The best place to go abroad for the first time – three best destinations for an inexpensive independent trip: Andalusia, Malta, Portugal.
Do you want to try traveling on your own but are worried because you don’t know what to expect? There are many unknowns – from communication to transportation – that you will have to overcome on your own.
Choosing the right destination for your first trip can in itself change your previous travel experience completely. You will fall in love with independent planning, searching for interesting cities and natural attractions.
That’s why I advise you to choose countries and places with good transportation, friendly locals, and a minimal language barrier for the first time (of course, if you know at least a little English).
Here are the best places for those traveling alone for the first time.
I advise you to read it: Women’s solo travel – my list of countries where and how to travel safely
Andalusia
- Airfare: from 70 Euros to Malaga or Seville in low season.
- Accommodation: hostels from 20 euros per bed, from 45 euros per room.
- Cafes and restaurants: the average check is 15 euros per person.
- Public transportation: bus ticket is 5 Euros, train ticket is 18-22 Euros.
Andalusia is a Spanish province located on the southern coast of Spain – is a province of Spain, located on the southern coast of Spain, which impresses with the beauty of historic old towns and stunning nature. Almost all major attractions and cities are connected by public transportation – buses and trains.
This destination is ideal for individual travelers who want to organize their first trip abroad without stress and unnecessary expenses.
I advise you to buy a ticket to Malaga or Seville and make the most interesting route between Malaga, Ronda, Seville and Cordoba, Granada. A year ago, we did this on public transportation.
If your plane arrives in Madrid, you can also take a train to Andalusia from Madrid. And while in Madrid, set aside one day for Toledo – one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
Cordoba is particularly popular for its combination of Roman and Moorish history. To explore Moorish architecture, book a ticket to Mesquite, the mosque-cathedral of Cordoba. Now a World Heritage site, it really impressed me with its colorful arches and huge size, unusual for Catholic cathedrals.
Andalusia also has some great places for hiking:
- First of all, it is Camino Mosarabe – a hiking route that runs from Almeria to Merida. But you can do a week-long stretch from Granada to Cordoba. This is exactly what we did with our daughter last year, exploring the white villages of Andalusia.
- Secondly, it is the incredibly beautiful Caminito del Rey hiking route – a path that passes through the El Chorro gorge and runs along the path made in the canyon walls.
I advise you to read it before planning your route through Andalusia:
A week-long route in Andalusia – what to see in the south of Spain
Portugal
- Airfare: from 70 Euros to Lisbon or Porto in low season.
- Accommodation: hostels from 35 euros per bed, from 50 euros per room.
- Cafes and restaurants: the average check is 12-15 euros per person.
- Public transportation: subway ticket is 2.2 Euros.
Portugal – is one of the best destinations for those traveling alone for the first time. When I was discovering Portugal, I started my research with Porto – the birthplace of port wine. The most popular Camino Portugues Costal, a hiking route leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, also starts from the city of Porto. This is also a good hiking destination for beginners who are walking a long route on their own for the first time.
It’s also great to walk in Porto itself – there are a lot of interesting city walking routes which I highly recommend. In general, in the center of Porto, you will hardly need public transportation. Exceptions – metro to/from the airport, bus or metro to the beaches of Motusinhos. Or an old tram that will take you to the ocean.
From the port you can go to Lisbon – If you need to get there, you can take a train and be there in three hours. Or plan a route through small towns inland and on the ocean, rent a car and see the beautiful towns Nazare, Obidos and Aveiro, Sintra.
Food in restaurants is quite cheap, and Portuguese cuisine is delicious – try seafood, sweet pate de nata cakes, and francigena.
To save more money, buy a Lisboa Card, a pass that covers public transportation and provides discounts and entry to more than 50 museums and attractions. For example, you can use it to get free travel on suburban trains to Sintra or Cascais and visit the magnificent Pena Palace.
And after you have walked the stairs and streets of the Portuguese capital, I advise you to visit the south – go to the Atlantic beaches Algarve which can be reached in three hours by train. Or in a rented car.
I advise you to read it: Car route in Portugal – from Lisbon to Porto
Malta
- Flights: from 45 Euros to Malta in low season.
- Accommodation: hostels from 20 euros per bed, from 35 euros per room.
- Cafes and restaurants: the average check is 20 euros per person.
- Public transport: bus ticket is 2.5 Euros, unlimited weekly pass is 25 Euros.
Malta is highly recommended for those who speak English and love the compact location of a large number of attractions per square kilometer.
Compact island easy to explore by bus making ancient and modern cities, incredibly beautiful beaches, beautiful hiking trails along the sea and cliffs accessible. They can be reached in about an hour from your hotel.
Don’t let the small size of the country fool you – you won’t be bored on the three islands, which can be reached by ferry and boat. Don’t miss the magnificent cliffs at Dwejra Bay on the island of Gozo or take a walk along the cliffs of Dingli on the island of Malta.
Visit Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, which has become super-famous thanks to the Game of Thrones series.
Relax on the Malta’s sandy beaches. There are few of them, but they are very beautiful and charming.
Explore the streets and cafes Valletta and take a boat trip across the Grand Bay to the Tri-Cities, which has preserved the charm of old Malta.
I advise you to read it: Malta – how to plan a trip for 7 days
Useful links for independent travelers:
- 10 tips for those traveling to Portugal for the first time
- Black Sea beaches in Romania
- Top 7 cities worth visiting in Spain
Bus schedule and bus tickets are available at InfoBus.ua
Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Green Card, Car Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
