Welcome to the World Was Here First!
We’re Maggie and Michael and we created this website to be a resource for those looking to get off the beaten path in Europe and beyond, support local economies and travel responsibly.
If you’re new to the website and don’t know where to start, we’re here to help! These are some of our favourite destinations and top travel tips to help you start to travel beyond the ordinary.
What You’ll Find on The World Was Here First
We are dedicated to helping travellers discover new destinations and dig deeper wherever they may find themselves in the world.
We have a strong focus on European destinations and write everything from detailed itineraries, city guides, budget plans and more to help travellers get the most out of any destination they visit.
Whether you’re looking for a unique perspective of a popular destination or to get well off the beaten tourist trail, we have articles and guides to help you along the way.
So if you’re planning your next adventure, here’s what you’ll find on The World Was Here First!
Itineraries
Our itineraries don’t ignore the main tourist sites (they’re popular for a reason!), but they also ensure that they give visitors a more holistic and local view of whichever destination they’re travelling in.
We take the time to seek out local small businesses, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and authentic cultural activities so you can truly experience your destination! These are some of our favourite itineraries.
City Guides
Whether you’re looking to visit a well-known city that sees millions of tourists each year or a lesser-visited gem tucked away off the typical path, our city guides are designed to help you get the most out of any destination.
Filled with on-the-ground research, first-hand knowledge, and a meticulous eye for detail, our city itineraries are meant to help you dig deep and get the most out of any city you choose to visit on your travels.
Budget Guides
Knowing how much a destination will set you back financially is essential to planning your travels and we understand that. That’s why we track every expense of our travels and document them in our many budget guides.
Regardless of if you’re planning to visit a notoriously expensive destination or a budget traveller’s heaven, it is incredibly important to understand how much to budget for any trip. We are here to help.
Road Trips
One of the best ways to get off the beaten path around the world is by hitting the open road and making stops in some lesser trafficked areas that aren’t on the typical tourist’s radar.
That’s why we have countless road trip guides that may begin and end in very popular destinations, but throw in some incredible unknown gems to stop at along the way. If you love road trips, you’re not alone. Check out some of our favourites right here!
Destination Comparisons
Have limited time and can’t figure out where to go? We’ve taken the guesswork out for you!
Whether you’re waffling between which country to visit for an extended holiday or can’t decide which city to head to for a weekend away, we have countless comparison articles to help make your decision just that much easier.
Taking into account things like attractions, prices, accommodation options and cuisine, these are some of our most popular destination comparisons!
Area Guides
Whether you’re visiting a massive city like London or Madrid or want to find the perfect base in an entire region, then these guides were written for you!
Our area guides are written so you can make an informed decision about where to stay wherever it is you’re visiting – whether you’re looking for a local neighbourhood, a bustling town or a tranquil country escape. These are some of our popular area guides!
Planning Your Trip
Whether you’re not sure what to pack, are on the hunt for the perfect travel bag or want to make sure that you have the right insurance for whatever may come your way on your trip, we have a number of practical articles to help make planning the logistics of your trip an absolute breeze!