14 Best Places to Travel for Beginners or Solo Travelers
I love traveling. Give me a new culture and language with different architecture and art and I’m in my happy place. But it’s not always easy. And where you go can make or break your experience.
So this is my list of the absolute best places to travel for beginners or solo traveling.
But let’s skip the small talk — let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
14 Best Places to Travel for Beginners
1. Canada
If you’re feeling a bit nervous about traveling alone for the first time (and you’re in America), Canada is the perfect ice breaker.
With hot spots like Banff, Vancouver and British Columbia to the west and Toronto, Quebec and Nova Scotia to the east, there are plenty of awesome places to choose from.
Why Canada good for first-time travelers
Close if you’re in the U.S.
English-speaking (*except Quebec)
Less culture shock
Ranks as the safest country to visit
2. Iceland
Settled over 1,000 years ago during Viking explorations, Iceland is a beautiful country full of epic nature, picturesque views and fun things to do.
The capital city is Reykjavík and the city has plenty to do, including the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, festivals, the Grótta Lighthouse and “The Pearl”, which is a dome-shaped planetarium.
Iceland is a solid place to visit if you’re new to traveling internationally.
Why Iceland good for first-time travelers
98% of people speak English
Ranked as the safest country in the world
Pretty short trip from JFK or Europe
Friendly and welcoming people
3. The United Kingdom
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. And it’s a popular place for first-time travelers.
It’s well-connected to other areas of Europe and full of interesting history, culture, architecture and things to do. It’s no wonder millions of tourists visit every year.
Why the UK good for first-time travelers
English-speaking
Lots of history
Easy to get around or visit other European countries
4. Ireland
Just 6(ish) hours from New York, Ireland is an island in Europe with epically green landscapes, a rich history and plenty to do. And it’s the perfect country for first-time travelers.
While generally safe, just be careful around the steep cliffs and other activities like cycling or surfing. You can learn more about staying safe in Ireland here.
Why Ireland good for first-time travelers
English-speaking
Beautiful scenic nature
Castles, Guinness and welcoming locals
5. Netherlands
Beautiful landscapes, windmills, culturally-rich cities (such as lots of museums) and lots of bikes, Netherlands is a great place for beginner travelers. Amsterdam, the capital city, is probably the most well-known place to visit.
Most Dutch people can speak English fluently and the country is full of fun things to do, scenic views and more canals (in Amsterdam) than Venice — great for exploring the city by boat.
Why the Netherlands good for first-time travelers
A unique charm
English-friendly
6. Switzerland
Switzerland is beautiful. Pristine nature, beautiful cities and one of the highest qualities of life, it’s an amazing country to check out as a new traveler.
Being a neutral country who prioritizes peace, it’s also a very safe place with low rates of serious crime.
But keep in mind it’s also one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe. So be sure to budget extra if you’re going here.
Why Switzerland good for first-time travelers
Safe
High quality of living
Beautiful nature
High standard for food and craftsmanship
7. Scandinavia
Hygge, idyllic nature and picturesque town, Scandinavia is an epic trip and perfect for first-time travelers. Set in Northern Europe, Scandinavia includes Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
This is a popular region for tourists who love beautiful scenery, breathtaking views and snowy itineraries (if it’s winter).
Why Scandinavia good for first-time travelers
Safe
Amazing nature
Picturesque towns
8. Portugal
Portugal is affordable, has a quality of living and an accessible visa. This is probably why it’s so popular for digital nomads. But it’s also a solid place for first-time travelers.
Fun cities, epic nature and beautiful coastal vibes, Portugal is definitely worth considering for your trip abroad.
Why Portugal good for first-time travelers
Generally safe with low crime rates
English is widely used
Lots to do
Big expat community (especially in Lisbon)
9. Japan
Japan is my speciality. I spend almost half the year there and it’s one of my favorite places to visit. But it’s especially good for first-time travelers.
Japan is incredibly safe, has excellent infrastructure (like train transportation), a rich culture, incredible food and so much to do. Plus, Tokyo isn't that expensive.
Why Japan good for first-time travelers
Super safe
Super convenient
Warm and welcoming
Awesome food
Lots to do
Explore more:
➤ How to Plan a Trip to Japan
10. South Korea
When I’m not in Japan, I’m usually next door in Seoul. K-pop, K-dramas and K-beauty, Korea is known for its pop culture trends. It’s also a great place to travel solo as a beginner.
There’s solid train infrastructure, affordable hotels and AirBnBs and an amazing food and cafe scene that’ll keep you busy for at least a few trips. It’s also just a couple hours from Tokyo, so you can easily squeeze in a couple countries if you’re feeling motivated.
Why South Korea good for first-time travelers
Safe
Awesome food
Convenient trains
Shopping
11. Thailand
Thailand is a traveler’s hub. You’ll find plenty of backpackers, nomads and solo travelers here. It’s full of epic nature and beautiful beaches with Bangkok being a modern convenient city.
