Best Countries to Travel if You’re a First Time International Traveler

I still remember standing in London Heathrow, jetlagged out of my mind, completely overwhelmed by the signs, accents, and crushing realization that I had no idea how to get to my hotel.

And this was in an English-speaking country!

That first international trip taught me so much about what makes a destination beginner-friendly (and what doesn’t). Since then, I’ve visited 43 countries and helped dozens of friends plan their first overseas adventures.

Here’s what I’ve learned: your first international trip sets the tone for all future travel. A smooth experience builds confidence. A nightmare… well, some friends still haven’t renewed their passports after their disastrous first trips.

Let me save you from my mistakes with this hard-earned wisdom on the best first-time international destinations.

💡 Tip: For your first trip abroad, pack half the clothes and twice the money you think you’ll need. Trust me on this one.

What Makes a Country “First-Timer Friendly”?

Before diving into specific destinations, here’s what actually matters for beginner travelers:

• Ease of communication (English widely spoken)
• Tourist infrastructure (clear transportation, helpful signs)
• Safety (low crime, good healthcare)
• Cultural familiarity (some elements you’ll recognize)
• Smooth entry process (straightforward visas/immigration)

I learned about that last one the hard way when I was detained at Vietnam immigration for two hours because I hadn’t printed my e-visa properly. Not fun.

1. Ireland – The Perfect Training Wheels

Ireland was my fourth international trip, and I immediately thought, “Why didn’t I start here?!”

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• English-speaking (with charming accents)
• Incredibly friendly locals who adopt you into conversations
• Familiar enough to feel comfortable, different enough to feel exciting
• Excellent tourist infrastructure
• Safe with great healthcare

My personal experience: I accidentally left my backpack in a Dublin pub. When I realized it an hour later and rushed back, not only was it there, but the bartender had been calling my hotel (he found the booking confirmation in my bag). He refused a reward and instead poured me a Guinness “to calm the nerves.”

Mobile/SIM situation: Getting connected is easy – grab a prepaid SIM from Three or Vodafone at the airport for about €20 with ample data.

Healthcare reality check: Ireland has excellent medical facilities, but as a visitor, you’ll pay out-of-pocket without insurance. My friend Sarah needed antibiotics for a sudden infection in Galway – the doctor visit cost €60 and the prescription another €15.

💡 Tip: Ireland is the perfect place to learn driving on the left side in a rental car – roads outside Dublin are quieter than the UK, but the signage is excellent.

2. Japan – Surprisingly Beginner-Friendly

Don’t let the language difference scare you – Japan might seem intimidating, but it’s actually designed for tourist success.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• Incredibly safe (I’ve left my phone on tables while ordering food – it’s always there when I return)
• Mind-blowingly efficient public transportation with English signage
• Helpful locals who will go out of their way to assist you
• Organized and predictable (trains really do arrive on the minute)
• Clean, amazing food, and endless things to see

My personal experience: I got completely lost in Tokyo on my first day. An elderly man noticed me staring confused at a map, and despite speaking zero English, walked me 15 minutes to my destination. He bowed and continued on his way. I nearly cried at the kindness.

Mobile/SIM situation: Buy a tourist SIM at the airport or pre-order a pocket WiFi device for pickup on arrival (about $8/day for unlimited data).

Healthcare reality check: Japan has world-class healthcare, but it’s expensive for visitors. A simple doctor visit starts around $100. My friend Jake slipped in an onsen (hot spring) and needed three stitches – the bill was $300 before his insurance reimbursed him.

💡 Tip: Save the address of your accommodation in Japanese characters as well as English. If you get lost, you can simply show a taxi driver.

3. Portugal – Europe Without the Overwhelm

Portugal gives you the European experience without the intensity (or prices) of Paris or Rome.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• Extremely high English proficiency, especially among younger Portuguese
• Warm, patient locals who appreciate any attempt at Portuguese phrases
• Manageable cities that don’t overwhelm
• Excellent value (30-40% cheaper than Western European neighbors)
• Some of the safest cities in Europe

My personal experience: On my second day in Porto, I ordered coffee in broken Portuguese. The café owner was so delighted he gave me free pastries and a hand-drawn map of his favorite non-touristy spots. Three of them became highlights of my trip.

