Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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2 Weeks in Sri Lanka - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

There's a lot travelers can see and do with two weeks to spend in Sri Lanka. Explore the island on a highlights tour that takes you to historic temples and national parks, focus on coastal destinations and UNESCO-listed sites, or opt for an itinerary that includes cycling and boating through Sri Lanka's natural wonders. If you're traveling with children, consider a family-oriented tour, or if you're eager to see the Maldives, combine ten days in Sri Lanka with a few more in the paradise of these nearby coral islands. Learn more about your options by reading over the itineraries below.

Highlights of Sri Lanka - 14 Days

National parks, ancient fortresses, gorgeous beaches, and one of the oldest cities in the world: this varied itinerary takes you far and wide to Sri Lanka's most fascinating sights. You'll explore a quiet island and spot dolphins on boat tours, hike to viewpoints for sweeping views over tea plantations, look for leopards during a Jeep safari, and learn about Buddhist principles during guided tours. Whether you're interested in cultural history, colorful wildlife, or the process behind the production of Ceylon tea, this two-week highlights tour has plenty to offer.

Enjoy a safari adventure in Wilpattu National Park

Sri Lanka Family Adventure - 14 Days

With a colorful cultural history and rugged landscapes ideal for outdoor adventures, Sri Lanka is a beautiful destination for a family vacation. This two-week tour around the island features a dolphin-watching tour, multiple safari adventures, a Sri Lankan cooking class, and visits to ancient fortresses. Thanks to the mix of hands-on activities and cultural education, it's an excellent option for travelers of all ages.

A wild deer in Horton Plains National Park

Outdoor Adventure in Sri Lanka - 7 Days

Sri Lanka is a paradise for outdoor adventurers with expansive national parks, peaceful reservoirs, and rushing rivers. This 7-day tour, well-suited to families and active travelers of all ages, leads you around the country's natural wonders. Go whitewater rafting on the Kelani River, trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range, look for elusive leopards in Horton Plains National Park, and paddle a canoe through the quiet waters of Samanalawewa—it's all on the agenda.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

Highlights of Sri Lanka - 7 days

See the best that Sri Lanka has to offer on this week-long itinerary around the country's cultural monuments and natural wonders. You'll visit historic temples in Kandy and Sigiriya, see the colorful fish market of Negombo, and learn about tea production in Hill Country. The trip features not one but two Jeep safaris in national parks, providing ample opportunities to see elephants, monkeys, and rare birds in their natural habitats.

View from the Valencian town of Peniscola

Family-Friendly Spain: Barcelona & Valencia - 6 Days

There's fun for the whole family on this relaxed six-day tour of eastern Spain. Starting in Barcelona, you'll ascend Mount Montjuïc via cable cars, take a sunset sail around the harbor, and wander the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter. After a day trip exploring the wonders of surrounding Catalonia, head down the coast to finish your trip in Valencia, where all ages can marvel at underwater wonders in Europe's largest aquarium and sample the city's signature dish of paella.

5 Days in Sri Lanka - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

For a short but sweet trip to Sri Lanka, try one of these 5-day itineraries. You might focus on the country's top highlights, featuring visits to UNESCO-listed temples and a safari in a national park, or you may focus more exclusively on wildlife viewing. Alternatively, cool off on a laid-back tour of Hill Country—excellent for tea lovers—or spend your time exploring the beautiful beaches of the Sri Lankan coastline. Find out more about your options by reading the itineraries below.

Sri Lanka Beach Getaway: Tangalle & Mirissa - 5 Days

The beaches of Sri Lanka have so much to offer. This relaxing 5-day trip takes you around to key coastal destinations, including Tangalle and Mirissa, for snorkeling, swimming, whale-watching, and the chance to observe turtles laying their eggs on the sand at night. You'll also view an incredible variety of birds on a boat tour through Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and squeeze in some cultural sightseeing at the Dutch-style old city in Galle before catching a flight out from the capital city of Colombo.

Best Things to Do in Zagreb

Many travelers skip Croatia's vibrant, youthful capital in favor of the coast, but Zagreb perfectly complements any Croatian itinerary. With grandiose Austro-Hungarian architecture, a never-ending calendar of festivals and events, the best coffee scene in the country, and nearby hiking and skiing, there's plenty to see and do in buzzy, authentic Zagreb.

Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

The history of Dubrovnik's walled city runs deep, back to the 7th century CE and Middle Ages, when it was a wealthy and independent republic. Step back in time as you wander the labyrinth of twisting alleyways and take in the views from atop the walls. Explore Gothic churches, 600-year-old synagogues, marble monuments, and a string of local beaches. Excursions along the coast, hikes into the hills, and adventures to small towns all compliment local food, wine, and legendary sunsets.

Home COVID Tests for International Travel

Starting June 12, 2022, international travelers returning to the US will no longer need to show a negative COVID-19 test result.

Stay in a lighthouse at the 'end of the world'

6 Unique Places to Stay in Spain

From palaces to Picasso, Spain has character to spare—and the lodgings to prove it. Rather than staying in a traditional hotel, explore the range of the country's culture and history with a different kind of stay. Whether you opt for an eco-friendly treehouse, island dome, palatial visit within the walls of the Alhambra, or a cutting-edge glass art stay, these lodgings will add an extra element to your trip.

Cruise the Galápagos Archipelago - 10 Days

Explore the Galápagos Islands on a yacht! This 10-day tour takes you around the archipelago to see Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat, snorkel with sea turtles, explore tidal pools, visit Charles Darwin Station, hike to a volcanic crater, and spot blue-footed boobies in the wild. After spending the first night on dry land, you'll island-hop to various islands, including San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fé, Plaza Sur, and Seymour Norte, stopping at various natural attractions along the way.

A pair of lions in the Maasai Mara, Kenya

10 Days in Kenya - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 10 days to spend in Kenya, you'll likely want to spend a few on safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve. How you organize the rest of your time is up to you: round out your adventure with more wildlife viewing in the country's top national parks, or opt for a relaxing trip to the white sandy coastline of Diani Beach. You could even add Uganda into the mix, crossing the border to enjoy a one-of-a-kind gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Morning mist in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Safari and Gorilla Trek in Kenya & Uganda - 10 Days

Welcome to the African wilderness! On this guided tour of Kenya and Uganda, you'll visit Amboseli National Park, go on a safari in the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, and get to know the Maasai people in their villages. Then cross the border for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—it's the wildlife viewing experience of a lifetime.

Wildlife and Beaches of Kenya - 10 Days

Offering a mix of active adventures, cultural sightseeing, and relaxation, this 10-day tour of Kenya has something for everyone. Enjoy a safari experience in Maasai Mara National Reserve, interact with baby elephants at an elephant orphanage, and learn about Maasai traditions at Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp. Wrap up with a few days on the white sands of Diani Beach before heading back to Nairobi.

Cruise the Galápagos Islands - 7 Days

On this weeklong cruise around the Galápagos Islands, you'll travel around the archipelago on a yacht, stopping at various islands for activities led by a naturalist guide. Kayak through pristine waters, snorkel with penguins and sea lions, hike to see blue-footed boobies in the wild, and get up close with giant tortoises.

Island-Hopping in the Galápagos: Santa Cruz & Isabela - 7 Days

During this Galápagos Islands adventure, you will explore the famous archipelago, swim with playful sea lions, and see giant tortoises up close. The itinerary is land-based, meaning you'll sleep on the islands instead of on a yacht. But you'll still spend plenty of time on the water as you navigate to various islands by speedboat, enjoying hiking, snorkeling, and guided wildlife viewing walks along the journey.

The temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt's ancient Nubia

2 Weeks in Egypt - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks is a generous amount of time to spend in Egypt. With 14 days, you can focus on Egyptian culture and history, touring the country's pyramids and ancient monuments, or opt to structure your trip around a cruise down the Nile River. Alternatively, you might like to divide your time between more than one country: Spend the first week in Egypt before adventuring to Morocco or Jordan.

Egyptian Culture & History Tour: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & More - 14 Days

Pyramids, temples, tombs, Roman ruins—this two-week tour of Egypt takes you to the country's top cultural and historical highlights. You'll visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, touring the most important monuments along the way, from the Karnak Temple Complex to the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings. Finish the trip with a few relaxing days in Sharm El Sheikh, an Egyptian resort town with white sandy beaches and clear water perfect for swimming and boating.

