The Atlas Mountains extend some 1,500 miles across northwestern Africa and are dotted with Berber villages and deep canyons and ravines, home to local families who are self-sustaining, producing goods like homemade butter and fresh bread. From Marrakesh, the mountains can be reached within an hour.

El Tatio is the third-largest geyser field in the world and largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile more than 14,000 feet above sea level. This geothermal field boasts over 80 geysers that spew steam and boiling water best witnessed in the early morning.

Historically known as Spalato, Split is the largest city in both Dalmatia and on the Croatian coast. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is a perfect jumping off point for exploring the surrounding islands and coves. Of which, some of the best include Blue Cave, Stiniva Cove, Budikovac and Hvar.

Southwest Cappadocia's awe inspiring magical fairy chimneys and rock formations are on display at Pigeon Valley, Selime Monastery, Ihlara Valley and the Underground City.

The "Red City" of Marrakesh is a wonderful mix of European, Middle Eastern and African culture. Set in the foothills west of the Atlas Mountains, the city home to beautiful boutique hotels, intimate gardens, upscale spas and hammams, delicious restaurants and charming riads.

Busting with idyllic beaches, parrot sanctuaries and wild zip lines, Sint Maarten is a Dutch territory and country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, this little island is also home to Saint Martin in the north.

An island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Vieques is a land of untouched beaches, roaming wild horses and spark-filled Bioluminescent Bay.

A lush metropolis full of green space, Mexico City has a vibrant art scene, fascinating architecture and out of this world cuisine. It's both the oldest capital city in the Americas and one of two founded by Indigenous people, originally built by the Aztecs on a group of islands in Lake Texcoco around 1325.

With an unimaginable food scene, delicious Chilean wine and streets filled with art, history and culture, Santiago is worth getting to know.

Even after a decade of solo travel to more than 50 countries around the world, I'm often reminded that most others aren't as adventurous as myself. Still, it only takes following a few tips to create a seamless and safe holiday trip.

Coined the "City of a Thousand Temples," Kyoto oozes old world charm, steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition. It's also the perfect jumping off point for areas like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Nara Park.

Formerly Constantinople, Istanbul straddles both Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait and is the largest city and main seaport in Turkey. Delight in all things spices, traditional meze, Turkish baths and towering mosques.

Established in 1521 by the Spanish, Old San Juan is the oldest city in the United States and its territories. There you'll find colonial architecture, impressive fortifications, cobblestone streets, open plazas, and hidden patios. Nearby, el Yunque National Forest is the sole tropical rain forest in the U.S.

Viñales a small town west of Havana with green rolling hills planted with fruit, vegetables, coffee and tobacco. It’s known for steep limestone hills called mogotes which dot the landscape and gardens full of palms and orchids.

Dambulla is located in central Sri Lanka and the closest town to the Ancient City of Sigiriya. It's known for Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, Dambulla Cave Temple, both of which visitors climb.

Though I'd already lived in Asia, some of Japan's rules were simply lost on me. And as predicted, it was a tough country to explore on my own. Tricky transportation, swarming tourists and wild weather were a challenge to navigate.

Pinnawala is a village near Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo. The small village is special because of its elephant orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Pop over for a night and grab a room overlooking the elephant's watering hole.

Located on Bahía de Cienfuegos, a bay on Cuba’s southern coast, Cienfuegos is a peaceful town oozing charm. Known for colorful colonial-era buildings, the town is a chief seaport for sugarcane, coffee and tobacco.

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988 because of its historical importance as a center of the sugar trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, Trinidad is also one of the most well-preserved cities in the Caribbean.

Everything you need to know about teaching English overseas.