Travel Insights

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

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Roof view of the beautiful architecture of Marrakesh, Morocco

Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities & Natural Landscapes - 13 Days

Match Morocco's unique culture with its stunning nature in this country-wide tour that explores the charms of its bustling imperial cities—Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen, and Marrakesh—and its rural landscape. Meander the old town medinas, meet local craftsmen, and barter at bazaars before heading out into the Sahara Desert and up into the High Atlas mountains to hike through dense forests and deep river canyons. Continue your adventure by summiting the highest mountain pass, visiting historic Berber towns and Roman ruins, riding camels into the sunset, and relaxing in a traditional Hammam.

Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities and Natural Landscapes - 12 Days

Combining culture and outdoor adventure, this 12-day tour features the best of Morocco, starting with the markets and monuments of the imperial cities Casablanca, Fes, and the famous "Blue City", Chefchaouen. Next you'll explore the country's natural side in the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, sleeping in Bedouin-style tents and high alpine Berber Towns. Experience cultural delights like riding camels at sunset, meandering ancient Roman ruins, visiting old kasbahs, and enjoying traditional Hammam treatments in the bustling city of Marrakech.

Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities and Natural Landscapes - 11 Days

This all-encompassing tour highlights the best of Morocco, from cultural stops in imperial cities like Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and Fes, to natural exploration in desert landscapes. You'll discover Roman ruins, hike in the wild north of Morocco, ride a camel in the Sahara for sunset, visit old kasbahs, and experience a traditional Hammam treatment. End the trip by driving over the magnificent Tizi n'Tichka Pass over the High Atlas Mountains and explore the bustling city of Marrakech.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris & the Loire Valley - 5 Days

If you're short on time and want to see Paris and western France, this five-day road trip is the perfect getaway. Start in the City of Lights to haggle with market vendors and view art at the Louvre, then hit the road for the Loire Valley to the south-west. Here, each château is more magnificent than the last, and an endless variety of French wines are waiting for you to taste them.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris & the Loire Valley - 6 Days

If you've got six days and want to explore Paris and the Loire Valley, consider this short road trip. Start in the capital city, where you'll eat your fill of pastries, visit the Louvre, and learn about the city's history. Spend the second half of the trip in the Loire Valley, where magnificent castles dot the countryside, and the stories flow like French wine.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Normandy, & the Loire Valley - 7 Days

If you have a week and want to explore western France, this quick road trip is perfect. Begin your journey in Paris, where you'll spend equal amounts of time exploring the city's history and savoring pastries. Continue to Normandy to visit the preserved city of Bayeux and see D-Day sites. End the trip in the Loire Valley to discover its famed castles and châteaus.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 8 Days

Eight days is enough time to see the highlights of western France at a leisurely pace—and this road trip does just that. Spend three days in Paris, exploring the city's history and secrets—both at street level and underground. Continue west to the Atlantic coast for a vacation on Normandy's seaside, then head to Loire Valley, where 300-plus castles line the peaceful country roads.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 9 Days

Paris, the Loire Valley, and Bordeaux—when it comes to French history and wine, what more do you need? This nine-day road trip includes this and more: from world-famous art in Paris and the famed castles of Tours to the unparalleled Bordeaux wine and fresh-caught Arcachon oysters. Dive into the French lifestyle as you enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie and haggle with burly vendors at an 18th-century market.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 10 Days

If driving from Paris through western France for 10 days sounds like a dream come true, this itinerary is for you. Start in Paris, where art at the Louvre, flaky croissants, and a day trip to Versailles will capture your imagination and taste buds. Continue to the Loire Valley to see the famed castles and see where da Vinci lived, then end in Bordeaux for world-famous oysters and wine.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 11 Days

Eleven days driving through the pretty countryside of western France—what could be better? Start your trip in Paris—the land of espresso, world-famous art, and the gilded halls of Versailles. Hit the road for the Loire Valley, where 300+ castles, each one lovelier than the last, await exploration. End with three days in Bordeaux for a visit to the market and tasting of Arcachon's oysters.

