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So, your interested in sealing the deal: Your first trip!
If you are looking for a trip that is filled with gorgeous views, friendly people, and unforgettable experiences look no further. If this is your first time planning a trip, I am sure you are super overwhelmed with all the crazy details of planning something halfway around the world. There are just too many options and factors to keep track of, I understand. But choosing the right destination can make or break your trip! No need to fret I will set you up. I’ve got three amazing locations that I have personally traveled and recommend to first time travelers.
The reasons I chose these destinations is because of their affordability, accessibility, and culture. To be real, I look for this everywhere I go. The destinations below are in no particular order because I’ll leave it up to you to choose what sounds like the best match for your first trip!
A few extra things to keep in mind when picking a place to solo travel are safety, visa requirements, and weather. You should always check travel advisories before planning a trip to another country. Being cautious of your surroundings is an extremely important skill when traveling alone. Visas are another thing that a lot of people, especially Americans forget to check. Though we have a strong passport that allows you to enter many countries without a visa, there are always limits. Some countries allow you to stay for 30 days, while others you will need to apply and pay a fee even if you are only there for a week. You can check requirements here. Also, understanding the differences in climates and seasons is important when traveling. Based on the time of year you would like to travel, some places may be a better fit than others. Along with this the busy seasons tend to be the “best” season, but that means things will likely be more expensive and crowded.
So, with all that being said lets get to my top 3 picks:
First, I nominate Thailand. As you’ve probably heard this country is backpacking central, and for good reason. Thailand is a huge country with wild diversity, and offers so much to travelers that want to keep costs down. While in Thailand you can live in the jungle, scuba dive off of remote islands, and party in the big city of Bangkok. No matter what you’re looking for, it’s there. I have a more in depth itinerary here, but Thailand offers extremely affordable accommodation, tours, and food. The tourism department here is exceptional because of the sheer amount of foreigners they host each year. So, moving around is made easy. Most use buses, overnight trains, tuktuks, and shared minivans to travel. You have to be ready to negotiate prices though! The scammers come out in touristy cities. A few must-dos are take a cooking class, visit Koh Sok National Park, and see all the temples your heart desires. No matter where you are in Thailand you will feel welcomed, just remember to be respectful. Try learning a few phrases before you go and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Before I leave Southeast Asia, let’s talk about Vietnam. I will say that most people pair Thailand and Vietnam together when they make it to this side of the world, but if you’re in a time crunch this is a wonderful place to start your travels. Fun fact: Vietnam is one of 5 communist countries in the world. It’s also the friendliest place on earth. I would say that the level of hospitality here is top notch. Though the language barrier was high in some places, the love that was shown to me was so amazing. Vietnam relies a lot on their tourism so there are tours galore! This I will say is something that can make it not as budget friendly, but it really depends what you plan to do while you are there. I will say that the food, coffees, and accommodations are very budget friendly wink wink. A few must-dos are coffee tastings, motorcycle tours in the north, and visit the Vietnam War museums. If you choose Vietnam, I recommend starting in the south and making your way north. The natural views will just continue to get more and more jaw-dropping. A little tip before you go; be aware of the change in food culture, the south likes things a bit more sweet while the north is more salty.
Alright, let’s take a step away from Asia. My third destination may shock you, or not, a lot of people love it here. It’s… Italy! I think that this is a prime location for all the reasons mentioned above, it’s one of the most affordable countries in Europe, the culture (pasta) is amazing(delicious), and the history is deep. With an American passport you have 90 days to stay in the Schengen zone in Europe without a visa. Transportation is very easy to organize whether that be with FlexBus or Eurail. It offers wine country, hiking/skiing in the dolomites, and stunning coastlines.
A few must-dos would be hiking the 7 miles through Cinque Terre, walking to all corners of Rome, and going granola in the northern alps. You’re likely to get your steps in everyday 🙂 I would recommend visiting in the fall because the temperature is more moderate and the summer crowds are dwindling.
Remember these are suggestions from my own experiences, everyone is different so if these don’t quite seem fit for you that is okay. If I did spark an interest though, that’s amazing. I cannot wait for you to experience your first backpacking trip. Even if things aren’t one hundred percent clear right now, I trust you will figure it out along the way. You shouldn’t have everything booked before you go, instead stay spontaneous because you never know who you might meet. If you’re nervous to go alone. Same, I was too. But believe me going solo is the best way. You will be pushed to get out of your comfort zone and feel the most independent you ever have. In these three countries I met the most kind locals as well as fellow solo travelers in my hostels and tours. Just put yourself out there because you will never know what you missed out on! The people you meet along the way will be your best resource, to share their experiences, or if you click you might just get a travel buddy.
If you want to upgrade your cultural experience on your first trip, I would also recommend looking into volunteering while you are there. Though it is super easy to get around you may get caught up in all of the touristy mush and forget about the fact that you are halfway around the world. While I was in Thailand I lived for two weeks with a family in a small town outside of Surat Thani. By taking myself outside of the tourist lens I was able to create a deeper understanding of how my host family lived in Thailand. It allowed me to slow down and explore a part of Thailand most people don’t get to see. This was completely free for me and was the highlight of my trip by far. If you’re interested in volunteering around the world for free accommodation heres an article about worldpackers.
