In this post, I’m going to share with you my suggestions for your first travel destination.
First, let me state, this is not going to be your typical list of countries, rather it will be ideas to help inspire your first place to travel.
Since you’re just starting your traveling journey, I’m sure there are so many thoughts going through your mind, right?
Where should I/we go, how do I pack, where do we stay, what if I forget something.
When you’re done reading this list head back to the top of the page and click on the Travel section or click on the search box to find more great travel resources!
With that said, let’s talk today about where to go.
I would guess you already have some ideas but maybe you can’t narrow it down.
Or you just have no idea where to start and are stuck.
Either way, let’s get started so you can be on your way 🙂
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Travel Destination
Now, I guess, as I look at my list I may have jumped the gun, and you’ll see what I mean as you get down the list.
So let’s start with someplace local.
A place you’ve always wanted to go
Local
Is there somewhere local or within your state that you’ve always wanted to go?
Why not let that be your first travel destination?
It’d be close to home, you know the language, theoretically there would be no cultural differences and if you need to get back home it wouldn’t take too long.
For that matter, it can easily be a one-nighter or a quick weekend trip.
International
Where have you always wanted to go internationally?
Now would be the time to write down your bucket list if you haven’t already done so 🙂
If there’s more than one place on your list then you’ll need to narrow it down.
One of the below items might just help you do that!
Another Country
In case you are ready to jump the gun, then why not have your first travel destination be to another country?
Grab a globe or a map, close your eyes and pick a spot 🙂
Or, like above, what is another country you’ve always wanted to visit?
Someplace that doesn’t speak your native language
If you’re really feeling adventurous then how about going somewhere that doesn’t speak your language?
Now, this one’s tricky.
If you’ve never traveled before it might be tough, even with an app or dictionary.
Granted, if some form of English is your first language then it may be a bit easier as a lot of countries have English as a second or third language but you cannot be guaranteed that.
On the other hand, traveling somewhere that doesn’t speak your language is a great jump into learning other cultures, figuring out how to communicate and being completely open to new experiences!
Travel somewhere you don’t speak the language!
Where you were born
Do you know where you were born?
Why not have that be your first travel destination?
Whether it be in the same country or not, explore where you were born or raised can be eye-opening.
Where your family comes from
How about checking out your roots.
Where were your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents from?
One of my aunts has had the chance to travel to Europe to visit some of the places our family is from and I think that’s so cool.
Exploring where you come from can definitely give you some insight to yourself and your family members 🙂
Related: Travel Resources
Travel Destination
Do you still need help narrowing it down?
Here are some other things to consider when trying to choose that first travel destination.
Timeframe
How much time do want to take, or can take for the trip?
Will it be that one-nighter, a long weekend, or will it be a week or two?
Season
What season will you be able to travel?
Do you want to travel somewhere that has the same season or a different season?
For example, would you want to travel to someplace warm during your Christmas vacation?
Or go enjoy winter sports somewhere new?
Lodging
Are you thinking you’d like to go all out and do a high-end, ‘expensive’ hotel or resort?
Or are you thinking low-key or close to nature like camping?
Booking.comMoney
Then, of course, all of the above and every other part of your trip will revolve around money.
Budget
Have you decided on a budget for a trip?
Again, are you thinking you’d be willing to spend whatever it takes or will you have to manage to enjoy the trip on a few dollars a day?
I will tell you this, you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy a trip, but you do have to have a good mindset!
Plus, if I can just give a little advice.
If you can have at least one month’s bills set aside before your trip then you’ll be able to enjoy it more, without having to worry about life when you’re back at it!
Finances
I recently saw an article questioning whether you should travel when you don’t have much savings, like college funds, retirement funds, etc.
Personally, I say go!
You may not get a chance later in life, whether it be because of health or the people you want to go with.
Traveling gives you so many experiences, memories, and stories.
Why deprive yourself of that?
In Conclusion
You have the world at your feet and it’s yours for the taking!
Where you go first will depend on a lot of these factors but don’t let any one of them stop you from getting out there and living life!
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to help 🙂
Happy Travels!!!