Road Trip through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 12 Days

View art in Paris, enjoy beaches in Normandy, and taste oysters in Bordeaux on this twelve-day road trip through western France. Spend four days in the City of Lights (with a day trip to see Versailles), then head to the Atlantic Coast for seafood and WWII history. End in Bordeaux, where the wine flows freely and the food is world-class.

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 13 Days

If spending thirteen days driving from Paris through Normandy to Bordeaux sounds like your perfect getaway, this trip is for you. Get to know the sweet side of France on a pastry tour in Paris, breathe in the fresh ocean air in Normandy, and view castles (including da Vinci’s former residence) in the Loire Valley. End in Bordeaux to sample the best of France’s wine and cuisine.

Explore some of the Loire Valley's finest châteaux, including Chenonceau

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring western France with this scenic road trip that takes you from the City of Lights to the vineyards of Bordeaux. Sample pastries in Paris and head underground to see the Catacombs, then hit the road for the beaches of the Normandy coast. Wind your way through the Loire Valley's Renaissance châteaux, and end the trip in Bordeaux, where you'll dive into the region's renowned gastronomy at an 18th-century market and sip the famous wines of Saint-Émilion.

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, Bordeaux & More - 15 Days

Fifteen days is enough time to get off the beaten path in western France on this road trip from Paris to Bordeaux. Start in the capital city, where you'll visit the Louvre and enjoy afternoon walks along the Seine River. Head west along the Atlantic Coast to explore World War II history and explore small fishing villages and beaches, then continue south for countryside castles, Bordeaux wine, and the famed Arcachon oysters.

Western France Road Trip: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 16 Days

Spend sixteen days exploring everything western France has to offer, from the metropolitan culture of Paris to the peaceful countryside of Bordeaux. See art at the Louvre, take a day trip to the gilded halls of Versailles, and vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel—the abbey on an island—before continuing south to the land of resplendent châteaus and free-flowing wine.

Richelieu quay of Garonne river in Bordeaux

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 17 Days

From the streetside cafes of Paris to the fresh seafood markets of Normandy, this seventeen-day road trip through western France has it all. Spend a few days in the capital viewing art and eating your weight in pastries, then head west along the coast to vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside. Wrap the trip up in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, famous for their countryside castles, 18th-century farmer's markets, and the freshest oysters in France.

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & More - 18 Days

If spending eighteen days driving from France's capital down the western Atlantic Coast sounds like the perfect getaway, this itinerary is for you. Start in Paris for flaky croissants and strong espresso, then hit the road for the coast. Vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside as you explore medieval and WWII history, then continue to the Loire Valley to see resplendent châteaus. End in Bordeaux, where the wine and oysters are unparalleled.

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac, Bordeaux, & More - 19 Days

Drive along the Atlantic Coast on this nineteen-day road trip through western France. Start in Paris to see world-famous galleries at the Louvre and walk along the Seine River, then head west to explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel, the abbey on an island, and enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie. End the trip in Bordeaux to sample the best of France’s wine and cuisine.

Road Trip Through Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac, Bordeaux, & More - 20 Days

Vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside on this 20-day road trip through western France. You'll walk through the gilded halls of Versailles, immerse yourself in history on the D-Day beaches, and sample the best of France’s wine and cuisine in Bordeaux. For a taste of authentic western France life, haggle with vendors for your lunch at an 18th-century market, then head to the beach to enjoy wine and seafood on the water.

The Ultimate Beauty of the Canary Islands

Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 16 Days

A perfect combination of nature and city culture, this adventurous tour starts in the bustling capital of Madrid where you can explore its dazzling palaces, parks, and restaurants while sampling tapas and watching flamenco. Fly to the Canary Islands, stopping in Tenerife to explore its stunning natural beauty, historical vineyards, and culinary significance before taking a ferry to nearby La Gomera. Enjoy a little adventure by hiking in Anaga Park, summiting Spain's highest peak, star gazing, finding whales and dolphins while cruising on a yacht, sleeping at an aloe vera plantation, and exploring the rich forests of the islands.

Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 15 Days

This 2-week tour starts in the buzzy capital city of Madrid, where you can explore its monuments, parks, and local tapas culture before flying to the incredible Canary Islands, to Tenerife and La Gomera. Discover the natural beauty of the islands, plus the cultural significance with their historical vineyards, culinary extravagance, and idyllic villages. Before returning to Madrid, get a little adventurous with hikes in Anaga Park, star gazing atop Spain's highest peak, traversing dense forests, and whale-watching aboard a yacht.

Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 14 Days

A perfect combination of nature and city culture, this 2-week tour starts in the bustling capital of Madrid where you can explore its dazzling palaces, parks, and restaurants while sampling tapas and local cuisine. Fly to the Canary Islands, stopping in Tenerife to explore its stunning natural beauty, historical vineyards, and culinary significance before taking a ferry to nearby La Gomera. Enjoy a little adventure by hiking in Anaga Park, summiting Spain's highest peak, star gazing, finding whales and dolphins while cruising on a yacht, and exploring the rich forests of the islands.

Views across the Marche countryside near Urbino.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche, San Marino & Umbria - 11 Days

Avoid the crowds and explore Italy's quieter central regions on this laid-back 11-day itinerary. Starting in Marche, you'll explore medieval hill towns, tour renowned wine country, and go truffle hunting in ancient woodlands. Spend a day climbing through the mountaintop kingdom of San Marino before crossing the Apennines to Umbria, Italy's "green heart." Here you'll soak up the art, culture, and cuisine of Perugia, its beguiling regional capital.

View over the rooftops and countryside of Urbino.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche, San Marino & Umbria - 10 Days

This relaxed 10-day itinerary gives you plenty of time to discover the hidden gems of central Italy. Start in eastern Marche, nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Tour the area's renowned wine country, settle into the medieval hill towns of Ascoli Piceno and Urbino, and spend a day exploring the tiny kingdom of San Marino. Head southwest across the mountains to end your stay in Perugia, where you'll discover its Renassaince history and immerse yourself in the regional cuisine.

Sunset over the countryside around Perugia.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche, San Marino & Umbria - 9 Days

This leisurely 9-day itinerary introduces you to the medieval hill towns and rolling countryside of Italy's lesser-known central regions. Skip the crowds and explore the rolling wine country and fortified villages of Marche before heading north to the tiny kingdom of San Marino. Cross the Apennines to end your trip in Umbria, sampling the culture and cuisine of the regional capital of Perugia.

Jordan in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By December there’s no doubt that winter has arrived. Jordan is at its coldest, the rainy season has begun, and even the first flurries of snow can blanket the land. However, this is the quiet low season, making a visit all the more personal. And Aqaba, on the shores of the Red Sea, is still warm enough for sunning and swimming.

Jordan in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November marks the approach of winter, with Amman and higher elevation tourist sites increasingly cold. The rainy season also begins at the end of November and continues through March. But Aqaba feels still like a perpetual summer, the Dead Sea is bathtub warm, there’s great hiking throughout the country, and no end of cultural activities.

Jordan in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Although regional variations are at their most extreme, perfect day temperatures in most of the country mean this is an ideal time to visit weather-wise. The rest of the world thinks the same: No other month receives as many visitors. October is especially kind for hikers and outdoor activities. And the warm waters of the Red Sea are especially tempting to divers.

Jordan in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The short-lived autumn arrives in September—a lovely time to visit as temperatures fall and exploring the main outdoor sites becomes more inviting. The end of the month is especially kind for hikers and outdoor activities, and the warm waters of the Red Sea are especially tempting to divers.

Aston Martin DB2 Vantage - 1952 at the exhibition in the King Abdullah II car museum in Amman, the capital of Jordan

Jordan in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer is at its peak, with August being the hottest (and very hot!) month, when colors get bleached out of the landscape. But don’t let this put you off. Choose your destinations wisely and August can still be enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the most popular sights in relative solitude. And in August, the dark desert nights provide a pitch-black canvas for watching the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Jordan in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer is at its peak, with July being the hottest (and very hot!) month. The spring wildflowers long ago faded, and colors get bleached out of the landscape by the hazy light. But don’t let this put you off. Choose your destinations wisely and July can still be enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the most popular sights in relative solitude. And July hosts the country’s most vibrant festival—the Jerash Festival for Culture and Art.

