I've visited 100 countries, but I'm not sure I want to go back to these 5.

Frequently, I am inquired: "Which country do you enjoy visiting the most?"

What is the best way for an avid adventurer to capture the essence of culture, atmosphere, cuisine, scenery, and other elements that make up an international travel experience?

One way to measure the depth of exploration is by identifying the nations I have visited multiple times, including popular destinations like Turkey, Nepal, South Africa, and Indonesia. Another approach could be to reflect on the places I planned to visit only once but ended up wanting to return to.

Here are the spots on my list of return trips that I thought would be "one and done."

Rwanda

Rwanda's natural beauty took me by surprise, as I had not anticipated it. Although I had planned to visit Rwanda for primate trekking, the unexpected closure of the Burundi border gave me more time to explore.

Discovering stunning tea plantations, a picturesque landscape of a thousand hills, and the melodious fishermen of Lake Kivu who work at night from tri-hulled boats was a fortuitous find.

Rwanda is praised for its reconciliation efforts following the 1994 genocide, with genocide memorials throughout the country acknowledging its challenging past in a respectful and transparent manner.

The primate trekking in Volcanoes National Park was quite enjoyable. I searched for the golden monkey, a captivating sub-species native to central Africa's Virunga Mountains. Although I aimed for a close-up, I ended up having a close encounter. A mischievous monkey discovered his favorite spot right between my feet.

Saudi Arabia

On my first day in the Kingdom, I witnessed the amber sun descending below the horizon at the "Edge of the World," a dramatic cliff. The unbroken vistas were breathtaking, I mused.

A few days after my previous Saudi superlative, I wandered through the Valley of the Palm Trees, surrounded by massive red sandstone pillars, in awe of the sublime beauty of a desert environment.

Wadi Al Disah is a geological cousin of Jordan's Wadi Rum, but with fewer crowds. The Nabateans constructed Petra, a renowned site in Jordan, 2,000 years ago. They also built Hegra, a prized World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, which is most fascinating after dark.

In the evening, the monumental tombs of the ancient civilization are illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a mystique atmosphere. Although mass tourism is relatively new in the Kingdom, I felt genuinely welcomed due to the Arabian hospitality. The highlight of my journey was a spontaneous invitation to visit a Bedouin camp. Our hosts welcomed us inside their tent compound and shared tea, photos, and stories about their nomadic lifestyle.

Montenegro

Montenegro, a small country nestled in the Balkans, is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of mountains, turquoise waters, and Orthodox churches. While neighboring Croatia is often the focus of attention and attracts many visitors, Montenegro is the perfect destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the Adriatic ambiance.

The Bay of Kotor, recognized by UNESCO, is commonly referred to as Europe's southernmost fjord, but it is actually a submerged river canyon.

I visited a Serbian Orthodox church in Kotor's Old Town, which dates back to 1305. The priest I encountered there was very talkative and we managed to communicate despite the language barrier, resulting in a pleasant conversation.

As I cycled along the Adriatic Sea, I came across the picturesque village of Sveti Stefan. Although I was only passing through, the image of the quaint hamlet with its red clay rooftops and blue sea views has stayed with me.

Antarctica

During my "Way Down Under" adventure, I was one of the initial tourists of the season, which commences in mid-November.

In Antarctica, the colors are breathtaking: endless, pristine whites with vibrant orange sunsets. We explored untouched areas on foot and by kayak for at least six months during the harsh winter.

Our expedition ship's crew member on King George Island reached out to the nearby Polish research base, which was staffed by only seven members. After a long winter, the researchers were eager for some fresh faces. They welcomed us into their cozy living quarters and generously shared chocolates, snacks, and precious fruit. I am excited to return to the White Continent again to experience the planet's coldest, windiest, driest, and perhaps most serene place.

Vanuatu

Despite being a welcoming and rewarding country, Vanuatu is one of the least visited countries in the world due to its remoteness. The voluntary liquidation of its national airline, Air Vanuatu, in May has further hindered its tourism industry.

This Melanesian country provides unforgettable experiences, including the world's most accessible active volcano, Mount Yasur, which is famous for its spectacular lava displays. During my visit, I was enveloped in thick toxic volcanic smog with near zero visibility at the rim.

The coral reefs and clear waters of the archipelago are renowned globally. While snorkeling off the coast of Efate island, I came across a World War II Corsair fighter plane that had crashed; the pilot is said to have survived the incident.

On Pentecost Island, Vanuatu, we observed a land-diving ritual, the ancestral form of bungee jumping. During this annual rite of passage, men leap from high wooden towers with banyan tree vines tied around their ankles. In the background, men in penis sheaths and women in grass skirts perform a ceremonial song and dance. It is believed that a successful dive guarantees a prosperous yam harvest. That day, we witnessed 10 successful dives, which should bring good fortune for the harvest.