If you want to see hilltop ruins and have some of the best food around while you're in Mexico, you should plan on visiting Oaxaca — this part of the country boasts dozens of day trips we love, like the imposing ancient ruins of Monte Alban. 

Beaches perfect for surfing and surrounded by lush jungles are only two things you’ll find in Jaco ... can you see why this is one of the prettiest weekend getaways for our volunteers in Costa Rica?

When I talk about my trips abroad, I'm all about sharing the highlight reel (even though traveling was hard for me at times). After spending several months abroad and taking dozens of international trips, I think I've finally found that balance between the good parts and the hard parts (and am here to share some advice). 

Some ILP volunteers think the dreamiest coastlines are around Bayahibe and La Romana, but we also love all the things to do here (like peeking into an Italian village and discovering paintings). 

This "Pink City" is filled with towering honeycomb walls, painted entrance gates, and unbelievably pretty palaces covered in silver. You can't miss out on the sites to see in Jaipur. 

Tour the mansion on the grounds, go ziplining, or rent paddle boats on the surrounding lake — we love a quick trip to this estate!

If you find yourself near Leon, Nicaragua but need some time with turtles, play on taking a day to visit this nearby gem.

From admiring a temple covered in over 1,000 pounds of gold to the impressive border ceremony between India and Pakistan, it's hard to choose my favorite experiences in Amritsar!

Standing as the capital of the country and one of the oldest cities, you know you can't miss out on a trip to Santo Domingo. 

You have your weekends covered if you find yourself around Uvita, Costa Rica!