15 Countries for First-Time Travelers

9. Portugal

During the 2008 financial crisis, Portugal was hit hard and was temporarily in a bad place. However, it managed to pick itself up and is now one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. It’s probably one of the cheapest countries to explore in Western Europe.

Travelers can enjoy the stunning beaches of the Algarve in the south of the country, or soak up history in the north at Lisbon and Porto. Considering Portugal gets 300 days of sun a year, it’s difficult to find a reason not to stay there for a long time.

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

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