After traveling to 43 countries, one of the questions I get asked most often is, "What's your favorite place you've visited?"

That's an almost impossible question to answer. How do you compare the beaches of Greece with the temples of Cambodia or the bustling streets of Madrid? Each destination offers something different.

But here's a question I can answer: If someone handed me a plane ticket tomorrow, where would I go?

These aren't necessarily the five most famous or impressive places I've visited. They're the places that have stayed with me. The ones I find myself thinking about long after returning home. And the ones I'd happily pack my orange backpack for again.

Here are my top five, counting down to number one.

Puerto Rico packs the punch of a big adventure without a flight halfway around the world. The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, with the ocean seemingly always in the background, immerse you in the culture. And if that's not enough, locals dancing in the streets to live music, the smell of pinchos grilling, and the seemingly ubiquitous empanadas will complete the experience.

It's the perfect balance of culture and nature. A short drive from San Juan takes you to spectacular beaches like the crescent-shaped Mar Chiquita or the rainforest trails of El Yunque.

Puerto Rico is a place I could return to again and again. And if I could leave tomorrow, I'd be wandering those colorful streets of San Juan, pincho in hand, grateful that such a vibrant destination is just a short flight away.

Julia Roberts inspired my visit to Ubud. Or maybe it was Elizabeth Gilbert. I can't remember whether I read Eat, Pray, Love or watched the movie first. Regardless, Ubud had been near the top of my travel list ever since. And it didn't disappoint.

Yes, Ubud has become increasingly popular with travelers, but it's still an incredible place to visit. The temples and traditional architecture, nestled among lush rice fields, seem to hug the landscape. The entire place oozes relaxation. No, more than relaxation—mindfulness.

We stayed at a small, family-run guesthouse where each morning began with freshly brewed hot tea. It's one of the most tranquil places I've ever experienced.

I'd return to Ubud tomorrow just to sit on that balcony again, sipping hot tea and watching the morning fog lift from the rice fields.

Just thinking about Santorini makes me smile. I can still feel the Mediterranean sun on my skin and smell the salty sea air.

Many people visit Santorini on a cruise ship or come to see the famous village of Oia. And while Oia is beautiful, and watching the sunset there is a must, venturing away from the crowds to explore the rest of the island is where the real magic happens.

We spent the best week driving aimlessly around the island on a four-wheeler. There are only so many roads, so it was virtually impossible to get lost. We stumbled upon small fishing villages, seldom-visited beaches, and even managed to squeeze in a wine tour. And I can't forget the Greek salads—fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, olives, high-quality olive oil, and thick slabs of feta cheese. Somehow, they just taste better in Greece.

I'd return to Santorini tomorrow for the freedom of hopping on a four-wheeler with nowhere in particular to go, the Mediterranean breeze on my face, and an entire island waiting to be explored.

Siem Reap was perhaps one of the biggest surprises I've encountered while traveling. Partly because I hadn't done much research, so I got to discover the place firsthand.

On our first day, a tuk-tuk driver picked us up from the airport and somehow talked his way into becoming our driver for the entire stay. And what an adventure it turned out to be!

I knew little about the Khmer civilization before visiting Cambodia. Exploring the ancient temples of Angkor opened my eyes to a powerful empire that had shaped much of Southeast Asia. My favorite was Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots twist around ancient stone walls. Scampering over the overgrowth, I felt like I was uncovering an ancient civilization. It was like taking an archaeology class without any actual digging.

But what made Siem Reap so memorable wasn't just the temples. It was also the warmth of the local people and the experience of exploring the region by tuk-tuk.

I'd return to Siem Reap tomorrow to climb aboard another tuk-tuk, wander through the ancient temples, and discover even more about the remarkable Khmer civilization.

Madrid is a city with so much life. The city has a pulse that you can't help but feel and get swept up in. I love the rhythm of life here. The afternoon siestas, the late evenings with families strolling through the streets, and the seemingly endless opportunities to eat incredible food.

And the food! Museo del Jamón was a local favorite and the place I ordered my first caña, a small draft beer, accompanied by a piece of bread topped with jamón. The perfect solution to the afternoon heat!

Then there's La Casa del Abuelo, where the gambas are cooked in little cast-iron pans with garlic right in front of you. Your mouth waters as you stand at the bar waiting for them to cook. Good thing there's a caña to help pass the time! And I can't forget the bocadillos stuffed with fried calamari.

But it's not just the food itself. It's the experience of wandering the streets in the evening, stopping at little bars for a small beer and some tapas, and then moving on to the next one. No real destination in mind.

I'd return to Madrid tomorrow just to wander those streets again, ordering small beers and tapas, and enjoying the rhythm of a city that feels so alive.

The more I travel, the more I realize that the places that stay with me aren't always the ones with the biggest attractions or the most famous landmarks. They're the places where I felt something—curiosity, freedom, peace, excitement, or simply the joy of being somewhere different.

And while these five destinations are at the top of my list today, ask me again in a year and I might have a completely different answer. That's part of the fun of traveling.

So, if someone handed you a plane ticket tomorrow, where would you go? Would you return to somewhere you love or explore somewhere entirely new?