We have selected the 12 best countries ideal for your first trip abroad. Find out where the visa issue is easily resolved, where it is safe, where it is easy to fly and where they understand Russian.
"We are going to rest for the first time! Help, please!" - such messages are often left on the forums. We have compiled a list of countries ideal for a first trip abroad. These criteria were taken into account:
- Visa-free country or simplified visa application.
- There is no language barrier or it is easy to overcome.
- Short or direct flight.
- Developed tourist infrastructure.
- Safety.
Decide on the climate, budget and type of vacation - and go on a trip. It's easy!
The ideal countries to travel abroad for the first time are Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey, but the rest of the list will do just fine. Choose according to your taste!
We have been to almost all of these countries, so on our site you can easily find tips and guides to them.
| Visa-free entry | Direct / short flight | Speak russian | Developed infrastructure | Safety | |
| Georgia | + | + | + | + | + |
| Azerbaijan | + | + | + | + | + |
| Armenia | + | + | + | + | + |
| Turkey | + | + | +/− | + | + |
| Thailand | + | − | − | + | + |
| Vietnam | + | − | − | + | + |
| Montenegro | + | + | + | + | + |
| Cyprus | − | + | +/− | + | + |
| Estonia | − | + | +/− | + | + |
| Latvia | − | + | +/− | + | + |
| Bulgaria | − | + | + | + | + |
| Czech Republic | − | + | +/− | + | + |
Georgia, Tbilisi
Visa-free up to 1 year.
Our neighbor is ideal for those traveling abroad for the first time. Fly close, there are direct flights from Moscow and a number of provincial cities. Almost everyone knows Russian. It is safe in Georgia, and the locals are very friendly and hospitable. Taste wines, try all kinds of khachapuri and khinkali, discover the front and courtyards of Tbilisi and go to the mountains.
Azerbaijan, Baku
Visa-free up to 90 days.
Where to go abroad for the first time? Azerbaijan is also an ideal option. Start in diverse Baku: cozy streets of the Old City, Parisian-Petersburg Art Nouveau, flaming glass and concrete towers and straight Soviet avenues. And what a delicious national cuisine here! Many people know Russian, but basic English will not hurt. There are direct flights not only from Moscow.
Armenia
Visa-free up to 180 days.
An alternative to tourist Georgia and Azerbaijan is Armenia. The same Caucasian hospitality, stunning nature, historical and religious sights and delicious national dishes. Only for some reason the country is not yet popular with tourists - we think this is temporary. Have time to visit! Many people in Armenia know Russian, it is safe to travel and just fly there - from Moscow to Gyumri, the direct flight "Victory" lasts only about 3 hours.
Turkey, Istanbul
Visa-free up to 60 days.
Turkey is also the best candidate for the first independent trip abroad. You can go to resorts where, it seems, every second Turk has learned the basics of the Russian language, but we advise you to choose Istanbul. You will definitely fall in love with this city! It is calm and original here. There are direct flights from many cities in Russia.
Thailand
Visa-free up to 30 days.
To go on vacation for the first time abroad to exotic, but familiar to Russians, Thailand is a good decision. It is easy to organize an independent trip, because there is a lot of information on the Internet, we also have a lot of articles and tips on our website. And if you are confused, find compatriots in the country - they will help. You can relax in the resorts of the south of the country, but it is better to go to the north - this is a completely different Thailand. Thais do not know Russian, basic English, sign language and a translator help out. Everything is in order with safety, just be careful on the roads, especially if you rent a vehicle. The flight is long, mainly with a transfer, or on direct charters from a travel agency.
Vietnam
Visa-free up to 15 days.
Do you want to go abroad for the first time to an exotic country in order to get vivid impressions? We advise you to go to Vietnam - we chose it for our first Asian trip. Believe me, Vietnam will surprise you, amaze and shock you more than once - you will definitely not remain indifferent. You can settle in the resort, but it is better to plan your trip from south to north or vice versa. Everything is fine with logistics in the country, as well as with safety. Vietnamese are friendly and smiling. They know English so-so, but you can meet a Vietnamese who will overwhelm you with his knowledge of Russian almost perfectly - many lived and studied in the USSR. You can stay up to 15 days without a visa, for a longer period you need to obtain a permit - it is drawn up online, then you will be stuck with a visa at the airport. The flight is long, with a stopover.
Montenegro
No visa for 30 days.
Mountain and sea landscapes, serpentines, lovely houses with red tiles. Local residents are friendly and always helpful, many people know Russian. You can stay at a resort, but it's better to explore the country by car - since the distances are small, and the views will blow you away. It's easy to fly - there are direct Pobeda flights from Moscow to Tivat.
Cyprus
Pro-visa online, up to 90 days.
A simple and convenient destination for a first-time holiday abroad. You can easily plan an independent trip: the island is small, the infrastructure is developed, and it is safe. We need basic English, although we have met people who know Russian: saleswomen in a supermarket, a receptionist at a hotel, guides. You need to fly on a direct flight from Russia to get a simple visa online (otherwise you need to apply for a national visa).
Estonia, Tallinn
Schengen visa.
Do you want to find yourself in a small fairytale town? Then we advise you to go abroad for the first time to Tallinn, where the wonderful Old Town has been preserved. Nice, nice, cozy and calm. Some people know Russian. You can fly by direct flight or come by bus - for example, from St. Petersburg.
Latvia, Riga
Schengen visa.
Riga is no longer as fabulous as Tallinn, but it is also interesting. The city has preserved many medieval buildings and narrow streets. There will be no problems with the language - for example, our hotel administrator spoke excellent Russian, and on the streets there are entirely Russian-speaking guides. There are direct short flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Bulgaria
Schengen visa.
It is easy and simple to travel abroad for the first time to Bulgaria. The language is simple, the locals are friendly, and the country is understandable. You can fly on a direct flight very quickly. Things to do? Bulgaria is not only about lazy beach vacations on a tour package - the country has tons of amazing places for the independent traveler. Travel to Plovdiv, Nessebar, Koprivshtitsa, Veliko Tarnovo and visit national parks.
Schengen visa.
For a trip abroad for the first time, many choose Prague: many know a little Russian, the city is easy to navigate, the tourist infrastructure is well-developed. You can fly by direct flight. But be prepared for the fact that there are too many tourists in Prague. To find quieter and more pleasant places, go to less touristy cities in the country - transport is developed and inexpensive. For example, we really liked it in Kutná Hora - it takes only an hour to get from Prague.