Mobile/SIM situation: MEO or Vodafone SIMs cost around €10-15 for plenty of data and are available at the airport or any phone shop.

Healthcare reality check: Portugal has an excellent public healthcare system, but as a visitor, you’ll use private facilities which can cost €100+ for basic visits. When my sister got food poisoning in Lisbon, the private clinic visit was €90 and the medications another €30 – all reimbursed through her travel insurance.

💡 Tip: Lisbon’s hills can be exhausting for walkers. Learn to use the vintage trams and funiculars – they’re part of the experience and will save your legs.

4. Singapore – Ultra-Smooth Introduction to Asia

If you’re curious about Asia but worried about culture shock, Singapore is your perfect gateway.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• English is an official language
• Spotlessly clean and incredibly safe
• World-class public transportation with perfect English signage
• Familiar comforts alongside exotic experiences
• Strict rules mean very few scams or hassles

My personal experience: My first night in Singapore, I realized I’d miscalculated my budget (those Singapore Slings at Raffles Hotel add up fast!). I asked a local for the cheapest good food, and she personally walked me to a hawker center where I had the best $4 meal of my life.

Mobile/SIM situation: Tourist SIMs are available at the airport from SingTel, StarHub or M1 for about S$15 (US$11) with generous data.

Healthcare reality check: Singapore has perhaps the best healthcare in Asia, but it’s expensive. A basic doctor visit starts at S$50-100, with medications extra. My friend Tom needed treatment for an eye infection and the bill came to S$200 before insurance.

Country	English Proficiency	Safety Level	Visa Process	Surprise Factor
Ireland	Native language	Very High	No visa for most Western visitors	Pub culture is more about conversation than drinking
Japan	Medium (excellent signage)	Extremely High	E-visa or visa-free for many countries	Everything works perfectly, but trash cans are surprisingly hard to find
Portugal	High	Very High	No visa for EU/US/many countries	Coffee culture rivals Italy but at half the price
Singapore	Official language	Extremely High	E-visa or visa-free for many	Food courts (hawker centers) offer Michelin-quality food for under $5

5. Costa Rica – Adventure Made Easy

Want beaches, rainforests and adventure without the logistical headaches? Costa Rica has perfected tourism for beginners.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• Tourism is a major industry, so infrastructure is solid
• Many locals speak basic English, especially in tourist areas
• Well-established tourist routes with regular transportation
• Perfect mix of comfort and adventure
• Relatively safe with good tourist facilities

My personal experience: I was nervous about my first zip-lining experience through the cloud forest. The guides noticed immediately and had one stay with me the entire time, offering encouragement and taking photos. That personal touch transformed a scary experience into one of my favorite travel memories.

Mobile/SIM situation: Kolbi or Movistar SIMs cost about $10-15 and are available at the airport or in any mall.

Healthcare reality check: Costa Rica has two systems – public (slow) and private (excellent but expensive). A private clinic visit starts around $50-100. When my cousin sprained her ankle hiking, the private clinic in La Fortuna charged $175 for examination, X-ray, and a walking boot – all covered by her travel insurance.

💡 Tip: The phrase “pura vida” (pure life) is used for everything from “hello” to “no worries” to “you’re welcome.” Learn to use it and you’ll instantly connect with locals.

6. New Zealand – Otherworldly Beauty with Familiar Comforts

If dramatic landscapes call to you but you’re worried about logistics, New Zealand is your dream destination.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• English-speaking with wonderfully friendly locals
• Exceptional tourism infrastructure
• Incredibly safe with low crime rates
• Manageable size with easy navigation
• Perfect combination of adventure and comfort

My personal experience: I got caught in unexpected rain during a hike near Queenstown. A Kiwi couple not only gave me a ride back to town but insisted I come to their home for tea to dry off. We’re still Facebook friends five years later.

Mobile/SIM situation: Vodafone or Spark SIMs cost about NZ$30 (US$20) for a month of data and are available at airports.

