The Atacama Desert is said to be one of the best places in the world for stargazing because of its extremely dry climate, high altitude, minimal light pollution and near absence of humidity, creating crystal clear skies with perfect visibility of stars and constellations.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Croatia since 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its picturesque series of tufa lakes, caves, canyons and connected waterfalls that reach over 250 feet high. The emerald green lakes can be explored via a series of wooden paths and trails that surround the 16 lakes and over 90 waterfalls.

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.

Antigua's surrounding villages honor a rich cultural heritage with production of macadamia nuts, local textiles and authentic Guatemalan fare.

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.

Surrounded by 13th century town walls, the sleepy harbor town of Tenby is home to stretches of sandy beaches overlooked by ruins of Tenby Castle and the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

Greater Montenegro is marked by inspiring historical landmarks and sweeping landscapes that dominate including Lovćen’s Mausoleum, the Royal Old Capital and Skadar Lake.

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.

The emerald green forests of Arashiyama offer more than meets the eye. Come for the bamboo but stay to explore the charming temples, beautiful shrines and cherry blossoms along Ōi River.

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 fortified town on the Adriatic coast, Kotor sits nestled in the Bay of Kotor, a natural fjord characterized by ancient ruins, winding streets and more charm than one can ask for.

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

Over 10,000 torii gates line the path to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of the deity Inari Ōkami and spirit of foxes, fertility, rice, tea, sake, agriculture, industry, general prosperity and worldly success. Placing offerings helps protect visitors from evil forces.

"Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik sits in southern Dalmatia along the Adriatic Sea and is known for its unique Old Town, enclosed with massive stone walls from the 16th century and packed full of delicious seafood restaurants and charming boutiques.

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.

Founded in the early 16th century, Antigua is a small town surrounded by massive volcanoes and famed for its candy colored Spanish colonial buildings.

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.