Traveling opens up the world around you, but if you’re a novice traveler it can be confusing to decide the best place to visit first. Luckily, there’s no need to guess or panic about where to start your traveling journey. This list of six cities helps you get your feet wet, experience other cultures and, most importantly, give yourself a chance of scenery. Whether you wish to visit a new city in the US or internationally, this traveling guide is made for beginners who need inspiration on where to book their trip.
For Traveling Domestically
1. Phoenix, Arizona
To travel to a place where it’s almost always sunny, go to Phoenix. This city rarely sees a rainy or cloudy day, which means you’re able to fully take in the unmatched desert beauty. Phoenix is also known for its outdoor sites including the Canyon Recreation Area and the Desert Botanical Garden, so if you love being in nature then this city is worth visiting. Also, you can find plenty of luxury hotels and resorts in Phoenix to rest and recharge after a long day of exploring the city.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is unlike any other city in the world as it’s the heart of Creole and Cajun cuisine, Jazz music and the most eye-catching architecture you’ll ever see. So, this begs the question of where to start? Well, a few must-visit places include Café du Monde for their authentic New Orleans beignets, the French Quarter to stroll and take in the historic architecture and charm of the city and Audubon Nature Institute for the parks and museum. Then, you can take advantage of the nightlife scene by going to a lounge or music hall to listen to live bands perform while enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail.
3. Seattle, Washington
If you’re planning a trip this fall, consider making Seattle the primary destination. During this season, the city’s foliage from the native trees turn vibrant hues of gold, red and orange. This is why seeing the fall colors in action when visiting Seattle is a must. But, whether you come specifically during the fall or another time of the year, the city is still great for beginner travelers who are looking to try the best coffee shops in the country, see the infamous Space Needle or go to the Museum of Pop Culture.
For Traveling Internationally
4. London, England
Even though London is a big and historical city, you shouldn’t hesitate to put it on your list of places to visit as a novice traveler. In fact, London’s Underground network (also referred to as the Tube) can get you from point A to point B without dealing with traffic, similar to the subway. While in London, be sure to take advantage of the wide-ranging sites to visit. Whether you go to the National Gallery to experience one of the world’s most incredible art collections or the Tower Bridge to take in incredible views of the city, there’s something for everyone in London. Plus, this city is known for its colorful nightlife scene that includes attractive cocktail bars, live music venues and clubs.
5. Toronto, Canada
Similar to London, Toronto is a bustling city with one of the most multicultural populations in the world. This makes Toronto a hub for being exposed to other cultures, especially through food. In this city, various ethnic neighborhoods offer specific cuisines like Little Italy for Italian food, GreekTown to savor Greek cuisine and Little India for a taste of South Asia–just to name a few. Additionally, Toronto is known for having hundreds of beautiful parks that are perfect for stopping and taking a moment to bask in nature. One park to visit is located in the middle of Toronto and known as High Park. Featuring nearly 400 acres of lush green spaces, hiking trails and picnic areas, High Park is a nice change of pace amidst the energeticness of the city.
6. Rome, Italy
When in Rome, see, taste and engulf yourself in the beauty of the city. Sites such as the Colosseum and Baths of Caracalla capture Rome’s ancient history, while restaurants, boutiques and art galleries showcase the city’s contemporary offerings. Although basic English is fairly understood in Rome, it’s still a good idea to learn some simple greetings and phrases in Italian including “Ciao” [pronounced chow] (informal for Hi/Goodbye) and “Grazie” [pronounced grah-tsee-eh] (Thank You) as it will help you navigate the city much easier. (Learn more helpful Italian phrases and their pronunciations at TripSavvy.com.)
Before You Pack Up and Go
These six destinations offer a glimpse into what’s in store for your traveling journey. But, you should always do more extensive research into your desired location so you’re aware of the do’s and don’ts of visiting there. Once you’re fully prepared for your trip, make the most of this life-changing opportunity!
Want to read another travel-related story? Check out this article on the best history museums you should visit soon!
Featured image credit: Photo by IC Production via Shutterstock
