How to decide on your first independent trip abroad. Which country to choose so as not to experience problems, have fun and save money. Which countries are the easiest to travel to on your own, if this is your first time.

You are still studying travel agency ads and listen to the manager's revelations on the phone about paradise vacation in Egypt and luxury beaches Pattaya... You may already be ready to switch hotel reservations Sharm El Sheikh and Antalya to the vastness of the central Turkey; and also, not the best coast of Pattaya with a walk along the evening Beach Road in the company of drunken compatriots to the deserted white beaches of small islands and the atmosphere of the northern provinces of Thailand. I don't know the language! I do not know how to drive! I'm afraid of the unknown in a foreign country! I'm afraid to run out of money! Where to start, in the end, which country should you go to for the first time in the absence of experience of independent travel. Approximately such questions are asked by novice travelers, who are increasingly thinking about cheating on a tour operator and independent organization trips abroad. It is no secret that often, together with the tour package, they have to look at the local garbage dump under the window and fall asleep not to the sound of the evening surf of the waves, but to the sounds of a bulldozer under their window, accompanied by the juicy expressions of local builders.

I analyzed about 50 countries, which I could recommend to go to those who want organize the trip yourself - from the moment of buying a ticket and booking accommodation to making a route... I took 7 main criteria to make it clearer why these countries actually are. I am closer to a 5-point assessment scale, so I will evaluate the criteria according to it. Then, by adding the scores mathematically, I selected countries. I want to give the result of my research below.

One more point. Why exactly 5 countries? And not, say, 7 or 10. Because after visiting these five countries, you will practically not care where to go next. You will only have to choose a direction.

So, the criteria by which I studied the possibility independent trip a novice traveler. The order in which these criteria are laid out is random, without any hidden meaning.

• Visa regime
• Language and friendliness of the inhabitants.
• Transport accessibility and ease of movement within the country.
• Interesting country for tourism in general.
• Price level.
• Safety.
• Infrastructure and service

Many seemingly easy countries to visit were not included here by the same criteria.

Turkey

• Turkey is a visa-free country for Ukrainians and Russians, so Welcome. ( 5 points)
• here they know English and Russian, though only in tourist spotsbut for the first time this is enough; ignorance of foreign languages \u200b\u200bin the Turkish hinterland is compensated by friendliness local residents and sign language helps. ( 5 points)
• high-quality roads and a developed bus network, airports in key tourist points, proximity to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus. (5 points)
• tourism - strong point Turkey hardly needs to convince anyone of this. (5 points)
• turkish prices do not impress with their low level, but they also do not make you think about the insignificance of your income; (4 points)
• in Turkey it is dangerous, probably only for long-legged blondes, who, moreover, diligently show their other advantages to the local hot guys; everyone else has nothing to worry about; ( 4 points)
• tourist infrastructure and service are almost European and much higher than in Southeast Asia; ( 5 points)

Total points - 33

How to find budget accommodation in Istanbul

Thailand

• visa upon arrival ( 5 points)
• at Thailand everywhere they understand basic school English and are fluent in sign language - ( 4 points),since many at school learned French or German ...
• the organization of internal travel in Thailand is a dream of any traveler. Any place in the country can be reached by plane, bus, train, car or water. In addition, all this is fabulously cheap, and information about the traffic pattern is full on specialized forums or on the network. The only "but" - far from our region. Therefore - ( 4 points)
• i personally don't know a more interesting country for tourism than Thailand, who knows - please share. Beaches, history, exoticism, local cuisine ... ( 5 points)
• ailand still remains a country of very low prices for everything: transport, housing, food and services; a small problem for car enthusiasts - left-hand traffic, which you get used to in half an hour, the way to Thailand is also long, so - ( 4 points)
• at Thailand there is a specially created tourist police, so if you behave decently - there will be no problems, even in the case of indecent behavior - the likelihood of problems is equal to the probability of snowfall in the Sahara ( 5 points)
• here everything is the best - for tourists, the service in general will probably have a lot of problems for snobs and those who are used to Arab luxury, but in general for a solid four - 4 points.

