Travel Insights

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

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Best Time of Year for a Safari in South Africa

With its expansive size, varied topography, and coastlines bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa conjures diverse weather patterns. While summer sun shines on the cloudless Cape Provinces, rain deluges the safari parks of KwaZulu Natal and Greater Kruger. Consequently, with game reserves scattered throughout the country, choosing where and when to visit can leave you scratching your head. The following information will help you weigh your priorities and determine which season and destination is right for you in this country of many climates.

Elephant at sunset in Kruger National Park

Best Time of Year to Visit Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, but understanding how the dry and wet seasons affect game-viewing is key. Depending on how you weigh your priorities, the following information will help you decide which season is right for you.

Paddleboarding off the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest

West Coast Wilderness at Nimmo Bay Resort - 8 Days

Head off into the remote wilderness of the west coast of British Columbia with a multi-day stay at Nimmo Bay Resort. You'll immediately feel at home at this family-run resort which is located on the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, you can choose from a variety of adventures each day, from sea kayaking to grizzly bear viewing to helicopter tours.

Returning to shelter at Nimmo Bay Resort

Wild Outposts of the Pacific Northwest - 10 Days

An hour's flight north of Vancouver takes you to two of British Columbia's most remote landscapes—Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and the Great Bear Rainforest. Setting up base camp at two luxury wilderness resorts, disconnect yourself from the outside world, and fully immerse yourself in the mountains and coastal rainforest. Spend your days choosing from a variety of outdoor and wellness activities and your evenings dining on fresh gourmet meals.

Cape Town and Table Mountain from the air

Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Town

Planning your trip to Cape Town requires flipping your mental calendar, as the southern hemisphere’s seasons are a reverse of the northern hemisphere. South Africa’s hot, dry, and popular summer (December-February) corresponds to North America’s winter, and vice versa. However, you should also factor in when best to avoid the crowds and find the most reasonable rates. Depending on how you weigh these factors, the following information will help you decide which season is right for you.

The remote and pristine Desolation Sound, home to some of BC's warmest waters

Outdoor Adventure along BC's Coastline - 14 Days

This two-week road trip takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. You'll base yourself in four main locations: Desolation Sound, Strathcona Park, the Pacific Rim, and Salt Spring Island. Activities range from sea kayaking to waterfalls hikes to exploring the galleries and farmers' markets of Salt Spring Island.

Meet elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa

How Many Days to Spend in Kruger National Park

Kruger is the park with the greatest diversity of wildlife in South Africa, and you could spend up to a week enjoying safaris and nature walks here. A minimum of two days will give you a real taste of the park's stupendous wildlife viewing, but you'll want at least five days to truly appreciate its diversity. With a park this spectacular, even two weeks isn't too long, especially when combined with Victoria Falls.

Best Time of Year to Visit Kenya

Kenya has a definite peak tourism season, but that is not the only good time to visit. If you want to go on safari and witness the Great Migration or climb Mount Kenya, you'll be restricted to specific months. Otherwise, there are benefits to coming at other times of the year, although the "big rain" season is best avoided. Read on to find out more about the best time of year to visit Kenya.

How Many Days to Spend on Safari in South Africa

You can have a great safari adventure in South Africa in as little as a long weekend. With game parks scattered throughout the nation, you can easily access one or more reserves close to Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, or Durban if you have only a few days to spare. Of course, a week or more is recommended for a more diverse experience across different parks and regions, including game drives, bush walks, and even a hot-air balloon “safari.” Two weeks would let you combine several distinct parks and reserves in South Africa as well as its neighbors, including Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, and the Kalahari, plus other highlights of the region.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, & Amalfi Coast - 9 Days

This whirlwind getaways fits it all in, from the historic monuments of Rome to the incredible natural beauty of the Cinque Terre Coast. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence and admire the incredible Duomo. Dine on some of the best seafood and citrus in the world on the Amalfi Coast and dip your toes in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome & Amalfi Coast - 10 Days

