5 Safe Places for a First Time Traveler
Traveling for your first time? With friends, family or solo? I got you covered.
5 stunning, adventurous, and safe places for your first time traveling.
Have you had an urge to travel but you’re too afraid to take that first step?
It’s a scary feeling leaving the comfort of your own home and country for the first time. Heck, you have absolutely no idea what you’re getting yourself into!
My #1 advice: just do it!
I know the feeling after buying that first plane ticket: bittersweet. You’re so excited for everything that’s about to come, but also so nervous you could poop your pants. Been there.
It’s scary, I know. But growth doesn’t come from staying in your comfort zone.
It’s time. Buy that ticket!
And I’m here to give you 5 safe places to travel – so you don’t have any extra worries as you venture through your first travel experience.
So, let’s get into the 5 Safe Places for a First Time Traveler!
#1. Thailand
You will most likely not run into much crime or places that feel unsafe in Thailand. If you’re traveling solo for the first time, this would be a great country to do so. One of my favorite things that the Thailand government does is send safety reports out to citizens, so you always know the 411.
Since Thailand is such a touristy country, if you’re traveling solo, you will most likely always be by/around other visitors. I don’t know about you, but I love connecting with others who are from outside the country I’m visiting. You can meet new friends, exchange stories, and feel safe at the same time because they are most likely in your same boat as well.
I do recommend if you want to do something out of the ordinary do so with a group or a tour guide. At the end of the day, you are by yourself, and you never know what others are thinking (especially when in a different country).
A few things to watch out for (as you should everywhere in my opinion):
Drink drugging
Pickpocketing
ATM scams
All in all, Thailand is a safe place for the first-time traveler. Always do your research beforehand on the country you’re visiting. Make sure you have a good understanding on the basic customs and culture before stepping foot.
#2. Australia
I’m sure you’ve heard about how great of a country Australia is and how it’s a must to visit. Well, those claims are absolutely right. Australia is nothing short of amazing, and if I could pick one of these places to visit solo, I would choose Australia first.
Australia is so versatile. You can get the outback/hiking experience, or you can get the ultimate city vibes. It’s a win-win. Whatever you’re craving, they have it (food wise too).
PLUS, the entire time you’re there you get to listen to Australian accents. I mean c’mon. Ladies, you have to go here. Try not to fall in love with an Aussie. OR try to fall in love with one, then you could move in with him and spend the rest of your life living in an unbelievable place and have cute Aussie kids with accents. No, I haven’t played this scenario out in my head a few hundred times…
Anyways, back on track, Australia IS a safe place for first time travelers. It’s another extremely touristy place, so you will never feel alone or uncomfortable because many people are doing the exact same thing as you.
If you are traveling solo, one thing I would be weary of is going deep into the outback by yourself. You don’t know what’s going to be out there. Kangaroos, snakes, crocodiles, who knows. I would find a group to go with and tent out with, or just do a day hike by yourself and stay in a hostel/hotel at night.
Put this place on your bucket list, right now!!!! If you want to read about my experience and any travel recommendations in Australia or New Zealand, head over to My First Adventure Outside the US.
#3. New Zealand
Okay, when I tell you New Zealanders are the nicest people ever, they’re the nicest people ever. Of course, not all TSA workers are like this, but many times in the US I get yelled at to take out my laptop, take off my shoes, etc. in a pretty rude manner. When I went through security in New Zealand, they greeted me with smiling faces, they were calm, cool, and collected, and they truly welcomed me in the best way possible. My trip was already off to a great start.
If you want to go to a place to find complete peace and quiet, to enjoy nature, and to find personal transformation, pick New Zealand. I had the most personal growth and transformation here.
Compared to other countries, New Zealand has some of the lowest crime rates. In my three weeks abroad here, I didn’t feel unsafe once. If anything, the city that would have anything out of the ordinary happen would most likely be the capital, Auckland. Anywhere outside of this city is a safe bet for first time travelers.
If you want to go somewhere that’s adventurous, has fun/challenging hikes, absolutely stunning landscapes, is safe, and where the fricken Lord of the Rings was filmed, New Zealand is your place!
#4. Iceland
Not one other country can beat Iceland when it comes to this statement: Iceland was labeled the safest country in the world in 2020. The lowest crime rates and the most unique and beautiful landscapes. I felt like I was on another planet. It’s a no brainer to book a flight to Iceland if you’re a first-time traveler. I highly recommend you head over to my blog post 7 Day Southern Coast of Iceland Itinerary if this is your first time traveling or your millionth time traveling to get a more in-depth guide to traveling in Iceland.
#5. Costa Rica
Last but not least, Costa Rica! I wouldn’t say Costa Rica is the safest one on this list, but it’s definitely an honorable mention. In general, Costa Rica is a safe country if you avoid certain situations:
- Watch your stuff – robbery is common in certain areas
- Luggage in the airport
- Personal items on buses, in pockets, at beaches
- Not going to the beach alone after dark
- Keep your important documents in a safe place (i.e. passport)
These are basic tips for traveling anywhere and you should always be on the lookout and aware of your surroundings when traveling alone or in a group.
You can get so much out of Costa Rica, volcano’s, peninsula’s, National Parks, beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, etc. etc. etc. All I can say is you’ll never ever be bored in Costa Rica! A must visit!
I hope you enjoyed this list and found your first ~ safe ~ destination as you begin this travel journey. I can’t wait for you to start seeing the world!