Ancient Egyptian temple complex in Luxor

Highlights of Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Petra & More - 14 Days

This two-week journey features an appealing mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. The itinerary starts in Egypt, where you'll sightsee in Cairo, visit the Pyramids of Giza, cruise down the Nile River on a boat, and tour the ancient temples at Luxor. Then you'll cross the border to Jordan, where the second part of the trip begins. See Petra's jaw-dropping "Rose City," go on a safari around Wadi Rum, and take it easy by the Dead Sea.

Egypt Cultural Tour & Nile River Cruise: Cairo, Siwa & More - 14 days

Explore Egypt by water and land on this action-packed two-week tour of the country. After getting oriented in Cairo, you'll cruise along the Nile on a boat, stopping to visit the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Then you'll continue the trip overland, exploring antiquities in Alexandria before retreating to the Siwa Oasis, home to the fascinating Berber settlements of the Egyptian desert.

Highlights of Egypt & Morocco: Cairo, Marrakech & More - 14 Days

Explore the best of Egypt and Morocco on this two-week tour of the highlights. You'll sightsee Cairo, visit the pyramids, enjoy a three-day cruise along the Nile River, and more. Then zip over to Morocco, where you'll tour Casablanca, wander through the bustling medina of Fes, and float over the countryside near Marrakech in a hot air balloon.

5 Days in Egypt - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days in Egypt offers plenty of choices, where most travelers want to spend time in Cairo, a great hub for visiting the famous Egyptian Museum, and nearby Giza to see the pyramids and Sphinx. For ancient Egyptian history, opt to continue to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings or make a side trip to Alexandria, seeing the Roman ruins before returning to Cairo for a Nile dinner cruise. Another alternative is to sail down the Nile River or combine a few days touring ancient Egyptian monuments with a few days at a beach resort on the Red Sea.

Ancient Egypt & Red Sea Getaway - 5 Days

On this whirlwind tour through Egypt, you'll see diverse destinations ranging from the busy capital city to a beach resort by the Red Sea. Starting in Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum and the King Tut exhibit, detour to the pyramids of Giza, and see the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak. Then head for the coast, spending the last few days in Hurghada, swimming in the ocean and enjoying a desert safari tour.

Ride a camel along the coast of Dahab famous for its sunsets and Blue Hole

10 Days in Egypt - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Egypt. With enough time to explore several regions, you can combine an extended stay in Cairo with a multi-day cruise down the Nile River or opt for a faster-paced tour and include time in Sharm el-Sheikh. You could also combine a tour of ancient Egyptian cities with a safari in the desert oasis of Siwa, while those looking to include Jordan in their itinerary can travel from Cairo and Saint Catherine's Monastery northeast to the Dead Sea.

The incredible Colossi of Memnon in the Valley of the Kings

Egypt & Jordan Cultural Tour: Cairo, Amman & More - 10 days

This exciting itinerary takes you to the top highlights of Egypt and Jordan. You'll start your trip in Cairo and visit the Pyramids of Giza before departing for a three-day cruise along the Nile River with stops at many of Egypt's most famous temples. Then you'll cross the border to Amman, Jordan. After one day in the city, travel to the ancient city of Petra and enjoy a desert safari tour through Wadi Rum.

Discover the Deir-al-Bahri (Temple of Hatshepsut) opposite Luxor, on a Cairo and Nile cruise adventure

1 Week in Egypt - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week to spend in Egypt, travelers have several great options. Try a highlights tour that takes you to Cairo, Alexandria, and the coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh, or choose an itinerary that focuses specifically on history and culture, including a side trip to Aswan and the incredible rock-cut tombs at Abu Simbel. Alternatively, combine a few days of sightseeing in Cairo with a three-day boat cruise down the Nile. Or add Jordan into the mix, spending a few days in Egypt before crossing the border to explore Petra and Wadi Rum. Find out more about your options by reading the itineraries below.

Best of Costa Rica's Nature: Poas, Arenal, Rio Celeste, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 13 Days

This 13-day trip is packed with the best that Costa Rica's nature has to offer: volcanoes, cloud forests, coastlines, and more. You'll start in Poas to see the Tenorio Volcano and visit the La Paz Waterfall, then continue north to Arenal for a look at the iconic volcano and a chance to learn about coffee and chocolate production. Continue to Rio Celeste to see the spectacular blue water for yourself, then end your trip in Monteverde and Manual Antonio for sunny beaches and wildlife walks.

