How to Choose Your First Country as a Family Traveler
Real Talk for Families Who Have No Idea Where to Begin
“We want to travel… but where the heck do we even start?”
If you’ve got the dream of long-term travel, that first big decision, where to go first can feel totally overwhelming. You open a map, get excited… then immediately spiral into questions:
What’s safe?
Can we afford it?
Will the kids adjust?
What if we choose wrong?
Take a breath. You’re not choosing your forever. You’re choosing your starting line, a soft place to land that sets the tone for your trip.
Let’s walk through how to make this decision feel less random and way more aligned with your values, budget, and family vibe.
Step 1: Start With Your “Why”
Before picking a country, revisit why you’re doing this in the first place.
Is it for slow, meaningful time together?
Language learning?
Worldschooling in action?
A chance to reset?
Outdoor adventures?
Your “why” helps narrow your “where.”
Example: If you want language immersion, a Spanish-speaking country like Ecuador or Colombia might be ideal. If nature + affordability are your jam, think Thailand or Albania.
Step 2: Consider Your Budget — Honestly
One of the biggest travel mistakes is choosing a destination that looks dreamy on Instagram… and drains your funds within a month.
Here’s a quick regional comparison:
| Region | Cost Range (monthly for family of 4) |
|---|---|
| Latin America | £1,800–£2,500 |
| Southeast Asia | £1,600–£2,400 |
| Eastern Europe | £2,000–£2,800 |
| Western Europe | £3,000+ |
| Australia/NZ | £4,000+ |
If you’re travelling long-term, go where your money stretches not where it disappears just because you want to get an instagramable moment.
Step 3: Think About Travel Flow
Logistics matter. Choosing a destination that works well in a regional flow helps avoid burnout and expensive flights.
Example: Start in Mexico → travel slowly through Central America
Or: Start in Portugal → explore Balkan countries + Eastern Europe
Or: Start in Thailand → loop through Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia
You don’t need a full itinerary now, just an idea of what feels cohesive.
Step 4: Factor in Kid-Friendliness
You’re not just looking for “cool spots” you’re looking for places that work with kids. That means:
Walkable areas (bonus if there’s a plaza or park nearby)
Welcoming locals (some cultures LOVE kids — hello, Latin America)
Easy access to groceries, basic health care, and kid-friendly food
Playgrounds, quiet nature, manageable pace
Red flag? Destinations that require constant movement, long drives, or 4+ flights just to settle in.
Step 5: Check Visa Rules + Entry Requirements
This part’s not sexy, but it matters.
Some countries give 90 days on arrival (like Mexico or most of the EU). Others may require:
Applying in advance
Proof of onward travel
Proof of income or insurance
COVID-specific documentation (still exists in some regions)
Do a quick check on:
Entry time allowed
Extension options
Border run possibilities (if you’re staying longer)
Tip: Use sites like iVisa or the Sherpa travel tool to get clear info by nationality.
Step 6: Ask Around (But Trust Your Gut)
Reddit, Quora, travel blogs, these are gold mines for real family experiences.
Ask:
What was your favourite first stop and why?
What caught you off guard?
What would you do differently?
Then balance that with your own instincts. Just because Bali worked for one family doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for yours and that’s okay.
Bonus: Countries We Seriously Considered for Our Starting Point
We spent months going back and forth. What’s safe? What’s affordable? What’s family-friendly without being too touristy?
Here’s where we landed and why:
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Ideal for slow travel: small towns, mountain villages, and coast
Spanish immersion opportunities (we want to really use it)
Budget-friendly without feeling “roughing it”
🇨🇴 Colombia
Food, culture, and people = unreal
Cities like Medellín feel vibrant and family-accessible
Affordable cost of living and solid travel infrastructure
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Super welcoming for families
Well-trodden but still full of magic
Great place to get our feet under us — with some jungle and beach thrown in
🇳🇮 Nicaragua
Less touristy than Costa Rica, but just as stunning
Lower cost of living
Lots of open space and culture we’re excited to explore
🇵🇦 Panama
Easy-ish visa situation
A possible bridge between Central and South America legs
Urban/rural balance — plus the canal is a homeschool dream
Grab your free travel planning checklist below
What Not to Worry About (Too Much)
Don’t get stuck on the idea of the perfect destination. It doesn’t exist. Wherever you start:
You’ll learn
You’ll adapt
You can move on if it doesn’t feel right
The first country is just the beginning. Not the benchmark.
How to Choose Your First Country
✅ Know your “why”
✅ Match your budget
✅ Think regionally, not just country-by-country
✅ Prioritize kid-friendliness + sanity
✅ Check visa rules
✅ Don’t wait for perfect — just start somewhere that makes sense
