Have had a desire to travel for the past couple of years. Looking to go some place to see how my dreams of traveling play out in reality. Hep me figure out where.
Hi All,
As the summary states, I've become very interested in the idea of travel recently and have been getting overly eager on the plans -- year-long RTW trips and such. And as much as I feel the passion to do something like that, I'm not totally confident in taking action, because, honestly, I've never really traveled outside of the US. I don't even know where I'd want to go.
I have a desire to travel, but I don't know where. That's basically what I'm here to ask for help on. From your own experiences, what would be a good first country for someone like me to visit alone?
A few more details: I'm 23, work freelance, will have a break in between jobs from nov-december, which is when I was thinking of taking a trip for probably about 2 weeks. The only criteria is: I don't have much of a savings, so this can't be a country where a lot of high spending is required.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions : )
Reply to this Hello Steve 😊
I'm not totally confident in taking action,....
I think all first time travellers feel like that. Dont let it stop you. I even feel like that after 20 years of travelling on and off, if I am going to an unusual destination.
There are a lot of countries you can go to that cost a lot less than the US to travel in. I would firstly decide which continent appeals to you the most and then check the prices of flights to low travel cost countires in that destination. Africa, Asia and South America all have countries that are inexpensive to travel in, after paying for the flight to get there that is. If you dont have a particular continent of interest then use an internet search engine and choose the lowest cost flight to an inexpensive country. The search engine I usually use to find cheap flights is
www.billigfluege.de Change it to English by clicking on the US flag. To get the best prices be flexible about which day you fly on. The prices vary depending on the flight day and date. Also book as far in advance as possible while the special offers are still available.
When you have decided upon a destination then I recommend that you buy a Lonely Planet guide for that country. They have information about accomodation, transport, money, safety, health..... They are available in most book shops around the world for around 35 Euros and you can also buy them on the internet.
Mel
Reply to this Hi Mel,
Thanks for responding. That all seems like very good advice, and it'll definitely be taken into consideration. I guess I'm mainly just wanting to test out the "life of a traveler" -- what the entire experience is like. Then, based on how I feel after that, I'll know whether or not I'll want to make it more of a lifestyle.
The dilemma I face right now is one of career advancement versus spiritual advancement, I guess you could say. I'm not sure whether or not I want to abandon society to take part in long term traveling. I like to think that I can achieve a compromise between the two... but I probably won't know until I try going somewhere on my own.
Right now, I'm looking into Asia (Thailand, China, or Japan) and Europe (Czech Republic, Spain). I think I'm leaning more towards Asia. China has always been appealing to me for it's ancient history and natural beauty, Japan for it's lights and culture, and Thailand for its apparent simplicity.
To be honest, though, I don't really want to do a whole lot of research. Whenever I see pictures of a country that I'm interested in one day visiting, I have to look away after so long. I want everything to be new and impacting for me. I would obviously do research in terms of preparation, but I really don't want to know too much about the actual country itself. I want to just go. Is that a good idea, or is it just plain out idealistic? :D
Reply to this You are welcome 😊
You can certainly achieve a compromise between the two. I have a boyfriend and daughter so cant travel long term. You will get plenty of the experience by going to someplace on your annual leave days. When I was working before my daugher was born I did not want to abandon my job after finally getting some qualifications and a profession at last. I did lots of overtime in return for time off. This overtime gave me enough days off to travel every 3 months for anywhere between a week and 3 weeks. Well you get the message, there are ways of doing it(travel) while not totally devoting your entire life to it.
You will get around to all the places on your list eventually. Sometimes after I decide to go someplace it takes me years to make it to that place with there being some so many countries on my list.
I would obviously do research in terms of preparation, but I really don't want to know too much about the actual country itself. I want to just go. Is that a good idea, or is it just plain out idealistic? :D
As long as you do the practical research about safety, visas, costs.... that is more than realistic. Are you familiar with the Lonely Planet travel guides. They have all the practical information you need to get by in just about any country. They are available in most book shops around the world and also on the internet. Usually you can get one covering each country. Also you can get ones that cover a number of countries which is useful for when you want to check out where else you might like to go nearby or in the future.
Reply to this elusive1 -
Welcome to the idea of travel. It is one that I have kicked around myself for years and am finally pursuing.
I'm not sure whether or not I want to abandon society to take part in long term traveling.
While traveling you are not abandoning society, rather indulging in a different one. One of a close-knit group of other world travelers and many societies around the world. That is one thing I am most looking forward to; meeting new people along the way.
My list of places started out as a few European countries and has since grown into quite a lengthy journey that now includes every continent. One thing that you may consider is finding a hobby or something you are passionate about and researching it. I have found that my love of the Middle Ages has really piqued my interest to travel all around Europe. Just an idea.
Good luck on your journey wherever you may end up.
Reply to this I have found that my love of the Middle Ages has really piqued my interest to travel all around Europe.
My interest in history and politics has made visiting the former Eastern block of Europe more interesting. Having taken an interest in the history gives travelling there an extra dimension. It makes me notice more. 😊
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