End the trip with a drive to the Pacific coast for some beach time

Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal, Monteverde & Tamarindo - 8 Days

This eight-day trip to Costa Rica offers an array of adventures in a variety of landscapes, from the city to the cloud forest to the sea. Enjoy hiking near an active volcano, some of the world's best bird-watching, paddleboarding across a lagoon, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Begin in Arenal for nature walks, then transfer to Monteverde for zipline tours of the forest canopy. End in Tamarindo—a surfer's paradise.

Nile River Cruise & Red Sea Getaway - 10 Days

This 10-day Egyptian adventure is perfect for anyone who likes to spend time on (and in) the water. It kicks off with a multi-day cruise down the legendary Nile River, with stops to tour ancient temples along the way. Finish the trip with a few days of relaxing by the Red Sea in the idyllic coastal resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, with an added visit to Saint Catherine's, the longest-operating monastery in the world.

Inside the ancient city of Petra, Jordan

Egypt & Jordan Cultural Tour: Cairo, Amman & Petra - 7 days

Venture to the Great Pyramid of Giza, climb to the top of Petra's largest temple, see Dead Sea Scrolls in person, go for a safari tour in Wadi Rum: these are just a few of the adventures that await you on this thrilling 7-day itinerary around Egypt and Jordan. Start with a few days in Cairo learning about Egyptian culture and history, then cross the border to Amman to begin your journey around deserts and Roman ruins.

History & Culture of Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, & Aswan - 7 Days

In just a week, this action-packed itinerary takes you to Egypt's top historic and cultural attractions. You'll see the Great Pyramid of Giza, ancient temples at Karnak and Luxor, and fascinating antiquities at Cairo's Egyptian Museum. One particular highlight of the trip is a journey to the iconic temples at Abu Simbel, an ancient site that was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground in the 1960s to make room for the Aswan High Dam.

Cairo Adventure & Nile Cruise - 7 days

Enjoy the best of Egypt on this weeklong adventure. Spend a few days in Cairo, visiting museums, learning about Islamic history, and side-tripping to the pyramids of Giza, before boarding a boat for a cruise along the Nile River. Highlights along the journey include Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak Temple. The itinerary ends up back in Cairo — a perfect way to spend seven days!

Marrakech to Casablanca: Sahara Desert & Fes - 6 Days

This adventure-packed trip showcases Morocco's highlights, including Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, and the desert. Start in Marrakech for colorful markets and architecture, then head inland to explore kasbahs and sleep under the stars in a desert camp amid the Sahara dunes. Visit Fes' narrow streets and the medieval medina before ending the trip in Casablanca to see the Hassan II Mosque and the world's tallest minaret.

Best Things to Do in Stavanger

Set in Southern Norway, Stavanger offers the best of all worlds: stunning natural scenery, picturesque coastlines, charming historic streets, connections to cities like Oslo and Bergen, and easy access to the fjord region. The city is an excellent hub for some of the most popular activities in Norway, including hikes to Kjerag and Pulpit Rock, cruises in Lysefjord, and day trips to charming towns like Flørli.

Top Experiences in the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands is one of the most popular destinations in Norway. The moment you arrive, you'll understand why, as this stunning archipelago features jagged mountain peaks, colorful hamlets that cling to rocks, and a coastline dotted with islands. If you're looking for outdoor adventures, this is the place for you! Enjoy scenic drives, kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, sailing, and more.

Top Experiences in the Fjord Region

Many visitors plan an entire trip to Norway for its famed fjord region, which offers various experiences, such as fjord cruises, kayaking excursions, hikes, biking trails, scenic lookouts, historic train routes, wildlife viewing, waterfalls, glaciers, and national parks. You can explore charming wharf villages, peruse museums like the Glacier Museum, or find old wooden stave churches.

Best Hiking Experiences in Norway

Norway is an outdoor paradise, and one of the most popular activities is hiking through the lush forests, jagged mountain peaks, and rocky fjords. From Troll's Tongue to Pulpit Rock, Norway is home to famous hikes that offer outstanding views of the country's iconic landscapes. You don't have to be an experienced trekker to enjoy the scenery, either. You'll find various trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, for all interests.