Spend your 10-day holiday discovering the highlights of Italy. Start off in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to the spectacular Duomo. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio before heading to the coast to explore the colorful villages and seaside cliffs of Cinque Terre. Venture down to Rome and delve into Italian history, visiting the Colosseum and the famed Sistine Chapel. Finish things off on the Amalfi Coast for some well-deserved beach time.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome & Amalfi Coast - 11 Days

Make the most of your time in Italy with this 11-day journey through the country's highlights. Stroll through cobblestone streets in Florence and sip on Chianti wine before discovering the enchanting, colorful villages of Cinque Terre. Immerse yourself in the history of Rome at the Colosseum and travel back in time to explore the ruins of Pompeii. Finish off your travels relaxing on the Amalfi Coast, dining on fresh seafood and limoncello.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, & Amalfi Coast - 12 Days

This 12-day trip perfectly combines the cultural and historic aspects of Italy's most notable cities with laid-back relaxation on the Mediterranean Sea. Admire the stunning Duomo in Florence and sip wine among the hills of Chianti before heading to the Cinque Terre coast to sail along the turquoise waters. Travel back in time in Rome's Colosseum and Vatican City, before finishing off your adventure strolling along the sunny streets of the Amalfi Coast's villages.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, & Amalfi Coast - 13 Days

Escape it all with this 13-day holiday through the highlights of Italy. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, go for a wine tasting in Tuscany, and feel the cool sea breeze on a sunset cruise along the Cinque Terre coast. Delve into the history of Rome and admire the stunning Vatican City before soaking up the sun on the Amalfi Coast. Dine on fresh seafood and meander through colorful villages to round off your trip.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, & Amalfi Coast - 14 Days

Your two-week getaway to Italy fits in cultural highlights and coastal beauty the country is famed for. Begin your adventure in Florence, admiring the art and architecture the birthplace of Florence offers before heading to Cinque Terre. Stroll through the colorful villages and admiring the coastline on a sunset cruise. From here, you'll visit Rome, where ancient history comes to life. Finish off your trip with a stay on the Amalfi Coast. Soak in the sunshine and discover the beauty of this enchanting area.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, & Amalfi Coast - 15 Days

Spend your holiday taking in the sights and sounds (and tastes!) of Italy with this 15-day tour. Peruse the piazzas in Florence and head into Tuscany for a wine tasting before discovering the colorful, cliffside villages of Cinque Terre and blue waters of the Mediterranean. From there, head to Rome, where history and architecture abound before finishing up your travels soaking in the sun with time along the Amalfi Coast, lazing on the sandy beaches.

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, & Amalfi Coast - 16 Days

This 16-day itinerary travels through all the highlights Italy has to offer. Start off in Florence, strolling along cobblestone streets and across the famed Ponte Vecchio before venturing to the coast and exploring the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre. From here, head south to Rome to discover the Eternal City, delving into the history of the Colosseum and admiring the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Finish up with some beach time and relaxation along the Amalfi Coast.

Florence, Rome, & the Amalfi Coast - 14 Days

This two-week trip through Italy takes you to it all. See Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture in Florence and meander through piazzas and across the famed Ponte Vecchio bridge. Visit Rome and admire the Sistine Chapel and stroll through the streets of its buzzing nightlife before finishing off on the incomparable Amalfi Coast and Capri Island for some leisure and beach time to complete your trip.

Florence, Rome, & the Amalfi Coast - 13 Days

Start your Italian adventure visiting the incomparable city of Florence, with its ancient cobblestones streets and impressive architecture. Venture into nearby Tuscany before traveling down to the capital city of Rome, where ancient monuments and bustling nightlife await. Finish off your time with a stay on the Amalfi Coast, soaking up the sun in Sorrento and relaxing on the island of Capri.

