As frequent holiday seekers, we remember that feeling of heading out on your first international trip all too well. From excitement to curiosity and perhaps even a little indecisiveness that may hold you back in your plans, having to take your first international trip can be a big deal for many.
So, how can you make the most out of your very first holiday abroad? Well, we’ve gathered some of the greatest tips you should know when planning your first international trip – as recommended by our holiday advisors themselves!
Top tips to make your first holiday abroad the best trip yet
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For starters, you’ll want to decide who your travel companions may be. While taking a solo trip for your first international trip may sound fun, many have found that having their partner or best friends to share these special moments can help ease your worries when travelling.
Subsequently, we’ve seen an upward trend of adventurous travellers turning their first international trip into a family holiday. This not only allows them to make fantastic memories with their loved ones but also share responsibilities when it comes to planning the itinerary or splitting the travel bill.
This then takes us to the second decision to make your first holiday abroad the best trip yet: The budget. While it’s not the most fun thing to plan out, you wouldn’t want to be caught unaware of any hidden fees or surprise expenditures while on holiday. Instead, knowing your budget can help ease your worries while travelling, giving you the freedom to plan out the trip of your dreams from the accommodation to the activities and even down to your shopping.
Of course, you’ll then want to take into consideration your interests and what you would like to do while on your first international trip. This not only helps narrow down the destination to go to for your holiday but also makes your itinerary planning so much easier. Are you someone who enjoys a hike in nature? Then perhaps a city holiday may not be for you!
Planning out these interests will always make your first holiday abroad better, as it helps set the expectation of what you’re about to experience during your trip. Do bear in mind that it’s likely for your plans to change especially if your trip involves your other half, your friends, or your family members as they too may have interests of their own. So, do remember to discuss beforehand what you would like to do collectively to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.
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As it’s your first international trip, it’s beneficial to think about how easy it will be for you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Having a greater idea of details such as how convenient it is to move around the city via public transport and thinking about the language barrier are also things that can help make your holiday abroad a lot more fun. After all, you wouldn’t want to be stuck in a town where you can’t communicate with the locals as a first-time traveller.
Finally, it’s always good to remember that you don’t have to plan and experience your first international trip alone. From cruise trips to city excursions and all-inclusive vacations, Holiday Tours is always happy to help create the perfect holiday abroad for and with you. With 50 years of experience in crafting the best holidays for our customers, all you have to think about is where you might want to visit for your first international trip or simply leave it to us to give you the best recommendations.
5 best places to go for your first international trip
Are you ready to embark on a brand-new adventure with your first holiday abroad? Here are the top 5 places to visit that won’t disappoint.
London, England
Photo by As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, London makes for a great place to be for everyone’s first international trip. Much of this is thanks to the lack of language barriers, as everyone here speaks English. Staff members of shopping galleries, cafés, and restaurants are often bilingual (and sometimes trilingual!) too, making communication simple as you explore the bustling city.
Equipped with the oldest underground railway system in the world, moving about London via the London Underground – better known as the Tube to the locals – is a breeze. From catching the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside of Buckingham Palace to exploring the quirky area of Camden Town, London is a destination that’s always ready to surprise.
If you’re a theatre enthusiast, you’ll want to catch one of the many West End productions such as The Lion King, Mamma Mia, or Matilda. One of the most highly anticipated shows, The Phantom of the Opera, is also a must-see for theatre enthusiasts as it’s returned to Her Majesty’s Theatre following a closure post-pandemic.
While a common misconception about holidaying in London is that it’s an expensive city, you’ll be surprised to find a wide range of affordable dining options and sometimes even free attractions to enjoy. For instance, you’ll be able to taste the flavours of the world for cheap at the Borough Market. For an unobstructed view over London’s city skyline, we recommend booking a complimentary entry to the 155-metre-high Sky Garden at the Fenchurch Building.
London is perfect for: Solo travellers or couples looking to embark on their first international trip together. The endless activities and ease of travel make every day an adventure to remember, and you might find yourself booking another holiday soon after!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Home to no less than 165 canals, it’s easy to see how Amsterdam has earned its nickname “Venice of the North”. And yet beyond its endless bridges and crooked homes with narrow doors, there’s so much more of Amsterdam waiting to be uncovered by adventurous holidaymakers. The city offers a laid-back atmosphere for locals and tourists alike, making it one of the reasons why we recommend Amsterdam for your first international trip.
Art enthusiasts will also love visiting the Van Gogh Museum which was opened in 1973 as this is where you’ll find the largest collection of paintings and drawings from the famous Dutch artist, the late Vincent van Gogh. This dedicated art gallery is located in the Museumplein area of the city and has always been the most visited museum in all of the Netherlands. As tickets often run out, it’s a good idea to book your entries ahead of time if you’re looking to add this spot to your itinerary.
For those who dare to venture out, Amsterdam is a fantastic middle base to explore its surrounding cities. Popular stops such as Zaandam feature must-see architecture and are just a 15-minute train ride outside of Amsterdam Central, while a traditional visit to the iconic windmill neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans only takes a half hour – perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in authentic Dutch culture without sacrificing a hefty penny.
