The first time you travel abroad is
bound to be a nail-biting experience. Greeted by an alien culture, huge
language barriers, and traffic on opposite sides of the street, it's
understandable you're going to feel a little apprehensive about your first trip
beyond the comfort zone you call 'home'. If you haven't travelled abroad
before, you will likely want to start off with a destination that is
novice-friendly to minimise the risk of a complete culture shock. Before you
give in and settle for that coach excursion across your country's own border,
check out these tried and tested locations for newbie travellers. It could
herald the start of a lifelong wanderlust!
Tokyo, Japan
If you yearn to savour the exotic
sights and smells of Asia, Japan is the perfect introduction. Tokyo is a
frenetic, tourist friendly metropolis mapped out in almost grid-like fashion,
so you'll never have problems navigating your way from the Tsujiki Fish Market
in Tsukiiishijo, to the famous
Senso-ji Buddhist temple at Asakusa. With a well developed tourist
infrastructure, and handy signposting in all number of languages, first time
visitors feel at ease almost as soon as they touch down.
You'll find Japan's citizens are far
more polite and welcoming than in neighbouring countries – mutual respect being
an inherent quality of Buddhist culture. Tokyo is a hotch-potch of intertwining
train, bus and tram networks, but getting around is a breeze if you stick with
known operators such as JR East (trains) and Tokyo Metro (trams). If in doubt,
stick with the Yamanote circular train route. It encompasses all major tourist
attractions, as well as the trendy Shinjuku shopping and entertainment
district.
Paris, France
If you long to sample continental
Europe, but can't quite bring yourself to book a five-country weekend
excursion, Paris is a great starting point. Despite being the French capital,
Paris' citizens are a largely English speaking bunch with a sympathetic
attitude to non French-speaking tourists. Whether you need directions to the Louvre,
or assistance deciphering your French city guide, you'll find most people are
more than willing to oblige. Paris is a cosmopolitan city, but that doesn't
mean activities are limited to trawling galleries of post-modernist art. The
city is brimming with internationally recognised icons, such as the cultural
Center Pompidou, and Place Beauborg with its animated street entertainers and
kinetic sculptures. By far the best way to get around is via the city's metro
system. There are 16 lines traversing the various districts of the city,
however, even these are colour coded and numbered for ease of recognition!
New Zealand
If you're looking for a place that is
beautiful, laid back and versatile, look no further than Middle Earth (or New
Zealand, as it's better known). New Zealand's East Coast is Mother Nature's
adventure playground; an all-inclusive destination prime for caving, bungee
jumping, scuba diving and a myriad of other extreme adrenaline sports. There is
another side to New Zealand. A land of tranquil valleys, vast forests abundant
with wildlife, and huge smoking volcanoes, such as Whakaari on the East Coast,
accessible via daily ferry. New Zealand is small enough to be easily navigable
by car, however, there are numerous long-distance bus services linking the
likes of Wellington with outlying areas. Wellington's natives are an eclectic
and welcoming mix of friendly old timers and younger professionals, so you'll
find equal proliferation of bars and laid back pubs to suit.
Goa, India
The first thing that springs to mind
at mention of Goa is backpackers, yet there's far more to this Bohemian idyll
than cheap accommodations and knock-off souvenirs. A former Portuguese outpost
for over 400 years, Goa still retains much of its colonial heritage – particularly
in quaint Margao with its huge colonial square and Municipal Gardens. This,
coupled with its paradisical white beaches, swaying palms and abundance of
native wildlife makes it ideal for those seeking something a little more raw
from a holiday experience. Goa is India's smallest and richest state, meaning
that it is both easy to navigate, and the quality of transport exceeds that of
even the busiest cities. By far the best way to get around is by train; the
Konkan Kanya Express serving both Panaji and Margao en route to Mumbai, but be prepared to pay a small commission if
buying tickets in advance.
Amsterdam,
Holland
There's a stigma associated with the
Dutch capital that prompts many to avoid it as
potential weekend break location, however, Amsterdam isn't all about
sexual freedom and debauchery. In fact, despite its relatively compact size,
Amsterdam manages to cram in a host of fascinating attractions sure to tempt
the novice traveller, such as Anne Frank's House and the Heineken Brewery. Much
of the city is flat and pedestrianised, affording the best way for visitors to
get around and see the sights.
For those who don't like
walking, dedicated tram services serve
much of the city, and aren't all that difficult to understand once you get your
head around the “honor” system and checking on/ off with your yellow travel
card. Fortunately Amsterdam is extremely tourist friendly; most of the signs
being in English, as well as Dutch, and English being spoken by a significant
proportion of natives. Unlike many cities that attract a younger crowd,
Amsterdam's hostels are decidedly upmarket for the prices being charged. If you
want to experience a slice of Amsterdam's cafe culture, be sure to nab yourself
a room in trendy Leidseplein. Hip, bohemian and crammed full of exotic
restaurants, its the place to see and be seen in Europe's most backpacker
friendly city!