Florence, Rome, & the Amalfi Coast - 12 Days

Make the most of your 12 day Italian getaway with visits of the highlights. Start off in the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. Admire the Duomo and stroll through its picturesque streets before continuing on to Rome, where ancient history and incredible art abound. From here, you'll make your way down to the Amalfi Coast to finish off your trip lazing on sandy beaches along the Mediterranean sea.

Florence, Rome, & the Amalfi Coast - 11 Days

Travel back in time strolling through the streets of Florence. Meander along the Ponte Vecchio bridge and gaze upon the Brunelleschi's Duomo before making your way to the Eternal City of Rome. Your Italian adventure continues with visiting the ancient sites of the Colosseum and breathtaking beauty of the Sistine Chapel. Round off your unforgettable trip with a stay along the Amalfi Coast, where sandy beaches and clear blue waters of the Mediterranean await.

Florence, Rome, & the Amalfi Coast - 10 Days

Spend 10 days soaking in the incredible culture and natural beauty of Italy. Start off your unforgettable trip visiting Florence, home to breathtaking architecture and Renaissance art. Continue your travels with a stay in Rome, where the ancient Colosseum and Vatican City await. From there, your adventure culminates with a visit to the Amalfi Coast. Dine on fresh seafood, soak in the sun, and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Florence, Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 9 Days

Cover the highlights of Italy, starting in Florence. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and admire the architectural wonder of the Duomo before heading down to Rome. Tour the impressive Colosseum and visit the incomparable St. Peter's Basilica before continuing south to the Amalfi Coast. Finish off your travels lazing on sandy beaches and exploring the colorful villages.

Florence, Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 8 Days

This whirlwind eight-day tour through Italy's highlights fits it all in. Start in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to the incredible Duomo and Ponte Vecchio bridge. Continue your travels in Rome, where ancient monuments and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel await. Finish off your travels on the Amalfi Coast, relaxing in the sunshine and admiring the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 12 Days

Start off your adventure in Italy exploring its capital city, delving into the rich history and cultural importance of Rome. From there, you'll head south to discover the incomparable beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Visit the ruins of Pompeii and admire Mt. Vesuvius before discovering sunny Sorrento. Indulge in fresh seafood and visit the stunning island of Capri before finishing off your trip along one of the world's most famous coastlines.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 11 Days

This adventure through Italy takes you through from the Eternal City of Rome, where you will discover its rich history and architecture, to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, full of stunning villages perched on cliffsides, clear blue waters, and sandy beaches. Discover the ruins of Pompeii, and indulge your taste buds with fresh seafood and limoncello.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 10 Days

Spend 10 days discovering historical wonders, eating incredible cuisine, and taking in the natural beauty of Italy in this tour through Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Start in Italy's capital and stroll through ancient streets and piazzas before making your way south to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Take in the views of the sparkling Mediterranean while dining on fresh seafood on waterfront promenades and meander through colorful coastal villages and sandy beaches.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 9 Days

Discover the vibrant culture of Rome and the stunning scenery of the Amalfi Coast on this nine-day tour. Start off in the Eternal City, exploring its vast history and buzzing nightlife before heading down south to the incomparable coastlines of Amalfi. Drive along this stretch of coast the local way (on a Vespa) and delight your taste buds with some of the best seafood and citrus in the world.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 8 Days

From the bustling streets of Rome to the sunny stretches of coastline in Amalfi, this trip is perfect for those looking to delve into the Italian culture while relaxing amid picture-perfect scenery. Discover the capital city of Rome and its rich history and vibrant nightlife before heading down south to stroll through colorful villages and dip your toes in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 7 Days

No Italian vacation is complete without a visit to Rome, and this one-week whirlwind trip takes you through the country's capital city and its beautiful southern coastlines. Explore Rome's historical center, where ancient history comes to life, before setting out to discover the incomparable Amalfi Coast. Discover the ruins of Pompeii and round out your trip with some relaxed beach time.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 6 Days

This fast-paced trip is perfect for those looking to make the most of their time in Italy. Discover the historical sites of Rome where culture and history abound before making your way to the sunny stretches of the Amalfi Coast. Stroll through colorful villages and along sandy beaches as you discover what makes this area so incomparable.

Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 5 Days

This 5-day adventure fits it all in, from the highlights of Rome to the sunny beaches of the Amalfi Coast. Start your trip exploring the historical sites and monuments of the Eternal City before heading down south to discover the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Finish things off with the blue waters of Capri and the dramatic landscapes of the Amalfi Coast.

Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 10 Days

Discover the incomparable culture of Southern Italy with a trip exploring the delectable food scene in Naples and the vibrant colors of the Amalfi Coast. Zip around like a local on a Vespa tour, explore the ruins of Pompeii and breathtaking Mt. Vesuvius, and finish off your trip soaking in the sunshine on the Amalfi Coast.

Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 9 Days

Make the most of your time in Italy while visiting the cultural hub of Naples and the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Delight your taste buds by trying the famous Neopolitan pizza and discovering the incredible street food the city offers. From there, delve into the history of Pompeii and Vesuvius before making your way first to sunny Sorrento and then to the incredibly scenic Amalfi Coast.

Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 8 Days

Your trip starts in the lively city of Naples, a cultural hub full of gastronomic delights. Enjoy the sights and sounds (and tastes) of the city before exploring the impressive ruins of Pompeii and taking in the views of Mount Vesuvius. Round off your trip with time in Sorrento and along the Amalfi Coast. Dine on fresh seafood in waterfront restaurants, soak in the sunshine on the island of Capri, and stroll through colorful, bohemian villages.

Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary is perfect for travelers who thirst for adventure and want to experience Italy's culture and natural beauty. Stroll through the streets of Naples and sample the local flavors before heading off to explore the unique Pompeii ruins and impressive Mount Vesuvius. Spend the rest of your trip soaking in the sun in picturesque Amalfi Coast villages and taking a dip in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 6 Days

Make the most of your time in Italy, exploring the vibrant city of Naples and soaking in the incomparable views of the Amalfi Coast. Start in bustling Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Delight in the local cuisine before making your way to the stunning villages of the Amalfi Coast, visiting the incredible Pompeii ruins along the way. End your trip with the sunny beaches and colorful towns of this incomparable coastline.

Best 1 Week Winter Itineraries in Norway

It's hard to imagine a more quintessential winter wonderland experience than exploring snow-covered Norway by car, train, or boat with the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Norway's northern latitude, with a significant portion of the country above the Arctic Circle, makes for cold and short days, so careful planning is required to make sure the logistics of your Norway winter trip run like clockwork. Read on for great winter itinerary suggestions, and tips to help you make the most of your winter visit to the land of fjords.

Rome, Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 8 Days

This fast-paced trip combines the highlights of Rome with the bustling cultural hub of Naples, capping off your visit with some relaxing time on the Amalfi Coast. Explore the famous monuments and historical sites in Italy's capital city before venturing down south, the birthplace of pizza. Stroll along the harbor and take in the views of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Finish your trip with a visit to the Amalfi Coast, where turquoise waters and colorful villages perched on cliffsides await.

Rome, Naples, & the Amalfi Coast - 9 Days

Make the most of your time in Italy exploring the capital of Rome and southern highlights in Naples and Amalfi. Discover the Eternal City with a visit to Rome, admiring its rich history and architecture. Make your way from there to Naples, meander through the bustling streets, and try the seafood cuoppo before visiting the Pompeii ruins and Mount Vesuvius. End your trip with a stay along the Amalfi Coast, soaking in the sun in Sorrento and exploring the colorful villages.

Rome, Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 10 Days

Start off your trip in the heart of it all—Rome. Explore this capital city's ancient monuments and historic piazzas before making your way down the Italian peninsula to Naples. Peruse the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto shopping center and partake in the incomparable food scene before discovering the ruins of Pompeii. You'll finish off along the Amalfi Coast, visiting colorful villages and soaking in the sunshine next to the crystal-clear blue waters.

