Start off by traveling Domestic, but somewhere that is much different than the world you are used to. I recommend taking about 5-10 days to visit a place for the first time. If you have fewer days it can be hard to fit everything in, and more days can start to get expensive and can be hard to adjust back to life when you return (post vacation depression is a real thing!). I have a few suggestions for you depending on where you live now. I have assembled a few destinations depending on where you live now. Please find where you live below and read the suggestions.
West Coast:
If you live in any of these states in red, you should travel to New York City for your first big trip. New York City will feel like another planet compared to where you live now. The only true high density city on the West Coast is San Francisco, but still feels completely different than a high density East Coast city. Everything will feel brand new. Taking the subway around, people flooding the streets, taxis on every corner, etc...
I remember the first time visiting New York City and wondering what life would be like here full time. It felt so hectic and fast paced. Coming back to the West felt like the world slowed down. When you visit New York City, you will of course want to visit all of the tourist sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and more. These are all great, but make sure to take time and just try to simulate what life would be like full time here. Take the subway at rush hour, sit at a cafe and read a book, ask some locals what the best pizza in town is. Don't spend all of your time in Manhattan. Be sure to visit Brooklyn and other residential areas and just walk around. Make sure a few days are spent without a schedule. Take it all in and when you return home realize how tough that was. You have completed your first big trip. Stay tuned to see where you should go next.
When to Visit: Summer/Fall. New York City is always best in the Winter and in the fall. You might get the best flight prices in February, but it can get very cold and won't be too much fun. Travel in October when flights can be cheaper and you still have warm enough weather to see everything. Watch out for big events that shoot airfare and hotel prices way up such as the New York City Marathon.
Northeast:
If you are from the Northeast, then you are used to dense cities and have probably visited New York City, Boston, etc... Time to change it up a bit and your first trip should be Hawaii. You are probably used to a fast paced lifestyle and your family probably took you on trips as a kid to other big cities. Everyone I knew that grew up on the East Coast had visited London and Paris, but had never been to a place where you could relax and where the best restaurant in town wasn't #1 on the to do list.
Honolulu is always the easiest city to visit. If you aren't sure you can handle a rural life, then this is a good balance. There are plenty of restaurants and shopping, but you can spend most of the day at the beach. If you really want to get away from it all you should visit Kauai or Maui. At either island you can forget life in the city and just hike and get in touch with nature. Enjoy all the colors and unique animals and plants. The food in Hawaii can be pretty bland, so don't expect too much from restaurants. Try finding a place to stay with a kitchen and take advantage of the local produce and make your own food. This is going to feel very foreign for a city person, so take it all in and enjoy your first big trip.
When to Visit: Mid Winter. Hawaii's weather never changes, but you can escape the cold of the Northeast if you go in the winter. Each island has its own weather, so just be prepared.
The South:
If you are from this part of the country, a place that will feel completely different will be San Francisco. The south is a much more conservative place and San Francisco is one of the most liberal. In San Francisco you will see the latest technology trends and maybe even a protest or two. San Francisco has some great attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, but don't miss some of the neighborhoods. Take a walk through The Mission and The Castro districts. Find a restaurant that has a line around the block and eat there. This is very common in San Francisco and the average San Franciscan is very into food. Everything is infused or inspired with or by something. DO NOT visit the beach, unless it just for the view. Beaches here are very cold and not too fun unless you happen to catch a 90 degree day (2 out of 365 chance). Try not to be overwhelmed or angry at the openness of San Francisco. This city was built on this concept and even if you don't agree with the views, just be the silent observer.
When to Visit: September/October. The weather here is usually quite chilly and very breezy. Bring a rain jacket with you and some sweatshirts no matter what time of year you visit. In the fall San Francisco can get pretty warm and hopefully you catch a few nice sunny days. Even if you don't you can catch the view of the fog rolling in over the coast which is a site that never gets old.
The Midwest (if you live in Chicago, please see "The Northeast" section):
This is for all people living in the Midwest except for those living in Chicago. Please go to the Northeast section if you live in Chicago. For everyone else, your first trip should be Chicago. I know it won't be a long trip for most of you, but that's perfect for your first trip. Although Chicago is in the Midwest, it has many qualities unlike the rest of the cities in this region. This is a dense city like New York City, but with a Midwest flare. Enjoy what city life has to offer.
DO NOT spend too much time in "The Loop". Your hotel might be here, but don't spend all of your time here. Although there are a few points of interest, you want to spend more time around other attractions. Take the El Train to the north and catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. This is a must for anyone, not just baseball fans. Rent a bike and ride along the trail next to Lake Michigan. There are great views of the city and you can see the beaches as you pass. This is a great city to expose yourself to big city life without having to travel too far. Force yourself to take as much public transportation as possible. Not only will this save your money, but it will be an experience all in itself.
When to Visit: Summer/Fall. With hot summers and cold winters, it can be tricky to plan a trip. Fall really is the best time to visit with the weather and the changing colors. DO NOT visit in the winter. A lot of must see places close and it really is not a fun city to walk around when it is below freezing.
Conclusion:
The US is such a big country that you can travel to somewhere quite exotic without even needing a passport. Since this will be your first big trip, finding a place that is very different from home, but still speaks English as a first language will keep you optimistic and ready for more travel. Feel free to comment on this post if you have anything you would like to add. Next post I will tell you how to spend the least amount of money and still see everything on any trip.
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