Sometimes you just want travel to be simple. A robust itinerary full of different cities and sights can be exciting, but it takes a lot of work to create and even more to execute! Have no fear--there are easy international travel destinations out there where you can have a variety of incredible experiences with significantly less effort.
Most of the destinations on this list I've visited more than once, and each time find them delightfully easy to get around, communicate and plan for! There's enough in each place to keep you entertained for at least a week, so you don't have to worry about constantly being on the move.
Whether you don’t have time to do a lot of planning or are new to international travel, you can keep things simple and still see the world your way.
In this article, you’ll discover places that are easy to travel to for those who speak English and are comfortable with the culture in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, since that’s where most of my readers are based. The destinations here have been selected based on my personal experiences. While there are other easy international travel destinations out there, I would only be sharing what I learned second-hand if I included them.
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What makes an easy international travel destination?
Unsplash
There are a few key factors that make a place simple to visit. The easy international travel destinations you see here were selected based on the following considerations:
- Getting Around - How easy is it to move about by walking, public transportation, or rental car?
- Language Barrier - How easy is it to communicate in English?
- Variety of Experiences - Are there different types of experiences available to satisfy a mixture of travel styles and interests?
- Culture Shock - Is this destination so wildly different from what you’re used to that it will take a lot of time to understand the norms?
Each destination is rated for each element on a scale of 1 to 5 with five being the easiest.
#5 Easiest International Travel Destinations: Amsterdam, Netherlands
There is no shortage of gorgeous views like this in Amsterdam!
Getting Around: 4
Language Barrier: 3
Variety of Experiences: 4
Culture Shock: 3
Amsterdam is one of the easiest international travel destinations because most of the attractions visitors come to see are in a compact area of the city. There’s a train from the airport which goes right to the Centrum borough, where you can experience the vibrant culture of the historic canal district. The metro and tram system makes it easy to get from one part of the city to another, if you want to explore beyond the canals.
English is well-spoken by most of the locals you’ll encounter during your time in Amsterdam. There are also a wide variety of experiences available in Amsterdam -- art lovers can enjoy the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, foodies will find tasty treats around every corner, and even nature lovers can get away from the crowds in Vondelpark. The Iamsterdam city card is a great way to save money if you want to visit the main sights in the city.
Getting used to looking for bike traffic can take a minute to get used to!
Bicycles are the primary mode of transportation, and it takes a moment to get familiar with watching for bikes before crossing a street rather than cars. It may also be unusual to smell cannabis out in the open or see the hedonistic activities available in the Red Light District, where prostitution is legal. While the city has its own unique culture and quirks, it’s gorgeous and welcoming. It won’t take long to find something you enjoy!
#4 Easy International Travel Destinations: Berlin, Germany
View from the top of the Berliner Dom.
Getting Around: 4
Language Barrier: 4
Variety of Experiences: 4
Culture Shock: 4
Berlin is a bustling city with more than three million residents and one of the most interesting cities in Europe, in my opinion. The public transportation system is incredible, making it easy to visit sights that are spread across the urban landscape. The new Brandenburg Airport offers a number of options for visitors to get into the city -- train, express bus, and shuttle services.
Because Berlin is a multicultural city, with more than 20% of residents coming from a non-German background, most people speak English very well. With this diversity comes a wide variety of cultural experiences. Berlin truly offers something for everyone! There are incredible museums, fascinating historical sites, night clubs galore, and the Tiergarten is one of my favorite parks ever. You can save with the Berlin Welcome Card, which gives you free access to public transportation and discounts at many attractions throughout the city.
The huge variety of experiences, like visiting the East Side Gallery, is what makes Berlin an easy international travel destination!
Although Berlin is a diverse city, German culture is still obvious throughout. On each of my visits, I found the locals to be warm and friendly. The city is also known for its party scene. Depending on what you enjoy most, you can find everything from hedonistic nightlife to classical art.
Easy International Travel Destinations: London, England
London has no shortage of iconic sights to visit and everything is in English!
Getting Around: 4
Language Barrier: 5
Variety of Experiences: 5
Culture Shock: 5
London is one of Europe’s largest cities both in size and population. There is an incredible public transportation network, but if you’re traversing the entire city, it can take a while to get from one place to the next. Exploring one area at a time makes the metropolis much easier to navigate. There are two major international airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, where most international flights enter the United Kingdom’s capital. Both airports have trains that will take you right into the heart of London.
One of the biggest reasons London is an easy international travel destination is that everyone speaks English. All the signs are also in English, making it easy to find your way or ask for directions, should you need them. London is also a diverse city with many neighborhoods that have become enclaves for different ethnic groups. Each has its own unique character and offers a chance to experience something beyond traditional British culture. With the multicultural makeup, you’ll also find a variety of celebrations and events throughout the year!