Total points - 31

How to find budget accommodation in Thailand

• a visa is not needed for 96 hours, this is enough to see the country and imagine how the Kiev Troyeshchyna might look like in 150 years ( 5 points)
• 98 percent of residents speak English, so I don't see any particular problems ... nevertheless ( 4 points)
• a car in Hong Kong is a superfluous, expensive thing and is more a luxury item than a means of transportation; anywhere in the country and at any time of the day can be reached by bus, metro or taxi. From our latitudes, the path is not short and not cheap, so ( 4 points)
• local sights are located compactly, and any more or less touristy attractive country will envy their number; ( 5 points)
• prices are perhaps the only serious drawback of the country, so if you are registered with the employment fund, it is better to postpone a trip to until a white streak comes in your life; ( 2 points)
• even if you want to, the probability of encountering the Hong Kong mafia, if you are not a drug dealer or a human goods dealer, is practically negative. Hong Kong is an absolutely safe country ( 5 points)
• excellent infrastructure, good service is directly proportional to the price ( 5 points)

Total points - 30

Hong Kong Travel Review

How to Find Budget Accommodation in Hong Kong

Budget accommodation or hotels in Hong Kong can be found through the booking engine Hotels Combined, a service that I use myself. The advantages of the service are that it compares the prices of dozens of booking systems - you just have to choose the best offer. In each article or report, I provide links to hotels in which I stayed and which I liked.

How to buy a low cost flight to Hong Kong

Flight from Kievcan be bought directly from airlines, but the most beneficial is to take advantage of the offers of flights on directionKiev-Hong Kongfrom aviasales.ru

Croatia

• until recently, a visa-free country now allows our citizens only if they have a stamp in their passport; the procedure is simple, but some are stopped by this - ( 4 points)
• here they know English no better than most Russians or Ukrainians, the common language saves the situation - even a traffic cop is able to learn a dozen of the necessary phrases. ( 4 points)
• the country is located along the sea, which is considered one of the cleanest in the world, mountains, lakes and a number of ancient monuments. ( 5 points)
• croatian autobahns are one of the best in Europe and there is nothing to do here without a car, although the bus network is decent ( 4 points)
• prices are lower than the average for Europe, although the dynamics are not encouraging ( 4 points)
• at Croatia safe, but the soviet mentality is better left at home, after all, Europe will not understand ( 4 points)
• for Hiltons and other hotel pleasures, you probably shouldn't go here (with the exception of Dubrovnik), everything else is for a solid four ( 4 points)

Total points - 29

How to find budget accommodation in Croatia

Budget accommodation or hotels in Split , budget hotels in Dubrovnik or on the popularhvar island aviasales.ru , which I am using myself. The service chooses the best deals - all you have to do is choose the best for the price, departure time or airline.

You finally made up your mind and for the first time in your life bought a tour abroad. Naturally, you are worried about many questions - how it will all be, who is responsible for what, where you can turn, what and in what order should be taken from the moment you pay the money until you return home.

Buying a tour

With the help of travel agency staff, you have chosen the most best tour... The travel agency staff will confirm your application and book the tour (this may take a few minutes, in case of "instant confirmation", or several hours). If your tour is successfully booked, you give the money and get your hands on a contract with a travel agency. If you are flying to a country with a visa-free entry, you also have a passport in your hands. If you have chosen a country for your vacation with the necessary visa processing, get ready to give the travel agency employees passports and all the documents necessary for obtaining a visa: certificates, photographs, money to pay for a visa. If you visit a country with a visa, keep in mind that you may not be given a visa, and you have already booked the tour - therefore, it is advisable to pay also "travel cancellation insurance" so that your money will be returned to you if you do not issue a visa.

The agreement with the travel agency specifies the country, hotel, food, number of people, duration of stay and other necessary information about your trip.

At the time of issuing the contract, the travel agency staff will inform you on which flight, from which airport and at what time you will depart. Departure documents: air tickets, insurance policies, check-in vouchers (and passports with visasif you gave them away) will be waiting for you at the airport on the day of departure. Some travel agencies offer you to pick up these documents from your office in advance (a day or two before departure).

Naturally, the prospect of receiving documents 2 hours before departure is very exciting - suddenly what is wrong, there will be no documents, the employee will not come, etc. etc. Do not worry! This procedure has been worked out hundreds of thousands of times, so overlays are very unlikely. You need to come to the airport of departure 2.5 hours before the flight and find the counter of your tour operator - they will tell you at the travel agency, and they will also tell you exactly where in the large airport building the representative of your tour operator will be.

