I love travel videos. They have the power to transport you to foreign lands and offer a glimpse into other cultures. Now that my sabbatical is over, these videos have become an invaluable tool to keep my wanderlust alive.

Below is a collection of my favorite travel videos. Each item in this list has moved and inspired me to travel, and I hope they'll do the same for you.

One the great joys from my visit to Thailand was being able to witness the lantern lighting festival. To see it in person, was more stunning than any picture I've seen online.

Truly, if there's ever been a window into Thailand's soul, it's the many festivals it holds each year. These festivals range from solemn religious ceremonies to events that feel like large outdoor parties.

There's no better way to tap into a country's traditions than to attend a festival. Below is my list of festivals you must experience in Thailand.

People living in New York are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to annual festivals and events. This city knows how to have a good time -- all year long.

And the variety is just ridiculous:

Want food festivals? Check.
Interested in music events? Double check.
Love art and culture? Triple check.

Below is my list of some of the top events you should consider experiencing in the Big Apple.

Thailand has some of the world's best islands. Each has its own personality, catering to different tastes.

Some are famous for their wild nightlife, others are known as the perfect family getaway. There are islands that offer incredible scuba diving while others have remote beaches where you can live out your beach bum fantasies.

To help you plan your paradise getaway, below is a quick guide to Thailand's different islands.

New York is an amazing city that has so much to offer its visitors from incredible landmarks, to museums and Broadway shows, to its hip and alternative cultures, to enjoying the simple pleasures of exploring any of its historic or up and coming neighborhoods.

New York can seem like a hard and intimidating place at first glance, but on closer inspection you'll find its a melting pot of different cultures and ideas. It's a place where uniqueness is embraced and cherished, allowing people to be fearless and take chances. This has created a dynamic world with unique experiences you won't find anywhere else.

This is my ultimate list of things to see when you're in New York.

Osaka is an interesting city that’s referred to as the “nation’s kitchen”. Osakan's love of food is so well known there's a famous quote that says:

“Kyoto-ites are financially ruined by overspending on clothing, Osakans are ruined by spending on food.”.

So in the spirit of exploring Japan's Kitchen, this is a list of dishes to try in Osaka.

Japan has approximately 190,000 temples and shrines and an estimated 200,000 festivals. Think about it, 200,000 events -- that averages out to almost 550 festivals a day!

The great thing about these festivals is the variety. There's the religious, fire, dance, snow, music, performance and the outrageously strange festivals.

Below is my list of the best festivals you must try if you're ever in Japan.

Most travelers visiting Japan follow the popular tourist circuit which takes them through Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and do day trips to popular destinations like Kamakura, Nikko or Nara. While there's nothing wrong with traveling through Japan's most popular sites, this is an amazing country with so much more to offer. After all, Japan is rich in history, natural beauty and culture that's both reserved and enchanting.

Below is my list of places which are off the beaten track you must consider visiting in Japan:

Kyoto is an ethereal city that's packed with over 1600 shrines and temples, countless beautiful Zen gardens and more history than you could possibly hope to absorb in a single visit. This is one of the few places on Earth where having a pre-planned itinerary is mandatory. There's so much to see and do that it would be very easy to get overwhelmed. To make things easier below is my list of the top attractions you must see while in Kyoto.

There are restaurants you go to for the food. There are restaurants you go to for the ambiance. Then there's Tokyo's crazy themed restaurants which you go to for a unique experience. The themed restaurant business in Tokyo is constantly evolving and changing. Just when you think you've seen everything, a new crazier idea pops up. One that you would've never thought of in a million years. In fact, the crazier the idea the more popular the place.

So if you ever make it to Tokyo, here's a list of themed restaurants you must checkout.