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So me my girlfriend and some of my friends have been thinking about going on a 7-10 day abroad vacation. None of us have ever really been outside America. Although some (including me) have been to Canada, but that barely counts. We want to avoid the typical ultra tourist trap areas. We've been throwing some ideas around and this and came up with this list. Some of the things that are important include. Currently there's no real time table for this, just want to get some ideas.
1. Outdoor activities
2. History
3. Food and drink
4. Culture
5. Affordability
6. Natural beaty
7. Travel Safety
8. Weather
Last edited by Turnerbro; 04-26-2018 at 04:37 PM..
I have been to all those places. I think I would choose Lisbon as the most suitable for first time travellers.
Just keep in mind that places which are called tourist traps are that for a reason. They inevitably have sites of such importance that many tourists want to see them.
In Europe more so than South America, English is widely spoken and travelling is easy.
I have been to all those places. I think I would choose Lisbon as the most suitable for first time travellers.
Just keep in mind that places which are called tourist traps are that for a reason. They inevitably have sites of such importance that many tourists want to see them.
In Europe more so than South America, English is widely spoken and travelling is easy.
Thanks for the input. Yeah I forgot to talk about the language thing. Most of us only know English, I can speak a little Spanish but am far from fluent.
Last edited by Turnerbro; 04-26-2018 at 04:37 PM..
I just came back from Tel Aviv. Israel is pretty pricey if you're on a budget this is not the place for you. Great beach life but not much history either, you need to go to Jerusalem or Nazareth for that.
In fact none of the places you've chosen are particularly affordable apart from Lisbon, Lima and maybe Dublin & Sicily. Other cities you mentioned also don't offer much in outdoor activities such as Buenos Aires.
As a first time visitor and assuming you're going in the summer to get in some beach time I would chose Lisbon. However, seeing as you have Mexico on your doorstep and flights are like nothing I don't see why you don't choose there. Mexico offers more than any of the countries you mentioned apart from Italy and Israel which does pack a punch for its small size.
I just came back from Tel Aviv. Israel is pretty pricey if you're on a budget this is not the place for you. Great beach life but not much history either, you need to go to Jerusalem or Nazareth for that.
In fact none of the places you've chosen are particularly affordable apart from Lisbon, Lima and maybe Dublin & Sicily. Other cities you mentioned also don't offer much in outdoor activities such as Buenos Aires.
As a first time visitor and assuming you're going in the summer to get in some beach time I would chose Lisbon. However, seeing as you have Mexico on your doorstep and flights are like nothing I don't see why you don't choose there. Mexico offers more than any of the countries you mentioned apart from Italy and Israel which does pack a punch for its small size.
Mexico and Israel aren't incredibly safe destinations though.
Well at one point we where thinking Mexico City and the neighboring beaches. But that recent killing spree is concerning. From most of what I've heard, Israel is actually pretty safe. Though I do understand that it isn't exactly cheap.
Well at one point we where thinking Mexico City and the neighboring beaches. But that recent killing spree is concerning. From most of what I've heard, Israel is actually pretty safe. Though I do understand that it isn't exactly cheap.
Killing spree where? You need to turn off that US media brother - it does you more harm than good. 9 million people visit Cancun alone each year! 9 million!!! And you're worried about some low life drug dealers killing each other far away from anywhere you would venture to?
I wouldn't choose Mexico city as a first time traveller, you'll be too nervous through the psychological babble your country feeds you + you want outdoor adventure and possibly beach. Mex city doesn't have any beach nearby - except for Acapulco, which is dangerous! I've been to Acapulco and enjoyed it but I wouldn't recommend for a first time traveller. The Yucatan on the other hand is a perfect blend of cultural cities (Merida), outdoor activities (Cenotes/Maya ruins) and beach (Tulum), I was just there in February - Air b&b's are crazy cheap. I doubt I spent more than $600 for a week including flights and that's from London, UK!
Here's a little reminder to take the US media and what people around you say (especially those who have never been there) with a pinch of salt. The first video are people that have never been outside the US apart from Canada and the second video is of people that have been to 20+ countries.
It's Medellin, but it applies to the subject matter.
Mexico and Israel aren't incredibly safe destinations though.
Have you been to either country? It's a rhetorical question because the obvious answer is No. If you had you wouldn't be saying that.
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