The pretty little girl in pink, was standing there against the ancient red door and I knew instantly that I wanted to take her picture. I was in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China when I spotted her. She stood there and gazed at me for only a moment, as I took her picture. She is one I will never forget.

Photographer: Cacinda Maloney | Website: Pointsandtravel.com

Sanguden "Lek" Chailert shares a special moment with one of her rescued elephants at Save Elephant Foundation's Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. Chailert has given new leases on life to elephants rescued from the tourist industry, forced breeding, and more.

Photographer: Diana Edelman | Website: www.dtravelsround.com

This photo was taken in Israel's Tel Aviv Market. I call it 'Two Old Women Resting.' I think the one sitting on the chair wishes she was able to lay down as well.

Photographer: Evelyn Hannon | Website: www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/evelyn-hannon-aging-disgracefully

One of the perks of travel is meeting memorable women like Marcela Quiroz a passionate Chilean who introduced me to the magic of Patagonia Sur with extraordinary grace, intelligence and compassion.

Photographer: Ellen Barone | Website: ellenbarone.com

In the Golden Triangle, northern Thailand you can find the Kahren people also known as the Long Neck People. An old tradition of gradually elongating a female's neck is still practiced there today. Some say it is done so other tribes would not steal their women.

Photographer: Forest Walker | Website: www.theothersideofthecoconut.com

While touring the Kerala Backwaters, in a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat, I spotted this woman washing her laundry. The colourful saris stood out beautifully in the lush, green foliage.

Photographer: Alison Cornford-Matheson | Website: www.acmphotography.com

I was strolling through the markets in Masaya, Nicaragua when I noticed this baby sitting on her mother's lap inside a stall. Her eyes - bold, bright, expressive, innocent, ready to take on the world - remain some of the most beautiful I've seen to date on my travels.

Photographer: Lola Akinmade-Åkerström | Website: www.geotravelermedia.com