Travel by purpose
Best destinations for first-time travelers
If this is your first trip abroad, or your first in a long time, start somewhere forgiving: clear signage, short transfers and plenty of people used to visitors.
Destinations that fit
Portugal
Lisbon
One of the easiest European capitals for a short trip: compact, affordable by Western European standards and pleasant even in winter.
Spain
Barcelona
If you cannot decide between a city break and the coast, this settles the argument without a second flight.
Netherlands
Amsterdam
One of the least stressful European cities for a first trip or a short weekend, with a train from the airport into the centre in 15 minutes.
Italy
Rome
The classic European city break. Best done slowly, with two paid sights maximum per day.
Worth reading first
Travel by Purpose
Easy European Destinations for First-Time Travelers
If it is your first trip abroad, or your first in a long while, some places make it noticeably easier than others.
6 min read
Travel Planning
A Short Checklist Before Your First International Trip
The things that cause real problems, and none of the things that do not.
5 min read
Flight & Airline Help
Airport Basics Worth Knowing Before You Fly
How early to arrive, what slows you down, and what does not.
5 min read
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