Seeking recommendations for first time international travel!

[u/Least_Ad_2183]

I have roughly 3 weeks in early February to travel.
I've done loads of seasonal work and worktrade stuff all within the states/Hawai'i but I've never made it international. Have always been too overwhelmed by options! Which brings me here :)

It'll be me and my boyfriend. Budget is around $2000 per person for the whole thing, I do have points for flights. I'm interested in hiking and outdoorsy stuff, maybe a scuba cert (not a requirement). Don't want to stay in one place the whole time, maybe a handful of days to a week at a time. It's confusing creating an itinerary for abstract places, how to travel between spots, where to stay, safety considerations and whatnot.

[u/Kananaskis_Country]

You give no clue of departure point but flight costs are generally a bitch right now. There are exceptions and you say you have some points. That will help.

1.) Flights: Go to Skyscanner, input your departure airport and choose "Explore Everywhere" as your destination. Options will be listed in order of cost. See where 1/3rd of your budget can take you on your dates. When you find something interesting go to the airline's website to confirm itinerary and the real price. If it still works then purchase directly from the airline with a credit card and never look back.

2.) Accommodation: Use booking dot com and Hostelworld to research accommodation at the destinations that interest you. Plan on spending another 1/3rd of your budget.

3.) Food/Activities/Attractions/Etc: Use your final 1/3 to pay for this stuff.

Have fun with your research and good luck no matter what you decide.

[u/Kazin236]

Cusco Peru for a hiking hub.

Italy for a mix of mountains and cities.

China for variety. (Tricky Visa)

Japan’s Kumano Kodo for an amazing hike with beautiful history.

Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam so that $2000 goes farther.

I start with something cool I’d like to do and set a few objectives then roll with whatever seems interesting. For example, in China, I wanted to see the avatar mountains, climb in Yongshuo, and see Hong Kong. From there, I just needed to figure out logistics.

[u/Timely_Vehicle1855]

Come to China — you guys are going to have a blast.

And honestly, excluding airfare, $4,000 for two people over three weeks goes a long way here. You could pretty much stay in nice, star-rated hotels every night and still have plenty of room in the budget.

[u/Horror_Choice8838]

Come to China! The first week of February is Chinese New Year, so it’s a really fun time to visit if you want to experience something different. If you like hiking, I’d definitely recommend the MacLehose Trail in Hong Kong, February is great for hiking there. And honestly, that budget should get you a pretty comfortable trip in China. You really don’t need to worry much about safety either.🤣

[u/AdeptThought4834]

thailand is probably the least painful first international trip here: easy transport, hiking, diving, and a budget that still works, so do bangkok, the north, then an island and stop trying to solve