Is it the food? The jungles and beaches? The dozens of weekend trips? The bright and vibrant culture (and the fact that it's crazy affordable)? We're not sure, we just know Mexico is practically perfect. 

So there are a lot of volcanoes in this part of the world, but while you’re here on vacation (or volunteering in Costa Rica!) we think you should be besties with these peaks. Here’s a quick guide to the volcanoes you shouldn’t skip.

We love Kiev, Ukraine for lots and lots of reasons. I mean, how do you not adore a city peppered in cathedrals and bursting with history? But one way to totally soak it all up is to visit the theater. 

Hanging out in the Dominican Republic? This island is a day trip away your favorite vacation spots.

Sixteen turquoise lakes connected by over 90 waterfalls? I know you’re already in love with “Europe’s Niagara Falls”.

“It might be the most amazing place I have ever been to.” 

Woven baskets, carved nativity sets, and the brightest dresses you can imagine — we love the shopping here!

I spent a semester volunteering in this part of the world with ILP and planned the perfect European vacation — here are all of my tips, tricks, my itinerary and all the things I wished I did differently! 

We’ve had a handful of ILP volunteers venture out to Sarajevo … and the result? “Bosnia is such an underrated country … such an Old Town Gem” or how about “Never expected to fall in love with Sarajevo Bosnia, but things just happen sometimes I guess”. Either way, couldn’t agree more. 

I went to Eastern Europe in the middle of January, and I was so glad I had all of this info.