Where to Travel Abroad for the First Time:
A Beginner’s Guide Automatic translate

Holding your first passport is like a blank slate, ready to write any story. But which country should you choose to avoid ruining your travel experiences for a lifetime?

First Trip Abroad: 5 Destinations You’ll Definitely Love

Statistics show that 68% of tourists who choose a poor first destination postpone their next trip for at least two years. The ideal option for a first-time traveler is a country with a simple visa regime, clear infrastructure, Russian-speaking staff, and reasonable prices. We’ll tell you about five countries where you’ll feel confident, even if your English is only at the level of "Hello, my name is."

Türkiye: A Win-Win Classic for a First Timer

It’s no wonder the Antalya coast remains the top choice for 43% of Russians traveling abroad for the first time. It offers the perfect ecosystem for first-time tourists.

Why Türkiye:

• Visas are not required for trips up to 60 days.
• Russian-speaking staff in 90% of hotels
• The all-inclusive system solves all food issues
• Direct flights from 15 Russian cities, travel time from Moscow is 3 hours

Climate and seasons:

• May – October: water temperature +22…+28°C, air temperature +28…+35°C
• The best months for beginners are June and September (fewer tourists, comfortable weather)

Things to do:

• Lara and Konyaalti beaches in Antalya with developed infrastructure
• Excursions to ancient Perge and the Duden Waterfall (from 25 euros)
• The Land of Legends and Aqua Land water parks (tickets 40-50 euros)

If you’re planning your first trip, check out tours from Moscow — there are often special offers for popular destinations departing in the coming weeks.

Best for: Families with children, couples, and groups of friends. Particularly suitable for those concerned about the language barrier.

UAE (Dubai): Comfort without compromise

The Emirates are a "maximum level of foreign travel" for those who value predictability and European-level service in an Eastern package.

Why Dubai:

• Visa-free travel for 90 days
• One of the safest cities in the world (crime index 0.15)
• Metro signs in Russian
• Direct flights from Moscow 4-5 times a day, flight time 5 hours

Climate:

• Comfortable season: November – April (+24…+30°C)
• Water temperature in winter is +22…+24°C

Things to do:

• Jumeirah Beach with views of the Burj Al Arab (free entry)
• Burj Khalifa Observation Deck, 124th Floor (tickets from $40)
• Dubai Mall with an aquarium and ice rink
• The old Al Fahidi district with its traditional markets

For whom: Travelers who want guaranteed comfort, lovers of shopping and modern architecture.

Thailand (Phuket): Controlled Exoticism

Thailand offers a sense of true adventure, yet its infrastructure has been honed by millions of tourists.

Why Phuket:

• A visa is not required for trips up to 30 days.
• English is understood almost everywhere.
• Developed tourist infrastructure
• Flight from Moscow takes 9 hours (daily direct flights)

Climate:

• Dry season: November – April (+30…+33°C, minimum rainfall)
• Water temperature all year round +28…+30°C

Things to do:

• The beaches of Patong (infrastructure), Karon (peaceful), Kamala (family vacation)
• Big Buddha Observation Deck with 360-degree panorama (free)
• Phi Phi Islands Tour (from 1,500 baht/3,500 rubles)
• Thai massage in an authentic spa from 300 baht/700 rubles per hour

Best for: Exotic lovers who aren’t ready for extreme experiences. Ideal for couples and friends aged 25-40.

Greece (Crete): Culture and Beaches in One Package

Crete is when you want to do more than just lie on the beach, but also take home impressions of ancient ruins and Cretan cuisine.

Why Crete:

• Schengen visa (issued in 5-7 days, often issued as a multiple entry visa)
• Flight from Moscow 4 hours
• The mentality is close to the Russian one - warm and welcoming
• Excellent cuisine (the portions are huge, the prices are reasonable)

Climate:

• May – October: water +22…+26°C, air +25…+32°C
• The best time is June and September

Things to do:

• Elafonisi beach with pink sand
• Knossos Palace – Minoan ruins (ticket 15 euros)
• Samaria Gorge – 16 km hiking trail (entrance fee 5 euros)
• Taverns with Greek salad (4-6 euros) and seafood (from 12 euros per dish)

Best for: Smart travelers, families with teenagers, couples 30+. Montenegro: Europe for Beginners

Little Montenegro is a training ground for "big" Europe. Compact, safe, with stunning natural beauty.

Why Montenegro:

• Visa-free travel for up to 30 days
• The staff often speaks Russian.
• Compactness: the whole country is like one resort
• Flight from Moscow 3 hours

Climate:

• May – September: water +22…+26°C, air +26…+30°C

Things to do:

• Bay of Kotor - Adriatic fjords
• Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO listed)
• Beaches of Budva and Becici
• The Tara River Canyon is the deepest in Europe (1,300 meters)

For whom: Road travelers (you can rent a car), nature lovers, budget tourists.

Checklist for choosing your first country

What to look out for:

• Visa regime: Start with visa-free countries or those with easy registration
• Flight: Direct flights up to 5 hours - ideal for first time travelers
• Language barrier: Choose destinations with Russian-speaking staff or those with good English
• Infrastructure: Developed resorts with 4-5* hotels give confidence to beginners
• Budget: Plan to add 30% of the base tour price for excursions and unexpected events.

When to book:

• 2-3 months for the summer season (discounts up to 25%)
• 1-1.5 months for winter destinations
• Last-minute tours for 7-10 days - for experienced travelers, not beginners

What to take with you:

• Copies of documents in cloud storage
• Insurance with coverage of at least $50,000
• A bank card that supports international payments
• Offline translation app

Your first trip abroad is like your first kiss: you’ll remember it for a lifetime. So, choose your destination not based on "where’s the cheapest," but rather on "where I’ll feel most comfortable." Turkey offers carefree travel, the UAE guarantees guaranteed service, Thailand offers exoticism without the stress, Greece offers a culturally rich atmosphere, and Montenegro offers an intimate atmosphere. Start with one of these countries.