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New to International Travel? Start With One of These Five Spots

These destinations are known for their welcoming atmosphere, unique attractions and appeal for first-time global explorers

6-minute read

By

Ryan Slattery and Mabel Lui,

 
AARP
Published October 13, 2026
Marina Bay in Singapore
These international destinations are likely to go easy on first-timers. Consider Singapore, whose Marina Bay is a futuristic waterfront zone, along with the Marina Bay Sands resort, the Merlion statue and Gardens by the Bay.
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In this story

Sydney | Singapore | Lisbon, Portugal | Prague | Costa Rica

While traveling to another country can seem intimidating, the travel guidebook writer and TV host Rick Steves says not to worry too much about what could go wrong. “Some travelers come up with all sorts of ways to cultivate pre-trip anxiety,” he says. “Little mistakes and faux pas are part of the joy of traveling. Don’t try to be perfect.” 

If you’re looking for a destination that’s likely to go easy on newbies, though, these locales may be perfect for your inaugural international jaunt.

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a crowded Bondi beach in Sydney
In Sydney, you’ll find coastal clifftop paths connecting Bondi (above) and Bronte beaches, as well as leafy, walkable neighborhoods.
Martin Berry/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Sydney

Why go: The urban yet laid-back vibe feels welcoming, and the city makes a great jumping-off point to wild Oz.

Yes, the plane ride is long, but the city is worth it. Outdoorsy Sydney is “refreshingly different but reassuringly familiar for U.S. travelers,” says Stuart Rigg, co-owner of travel outfitter Southern Crossings.

“Resist the urge to treat Sydney as a checklist. It’s a city that rewards slowing down,” adds Ash Chin, director of Sojourns Of, a travel consultancy. There are coastal clifftop paths connecting Bondi and Bronte beaches, and leafy, walkable neighborhoods like Potts Point, with art deco buildings, cozy cafés and wine bars.

Sydney revolves around its harbor, coastline and opera house. To fully experience the stunning performance venue, see a show or take a tour. “The story of Jørn Utzon’s design and his eventual departure from the project is one of the great dramas in modern architecture,” Chin says.

Then view the harbor at sunset from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a carved stone seat. “At sunset, the sails are lit against the darkening sky, and the city lights come up.”

Beyond the city, Rigg suggests guided day trips for wine tasting in Hunter Valley or hiking in the Blue Mountains.

For extra adventure: Every year from about May to November, some 40,000 humpback whales make their seasonal migration along Australia’s east coast. Book a whale-watching tour from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay, and you may see them slap their tails or leap out of the water.

a bowl with mee pok noodles
A trip to Singapore should include a stop at hawker centers offering the city’s local cuisine, including mee pok noodles.
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Singapore

Why go: It’s widely English-speaking and an excellent introduction to Asian cultures and cuisines.

This bold and compact city-state in Southeast Asia squeezes modern skyscrapers and beautiful landscapes among its diverse population of Chinese, Malay and Indian communities. Famously safe and clean, Singapore also has a top-rated, amenity-filled airport — butterfly garden, anyone?

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“Singapore is a great destination for travelers looking to experience food, culture, architecture and more,” says Scott Wismont, founder and owner of Rainbow Getaways. “Every city rewards curiosity, and Singapore is no exception. Going out and experiencing a city like a local is one of the best ways to gain a better understanding.”

Wismont suggests focusing on one neighborhood at a time rather than chasing down every attraction. Stroll the streets of Chinatown, Kampong Glam or Little India while stopping at temples, mosques and murals.

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At Marina Bay, the futuristic waterfront zone, must-sees include the Marina Bay Sands resort, the Merlion statue and Gardens by the Bay. The latter features the Supertree Grove, where aerial walkways snake through plant-covered towers rising as high as 16 stories, and the Cloud Forest, a soaring greenhouse with one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls.

And don’t skip Singapore’s iconic hawker centers. These food stall complexes, which include Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre, draw tourists and locals alike for authentic dishes at amazing prices.

For extra adventure: Those with a curious palate may want to sample durian, Southeast Asia’s “king of fruits.” Characterized by its pungent aroma, this love-it-or-hate-it fruit has a thorny exterior that belies a custard-like interior. In Singapore, you’ll find popular varieties like Mao Shan Wang and Black Thorn at markets, street stalls and specialized stores such as 99 Old Trees and Ah Seng Durian.

