With a gorgeous beach for every day of the year, tortoise sanctuaries and loads of succulent seafood, Antigua & Barbuda is truly a hidden gem. The island offers endless amounts of sunbathing, swimming and water sports but still feels quaint and untouched. It also has rich British history as a British naval headquarters and sugar colony.

Chile’s 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 gem since 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park dazzles with a fairy-tale cascade of tufa lakes, hidden caves and dramatic canyons, its waterfalls tumbling from heights over 250 feet. Emerald-green waters thread through 16 lakes and more than 90 falls, all inviting exploration along a network of wooden walkways and winding trails.

The Atlas Mountains unfurl for about 1,500 miles across northwestern Africa, a mosaic of sun-baked ridges, secret canyons and timeworn Berber villages. Local families tend terraced fields and cliffside gardens, carrying on age-old, self-sufficient traditions — churning golden butter, pulling warm loaves from wood-fired ovens. From the bustle of Marrakesh, you can be winding through this quieter, soulful landscape in roughly an hour.

Historically known as Spalato, Split is the sparkling heart of Dalmatia and the busiest port along the Croatian coast. It’s alsoo an irresistible launchpad for island-hopping adventures. You can slip away to postcard-perfect spots: the luminous Blue Cave, the wild beauty of Stiniva Cove, the peaceful beaches of Budikovac and the vibrant island of Hvar — each a short boat ride from Split’s harbor and each offering its own slice of Adriatic magic.

Antigua’s nearby villages brim with cultural charm — macadamia groves, handwoven textiles and the hearty flavors of traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Unplug, meander the quiet lanes and discover the gentle rhythms of life in these off-the-beaten-path indigenous communities.

Southwest Cappadocia is storybook: fairy chimneys, honeycombed cliffs and sculpted rock faces. Wander Pigeon Valley’s alcoves where light and drifting birds add quiet poetry. Climb Selime Monastery’s cavernous chapels and carved stairways. Follow Ihlara Valley’s cool, green canyon with a river and frescoed cliffside churches. Descend the Underground City’s labyrinth of chambers. Together, these sites form an ancient, living tapestry of nature and history.

Nestled within 13th-century town walls, the sleepy harbor town of Tenby, Wales, cradles golden sandy beaches that sweep toward the sea beneath the romantic ruins of Tenby Castle and the amiable Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. Tenby’s colorful Georgian houses, quaint narrow streets and welcoming seaside atmosphere make it utterly charming.

Greater Montenegro is a tapestry of stirring history and vast, dramatic landscapes — where the solemn grandeur of Lovćen’s Mausoleum, the regal stone streets of the Royal Old Capital and the serene expanse of Skadar Lake each tell a different part of the country’s story. Wander through mountainous viewpoints that feel carved for postcards and discover hidden coastal gems where history lingers in every breeze.

Croatia's second largest city, Split is a Dalmatian seaside town brimming with Roman ruins and natural splendor. This Mediterranean paradise is also the perfect jumping off point to island hop or explore nearby beaches and hidden caves.

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.

Setting out on my third career and finally feeling confident. But what is Interior Design, anyway? And what it isn’t.

Lake Atitlán's volcanic crater lake formed 84,000 years ago but today it's the livelihood for 12 Mayan villages producing all varieties of coffee, chocolate, honey and local produce like avocados.

Located in Japan’s Kansai region just south of Kyoto and east of Osaka, Nara is a true hidden gem. It's home to many early emperor palaces, large Shinto shrines and over 1,200 wild and hungry deer that roam freely.

Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama sits 8,000 feet above sea level and offers outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, amateur astronomy, archaeological sightings and sandboarding in one of the most unique places in the world.

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