Travel Insights

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

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9 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days, you can see three of South Africa's regions or national parks, or focus on one area like the Western Cape, including the Winelands or a scenic drive along the Garden Route. Thanks to the frequency of domestic flights, you can start and end your trip in Cape Town, spend a few days in wine country, and also thrill to a classic safari in Kruger. Or, take a food-focused trip that includes detours to Johannesburg. Read on for five unique itineraries.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 5 Days

Take a five-day frolic through Italy and Switzerland with this itinerary. You'll split your time between lakes and mountains, often enjoying views of both simultaneously, as you take in waterfront historic sites, luxurious villas, and more.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 6 Days

Spend six days savoring the luxury of northern Italy and Switzerland on this trip. Whether you're wandering lakeside streets, hiking up the mountain trails, or taking in the views from outside your train window, you're sure to find something to delight you.

Take in the gorgeous scenery surrounding Varenna from a private vintage speedboat

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 7 Days

Wander through a week of luxury with this seven-day itinerary that hits the highlights of northern Italy's lakes with stays on Lake Garda and Lake Como. Add in two panoramic train routes, scenic cable car excursions, and a boat ride to the idyllic lakeside villages of Bellagio and Varenna, and you'll still have time to hop over the border for a jaunt to glamorous St. Moritz and a finale in Switzerland's charming Lucerne.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days of indulgence through Italy and Switzerland on this itinerary. You'll go from the lakes into the mountains, then back down to lakes and back up to more mountains, taking in countless viewpoints and historic landmarks before you end with a day in the city of Zurich.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 9 Days

Go from lakes to mountains and back again with this nine-day itinerary. Wander the shores of Lake Garda, take a cable car up to the top of Monte Baldo, ride some of the most famous Swiss train routes, and more as you enjoy the views, history, and more along the way.

Hop between the borders of Italy and Switzerland on this 10-day luxury tour

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 10 Days

Combine scenic train journeys, luxury hotels, and the best of northern Italy's idyllic Lake District on this perfectly curated 10-day trip. Start on the shores of tranquil Lake Garda, then take in the highlights of Lake Como via an overnight stop in chic St. Moritz. You'll finish with four nights in Switzerland, touring the cities of Lucerne and Zürich, with scenic hikes in the Jungfrau region and a day at picture-perfect Lake Thun.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 11 Days

Enjoy 11 days' worth of picture-perfect scenery on this itinerary. Whether you're posing in front of a lakeside villa, Roman castle, or mountain panorama, you'll be surrounded by sights that you want to save for repeat viewings.

13 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thirteen days is plenty of time to have satisfying experiences in each of Colombia's three most popular cities—including day trips from each—plus time in the mountains or at the beach, all without rushing. Or mix and match your urban adventures with outdoor fun and cultural experiences: go whitewater rafting down a jungle river, visit working coffee farms, take a cooking class in Cartagena, learn to dance salsa in Cali, or snorkel around the Rosario Islands.

Enjoy time bird-watching in Minca and observe the keel-billed toucan

12 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In a 12-day trip, you can comfortably combine the cultural highlights of Colombia's cities with exploration in national parks. Strike your perfect balance with the itineraries below. Tour Medellín, Bogotá, and Tayrona National Park, or divide your time between the Amazon and the Andes. Check out wildlife sanctuaries and indigenous villages, discover the beaches and history of the Caribbean coast, or get off the beaten path in Santander, a true adventure hub.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 12 Days

Take the time to traverse northern Italy and Switzerland at a slower pace over the course of 12 days. Traveling by train means that you can truly take in the views and lifestyle of the lakes, mountains, and towns that you'll encounter on your route.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 13 Days

Go from lakes to mountains and back again over the course of this 13-day journey. You'll start off in the Italian lake region before riding the classic Bernina Express train through the Alps across the border, where you can sample a range of Swiss favorites from hiking to chocolate. Return to Italy to lounge by Lake Como, then back to Switzerland once more for the valleys of Bernese Oberland before you depart.

You'll find plenty of compelling spots to soak up the views in Lake Garda

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 14 Days

La dolce vita beckons on this two-week luxury tour that hits the highlights of Italy's northern lakes region and includes sojourns to the best of Switzerland's mountain resorts and lakeside towns. You'll begin on the shores of Lake Garda for sightseeing in Sirmione, then cross the Alps to glamorous St. Moritz. The elegant villas of Lake Como come next with trips to Bellagio and Varenna, followed by a scenic train journey back to Switzerland for enchanting mountain hikes and elegant stays in Zürich and Lucerne.

