Traveling the world is something everyone with the ability to do so should do, but those of us who are less experienced in the ways of wanderlust can get quickly overwhelmed. Purchasing flights, hotels, car rentals, cruise tickets, planning an itinerary, and even getting a passport are all daunting tasks, and the stress adds up quickly before a destination has even been decided. Luckily, a new report found which cities are the best destinations for first-time travelers; even more luckily, they’re both in the country of Portugal.
40 major cities were analyzed as part of a study the considered safety, English proficiency, friendliness, walkability, and more. Two cities tied for first: Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city, and Porto, the second city a few hours north by train. The reasons are numerous: first, the country ranked 5th for hospitality, and a large percentage of the population are proficient in English, allowing for easy socialization and questions from potentially shy first-time travelers. They’re also affordable cities compared to the number of landmarks and things to do: Porto’s hotels average $105 a night, and Lisbon’s $135. Both cities offer stunning views, delicious food, and plenty of history.
Europe and Asia Dominate the Top 10
Prague, capital of Czechia, was number 2 for its safety and berth of historic sites within walking distance. The city was recently named the best-value vacation in the world. Finishing out the podium was Seoul, South Korea. While a longer flight for American travelers, food and lodgings are ridiculously cheap given the quality: hotels average $65 a night, and a proper sit-down meal just $8.
Other cities in the top 10 include Helsinki, Finland; Kyoto, Japan; Budapest, Hungary; and Madrid, Spain. These locations are varied in their culture, food, and landmarks, but all share a common sense of safety and value for your dollar (or Euro). The good news for any first-time traveler is there are plenty of options to make your first trip an unforgettable one.
Next: Historic European City Named ‘Best-Value Vacation in the World’
