Just a couple of hours away from Hanoi is Ninh Bình, home to whimsically lush mountains, monastery hikes, a winding river cruise through deep caves, and riding bikes to rice fields. 

Bali gets all the attention, but that’s only because we want to keep Gili Islands more of a secret.  

I had a few questions on how to pay for things before I spent a whole semester traveling around Asia with ILP — would cash be best? What about my credit card? Anything else I should know? Sit tight, because all of those questions (and more) are answered below. 

Cancun isn’t our number one vacation spot in Mexico (not even close!) but it is our top pick for nearby adventures. The newest addition? The vacation spot of your dreams — Cozumel.

Out of all the places to vacation in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio has all the beaches, jungle adventures, and sloths that you are looking for. 

Thinking about study abroad programs or volunteers programs (like where you are teaching abroad)? They're both pretty similar ... but which one is right for you? As someone who's done both, I'm weighing in. 

You know you want to teach English and travel around the world, but should you do that as a volunteer or as a paid international teacher? 

The minute you see the dreamy pictures of the floating Thai markets, you’ll want to head straight there — just make sure you’re picking the right one and know all the insider tips to make your trip here the chaotically picturesque adventure you’re looking for. 

Our ILP Africa volunteers found the beyond-beautiful beaches on Zanzibar, but have loved hanging out with the cutest monkeys, holding chameleons, spotting giant tortoises, and even saying “hi” to the giant pythons. Welcome to Jozani Forest!

Europe is full of thundering cascades, but you can't swim in all of 'em ... which is probably why we love Krka oh-so-much.