Luxury Italian & Swiss Lakes by Train - 15 Days

Enjoy the famously punctual trains of Italy and Switzerland on this 15-day itinerary that will take you through the beautiful Alpine lakes via a relaxed scenic route. In addition to the many lakes themselves, you'll experience historic castles, Alpine peaks and passes, and culinary creations on your journey.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Alps, Cinque Terre, Riviera, Lake Maggiore & More - 15 Days

Find your inspiration on this 15-day luxury trip through northwest Italy. Bask in the sun-baked hues of Portofino, rich culinary scene of Piedmont, and churches of Turin. Then, continue high into the Alps and down to the indulgent villas of Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands, where carefully cultivated beauty can be found around every corner.

Kick things off in true luxury style in the Riviera village of Portofino

Luxury Northwest Italy: Riviera, Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta & Lake Maggiore - 14 Day

Soak up the enchanting countryside and cuisine of northwestern Italy with this luxurious two-week vacation. You'll taste wine and learn to cook Ligurian cuisine in Portofino and the Cinque Terre, then transfer to Piedmont for gourmet food and truffle hunting in the UNESCO-listed Langhe Wine Region. The Valle d'Aosta's up next with trips to Turin and the Alpine resort of La Thuile before a laid-back finale on Lake Maggiore has you cruising around the Borromean Islands by private boat.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Alps, Cinque Terre, Riviera, Lake Maggiore & More - 13 Days

Take 13 days to travel in style through Northwest Italy. You'll get insider access to spots like a secluded monastery accessible only by boat, the classic wineries of Barolo, truffles of Alba, and Library of Turin. Head to the mountains, where you'll pass through the Doorway of the Zodiac to the Sacra di San Michele and into the ruins of a former Roman settlement before winding down on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Alps, Cinque Terre, Riviera, Lake Maggiore & More - 12 Days

Wake up in wonder every day of this 12-day trip plan through Northwest Italy. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the sea in the resort town of Portofino, amid a renovated 17th-century monastery in Genoa, and high amid Alpine chalets as you make your way through the region's attractions.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Alps, Cinque Terre, Riviera & More - 11 Days

The views alone are worth luxuriating in on this 11-day itinerary. Admire the crystal waters and rocky coastlines of Liguria, lush hills of the Piedmoont, and mountaintop spectacles of the Alps as you travel in plush style through Northwest Italy's hottest spots.

Start your grand tour of Italy's northwest in Portofino, jewel of the Riviera

Luxury Northwest Italy: Riviera, Langhe, Turin & Alps - 10 Days

Discover the history, culture, and food of Italy's Riviera, the Langhe Wine Region, and the mountainous Valle d'Aosta on this 10-day luxury trip. You'll start in Portofino and explore a medieval abbey only accessible by sea, then learn the secrets of the perfect Genovese pesto sauce. Transfer to Piedmont for an indulgent few days hunting for fresh truffles and sipping Barolo wine, then it's off to Turin and the Valle d'Aosta for Roman ruins, elegant café culture, and a breathtaking trip up Monte Bianco.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Alps, Cinque Terre, Riviera & More - 9 Days

Sample some of the finest flavors of Northwest Italy on this nine-day journey. Whether it's fresh seafood along the waterfronts of Portofino and Cinque Terre, rare truffles and wines of the Piedmont region where the slow food movement was born, or city cafés in Turin, your trip is sure to leave a good taste behind.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Alps, Cinque Terre, Riviera, & More - 8 Days

The Sacra di Michele sits alongside a pilgrimage route from France to Italy and boasts features like the Doorway of the Zodiac, Great Staircase of the Dead, and Tower of the Beautiful Alda. Hear some its stories, and many others, on this eight-day itinerary which takes you from the seaside resorts of the coast to the Piedmont countryside to the mountains of Turin.

