Traveling Abroad for the First Time? Try One of These Five Destinations
Are you thinking of leaving the United States for the first time? Consider one of these destinations. They each made our top five list for different reasons, but every one makes for a stress-free first trip abroad!
Newfoundland, Canada
Newfoundland, Canada, made our list because it is a quick, International trip and the natives are some of the most hospitable you will come across. They are so welcoming, in fact, the hit Broadway musical, “Come From Away” was inspired by true events of hospitality shown to diverted travelers during the attacks of September 11.
The historical city of St John’s, Newfoundland, offers much to see and do, with pubs, coffee shops, and coffee galore. If you haven’t yet ventured out of the United States, this is a great destination to start with!
2. Costa Rica
Searching for a tropical destination with plenty to explore? Look no further than Costa Rica, which is a wonderful choice for the first time international traveler. Most natives speak English, and while there you will come across many who have left the United States for the Costa Rica life…over 120,000 expats live there! It is also a safe destination, so while there, don’t hesitate to rent a car and explore the beauty of the Costa Rica.
3. Ireland
The ease of both 1)getting there and 2)getting around the island earns Ireland a coveted spot on our list. Flights are relatively quick, with many large hubs offering direct flights to the Emerald Isle, and they tend to be less pricey than some other European destinations.
Once in Ireland, you can easily travel the countryside by car, train, or bus. While the large cities like Dublin obviously draw the largest crowd, the true gem of Ireland is exploring the lesser known countryside, where you will always find welcoming natives and a pub on every corner.
4. Scotland
If you head to Ireland, make sure to add a few days to your trip and cross over to its sister county, Scotland, to get a true Scottish welcoming from the locals. They truly love visitors from the United States and you will be treated like royalty, even if you don’t stay in one of the hundreds of castles the dot the countryside!
Perhaps the lesser traveled than the two countries, Scotland offers just as much charm, beauty, and hospitality as Ireland, so we had to give it a spot on the list!
5. Iceland
Rounding out the list is beautiful Iceland, where the locals speak English, the sites are unmatched, and you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. Many tour companies offer trips through the countryside, but it is a relatively easy to navigate destination if you want to go at it alone.
If you do decide to make your own way, our suggestion is to travel during their summer months (May through August), as the roads are harder to navigate in winter. While there, two not to miss excursions are driving Ring Road and visiting the hot springs.
Whether you are a seasoned abroad traveler or haven’t yet used that passport you applied for years ago, any of the above destinations would offer a perfect getaway out of the country.
