Best countries for first-time international travellers
Where to go on your first international trip. 20 low-risk, English-friendly, easy-to-enter countries across five continents.
A first international trip should leave you wanting to do another one. The countries below combine low overall safety risk with the practical features that make first-time international travel easier. English is widely spoken in tourist-facing roles. Visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry applies to most major passports. Public transport works without the local language. Embassies have a meaningful presence in the major cities.
None of these are boring countries. Every one of them has its own reasons to visit. What they share is the lowest practical barrier to entry for someone crossing a border on their own for the first time.
The list
Singapore
10/100Extremely low crime. Excellent infrastructure. Strict laws – follow them.
Iceland
10/100Stunning volcanic landscapes. Extremely expensive. Northern lights.
New Zealand
11/100Stunning nature. Natural hazards from earthquakes and weather. Incredibly welcoming.
Switzerland
11/100Clean and expensive with incredible scenery. Efficient transport. Multilingual.
Finland
11/100Saunas, lakes, and northern lights. Cold winters. Happiest country consistently.
Luxembourg
11/100Tiny and wealthy. Beautiful old town. Easy day trip from Belgium/Germany/France.
Norway
12/100Stunning fjords and northern lights. Very expensive. Outdoor paradise.
Denmark
12/100Hygge culture. Copenhagen is bike-friendly and beautiful. Expensive.
Andorra
12/100Tiny Pyrenean microstate. Duty-free shopping and skiing. Between France and Spain.
Japan
14/100Very low crime. Natural disaster preparedness is world-class. Respectful of visitors.
Australia
14/100Low crime. Natural hazards (wildlife, sun, ocean) are the main risks. World-class quality of life.
Bhutan
14/100Happiness-focused country. Mandatory daily tourist fee ($100/day). Unique culture. Pristine nature.
Canada
15/100World-class nature. Friendly people. Cold winters in most of the country.
Estonia
15/100Digital pioneer. Tallinn's medieval old town stunning. Efficient Baltic gem.
Ireland
16/100Friendly, English-speaking. Excellent pubs and stunning coastline.
Austria
16/100Stunning Alpine scenery. Vienna consistently ranked most livable city. Excellent skiing.
Qatar
16/100Modern infrastructure. Strict laws. Doha is a modern city. Very hot summers.
Brunei
16/100Oil-rich sultanate. Strict Islamic laws (Sharia). Alcohol banned. Sultan's palace spectacular.
Taiwan
17/100Welcoming. Excellent food and infrastructure. Typhoons and earthquakes are the main natural risks.
Slovenia
17/100Beautiful Alpine country. Lake Bled is stunning. Affordable by European standards. Great outdoors.