visit on our Australia & New Zealand tour. Whether that means taking a moment to watch the sunset over Uluru, hopping aboard a hot air balloon to soar above the golden savannas of the outback, or just grabbing a burger with the locals in New Zealand (a must-do activity, even if you only have 48 hours in Queenstown) is up to you.
“This was my first big bucket list adventure, and I loved it,” said traveler Barbara of our Australia & New Zealand tour. “Clinton was a marvelous Tour Director who truly cared for us, and was quite knowledgeable about places we visited (and all without a script). ... There are so many highlights of my tour: penguins, glowworms, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, a hot air balloon, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne, meeting and learning about the Indigenous people, plus so many various landscapes and climates. I have learned so much. Plus, a wonderful group of people to travel with.”
Ready to book your first international trip? Explore all our favorite destinations!
)