Departure

On the specified day, you will arrive at the airport 2.5 -3 hours before departure. Now your task is find a representative of your tour operator... Even if the representative is late (it happens), there is nothing to worry about. So, you waited and received an envelope with your documents in your hands. Check the envelope carefully: it should contain air tickets (there is usually one round trip ticket, seats are not indicated on the ticket, you receive them at check-in), medical insurance policy, check-in voucher (check your hotel, food, length of stay, etc.) ... If you gave your passports, you will also receive them - check for visas. Visas are put on any unoccupied passport page, so your visa can be in the middle of the passport too.

You have received the documents. Now, before boarding the plane, you have 3 mandatory procedures:

customs control

Check-in and baggage drop-off

Passport control

Do not forget that other passengers of your plane pass them along with you, therefore, even knowing absolutely nothing, you can simply follow the familiar fellow travelers and perform all the necessary actions.

Briefly about all procedures

customs control

Customs control is designed to find out if you are exporting items prohibited for export. If you have a weapon, a very large amount of money, drugs, antiques, etc., you must declare them in the customs declaration. There are two zones at customs control called Red Corridor and Green Corridor. The red corridor is for passengers who have something to declare, the Green corridor is for those who do not have anything declared with them. 99% of tourists have nothing to declare. Therefore, we calmly pass the Green Corridor. Customs officers may selectively ask you to show your baggage for inspection, but this is an extremely rare practice.

Check-in and baggage drop-off

Check-in is a procedure during which air tickets will be exchanged for boarding passes, which are your pass on board. When you check in, you will know your seat on the aircraft. If you are traveling with your family or company, show all passports and air tickets at once, and not one by one.

At check-in, you drop off your luggage, leaving your carry-on luggage with you. If you have few items, you can leave them with you as carry-on luggage. Your luggage will be loaded into the cargo hold of the aircraft and collected back at the arrival airport. It is advisable to pack your luggage in the most durable bag / suitcase. It is better not to put fragile things there, without making sure that they will not break when falling from a low height - unloading and loading luggage is not a very delicate matter. At many airports, a baggage wrapping service is provided - for an additional fee, your baggage will be wrapped in several layers of film - so it will become more compact, durable, will not have sticking handles, ropes, etc., and it will also be impossible for abstract intruders to get into it.

The boarding pass contains important information - OUTPUT / GATE number. You need to know it in order to go to the desired exit by the time of landing. This information will be repeated several times over the speakerphone at the airport.

Passport control

The last thing you need to do to leave your homeland is to go through passport control. Passengers approach the passport control counters one at a time, presenting their passport and other documents (for example, a boarding pass) at the request of the border guard. At passport control they put a mark on the passage of the state border.

At different airports, these procedures are performed in a different order. In any case, the first thing you do is look for your flight on the flight schedule board (its number was told to you by the travel agency and it is indicated on your ticket). If you arrive at the airport too early, your flight may not yet be displayed. On the scoreboard in the line where your flight is indicated, there are check-in counters next to it, where check-in for the flight and baggage drop-off will take place.

After recognizing the numbers, you head to your counters. In this case, you can go through the customs control zone. Or you will pass it after registration. When passing through the customs control zone. Chances are you arrived early - check-in hasn't started yet and the counters are empty. But near the counters, tourists like you are already gathering, and a queue for registration begins.

Customs control for a tourist is, in general, like a convention, that is, you practically do not notice it - either you have already passed it on the way to your counter, or you will pass after.

When you receive your boarding pass, hand luggage head to the passport control counters. Having passed it, you officially leave the borders of Russia and find yourself in neutral territory. Now you still have time at your disposal and you can devote it to a trip to duty free shops. All shops after passport control are duty free, since they are not located in Russia. Payment for goods is accepted in dollars and euros. You will also be offered duty free goods on the plane during the flight.

As you approach the time of departure, you need to proceed to your Exit / Gate. Before entering the waiting room, you will need to go through security screening of your personal luggage and go through metal detectors. In the waiting room, you wait for the boarding announcement and follow along with all the passengers for boarding, presenting your passport (if required) and boarding pass to the airport staff along the way.

Flight

You will be offered drinks, lunch and duty free items on the plane.

Arrival

Upon arrival, you will go through all the procedures in reverse order.

Passport and customs control

If you have a visa, you just go through control. Be prepared to present the settlement voucher and other documents to the border guards upon request.

If you have arrived in a country (for example, Turkey or Egypt) where you need to buy a visa stamp, this is the first thing you should do upon arrival. It is better to prepare the required amount in advance (in dollars or euros) without change.