Jordan in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer has arrived. Daily temperatures will continue to rise into August, the hottest (and very hot!) month. So, if you must travel in summer, June is the best option. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the most popular sights in relative solitude. But the spring wildflowers have faded, and colors get bleached out of the landscape by the hazy light.

Jordan in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The transition month from spring to summer means warm to hot temperatures nationwide. Rains are mostly a distant winter memory. And the landscapes are still lush and ablaze with wildflowers. This is one of the two peak months for international visitors, reflecting that May is a great time to visit.

Jordan in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By April, spring has arrived and with it high season as visitors flock to experience Jordan at the best time of year. Nationwide, the Goldilocks temperatures are just right—neither too hot nor too cold. The landscapes are briefly lush and ablaze with wildflowers. Plus, two top events occur this month, while Ramadan also falls in April in 2020.

Jordan in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Spring is in the air, with more warming sunshine this month. Temperatures are gradually rising and the winter rainfall begins to ease—perfect for hiking and camping. The first bloom of wildflowers and the passage of migratory birds make this a great time to visit the country's nature reserves. By the end of the month, Jordan’s high tourist season is underway.

Jordan in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

As with January, Jordan in February is still in the midst of its cold, somewhat wet—and occasionally snowy—winter. But Aqaba, in the south, is delightfully temperate, tempting travelers to turn their attention to the south. Consider this bonus: You can explore Petra without the crowds.

Jordan in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

In January, Jordan is in the midst of its cold, somewhat wet—and occasionally snowy—winter. But Aqaba, in the south, is delightfully temperate, tempting travelers to turn their attention to the south. Consider this bonus: You can explore Petra without the crowds.

Thailand in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

December is one of the best months to visit Thailand. The temperatures have cooled down so it's not miserably hot, and the rains have stopped just about everywhere (although some of the beaches still get storms, especially on the Gulf of Thailand). It's hot but not scorching and everything is open again. The only drawback: stellar weather draws lots of tourists, so you'll contend with more lines and crowds—still, it's a fantastic time to plan a visit.

Phuket, Thailand - Jun 20, 2016. Seascape of Phuket Island, Thailand. Phuket is 48 km in length, 21 km at its widest, on the west-facing Andaman Sea coastline.

Thailand in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November marks the end of the rain, once again entering the high tourist season in Thailand. The beaches along the southern peninsula remain wet and rainy, but the rest of the country sees dramatic drops in precipitation (and temperature), especially toward the middle and end of the month. It's a great time to visit just about anywhere in the country—the weather is rapidly improving, and most tourists haven't yet arrived.

Night of the Metropolitan Bangkok City downtown cityscape urban skyline tower Thailand - Cityscape Bangkok city Thailand

Thailand in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is a wet, rainy month in Thailand—but it signals the end of a long monsoon season, lending a celebratory air as people begin to anticipate the fairer weather to come. Bangkok and Chiang Mai begin seeing drops in precipitation, though there's still significant rain. In the south along the coasts, the monsoon patterns of September continue. Temperatures begin dropping slightly this month, making it less stifling and more pleasant.

Panorama of tropical islands Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh in sea. Crabi, Thailand

Thailand in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The scenery is beautiful in Thailand during September, however, the weather is wet. In fact, it ties with October for the wettest month of the year in almost every major tourist region including Bangkok, as well as both coasts. The monsoons affect virtually every part of the country, bringing rain through the north and central mainlands, as well as the southern peninsula. The upside to the rain is that the crowds are minimal and most hotels offer significant discounts on lodging—it will be cheaper to stay and you won't encounter big lines or crowds at the tourist attractions.

James Bond island, Phuket Thailand. Thai scenic exotic landscape of tourist destination famous place.

Thailand in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Expect heavy rain in Thailand during the month of August—but that doesn't necessarily make it a bad time to visit. While it's right in the middle of the wet season. temperatures stay warm and the extra precipitation makes the countryside come alive with plants and foliage. Even better, the rain deters many travelers, so you'll have lots of regions to yourself (especially the beaches).

