Great Places for Your First Trip Abroad

“Singapore is a great destination for travelers looking to experience food, culture, architecture and more,” says Scott Wismont, founder and owner of Rainbow Getaways. “Every city rewards curiosity, and Singapore is no exception. Going out and experiencing a city like a local is one of the best ways to gain a better understanding.”

Wismont suggests focusing on one neighborhood at a time rather than chasing down every attraction. Stroll the streets of Chinatown, Kampong Glam or Little India while stopping at temples, mosques and murals.

At Marina Bay, the futuristic waterfront zone, must-sees include the Marina Bay Sands resort, the Merlion statue and Gardens by the Bay. The latter features the Supertree Grove, where aerial walkways snake through plant-covered towers rising as high as 16 stories, and the Cloud Forest, a soaring greenhouse with one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls.

And don’t skip Singapore’s iconic hawker centers. These food stall complexes, which include Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre, draw tourists and locals alike for authentic dishes at amazing prices.

For extra adventure: Those with a curious palate may want to sample durian, Southeast Asia’s “king of fruits.” Characterized by its pungent aroma, this love-it-or-hate-it fruit has a thorny exterior that belies a custard-like interior. In Singapore, you’ll find popular varieties like Mao Shan Wang and Black Thorn at markets, street stalls and specialized stores such as 99 Old Trees and Ah Seng Durian.

Lisbon, Portugal

Why go: Friendly and colorful, the Portuguese capital pairs affordability with million-dollar views.

The bright yellow Remodelado trams will be handy in navigating Lisbon’s hilly historic center as you view the impressive architecture.

Start in the riverside Belém district, with a visit to the 16th-century fortress and a tour of Jerónimos Monastery. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop at Pastéis de Belém for a pastel de nata, a flaky, sweet custard pastry. It won’t be your last. Then head up to Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval fortification perched on a high hill, for vast sunset vistas. When night falls, relax with some live fado music and a glass of Portuguese wine.

Another highlight is the LX Factory. “It’s one of my favorite places in Lisbon,” says Sepideh Mohseni, a destination expert for Kensington, a provider of private guided travel. “Set within a former industrial complex, it has evolved into a creative hub filled with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and local artists. It offers a different side of the city.”

Any visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without a side trip — 40 minutes by train — to Sintra, a town with cobblestone streets and a colorful palace that was once a summer retreat of royalty.

For extra adventure: Another worthy detour, just under an hour south of Lisbon by car, is Arrábida Natural Park, which features stunning limestone cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Designated as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2025, this protected coastal area is a playground for water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling.

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