Having bought a stamp, you must stick it on any blank page of your passport. It is also often required to fill out an immigration card. In it you need to enter the data of your passport, as well as the city and hotel in which you will be staying, in Latin letters.

Then, having prepared all these papers - a passport with a pasted visa and an immigration card, go to the passport control counters. The border guard puts a stamp on the entry into the country and you also pass unnoticed through the customs control zone.

Luggage

You go to the baggage claim area, wait for your baggage to be unloaded from the plane and it appears on the conveyor belt. After collecting your luggage, an employee of the host will be waiting for you at the exit from the airport. He usually holds a sign with the name of your tour operator (the same as at the airport when receiving documents). He registers you on his list and tells you how to get to the shuttle bus that will take you to your hotel. While the meeting guide collects all his tourists at the exit from the airport and until the bus leaves, it usually takes about another hour, after which you safely reach your hotel.

Check in hotel

When transferring to the hotel, the guide will instruct tourists in detail about their stay in the country, give initial instructions and make an introductory meeting for tomorrow at your (or nearby) hotel.

At check-in, the guide may be present, or may leave you at the hotel reception with all the documents. There are more and more cases when the receptionists understand Russian (and they understand English exactly). You give the receptionist your passport and the check-in voucher, after which, after a series of formalities, he hands you the key (or card) to your room. At the same time, your passport can be taken away until tomorrow - this is absolutely normal. The guide on the bus will give you detailed instructions on check-in and hotel services.

Having checked into the room, you have to independently master the hotel territory and find a restaurant that serves food appropriate for the time of day. At an introductory meeting with a guide, which is appointed during the transfer to the hotel, you will learn about living in the country, your options, how to call a doctor, how shops work, you will be offered an excursion program, and most importantly, you will learn about the procedure for leaving the hotel.

Check out from the hotel

All hotels have a certain time by which on the day of check-out you must vacate the room, regardless of what time you actually leave the hotel. Having packed your things, you either yourself or with the help of a porter, take them to a special room in the hotel lobby, return the room key at the reception, pay (if necessary) the bill for using the hotel's paid services and all the time remaining until the return transfer you can use all the services hotel and eat according to your tour.

At a time specified by the guide, a shuttle bus will come for you, which will take you to the airport, where you will go through all the formalities in the same way and go on the return trip.

Sooner or later, every person asks the question: “ Where to go for the first time abroad? ”. And, usually, in such cases, there are a lot of options for answers. Neighbors advise Egypt or Turkeyexperienced travel friends send to Europe, Google recommends visa-free countries, and it is possible that your heart has been longing for a distant island Tahiti.
Let's figure out how to do the right thing and where to go abroad for the first time.

WHERE IS BETTER TO GO?

For a start, forget everything that has been said to you before. So far, all the information means nothing to you, and you will not be able to immediately apply it in action. Let's start with a clean picture in our head, leaving only the knowledge gained in geography lessons. Well, or let's take a globe if your memories of the location of the continents are not entirely fresh. Although better than Yandex or Google, these tools are number one in travel planning.

FIRST TIME ABROAD. SEASON / NOT SEASON

We need to find out - where is the season and not the season at the moment. And if you think that when it is winter in Russia and everywhere is winter, even without snow. Then, probably, I will surprise you by saying that somewhere on the planet it is summer now. And yes, the inhabitants of these countries say directly: “Oh, this beautiful summer month of February. If only the weather would stay a little longer, otherwise the autumn is coming soon ”. Exactly. So in winter, summer is good. I'm talking about South America , Australia or for example. You need to go there from November to April. But it is much worse to get into our summer during the rainy season somewhere on. And moreover, in, in the same country, on some islands there may be a season, and on others not a season. For example, in Phuket in the summer there are waves at the sea and rain outside the window, and on Koh Samui, the weather is beautiful.

So, to summarize. Your first task on the way to abroad is to find out what the weather is and where it is better not to even meddle, because there is a risk: freezing or spending the whole vacation in rubber boots and a raincoat. Do you need it for the first time? I think so too. Travel, travel, and then you will be extreme.

WHAT WEATHER DO YOU PREFER?

Then we continue to determine with climatic conditions... You must decide for yourself what you need. Go down the snowy peaks on a snowboard or get a diver certificate in some clear sea with beautiful fish. In general, everything is simple here. WARM or COLD?
As you already understood from my travels, I am always for warmth.

YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?