Wat Arun Temple at sunset in Bangkok, Thailand. Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailand in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July can be a good time to visit Thailand, but you'll need to be prepared for rain. It's the middle of the wet season and most of the country experiences significant showers and thunderstorms from the southwest monsoons. The plus side is that the crowds are negligible and the prices are reduced. As a bonus, the rain makes the countryside lushly picturesque, and also creates perfect conditions for harvesting durian fruit.

Landmark Nakhon Ratchasima province temple at Wat None Kum in Thailand

Thailand in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

June is a wet month in Thailand. The rainy season arrives in full force and most of the country becomes affected by the monsoons, particularly along the Andaman coast. That said, the rain doesn't necessarily make it a bad month to visit. Rain showers, though fierce and heavy, don't usually last long this time of year—instead, they come in short bursts in the afternoons. Plus, the hotels are cheaper and the tourist attractions are much less crowded.

KRABI THAILAND - May 2 2014 : Holidaymakers relaxing on the beach in Rairay Beach Krabi Thailand. Rairay beach is one of famous beach in Krabi. Thailand

Thailand in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

May is the beginning of the rainy season in Thailand and, in most parts of the country, it rains at least half the month. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the western Andaman coast, downpours are often heavy—though they usually only occur in the afternoons or early evenings). Mornings, in fact, are often dry and can surprisingly be a great time for sight-seeing or other tourist activities. What's more, the hotels are extremely cheap this time of year so if you don't mind a little rain, it can actually be a good month to visit.

Hilltop Urbino is filled with Renaissance art and history

Undiscovered Central Italy: Le Marche, San Marino & Umbria Road Trip - 8 Days

Step off the beaten path and discover some of central Italy's hidden treasures on this relaxed eight-day road trip. Start in the bucolic region of Le Marche, where the medieval hill towns of Ascoli Piceno and Urbino will serve as your base for touring local wineries. After a visit to the tiny mountaintop country of San Marino, cross the Apennines to beautiful Umbria. Here you'll explore the region's fortified capital of Perugia, a vibrant city of ancient ruins and Renaissance architecture.

Ayuthaya, Thailand - April 15, 2019 : Elephant and peoples are splashing water in Songkran festival(water festival) in Ayuthaya, Thailand.

Thailand in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Depending on the type of vacation you're looking for, April can be a great month to visit Thailand. Yes, the hot weather deters many tourists—but it's also the month of the Songkran festival, one of Southeast Asia's biggest celebrations, which brings in masses of tourists to celebrate. In the major tourist centers, these two factors sometimes cancel each other out. Choosing to come to Thailand in April isn't for everyone, but it can be an amazing cultural experience.

Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand, March 18, 2018: National park, beautiful blue sea. White boats with tourists.

Thailand in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is a fabulous month to visit Thailand. The weather is still pleasant, especially in the first half of the month, although the southern beaches will start getting some rain along the Andaman Sea. It's also the beginning of mango season, and throughout the country, the colorful fruit is piled high at roadside stands and on people's plates mixed with sticky rice. Best of all, the hot season hasn't arrived yet (which is often uncomfortably warm) so you can walk around outside without being miserable.

February 2019. Patong Thailand. Parasailing at Patong beach in Patong Thailand

Thailand in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

February is one of the best times to visit Thailand. In addition to all-but-guaranteed spectacular weather, it's the month of the famous Chiang Mai Flower Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration full of parades and dancing. The weather is dry and not as unbearably hot as it is during other times of the year. The only drawback is that the crowds are considerably thicker and lodging tends to be more expensive.

Bangkok, Thailand- Jan. 24 2019: Thailand Tourism Festival 2019 at Lumphini Central Park.

Thailand in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January is one of the best times of the year to visit Thailand. High season is in full effect with perfect weather in just about every part of the country. It's cooler than other times of the year, especially up north around Chiang Mai where January ties with December for lowest average temperatures. The Chinese New Year often falls in January, and when this happens, it brings all sorts of delightful festivities and celebrations (the only downside being larger crowds and pricier hotels—book in advance!).

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