Best Things to Do in Tromsø

Tromsø is Norway's "Gateway to the Arctic," as the city sits above the Arctic Circle and offers easy access to the renowned Lofoten Islands and the country's northernmost reaches. But despite being so remote, the city is a vibrant, lively metropolis, lovingly referred to as the "Paris of the North." Enjoy the annual Bukta open-air music festival or visit one of the famed breweries. Discover the area's wildlife with whale safaris or watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky on a dinner cruise.

The Best Hotels in Rovinj

Croatia's Istrian peninsula is the ideal destination for winding cobblestone streets and long, leisurely dinners, especially in the fishing port of Rovinj. Wander Venetian-influenced architecture and lounge alongside the Adriatic before you retire to one of these elegant hotels that marry the city's history with contemporary influences.

Best Things to Do in Bergen

As an idyllic and colorful harbor city, Bergen is one of the most popular hubs in Norway. It sits on the North Sea coast with access to the county's famous fjord region. But Bergen is much more than just a hub, as it's filled with famous sites, including the historic Bryggen area, Gamle Bergen, several museums, art galleries, churches, and abundant Viking heritage.

Best Things to Do in Oslo

Oslo is Norway's buzzy, multicultural capital, known for its eco-friendly initiatives and innovation. It houses some of the country's best museums and parks, making it well worth a stop. You'll find the renowned Viking Ship Museum, the Nobel Peace Center, art galleries featuring Edvard Munch, and the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park. A vibrant city, Oslo draws crowds of all interests and ages.

Best of Paris & Barcelona - 8 Days

Enjoy the top offerings of Paris and Barcelona — from historic sites to culinary delights — on this 8-day trip. You'll start your trip in the City of Lights for a visit to the artistic Montmartre neighborhood and a wine & cheese tasting in a medieval cellar. Continue to Spain to see impressive Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture and feast on traditional Catalonian fare.

Discover the Flavors of Southern Spain - 12 Days

Explore the highlights and flavors of Spain with visits to the cities of Madrid, Granada, Málaga, Cádiz, and Seville on this 12-day trip. You'll enjoy private tours of the historic old towns, visit ancient religious sites, and taste Spain's best culinary offerings. Start the trip in Andalusía to see the Alhambra in Granada, visit Málaga to learn to cook in a traditional finca, and then wrap up the trip in Seville to enjoy a flamenco show.

Epic Wine & Culinary Trip Though Spain - 12 Days

If food and wine are your passions, then this unparalleled 12-day trip through the heart of Spain's Basque Country has your name on it. You'll see Barcelona's highlights — including the Sagrada Familia — as well as the coastal towns of the Bay of Biscay. Tour family wineries, visit shepherds, and hop from pintxos bar to pintxos bar, grazing until your heart's content.

Photo courtesy of Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel

The Best Boutique Hotels in Korčula

With its turquoise coast and charming stone Old Town, it's easy to see why Korčula is sometimes called "Little Dubrovnik." But this woodsy Adriatic isle has plenty of charm of its own. Take it all in from a seaside resort, soak in the sun in a boutique beach retreat, or spend your nights in the town's first established hotel.

Ultimate Canary Islands Tour & Madrid - 8 Days

This 8-day trip covers the archipelago's three easternmost islands. Traveling by road and ferry, you'll discover historic villages, orchards, forests, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and vineyards to understand just what makes this region of Spain so unique. There will be plenty of free time to explore each isle's capital—especially in the evenings—to round out this fun adventure.

Highlights of Ancient Egypt: Cairo & Luxor - 5 Days

This 5-day tour takes you to ancient Egypt's most iconic sites, from mysterious pyramids to ancient temples. You'll base yourself in Cairo, taking a domestic flight to and from Luxor to see as much as possible. Check out pharaohs' treasures and the King Tut exhibit at Cairo's Egyptian Museum, behold the massive Colossi of Memnon statues in Luxor, tour the impressive Karnak Temple, and view the famous pyramids of Giza.

Multi-Sport Adventure in Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde, & Tamarindo - 10 Days

This trip is perfect for those who want to explore Costa Rica's highlights, combined with active tours that get your blood pumping. Start this adventure navigating rapids on the Pacuare River — one of the top 10 rivers in the world for whitewater. Explore Arenal Volcano by bike, then head to the misty cloud forest of Monteverde for nature hikes and a zip line tour. End your trip on Tamarindo Beach, one of Costa Rica's premier beach destinations. Relax on the sand, take a surf lesson, or go snorkeling, then finish things off with a sunset sail on the Pacific.

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