If you’re considering traveling abroad for the first time, you might be wondering, “What’s the best country to visit?”
The answer depends on many things, including your interests, budget and how much time you can set aside for your trip.
If you enjoy art museums or appreciate fine wine, consider France or Spain. If you love the outdoors, Iceland, Canada or Australia, all known for their incredible natural splendor, would be great options. And, depending on your budget and timeframe, you might decide on a country that doesn’t require an extremely long, expensive flight.
Whatever your requirements, here are 9 great international travel destinations for first-time travelers to consider:
Ireland
When it comes to charm and appeal, Ireland is hard to beat. Stop by one of its storied pubs and you’ll understand why.
Visit County Kerry on the west coast with its beautiful lakes, waterfalls and ruined abbeys, or Galway with incredible views on the Atlantic coast. Take a boat ride to the remote Aran Islands or head to Connemara National Park. If you love music, visit County Clare to hear traditional Irish music.
England
History abounds here, especially in London, home to Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Tower Bridge. London also offers world-class museums, like the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
From London, you can take a day trip to Bath to visit the ancient Roman Baths or head off on a more extended trip to Stonehenge. England is also known for its beautiful countryside, including the Cotswolds and its charming villages and rolling hills, and the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Australia
Australia has the world's widest variety of cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Not only is it a country, it’s a continent that also includes Tasmania and a host of smaller islands.
Australia boasts an astounding diversity of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas. It also has vibrant cities, like Sydney, with its Opera House perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour. Another popular destination is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world, stretching 133,000 square miles.
France
In almost any category, France is at the top, or near the top, of the list of travel destinations. Its capital, Paris, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. France’s cuisine is second to none, as are the world-class wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay are among the finest museums anywhere. The same is true about the beaches on the French Riviera and the ski slopes of Chamonix Mont Blanc.
There are very few things France doesn’t excel in, which makes it an excellent choice for first-time international travelers.