There are plenty of offbeat things to do in London like visit the Freud Museum.
#2 Easy International Travel Destinations: Scotland
Scotland’s unique culture is one of the best reasons to visit!
Getting Around: 5
Language Barrier: 5
Variety of Experiences: 4
Culture Shock: 5
Though Scotland is part of the United Kingdom and shares an island with both England and Wales, it’s incredibly unique. While the rest of this list consists of specific cities, the entire country of Scotland deserves mention for being an easy international travel destination. The Airlink bus service offers access from Edinburgh airport into the heart of Old Town. Multiple bus, train, and ferry services connect visitors to beautiful and unique destinations throughout the country, including the islands.
Cities and towns throughout Scotland are easily walkable or provide excellent public transportation. Driving through the countryside is one of the best ways to experience the incredible landscapes you’ll find here. Because English is the primary language of Scotland, you’ll find all the signs easy to follow. You’ll also see the Scots Gaelic language as a secondary language on many signs, which is a unique experience. Once you get further afield, you may find it harder to understand the locals, though they are actually speaking English. It’s one of the charming aspects of a trip to the Highlands and islands.
Edinburgh is full of historical sights like St. Giles Cathedral!
Scotland is insanely gorgeous, and I highly recommend visiting the breathtaking Highlands. Scotch whisky and golf are both a huge part of the culture. If you’re interested in either, this is the place to try them! Though it may feel slightly less familiar than London, the people are friendly and good-humored.
Scotland is one of my top two favorite places ever! I’ve visited four times now and will continue to go back because it’s just that incredible, and there’s so much to experience! If you want more insight into planning your own trip, schedule a consultation.
#1 Easy International Travel Destinations: Toronto, Canada
Toronto was such a pleasant surprise and the easiest international travel destinations I’ve visited!
Getting Around: 5
Language Barrier: 5
Variety of Experiences: 5
Culture Shock: 5
Toronto was such a pleasant surprise! I’d heard about the diversity of the city but didn’t realize it had actually been named the most multicultural city in the world. More than 50% of Toronto residents were born outside the city! It’s also the largest city in Canada, bringing flights from around the world. The UP Express makes it simple to get from the airport into the heart of the city.
Toronto has a variety of cultural neighborhoods to explore. You’ll find Greektown, Little India, Chinatown, and so many more! The subway and streetcar system make it easy to get around, and the city is incredibly clean. All the major signs are in English, making it simple to navigate. Though you will hear a wide variety of languages spoken as you walk down the street, the vast majority of business is conducted in English.
Greektown is just one of the many cultural neighborhoods in Toronto. Some of my favorite food was here!
The incredible variety of cultural experiences was one of my favorite things about Toronto. It seems like there is always a cultural festival or celebration happening somewhere in the city. With this diversity of cultures also comes an insane amount of good food! In five weeks, I didn’t have a single bad meal and only revisited a handful of restaurants. For a sampling of food in a condensed area, head to Kensington Market! We went with Tasty Tours, and they were wonderful!
Canadians are known for their friendliness, and Toronto is no exception. In a city where more than half the population comes from somewhere else, there’s no need to worry about fitting in. Everyone is welcome!
Wrapping Up
Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash
Now that you’ve learned a bit about these easy international travel destinations, I hope you can see that planning a trip to a new country doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. You’ll have to step outside your comfort zone a bit, as is always the case when going somewhere new, but these places make it less intimidating.
While these are easy international travel destinations to visit, there are some additional tips and resources that make planning any trip easier. Below are some of the most popular articles to help with creating your next adventure!
If you want to learn to plan your own international trips with ease, check out the How to Plan Your Own Unique and Affordable International Trips course. If you don’t have the time or desire to plan your trip or would like to talk with someone about your plans, check out these consulting services created specifically for indie travelers like you.
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Now get out there. The world is waiting for you!
Your Turn
Have you ever been to an international destination that was super easy to plan for and navigate? What other places would you add to this list?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
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These are some really great recommendations! I've been to Berlin, Amsterdam and London and loved my time there so much. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ah, I love that you also enjoyed your time in those places! 🙂
What a fantastic post (and great idea to rate them on these 4 parameters) – all of these are spot on! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Loving this! Amsterdam remains on my if-I-could-ever-afford-it-solo city to live abroad😅 But all of these suggestions has my wanderlust on the edge of her seat! Can’t wait to read more☺️
Ooh, Amsterdam is so delightful! It’s definitely one of those cities I could spend a few months exploring. So happy to hear you’re enjoying the blog! 🙂