See the birthplace of the "Slow Food" movement and tour UNESCO-listed wine country in the Langhe region of Piedmont

Luxury Northwest Italy: Portofino, Langhe & Turin - 7 Days

Take a full week to treat yourself on this luxurious excursion that whisks you from the colorful cliffs of Italy's Riviera to the world-renowned vineyards of the Langhe region. Stroll the seaside streets of Portofino and the cliffside trails of Cinque Terre, then experience the Slow Food scene, not to mention incredible wines, in Bra and Alba. Finish in Turin, where you'll explore the city's historical highlights and enjoy a memorable journey to the mountaintop monastery of Sacra di San Michele.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Turin, Cinque Terre, Riviera - 6 Days

Six days will take you on a sweep through some of Northwest Italy's most indulgent spots. Split your time between the coasts in Portofino and Cinque Terre; the rolling hills of the Piedmont region, home to wine, cheese, and truffles; and the medieval streets of Turin with a history tour.

Dramatic coastline on the island of Šipan off the coast of Dubrovnik

Dalmatia Adventure: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar & Split - 9 Days

From kayaking and swimming to hiking and cycling, this 9-day itinerary of Dalmatia is perfectly crafted for your next travel adventure. You'll begin in southern Dalmatia in Dubrovnik where you'll kayak to nearby Elafiti Islands to swim and snorkel and ride a bike through the Konavle, and then venture through the dramatic Pelješac peninsula. You'll explore Korčula and Hvar covering the island terrain on a hiking and biking excursion and end your stay in the modern-ancient city of Split.

Luxury Northwest Italy: Turin, Cinque Terre & Riviera - 5 Days

Catch a glimpse of luxuries of Northwest Italy with this five-day itinerary. You'll spin through seaside towns of Portofino and Cinque Terre, then go inland to hunt for truffles in the Langhe region. End in the city of Turin with an insider tour of its most historic spots.

Far North Queensland Getaway: Cairns, Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest - 5 Days

Explore Far North Queensland on this active, five-day getaway. Begin in Cairns, get acquainted with Indigenous culture and fare, and stroll through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Next, take a day trip to the largest coral reef system on the planet—the Great Barrier Reef—where you can cruise, snorkel, and explore this world-famous destination. Then, take the trip to Port Douglas to visit local wildlife, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.

Grab a paddle and take to the waters of Gorges du Verdon

France in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

No matter where you find yourself in France this month, there's a host of events and fun outdoor activities to experience, especially now that the weather is often great. Hike and bike the rugged mountain terrain of Mont Ventoux, kayak down the Verdon River in the south of France, and sip full-bodied wines of the Rhône Valley. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

The Azay-le-Rideau Châteaux in the Loire Valley

France in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is a fabulous month to visit France. The weather is delightfully sunny and warm in the south and mild elsewhere, the flowers are in bloom, and the shoulder-season prices still offer a bargain. Now is a great time to get yourself to the Loire Valley to discover the ornate châteaux strewn throughout the region. Find out what more there is to do and where else to go with this April guide.

France in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

One of the last months to visit France on a budget, low-season March packs a punch. From winter sports on world-class slopes and cozy après-ski environs to fewer crowds competing for Mona Lisa's attention, there's something for everyone in March. Read this monthly guide for more.

See masked Carnaval revelers in February

France in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February in France may be right in the middle of the chillier off-season, but those who venture here during this month are in for some pleasant surprises and wild parties. Not only are there fewer crowds to contend with, but all across the country, the French welcome in the spring with one of the biggest celebrations of the year: Carnaval.

Winter is for skiing in the Trois Vallées ski area

France in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Colder than other months of the year, January is the perfect post-holiday month for cultural exploration, strolling the French Riviera without the crowds, and hitting the slopes of any of the top-notch mountains and resorts. And bonus, the world's longest-running carnival begins, enlivening the town of Limoux in southwestern France. Find out what to do and where to go with this January guide.

Central Christmas tree and surrounding market in Strasbourg

France in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December attracts Christmas and New Year visitors looking to spend the holidays in style. This is a great month to discover important works of art in world-class museums, sip hot chocolate while wandering the colorful stalls of German-influenced markets, and welcome in the New Year with a champagne toast and firework display over the Eiffel Tower.

Tuck indoor into a museum, like Paris' Louvre, to get out of the drizzle

France in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Cold, gray, and rainy, November is best suited for urban and cultural exploration: museums and galleries, food and wine. While this may seem like a less-than-ideal time to visit weather-wise, there are fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation, and world-class wines and truffles to be had. There's even a festival celebrating the release of new wine mere weeks after the grape harvest. Read on to learn more.

