Resources for first-time travelers

Traveling internationally for the first time comes with a ton of questions, from picking a trip to booking flights to paying for it all. Here’s everything you need to give you the confidence to get out there and see the world.

Important stuff to know

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60% of travelers go solo

That’s more than half of our travelers! If your friends won’t commit, do it anyway—we guarantee you’ll meet new ones on the road.

Connect before you travel

Join our Facebook group to meet other first timers (and vets!) or download our app once you’re booked to chat with others on your trip.

Transportation is included

All intra-trip travel, including airport pickup and drop-off, country-to-country flights, and city-to-city buses or trains, is built right in.

Tour Directors are your #1s

Your TD will be with you from landing to leaving, providing free time ideas, itinerary updates, lots of laughs, and any support you need.

We’ve got trips for everyone

Whether you’re into cities and museums, ziplining through the jungle, or just laying on the beach, we can help you find your perfect trip.

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Take it from our travelers

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“I went to Greece to make some friends and when I got there, I saw all the places I wanted to see. I felt like I would go back and do the tour again or try somewhere different. But I came to Greece all alone and now I have some sisters and best friends.”

–Morgan, The Greek Islands

“This was my first EF trip and it was more than I could’ve hoped for. From the itinerary to the people to our Tour Director, was extremely satisfied and happy with how the tour was organized.”

–Daniela, Egypt Expedition

“This was my first time going out of the country and first time going by myself. If you’re worried about being by yourself, do these trips. I loved every moment. It truly was an opportunity of a lifetime, and the food and wine were TOP NOTCH.”

–Zach, Venice, Florence & Rome

“This trip is my first with EF Ultimate Break and also my first time in Japan. I am very grateful for the people I got to meet and share memories with. This experience has left me with more curiosity and confidence has a traveler.”

–Cielo, Highlights of Japan

“What a fantastic way to kick off the new year :) We had a great time counting down to 2025 in Dublin, and each city we visited after just got better. This was my first trip with EF, and I’m already looking at booking another because I had such a positive experience.”

–Allison, New Year’s in Dublin: Grand Tour of Ireland

“Iceland and the Northern Lights have been on my bucket list for years and thanks to EF I was able to cross them off my list. This was my first trip with EF, and I was nervous, but it was a great time.”

–Clarissa, Iceland: Winter Escape

“Unforgettable! This was my first EF trip and it won’t be my last. The itinerary was seamless, and we saw so much. The group activities and excursions were incredible, especially the Phi Phi boat trip and canoeing through the caves."

–Lily, Thailand Getaway

“This was my first trip with EF. It was so cool seeing the countries my family came from. If you’re debating this trip, I say do it! You won’t regret it. Our first night walking around Berlin all I kept saying was ‘This is the best thing I’ve ever done.’”

–Annalise, Highlights of Eastern Europe

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