Remodelado trams in Lisbon, Portugal
Bright yellow Remodelado trams help you navigate the hilly historic center in Lisbon, Portugal.
Martin Berry/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Lisbon, Portugal

Why go: Friendly and colorful, the Portuguese capital pairs affordability with million-dollar views.

The bright yellow Remodelado trams will be handy in navigating Lisbon’s hilly historic center as you view the impressive architecture.

Start in the riverside Belém district, with a visit to the 16th-century fortress and a tour of Jerónimos Monastery. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop at Pastéis de Belém for a pastel de nata, a flaky, sweet custard pastry. It won’t be your last. Then head up to Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval fortification perched on a high hill, for vast sunset vistas. When night falls, relax with some live fado music and a glass of Portuguese wine.

Another highlight is the LX Factory. “It’s one of my favorite places in Lisbon,” says Sepideh Mohseni, a destination expert for Kensington, a provider of private guided travel. “Set within a former industrial complex, it has evolved into a creative hub filled with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and local artists. It offers a different side of the city.”

Any visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without a side trip — 40 minutes by train — to Sintra, a town with cobblestone streets and a colorful palace that was once a summer retreat of royalty.

For extra adventure: Another worthy detour, just under an hour south of Lisbon by car, is Arrábida Natural Park, which features stunning limestone cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Designated as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2025, this protected coastal area is a playground for water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling.

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a close-up of a statue on Charles Bridg in Prague
Prague blends diverse architectural styles in a walkable downtown. Here, a close-up of a statue on Charles Bridge.
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Prague

Why go: A remarkably preserved, centuries-old cityscape invites easy strolls into the past.

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Architecture buffs fall in love with Prague’s old-world charm. Having largely escaped major bombing during World War II, the Central European city mixes Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture in a walkable downtown straddling the Vltava River. “Prague has the architecture of Vienna, the beer culture of Munich and the price point of neither. It’s one of the best-value cities left in Europe,” says Viola Sender, cofounder of the travel blog Away to the City.

Often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague may be best seen from above. Dozens of viewpoints provide postcard-perfect panoramas of the city’s steeples, turrets and red-tiled roofs. Among the best: the Old Town Bridge Tower, which affords views across the Charles Bridge toward Prague Castle and Petřín Hill.

Before leaving town, be sure to stroll across the Charles Bridge to marvel at some 30 Baroque-style stone statues lining it.

For extra adventure: Perched on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River, Vyšehrad is a centuries-old complex that once served as a royal residence. It was later rebuilt as a fortress, with a network of underground passages. Now visitors can embark on a subterranean tour to discover Gorlice, the largest underground hall in historic Prague, and the Martin Casemates, corridors once used for military movement.

a scarlet macaw on a tree branch in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an ecotourism pioneer with a wide range of habitats. Visitors may spot a scarlet macaw during a trip.
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Costa Rica

Why go: This ecotourism pioneer offers immersion into nature for relaxation, exploration and wellness.

Tucked between Nicaragua and Panama, the Central American nation lacks in size but makes up for it in diversity. “It’s small on a map but deceptively varied: cloud forests, active volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and some of the most biodiverse national parks in the world,” explains Henley Vazquez, cofounder of Fora, a platform for travel advisers.

Costa Rica has a wide range of habitats. Visitors go to Monteverde for the misty cloud forests and guided wildlife walks, where they may spot howler monkeys, see toucans in flight and set eyes on sloths. They visit Arenal for the volcano and hot springs, La Fortuna for coffee and chocolate tours, and the Osa Peninsula “for the kind of raw rainforest most travelers never see,” Vazquez says.

The country is home to numerous wellness resorts such as Hacienda AltaGracia and the Retreat Costa Rica, where healing spas and farm-to-table dining ensure guests experience the pura vida lifestyle.

Just don’t try to see everything in one trip, Vazquez says. “Pick a region, let it work on you, and come back for the rest.”

For extra adventure: Walk on hanging bridges through the forests in Monteverde and in the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. The latter offers a roughly 2-mile self-guided trail that immerses you in the forest, where quetzals and hummingbirds flit through the trees and coatis and peccaries roam through the vegetation. There’s also a shorter route of just under a mile and an accessible 820-foot-long trail.

Ryan Slattery is a Las Vegas–based journalist and travel writer who has visited 71 countries. He has written for Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Time Out and Eater Las Vegas.

Mabel Lui is an associate editor for AARP The Magazine.

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