But it’s also really affordable, making it a great budget destination.
You’ll find plenty of hostels and expats while exploring this country. Plus, it’s so close to other parts of Asia, you can turn your trip into a multi-country one.
Why Thailand good for first-time travelers
Affordable
Generally safe
Beautiful nature
Lots of expats and tourists visit each year
12. Taiwan
Taiwan is a tiny island nation sitting in the Pacific. It’s full of beauty, has lots to do and is more affordable compared to places like Singapore or Hong Kong.
Street foods, shopping, old historical streets and festivals (like the dragon boat and lantern festivals) are a few of the popular things you should check out.
And if you stay in Taipei, you should have a slightly easier time with English signs and more English-speaking locals.
Why Taiwan good for first-time travelers
Convenient train infrastructure
Generally safe with low crime rates
Great food
Beautiful scenery
13. Bali
Bali is a super popular destination in Indonesia. You’ll find lots of travelers and backpackers living or visiting there. Bali is especially popular for remote workers and digital nomads.
Whether you like nightlife, nature, surfing or quiet, there’s something for everyone too. It’s also quite safe and most locals can speak at least some English.
Why Bali good for first-time travelers
Solid internet
Lots to do for every type of traveler
Beautiful landscapes
14. Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, the Outback — kangaroos! Australia has a lot to offer first-time travelers. There are many cities and areas to visit, so the biggest problem may be choosing where to go (Australia is only slightly smaller than the US).
Some of the major cities and areas include Sidney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast. So do some digging into each region so you choose the best option for you.
Why Australia good for first-time travelers
English-speaking
Safe with a low violent crime rate
Big country with lots to do
Where Should A First-Time Traveler Go? (7 factors to consider)
Language
Travel is all about experiencing new cultures and new languages. But going with a country that speaks your native language always makes things easier.
Apps and Google help a lot, but things don’t always work like you think they will. Real-time, in-the-moment interactions with locals is common (and part of what makes travel so great).
So if it’s your first time traveling overseas, consider going to a country that’s either English-speaking or English-friendly.
Explore more:
➤ Is Japan English-Friendly?
Safety
Safety is probably the most important factor to consider when traveling — whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
All of the places on this list are safe spots. But it’s still important to use your common sense. For example, keep your important stuff close, avoid dodgy places or dark alleyways alone, don’t go off with strangers and use your gut instincts.
Culture Shock
How much culture shock can you handle? Be honest with yourself. because exploring somewhere like Vietnam (while safe) is totally different than just hopping over to Canada.
If you’re completely new to traveling overseas, I would recommend choosing a place that’s less of a shock first.
Then again, it also depends on your personality and goals. If you’re the type who can jump into the unknown and thrive, then go for it. But if you want to ease into the travel life, start slow.
Cost
Breaking the bank is never fun. It can turn your traveling into a stressful situation. So when choosing your ideal country, consider your budget and how much you need.
Budget traveling and saving more than you need are two ways to avoid overspending.
Explore more:
➤ What to do When You’re Stuck Abroad With no Money
Proximity
You don’t need to choose the farthest possible location to experience overseas travel. Choosing nearby destinations is just as fun (and maybe better).
For example, if you’re in Hawaii, hopping over to Asia is a pretty quick flight. But if you’re in New York, maybe Europe or Iceland is better.
Your location can help you decide where to go that's most convenient (and the cheapest).
Extra long flights, long layovers and smelling like jet lag is an acquired taste — but trust me, you’ll learn to love it!
Infrastructure
A country’s infrastructure is an important factor to consider. This means paying attention to things like transportation, healthcare, internet and food and water.
When you travel overseas, you’ll be dealing with a lot of new variables. But choosing destinations that have at least somewhat good infrastructure will make everything easier (and safer).
Explore more:
➤ Best Travel Insurance Options (+ who I use)
Tourist-Friendly
Ideally, your first country should be somewhere that’s easy to travel around and welcoming. This means choosing a destination that’s tourist-friendly.
Countries with plenty of English signs or English-speaking staff, tourist attractions, package tours and many visitors are all positive signals.
There’s a difference between being a traveler and a tourist, but it’s easier to be the latter (and no shame either — it’s a solid move if you’re completely new to travel or nervous).
Later ✌️
Your first time traveling abroad is both exciting. But with so many places to choose from, making the right choice can feel overwhelming.
Based on safety, convenience and infrastructure, some of my favorite spots for beginner or solo travelers are Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Canada, Iceland and Ireland.
But wherever you decide to go, remember to do some planning, get your travel essentials in order and budget enough money for your trip.
Beyond that, have fun and enjoy the ride. Traveling isn’t always easy for comfortable, but it’s always worth it.
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