Rome, Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 11 Days

Make the most of your trip with this exploration starting in Italy's capital and venturing down to its beautiful Southern coasts. Start your travels in Rome, where history abounds and a vibrant food scene awaits. From there, you'll journey down to the birthplace of pizza, Naples. Stroll through the ancient streets and enjoy coffee on the medieval Piazza del Plebscito. You'll explore the ruins of Pompeii and the mighty Mount Vesuvius before ending your trip on the picturesque Amalfi Coast, soaking up the sun and admiring the colorful villages.

Rome, Naples & the Amalfi Coast - 12 Days

Your trip starts with tours through Rome's historic core, where ancient history, eclectic neighborhoods, and a vibrant food scene await. From there, head south to explore the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto shopping center, enjoy coffee on the medieval Piazza del Plebiscito, and try the seafood "cuoppo" in Naples. Visit the Pompeii ruins, hike around Mount Vesuvius, and visit colorful bohemian villages on the Amalfi Coast.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Dolomites

Spread across Alto Adige, Trentino, and Veneto in northeastern Italy, and wedged between the Swiss and Austrian Alps, the Dolomites are a year-round mountain destination. Snow sport enthusiasts will have much to enjoy in winter, while hikers, mountain bikers, and travelers seeking more relaxed pursuits can enjoy the other three seasons. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit the Dolomites.

Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, is a great destination at any time of year—with a huge variety of cultural and historic riches to explore, it matters little whether the sun is shining or there's snow on the ground. However, being a very popular destination, there are some times of year that are more crowded with tourists than others, and prices also vary depending on the season. Here are some tips for choosing the best time of year to visit Rome.

Best Time of Year to Visit Southern Italy

Although not an exceptionally large country, Italy has a lot of geographic and climatic variety because of its long and narrow shape. Southern Italy has a generally warm climate, moderated by the Mediterranean that surrounds it. It can be visited year-round, but some seasons are better than others if you wish to avoid the heaviest crowds but still enjoy great weather. Read on to find out more about the best time of year to visit Southern Italy.

Best Off The Beaten Path Itineraries in Europe

Europe's charms are no secret to travelers, but there are still many places across the continent where the crowds are sparse, yet the incredible experiences are limitless. Explore beautiful villages in the mountains of Northern Greece, admire the jagged mountains and coastlines of Norway's islands above the Arctic Circle, or tilt at windmills in Spain's land of Don Quixote. No matter your interests, traveling to these lesser-known regions is sure to be a unique adventure.

Volcanic plateau on the southern flank of Mount Edziza

Mount Edziza Traverse in Northern BC - 10 Days

Located in the remote wilderness of northwestern British Columbia, this is one of the most beautiful and rewarding treks in Canada. A sacred landscape for the Tahltan First Nation, visiting this plateau was both a rite of passage and a journey of purification. Accessible only by floatplane, hike for five days across the alpine tundra against the backdrop of cinder cones, glaciers, and the mighty Coastal Range.

Best Time of Year to Visit Northern Italy

Northern Italy comprises a diverse geographic area, from the mountains and lakes of the far north to the lagoons of Venice and the Italian Riviera around Genoa. Northern Italy experiences cool-to-cold winters and hot summers, and while it can be visited year-round, a major consideration is avoiding the heaviest crowds. Read on to find out more about the best time of year to visit Northern Italy.

Best Time of Year to Visit Florence

Florence is magnificent at any time of year, but fall is arguably the best time to visit. With mild weather and an absence of large crowds, this season lets you enjoy the city without fighting for space. Spring has similar advantages, and the city comes alive as flowers bloom. Winter is great for people who love holidays and want to avoid long lines. Summer is peak season and brings intense heat, but also provides long days of sunlight and various exciting festivals.

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