An endless search for self discovery, community and connection. How my newfound queer community in Los Angeles helped save me.

The quiet town of Tissamaharama is known for Buddhist monasteries, beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves like Yala National Park, where visitors can join a wildlife safari. It's steeped in history and was once the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century BC.

A district of Mexico City, Xochimilco is known for its canals and chinampas, a farming system developed by the Aztecs to cultivate crops using the surrounding lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco harness unique agricultural techniques still in use today.

Thought of as the country’s cultural capital, Fes is primarily known for its walled medina, Fes El Bali, where visitors experience Morocco’s diverse art, architecture, culture and handicrafts. Outside the walls offers even more to explore.

A small town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is an important fishing port filled with delicious seafood, picturesque beaches and life changing whale watching. It's also a great jumping off point for the iconic old city of Galle.

Central Turkey's dry region of Cappadocia is known for its magical fairy chimneys, hot air balloons and mysterious caves. To unwind, enjoy hookah, browse for local artifacts or smash a fiery clay pot overflowing with testi kebab for dinner.

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.

Little gem of the Balkans, Mostar is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most visited towns. Situated on the Neretva River, it's named after bridge keepers who watched over the Old Bridge during the Ottoman era. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the stone bridge only adds to the charm and character of this fairytale-like town.

Lessons learned as I reach my forty-second trip around the sun.

Ella is most well known for Nine Arches Bridge, a viaduct bridge built without any steel and set against a lush green landscape surrounded by rolling hills, cloud forests and tea plantations. The town also boasts epic waterfalls, exhilarating train rides and sacred Buddhist temples.

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.

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.

A truly transformative experience, Kundalini Activation Process is a transmission of life force energy founded by Venant Wong when he learned he could activate one’s Kundalini through touch by using energy systems and meridian points.

"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.

Once a retreat for the British elite and colonial planters of the country’s tea industry, Nuwara Eliya lies in the misty hills of central Sri Lanka with the nickname, “City of Light.” The town has a temperate, chilly climate and is littered with colonial style bungalows and tea plantations.

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.