Then we find out the knowledge of foreign languages. Take the test and class yourself into one of three categories. The first level: I can say everything, understand everything and talk to the taxi driver about politics. Oh yes, taxi drivers love this kind of conversation. So you can go anywhere. If we are talking about English. even in the most remote country in the world, there is a person who speaks it.
Second level: understand, understand, I can say a little. You are better off choosing popular tourist countries. Such as Thailand, Tunisia, Dominican Republic, etc.
And the third level is when all you can say is ay don understand. By the way, I also sometimes say that, a great way to quickly get rid of annoying people. So your routes are buying a tour with a guide, a hotel and a tour guide in Russian. Well I'm sorry. And watch my video on learning English.

ABROAD IN PICTURES

The fourth point is pictures. Yes Yes. I think that the circle of countries has somehow been drawn and now is the time to look at the pictures from there. True, Google images are still a scam. The seas are always turquoise, the sand is clean and white, and people on vacation in this or that country are super happy. Even India is so presentable there. And everything is such a lie. I suggest simply typing “Istanbul (any other country) reviews”. And read real people. Immediately, the impressions will be formed, and the photographs will be similar to reality.

HOW MUCH IT IS WORTH TO REST ABROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME

Now about the cost. Do you think you should have started with this right away? Why then, not yet having time to properly dream about it all and finish? After spending a lot of time on a virtual tour of different countrieswhen you already imagine yourself at the airport at the check-in counter for a Moscow-Fiji flight, it's time to look at expedia.com and return to the harsh reality.

All trips can be divided by cost. The most inexpensive and popular: Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, Goa, Tunisia. Then: Asia, most often only independent, including. Then Morocco, Europe, Dubai (I mean normal Dubai, and not an overnight stay in a 2-star hotel, which you cannot immediately find in the Hindu quarter). Further, popular, Mexico, Jamaica and, Seychelles, Mauritius. Then everyone goes to the South and Latin Americagoing to Africa on safari. Well then everyone is beautiful paradise islands, Polynesia, Micronesia, someone gets to Australia.

All these divisions are, of course, arbitrary. But in general everything is so. Don't even expect to relax in for the price of Malaysia. For example, in the Caribbean good hotels start at $ 200 per day, and in Asia from $ 50. Calculate how much you are ready to spend on vacation and look for promotions from airlines in this direction or a promo code for booking hotels. If you want to surrender to a tour operator, then look at the last minute tours. This seasons they appear as much as a month before departure. Strange, isn't it?

About prejudice.

If you are told that the first time you have to go to simple countries, such as all inclusive in Turkey, then do not listen to them. The first time you can go anywhere. I flew to GOA for the first time abroad, my girlfriend was in 30 countries and still has not been in Egypt with Turkey. Then, do not listen to the imposed opinions of others. If someone says that this country is just a bomb - do not believe it sacredly. There is Google, read reviews, see photos, videos and draw your own conclusions. Otherwise, during the whole trip you will curse your friend for recommending something to you that seems completely different to you, and if you knew, you would not go.

And the last thing on this topic, regarding the budget. You can spend as much money on your first vacation as you can. Do not blame this on the fact that this is the first vacation, do not look at others, decide for yourself which class to fly and how many stars to choose a hotel. Just enjoy your vacation.

RESULTS. SO WHERE TO GO FOR THE FIRST TIME ABROAD?

Now forget everything I told you. And in fact, all you need to plan your first trip abroad is brain, desire and money. Go where you want, do what you want and spend as much as you want. This is your life and after the trip - these will be your memories, and they should be vivid and belong only to you.

Travel brighter and more often!

When deciding where to go abroad for the first time, there are many things to consider. It is necessary to choose a country in which vacationers face fewer problems and rest with more comfort. There are countries where Russians can feel comfortable and even inexperienced tourists will not be disappointed in their vacation.

Beach vacation for those traveling abroad in the first

The most popular countries for recreation among tourists are Turkey, Egypt and Bulgaria. These countries are ideal for those traveling abroad for the first time, as they are great for a first-time trip abroad. This happens not only due to the fact that you can relax relatively cheaply, but also due to a number of other reasons.

Firstly, you can always meet compatriots in the hotels of these countries. In case of any problems or if you have any questions, and those who first went abroad will have questions, Russian-speaking staff or tourists will be able to help and clarify an incomprehensible situation.

Secondly, it is in these countries that many residents understand basic phrases in Russian and will be able to explain something. It is not necessary to know another language here in order to move independently in a foreign country. In this case, the first trip should be successful.

