India
I'm usually asked if there's any particular country I'd recommend for a first timer, and without doubt, it would have to be India.
It's one of the cheapest destinations and often you can do well for less than £5 a day. In January 2009 there are over 70 rupees to the pound...
Transport is everywhere, planes (20 international airports!), trains (over 40000miles of track and 1.5million employees!), buses (millions, never a dull moment!) , taxis, scooter taxis, rickshaws, tangas (horse drawn carriages) etc. It's all ridiculously cheap and utterly mad. You must book for long journeys.
Hospitals and dentists are often of a high and modern standard, especially in the larger cities, but hopefully you won't need one. Get your immunisations before you go.
We all are familiar with the food, and most love it. Often you can have a tasty breakfast or lunch for around 40p. Rather than buy bottled water and add to the huge daily mountain of empty bottles, take an Aquapure filter bottle, everywhere you go you can drink the water, even from puddles! It gives you real independence and you can get off the well trodden tourist path. In 8 trips, I have not personally met anyone who has been mugged, just be aware of your kit and don't leave it around.
Spoken English is usually not a problem, but as always, bothering to learn some words and phrases increases your cred wherever you go.
So many visitors are travelling all over the country, even if you start off by yourself, you can have company for as long as you like, and you'll make friends every single day.
Indians are mostly a very friendly and hospitable lot, with ready smiles and always up for a chat. It's quite surprising how well disposed they are towards ex colonialists, particularly the older ones who can be quite nostalgic.
They are delighted to have you volunteer to help out in schools and local projects, I have done show and tells in dozens of schools, and you can really make the day of loads of children as you pass round your photos from home, talk about your life, and answer their questions. Don't forget your camera to do the same thing on your return!
These days you can buy almost anything you want, and usually for far less.
Telephoning home is a doddle, and there are cheap internet sites everywhere.
Finally. India is the most fascinating melting pot, such diversity, the sights, smells, sounds, very tactile. It's an absolute Disney World of wonder, extravagance, poverty, totally barmy in so many ways which will amaze, amuse, delight, appal you. India changes everyone....Go for it!!
....don't forget your insurance....just in case.....
Hampi, Home of Hampi's Children's Trust. Volunteer on the spot to help out for free, preferably a minimum of 2 weeks. If available free accomodation. www.travelblog.org.asia - India, Karnataka, Hampi.