Amsterdam is great for: Solo travellers, couples, or friend groups embarking on their first international trip! With plenty to see and do whether within Amsterdam or just outside the city bubble, it’s a great choice to make your holiday abroad a trip to remember.
Hanoi, Vietnam
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Blessed with a rich culture and beautiful history that lines its streets, Hanoi is a city that’s not to be missed if you’re on the lookout for an adventurous start to your travel diary. Named Vietnam’s capital, it offers a great balance of buzzing vibes with pockets of serenity – if you simply know where to find it.
One of the most iconic stops is the Old Quarter, a 36-street neighbourhood with a unique character wherever you turn. From traditional Vietnamese architecture to delicious eats such as a hearty bowl of phở or freshly prepared bahn mi, there’s always something waiting to be uncovered here.
But perhaps what sets the area apart is the dedicated shopping streets where you’ll find rows of shops selling some of the best souvenirs Vietnam has to offer. For instance, a stroll down Silver Street known as Hàng Bạc will have you marvelling at some of the most intricate handmade silver jewellery being put on sale. Meanwhile, you’ll probably find the best-fitting custom-made suits and dresses as you walk through Silk Street or Hàng Gai – attracting many tourists and locals even today.
However, if you prefer a fuss-free vacation as your first international trip, why not reach out to Holiday Tours and sign up for a 5-day, 4-night Hanoi and Sapa excursion? With an itinerary that begins in bustling Hanoi before leading into the picturesque mountain town of Sapa, this is the perfect getaway for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity in a single trip.
Hanoi is the best place if: You’re looking for the ideal first holiday abroad as a solo traveller or for a family getaway. From calm and serene cityscapes to exciting excursions just outside the bustling city, Hanoi sets a great start for everyone and anyone’s first international trip.
Osaka, Japan
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As one of the most visited countries in the world, Japan is undoubtedly high on the list of the perfect destinations to visit for your first international trip. However, many holidaymakers who often opt for a holiday in the flashy Tokyo have long slept on the beauty that Osaka has to offer. Set in the Kansai region, Osaka has the perfect balance of modern meets traditional for all your holiday needs.
What makes Osaka great is that it’s less busy than Tokyo, creating a less overwhelming experience, especially for first-timers. While English isn’t primarily spoken by locals, many businesses have since picked up the language for easier communication with tourists. This makes visiting Osaka much less daunting while retaining its original charm with gorgeous attractions like the Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
Be sure not to miss out on strolling down the Dotonbori district where you’ll find plenty of eateries, theatres, and shopping selections. The iconic neon Glico Man billboard that features a running man on a blue track can also be found here, and you’ll often find tourists mimicking his victorious stance for their pictures.
Furthermore, Japan’s highly reliable public transportation services make Osaka a great home base if you want to explore more of the Kansai region in a single trip. For instance, you can head to Kyoto for a glimpse of the popular Fushimi Inari Shrine or pop over to Nara to bow and feed the packs of deer by Nara Park, as both destinations are reachable in just under 30 minutes by the JR train services.
Osaka is a must-visit for: Solo travellers, couples on a getaway, friends on their way to make group memories, and multi-generation family holidays. Unlike other bustling cities, Osaka is a wonderful escape for any kind of adventure seeker and is perfect for anyone looking to make it the first international trip to remember.
Cappadocia, Turkey
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With sights that almost feel surreal as hundreds of hot air balloons rise to the skies at sunrise and sunset, Cappadocia is a gorgeous holiday destination that everyone needs to visit at least once. It’s also especially popular for solo travellers or couples embarking on their first international trip together.
To many, the experience is more than just catching a glimpse of the balloons taking to greater heights – but rather to reserve your spot on a hot air balloon excursion too. If this is a part of your bucket list, our top recommendations are to book a ride that flies over the beautiful valleys of Goreme National Park or those that rise from the plains of Anatolia.
However, you’ll have to be prepared to sacrifice some sleep as most rides are scheduled to take off at sunrise. Thankfully, the trade-off will be to view the city from above and we can’t think of a better way to start your day in Cappadocia.
But as you spend more time here, you’ll see that the city has more to offer than its sky-high views. From the warmth of the locals to the unique culture and beautiful history waiting to be uncovered, there’s never a boring moment when you choose Cappadocia as your first international destination.
For example, the underground city of Derinkuyu is just as marvellous to see. Carved into the soft rocks, it’s an unbelievable display of ancient engineering and architecture that was used in times of conflict in the past. Featuring an extensive network of tunnels and chambers that settlers used to call home, this unique settlement is a must-see should you visit Cappadocia someday.
Cappadocia is the place to be if: You want to surprise your other half with a romantic escapade. Featuring breathtaking views and adventures to match, Cappadocia is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants their first international trip to be a holiday that they will reminisce about for the rest of their lives.
So, wait no more in taking the first international trip of your dreams. Reach out to Holiday Tours today to plan your holiday abroad and don’t forget to ask about the exclusive deals available as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this 2025!