Healthcare reality check: Quality care but expensive for visitors. A doctor visit costs NZ$80-150. My friend broke his wrist mountain biking and needed surgery – the bill exceeded NZ$8,000 before his travel insurance covered it.

💡 Tip: Distances in New Zealand can be deceptive on maps. Roads are often winding, and that “quick” two-hour drive might take four. Always buffer extra time.

7. Thailand – Exotic Yet Accessible

Ready for something more adventurous but still with training wheels? Thailand has been perfecting tourism for decades.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Established tourist trails with plenty of English speakers
• Incredible value for money
• Amazing food that’s both exotic and approachable
• Efficient tourist infrastructure in major destinations
• Genuinely friendly people who understand tourist needs

My personal experience: I got completely lost in Bangkok on my first day (noticing a pattern in my travels?). A tuk-tuk driver not only took me to my hotel but stopped at a local market to show me which street foods were safe for beginners. He refused any extra payment, saying “happy tourists make Thailand happy.”

Mobile/SIM situation: AIS or True Move SIMs cost about 300 baht (US$8) for 8-15GB of data and are available at any airport or convenience store.

Healthcare reality check: Thailand has excellent private hospitals in major cities (many doctors are US/UK trained), but quality varies elsewhere. A basic consultation at a tourist-area clinic costs 800-1500 baht (US$23-43). When I got food poisoning in Chiang Mai, the international hospital charged 3,500 baht (US$100) for treatment and medications – fully covered by my insurance.

💡 Tip: For your first visit, stick to major tourist areas where English is widely spoken before venturing to more remote regions on future trips.

Country	English Proficiency	Safety Level	Visa Process	Surprise Factor
Costa Rica	Medium-High in tourist areas	High (some petty theft)	Visa-free for many countries	The phrase “Tico time” means everything runs 30+ minutes late
New Zealand	Native language	Extremely High	E-visa (ETA) for many countries	Everything closes surprisingly early, especially outside Auckland
Thailand	Medium in tourist areas	Generally safe (watch for scams)	Visa on arrival for many	Even budget accommodations often include daily cleaning service

8. Canada – Familiar Yet Different

Want international experience without massive culture shock? Canada delivers the perfect balance.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• English (and French) speaking
• Similar culture to the US but with distinctive differences
• Exceptional infrastructure and safety
• Beautiful natural landscapes with great accessibility
• Friendly, helpful locals

My personal experience: During my first solo trip to Montreal, a shopkeeper noticed me struggling with directions. She not only pointed the way but wrote down recommendations for her favorite non-touristy restaurants. Three were among the best meals of my trip.

Mobile/SIM situation: Bell, Rogers or Telus prepaid SIMs cost C$30-50 (US$22-37) but provide excellent coverage.

Healthcare reality check: High-quality but expensive for visitors. A doctor visit costs C$125-300. My friend needed antibiotics for strep throat in Vancouver – the walk-in clinic charged C$150 plus C$45 for the prescription.

💡 Tip: Canada is ENORMOUS. Don’t try to see Toronto and Vancouver in one trip – that’s like trying to visit New York and Los Angeles with a side trip to Chicago.

9. Australia – Far Away But Familiar

The long flight is worth it for one of the most beginner-friendly destinations on earth.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• English-speaking (with fantastic slang to learn)
• Incredibly well-organized tourism industry
• Very safe with excellent infrastructure
• Friendly locals who love helping visitors
• Familiar enough to be comfortable, different enough to be exciting

My personal experience: I mentioned to my Sydney hostel roommate that I wanted to see kangaroos. The next morning, he and his friends took me on an impromptu road trip to a nature reserve, refusing to accept any gas money. “That’s not how we do things here,” he explained.

Mobile/SIM situation: Telstra or Optus SIMs cost about A$30 (US$20) for generous data and are available at airports.

Healthcare reality check: Australia has excellent healthcare, but visitors pay full price. A GP visit costs A$80-120. My colleague needed stitches after a minor surfing accident in Byron Bay – the urgent care visit cost A$220 before insurance covered it.

