Many people go trekking in Nepal for the views of the Himalaya Mountains. But I found there's an even better reason to come: the Sherpa people.

READ: Making Friends with the Sherpas While Trekking in Nepal

I learned one key lesson in Nepal: never underestimate the resiliency of the Nepalese people. When you are born into one of the poorest countries on earth, you don’t have the luxury of failing. The Nepalese people have always found a way to overcome. In the aftermath of the Nepal Earthquake, I’m confident they will rebuild their lives…with a smile on their faces. That’s what you do in Nepal.

READ: Reflections After The Nepal Earthquake

The Local View - Dongguan, China. Agness Walewinder shares her Dungguan expat experience of teaching, travelling and living like a local girl.

READ: The Local View – Dalang, Dongguan Expat Life in China

Reflecting on my time in Kathmandu during the Nepal Civil War. Study abroad during college brought me to Kathmandu, Nepal to study physiology and Buddhism during the early days of this insurgent conflict.

READ: Buddhism and Bloodshed in the Nepal Civil War

The Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul is a monument to Turkey’s importance as the seat of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. It also has stunning views of the Bosphorus.

READ: The Topkapi Palace Museum in Historic Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey sits astride the Bosphorus Strait. This is the meeting of two continents – Europe and Asia – and is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world. Thousands of vessels cross these waters every day. Taking a Bosphorus cruise tour is also one of the top activities for visitors in Istanbul.

READ: Which Bosphorus Cruise to Take in Istanbul

Istanbul. There are few places like it in the world. The hilly, sprawling city welcomes visitors with unfamiliar sights and sounds. There are million things to do in Istanbul, so first-time visitors need to be selective. These are our must see places in Istanbul.

READ: The Highlights of Historic Istanbul

Since the 7th century, people have been coming to Pamukkale to soak in the unique “champagne waters” that are heated by geothermal activity. Since we are big fans of geothermal pools around the world, we knew we had to visit the Pamukkale hot springs and the Antique Pool.

READ: Soaking in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool at the Pamukkale Hot Springs

Ephesus is one of the most famous sites of the ancient world. It's breathtakingly beautiful - and incredible hot.

READ: Visiting The Ruins of Ephesus, Turkey

A Cappadocia hot air balloon ride is a unique experience above a stunning landscape. These photos of our dawn ride and cave visit tell the story.

READ: The Highlights of a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

The Cappadocia region of Turkey has become famous for strange looking rock formations. Yet Cappadocia is more than a quirk of geology, it plays an important cultural role in the early spread of Christianity. And any visit to Cappadocia involves a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum.

READ: The Goreme Open Air Museum: The Essence of Cappadocia

In a city that does everything in a big way, it makes sense that the malls in Dubai are also big. But there is more to Dubai mall culture than just shopping.

READ: The Strange Culture of Malls in Dubai

Dubai has a reputation as a modern, cosmopolitan city. In Dubai, bigger is better: world’s tallest building, world’s largest mall, etc. However, in Bur Dubai and along the banks of the Dubai Creek, you hear the echoes of the old Dubai. In the heart of this area, we encountered the Dubai Gold Souk and knew we’d stumbled on some something truly special.

READ: Shopping in the Dubai Gold Souk

The northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula is populated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the nation of Oman. Oman was largely isolated form the world until the 1970s, so it still retains much of the charm that other countries in the region lack. Travelers who come to Dubai are often looking for a more authentic travel experience, which Muscat provides. Here is our ultimate guide to the Mwasalat Dubai to Muscat bus.

READ: The Mwasalat Buses: Tips for Getting the Dubai to Muscat Bus

Oman is an enigma for many westerners. Largely isolated until 1970, the country has a moderate, relaxed atmosphere. It has incredible scuba diving and broad, sandy beaches. Here are our favorite things to do in Muscat.

READ: 9 Cool Things to Do in Muscat in One Day

Ski Dubai is a legend. This indoor ski park is one of the most iconic attractions in Dubai. Whatever you might imagine skiing in Dubai to be like, we promise you that it’s better!

READ: Ski Dubai: Snow in the Desert