Planning your first trip somewhere new? Our destination travel guides and tips are designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your journey, even if you’re a first-time visitor. Remember, we have been there too and are passing on all the things we wish we had known
From Japan to the UK and beyond, click the map to explore tips, itineraries and podcast episodes based on our own experiences — everything we wish we’d known before visiting for the first time.
First time visitor guides
Destination travel guides and tips specifically for first time visitors
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12 Essential Istanbul Travel Tips for Your First Visit
If you’re planning your first visit to Istanbul in Türkiye, you’re in for something truly special. Straddling Europe and Asia,…
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France Travel Guide
France Travel Guide – Plan Your Trip Planning your first trip to France? You’re in the right place. From the…
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12 Essential Poland Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
On our first trip to Poland, we discovered that it is a country full of surprises. Poland boasts golden beaches,…
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12 Essential Finland Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Finland is a country of tranquil forests, shimmering lakes, stylish cities, and Arctic adventures. From chasing the northern lights to…
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12 Essential Sweden Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Sweden is a beguiling land of sleek design, ancient forests, cosy cafés, and clean, efficient cities. From the cobbled streets…
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12 Essential Hungary Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Hungary offers the perfect mix of history, relaxation, and affordability. It offers grand architecture, thermal baths, stunning landscapes, rich cuisine,…
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Episode 66 – Hawaii for First Time Visitors: Essential Tips, Island Choices and more from Marcie Cheung
In episode 66 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung. Together, they…
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Episode 64 – Essential Tips for Your First Journey to India with Travel Expert Mariellen Ward
In episode 64 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with guest Mariellen Ward, an award-winning travel writer and…
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12 Essential Turkey Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning your first trip to Turkey (Türkiye), this guide covers everything you need to know before you go….
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12 Essential Qatar Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Many people arrive in Qatar for a short stopover before travelling on to another destination but we think Qatar deserves…
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12 Essential Malaysia Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
We think that Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and underrated travel destinations. It offers a rich mix…
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12 Essential Sri Lanka Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Sri Lanka is one of the most rewarding destinations in South Asia. First-time visitors will be wowed with its palm-fringed…
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Japan Itinerary for First-Time Travellers: A 21-Day Adventure
In late 2023, we spent 21 days exploring Japan. This was our first visit, and we designed our Japan itinerary…
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Episode 58 Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Tasmania [lutruwita]: Tips + See, Do, Eat, Experience
In episode 58 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with travel writer Jennifer Johnston about all things Tasmanian….
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Sri Lanka Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Scenic journeys, cultural gems, and a relaxed pace. Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka? Our Sri Lanka itinerary outlines…
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Episode 57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
In episode 57 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, hosts Tracy and Doug Collins team up to share their top…
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12 Essential Cambodia Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
From the iconic temples of Angkor Wat to bustling Phnom Penh and the laid-back beaches of the south, Cambodia is…
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12 Essential India Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
A trip to India is like stepping into a world of vibrant contrasts – where ancient temples stand beside cutting-edge…
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12 Essential South Korea Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
South Korea is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern innovation. From the neon-lit streets of Seoul and its…
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12 Essential Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
From the buzzing streets of Hanoi and the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An to the dramatic karst peaks of Halong…
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12 Essential Japan Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Japan? From the busy neon streets of Tokyo to the ancient temples of Kyoto, Japan…
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Episode 50 – Nepal Unveiled: A First-Timer’s Guide to Exploring the Land of the Himalayas
In episode 50 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by travel expert Abigail Hannah from Aotearoa Adventures…
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Episode 49 – Tips for first time visitors to the Amalfi Coast
In episode 49 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy once again welcomes Italy travel expert Dianne Bortoletto back to…
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12 Essential Spain Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Spain? From meal times and tapas to flamenco and more, here are 12 Spain travel…
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12 Essential Portugal Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning your first trip to Portugal, this article has everything you need to know as a first time…
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12 Essential New Zealand Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to New Zealand? From navigating scenic roads to essential travel hacks, here are 12 New Zealand…
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15 Essential Morocco Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
15 Morocco Travel Tips to help make you make the most of your trip! Planning your first trip to Morocco?…
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Episode 45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first time visitors
In episode 45 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Germany travel planning expert Cate, co-founder of My…
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Florence Travel Guide for First Time Visitors [Essential Tips]
Headed off to Florence for the very first time? Lucky you! This breathtakingly beautiful Italian city is jam-packed with architectural…
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Rome Travel Tips for first time visitors
Read our essential Rome travel tips and guide to make the most of your visit to the Italian capital. Whether…
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Episode 42 – Discover Italy: Essential tips for first-time visitors with Dianne Bortoletto
In episode 42 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with guest Diane Bortoletto, a travel expert and co-host…
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Tips for Visiting the Vatican + Vatican Museums [Essential info for first time visitors]
The Vatican City is one of the world’s most famous and must-see sites. This tiny country within the Italian capital,…
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Episode 41 – Tips for first time visitors to Peru with Ariana Svenson
In episode 41 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy invites guest Ariana to share her extensive knowledge about Peru….
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Episode 40 – Dubai Travel Guide: Expert Tips for First-Time Visitors
In episode 40 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy invites Keri from Dubai Travel Planner to explore the dazzling…
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Episode 38 – Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo Japan
In episode 38 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins welcomes guest Helen Foster to discuss essential tips…
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Episode 37 – Tips for first time visitors to France
Join host Tracy Collins in episode 37 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast as she chats with Jo Karnaghan from…
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Tips for first time visitors to Athens, Greece
Planning your first trip to Athens? The historic capital of Greece beautifully blends ancient history with modern vibes. Often overlooked…
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Episode 15 – Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors to Singapore
In episode 15 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, join me on a journey through the stunning city of Singapore…
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Episode 14 – Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers
In episode 14 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy brings you invaluable tips for first-time visitors to Japan. Based…
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Episode 4: Vietnam Travel Guide – Expert Tips and Info for First Time Visitors
In Episode 4 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast I chat with travel experts Ros and Alan Cuthbertson creators of…
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Bali travel tips [essential tips for first-time visitors]
If you’re planning to visit this beautiful Indonesian island, then you really need this list of Bali tips for first…
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12 Singapore Travel Tips for first-time visitors
Welcome to Singapore! Famous for its towering skyscrapers, bustling city streets, and delicious food this small island nation located in…
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9 Essential Tips for visiting Paris France for the first time
Are you visiting Paris France for the first time? Check out my top tips to make the best of your time in the French capital.
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12 Malta Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Malta. Includes things to do and tips to make the most of your trip.
![Episode 58 Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Tasmania [lutruwita]: Tips + See, Do, Eat, Experience](https://globaltravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GTP-Podcast-Jen-in-Tasmania.jpg)
![Tips for Visiting the Vatican + Vatican Museums [Essential info for first time visitors]](https://globaltravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-Vatican-Museums.jpg)
![Bali travel tips [essential tips for first-time visitors]](https://globaltravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Bali-Guide.jpg)