Thirdly, almost all hotels in these countries provide all-inclusive accommodation and meals. At the same time, the cost is quite acceptable. This is very convenient, because tourists can be sure that they will not need to pay extra for hotel meals and, accordingly, spend extra money.

Fourthly, package tours are mainly organized to Turkey, Egypt and Bulgaria, which include not only accommodation and meals at the hotel, but also transfer from the place of arrival to the hotel and back, as well as accompanying a guide if necessary, insurance and a number of others. services. Being in a foreign country, this is very important, because some people find it very difficult to navigate.

Excursions in Europe

If beach holidays and these countries do not attract attention, and you like sightseeing tours more, then you can choose Europe as your first trip abroad. Beginners are better off purchasing excursion tour, according to which all accommodation services, escort on excursions and meeting at the airport will be provided. You can go to Greece, Italy, France or the Czech Republic. However, it should be borne in mind that such a vacation will be worth it.

To save money, you can choose a bus tour abroad. Its advantage will be not only lower cost, but also the opportunity to see a large number of cities. The only inconvenience is the long journeys from one city to another. Despite this, tourists will spend the night in hotels. The advantage of such a visit to Europe is that the tourists are constantly accompanied by a guide who shows the main attractions, tells how to behave, how to get to a certain place, etc. Visiting European countries on your own for the first time can be difficult.

Combined tours abroad

Going abroad for the first time abroad may well combine beach and sightseeing holidays. Many countries have and nice beachesand interesting sights. To buy such a tour, you can contact the travel agency that sells combined tours.

Thus, those who, in addition to the beach, are interested in historical monuments, can go to Greece, Spain or Malta. Egypt and Turkey can also act as a combined tour. There is also a lot to see in between on the beaches. The sea and gorgeous nature are also found in countries such as Croatia and Montenegro. They can also be visited as a first trip abroad. The choice of countries for traveling abroad in the first is quite extensive, so everyone must first decide what exactly he expects from the trip.

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Not sure where to go to Greece for the first time? We have selected for you 4 of the most popular and favorite destinations among travelers from all over the world, talked about their features and shared tips on how to spend time, where to stay and what to see. Read on and make your choice!

First time to Greece - where to go?

In Greece, you can get to know ancient culture and mythology, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean Sea, bask in the Greek sun on the white sandy beaches of Greece, walk in the mountains with the purest air, admire white buildings and taste delicious Greek cuisine.

Where to go and what to see

• panagia Paraportiani Church;
• "Little Venice";
• an 18th century neighborhood with mansions of great captains with colorful balconies and stylish windows;
• strange windmills, imposingly located on the slope;
• white sandy beaches stretching along the perimeter of the island.

Where to stay

Mykonos is a tourist island, and therefore you will not have problems finding accommodation. - from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels, you can also search for hotels using the form on the left. For those who are very economical, there is Couchsurfing.

Things to do

• During the summer, Mykonos hosts many celebrations and festivals, accompanied by rivers of delicious wine and mountains of gourmet food.
• Also this "Island of Winds" is a paradise for water sports lovers, surfers and sailors gather here from all over the world. Mykonos has a large selection of windsurfing beaches. The most isolated beaches are considered to be the best: Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis. Surfing is taught on almost all beaches.
• In Mykonos, you can play tennis or mini-golf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Ánna, parachute jumping or jet skiing at Eliá or Kalafátis. Even diving enthusiasts will not be left out and will be able to explore the beauty of the underwater life of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is the standard choice to hang out and be like interesting excursionsand enjoy your beach holiday to its fullest. Therefore, if you are visiting Greece for the first time and the budget allows you, visit Mykonos, you will not be disappointed.

First time to Greece: Paros

Paros is one of the most popular holiday destinations for young people. Unlike Mykonos, this island is a more budget option. Unrivaled natural beauty, well-developed tourist infrastructure, beaches with clear waters, Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional Greek villages, breathtaking landscapes and pulsating nightlife await you in Paros.

Parikia, the capital of the island, is also home to famous whitewashed rectangular buildings and impressive neoclassical mansions.

Where to go and what to see

• the village of Naousa, here the ruins of a Venetian fortress stand at the entrance to its small port;
• Lefkes is also a village, built into a mountain and surrounded by greenery on all sides, located at the highest point of Paros, offering a breathtaking view of the island;
• Márpissa is a traditional village with a vibrant medieval character, dating back to the 15th century;
• marble quarries in Maráthi, where the famous Parian marble was quarried.