💡 Tip: Australians are incredibly friendly, but their sarcasm and banter can sometimes confuse Americans. If a local is teasing you, it usually means they like you.

10. United Kingdom – History Made Accessible

The UK offers deep cultural immersion with minimal logistical challenges.

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• English-speaking (though some accents might challenge you!)
• Exceptional public transportation, especially in London
• Rich history with world-class museums (many free)
• Very safe with familiar customs
• Perfect for literary, history, and culture lovers

My personal experience: On my first visit to London, I was studying the Tube map looking confused when an elderly gentleman tapped my shoulder. “Where are you trying to go, love?” he asked. Not only did he give me perfect directions, but he also recommended the best time to visit to avoid crowds.

Mobile/SIM situation: Giffgaff, EE or Vodafone SIMs cost £10-20 (US$12-25) and offer generous data.

Healthcare reality check: The NHS is for residents, so visitors use private care or pay. A private GP visit costs £75-150. My aunt needed treatment for a severe allergic reaction in Edinburgh – the urgent care bill was £210 before her insurance reimbursed it.

💡 Tip: London is incredibly expensive. Consider basing yourself in a smaller city like York, Edinburgh, or Bath and taking the train into London for day trips.

Country	English Proficiency	Safety Level	Visa Process	Surprise Factor
Canada	Native language	Very High	eTA required for many	Tipping culture similar to US (15-20%), unlike many other countries
Australia	Native language	Very High	ETA/eVisitor required	Distances between cities are vast – domestic flights often necessary
United Kingdom	Native language	High (watch for pickpockets in tourist areas)	Electronic visa waiver for many countries	Weather can change hourly – locals always carry raincoats

First-Timer Emergency Essentials

After helping dozens of friends plan their first international trips (and rescuing a few from disasters), here’s what I’ve learned about staying safe:

1. Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable for First-Timers

I can’t stress this enough. Your first trip abroad is when you’re most likely to:

• Get confused and lose belongings
• Make rookie mistakes like drinking tap water when you shouldn’t
• Underestimate physical demands and get injured
• Misunderstand local customs and get into minor trouble

My friend Lisa skipped insurance on her first trip to save $60. Then she slipped on ancient stone steps in Italy and broke her wrist. The hospital bill? €2,800. Her flight change? Another $450. All out-of-pocket.

For peace of mind on your first international adventure, you can compare insurance plans specifically designed for beginners here.

💡 Tip: For first-timers, I recommend policies that include 24/7 assistance hotlines. Being able to call someone who speaks your language during an emergency abroad is incredibly reassuring.

2. Emergency Contacts Cheat Sheet

Create a physical card AND digital notes with:

• Your accommodation addresses (in English AND local language)
• Your country’s embassy contact information
• Emergency contact back home
• Your insurance policy number and emergency assistance number
• Basic medical information (blood type, allergies, conditions)

I laminate a small card version that stays in my wallet and send digital copies to myself and an emergency contact.

3. First-Timer Money Safety

• Bring two different credit cards, kept separately
• Carry only one day’s spending money at a time
• Know your bank’s international emergency number
• Alert your bank of travel dates before departure
• Have $100-200 in local currency before arrival

When my wallet was stolen in Barcelona (rookie mistake – back pocket), having a backup card in my hotel safe meant I could continue my trip without panic.

The Final Word: Build Your Travel Confidence

Your first international trip should build your travel confidence, not shatter it. That’s why choosing the right destination matters so much.

Start with countries that offer:

• Some familiar elements to keep you comfortable
• Enough differences to feel like a real adventure
• Strong safety nets if things go wrong
• Good healthcare you can afford (or insurance will cover)

My friend Miguel was so traumatized by his first international trip to a challenging destination that he didn’t travel again for 8 years. Meanwhile, my sister started with Ireland, built her confidence, and was backpacking solo through Southeast Asia within two years.

Your first trip sets the trajectory for your entire travel life. Choose wisely, prepare thoroughly, and remember – the world is generally far kinder and more welcoming than we’re led to believe.

Safe travels on your first adventure abroad! The only danger is that once you start exploring the world, you might never want to stop.