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.

Coming to New York for the first time can be a daunting experience. There's so many things to see and do that deciding how to structure your trip can be confusing. I've been fortunate to visit New York several times over the years, and I love it. I love the manic energy of the city, the diversity of the people you meet and the dynamic artistic culture that thrives in this environment. So I decided to make my version of the perfect New York itinerary for people visiting for the first time. This will give you the classic overview of the city's main attractions and some unique experiences you definitely should try in the Big Apple.

Diving in the Great Barrier Reef has always been on my bucket list. It was an incredible experience that totally lived up to my expectations.

As with most new experiences, I worried about things that were non-issues or never happened. I worried about being the lone inexperienced diver on the boat, I worried about not having a dive buddy and of course I worried about running into Jaws.

Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean, is heaven on Earth. Across this island are countless mountain ranges, beautiful beaches and idyllic towns. The great joy of traveling across Sardinia, is uncovering its many hidden treasures. You'll discover enchanting beaches, inlets and coves; some accessible by car others only by boat.

Japanese culture is extreme reserved and knowing its norms and traditions is important to avoid misunderstandings.