Where to stay

It all depends on how much you plan to spend. There are options for every taste and wallet.

Things to do

• Attending a religious festival is a great occasion to taste the sweet wines produced in the vineyards of Monemvassiá and Mantilariá. On August 15, one of these events is traditionally organized near the Panayia Ekatontapyliani Church.
• Explore the island on horseback. There are two horse rentals, one near the sea in Ambelás and the other in Ystérni. A walk around the island like this is a great way to see the most beautiful places Paros.
• The sun-drenched beaches of Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria, Poúnda and the crystal clear waters of the sea will conquer all beach lovers. You can also go surfing here.
• Kalóyeros Beach, surrounded by red and green clay cliffs, will provide you with an efficient and natural spa completely free of charge. Cover your body with clay and let it dry in the sun, after a while rinse the clay in the sea - your skin will be soft and velvety.

Price statistics for tours to Greece

If you are not yet ready to travel on your own, then price statistics for tours to Greece will help you. Here you can find the most low prices on vacation to Greece from leading tour operators.

First time to Greece: Skiathos

Skiathos is the most popular resort island in the Northern Sporades. Despite the rapid growth of the tourism sector, the countryside is still picturesque and unspoiled. The island is decorated with more than 60 beaches with crystal clear waters, the most famous of which is Koukounariés beach, which is rightfully considered the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Add to all this the vibrant nightlife and you will understand why thousands of travelers travel to this island every year.

Where to go and what to see

• the capital of the island is the city of Skiathos with its cobbled stones, cozy streets and white buildings;
• a picturesque harbor surrounded by 4 islets;
• the small island of Boúrtzi, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress nestled among dense vegetation;
• the house and now the museum of the famous author Alexandros Papadiamantis;
• the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary church, which houses 4 museums.

Where to stay

Skiathos has a variety of hotels, hostels and rooms at affordable prices. You can also stay at the Koukounariés Camping.

Things to do

• The island hosts colorful cultural events, concerts and art exhibitions every summer.
• Walk along the breathtaking route starting from Asélinos, past the Kounistra monastery, the small Asélinos beach and the Alygariés beach, and ends at Kehriá beach.
• All of the island's nightlife is concentrated on the street near the Old Harbor. Bars and nightclubs are open all night until the morning and are always full of young people having fun. Open air parties are frequent in the Ammoudiá area (they are not difficult to find, you just need to follow the road leading to the airport).

First time to Greece: Chios

The island of Ios is practically in no way inferior to the well-known and sometimes overrated Mykonos and Santorini. Walk the streets that look like in the picture, enjoy the elegance of the buildings, swim in the warm transparent waters of the world famous beaches of Mylopótamos and Maganári, taste obscenely delicious Greek delicacies.

Where to go and what to see

• Be sure to visit Hóra, perched on the famous hill with its crisp white cubic buildings and covered lanes.
• See 12 windmills
• Panayia Gremiótissa (Madonna of the Cliffs) is located at the highest point of Hòra, with an amazing view of the bay and the neighboring island of Sikinos.
• Paleókastro Byzantine castle, built on the very top of the hill.
• Summer theater “Odysseas Elytis”, built in one of the favorite places of the poet Odysseas Elytis and well preserved from 2800 BC.

Where to stay

There are many wonderful hotels and hostels; there are cozy family pensions near the beaches. There are also several camping areas on the island. Keep in mind that Chios doesn’t have the luxury of Mykonos and Santorini, but there are many great walks.

Things to do

• I think you have already understood that August 15 is a special day for the Greeks, Ios confirms this. On this day, one of the most impressive celebrations of Panagia Gremiotissa takes place here, when a procession carries the famous icon of the Virgin Mary around the Hóra, all this is accompanied by a banquet, playing national instruments and dancing.
• Walk along the ancient trails Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá, which are still used by the local shepherds of the island to this day.
• The mountains of Ios are ideal for climbing, mountaineering or cycling. At the peaks you will have an unforgettable view of the island and the endless expanse of the Aegean Sea.
• On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári you can rent equipment for water sports, all the same surfing, water skiing, diving. Here you can be taught surfing and canoeing.
• There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants on this island too. Every day, crowds of young people enjoy colorful cocktails, dancing until dawn and swimming at night.

That's all, if you are going to Greece for the first time and do not yet know where to go, heed our advice. AT