The fall is a great time to head indoors to check out the châteaux in Burgundy wine country

France in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September feels like an extension of warm and sunny August, with the added bonus of diminishing crowds. Now is the time to tour wine country and explore the French Riviera, and if you're looking for a hotel or flight deal, you'll want to plan your trip closer to the end of the month. Let this guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

France in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Though the weather is a little cooler and greyer, October is still one of the best times of year to discover France. Most attractions remain open, and you won't have to compete with hordes of holidaymakers like in the peak seasons. Discover France as you taste seasonal delicacies, explore vineyard-covered wine country and historic châteaux, and immerse yourself in cultural events like Nuit Blanche in Paris.

Calanque de l'Éverine beach on the lesser-frequented Côte Bleue

France in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

France is warm, sunny, and crowded in August. But if you know where to go, you can plan the perfect summer holiday that all but ensures great weather and great adventure. And if you want to get in some beach time, read on to learn more about where to go for that less-frequented option.

Lavender fields near Valensole are best seen blooming in July

France in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is the warmest month of the year; the sea is its most inviting, the sky is its most clear, and all across the country, there's an exciting event taking place, like the grueling Tour de France. It's the perfect month for getting outdoors to see and do it all. This is also the month of France's biggest holiday, Bastille Day, with celebrations all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).

Cirque de Gavarnie in the French Pyrenees

France in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is an excellent time of year to visit France, now that the weather is consistently warm (on land and in the sea!), the flowers are in bloom, and exciting festivals and cultural events are taking place throughout the country. Yet, opportunities to snag airfare or accommodation deals are dwindling, and the crowds of tourists are ever-growing, so the earlier you can go in the month, the better. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in France this month.

Beautiful sunset from the coastline of Ston

Scenic Southern Dalmatia: Dubrovnik, Pelješac, Korčula, & Mljet - 7 Days

Discover Southern Dalmatia's wild beauty on this week-long itinerary that starts and ends in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Board a speedboat to the lush Elafiti Islands, visit wineries on Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula, and enjoy sweeping views over the Adriatic from a parapet walkway in Ston. This tour perfectly incorporates cultural exploration of popular coastal towns with relaxation and adventure to remote island settings.

Scenic Southern Dalmatia: Dubrovnik, Pelješac, & Korčula - 5 Days

Spend five days exploring the cultural and historic sites around Dubrovnik and its surrounding regions. Discover stunning baroque and renaissance architecture in Dubrovnik, set sail to explore the quiet beauty of three nearby Elafiti Islands, Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, and explore the wild terrain of the Pelješac peninsula. You'll kayak the Adriatic, visit long-forgotten villas, and sip on delicious endemic-to-Croatia wines.

The Veliki Tabor fortress in the Zagorje region, Croatia

Northern Dalmatia: Zagreb, Plitvice, Zadar, & Split - 7 Days

This week-long tour through Northern Dalmatia features Plitvice Lakes National Park and the historic coastal cities of Zadar and Split. You'll begin in Zagreb, as well as spend a day touring the bucolic Zagorje region, before working your way through spectacular Plitvice Lakes. From here you'll carry on to Zadar, stopping to explore the maze-like medieval streets of Šibenik, and end your tour in the modern-ancient city of Split.

The old town of Sibenik on the Adriatic coast in Dalmatia

Northern Dalmatia: Zagreb, Plitvice, Zadar, & Split - 6 Days

Uncover Croatia's colorful history and culture on this 6-day itinerary focused on Northern Dalmatia. From the lively capital of Zagreb you'll find your way to the country's most popular park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and continue to historic Zadar along the Adriatic coast. Cap off your trip with three nights in fascinating Split.

Plitvice Lakes, en route between Zagreb and Split

Northern Dalmatia: Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Šolta Island & Split - 5 Days

Explore Northern Dalmatia's cities and stunning coastline on this 5-day trip, starting in Zagreb, the charming capital of Croatia. Continue to Croatia's most popular national park, Plitvice Lakes, to walk amid glassy lakes and cascading waterfalls, ending your adventure in the ancient city of Split along the Adriatic. Stroll through Zagreb's 1000-year-old town center, visit ancient Roman remains in Split, and enjoy a day of sailing to Šolta Island.

Highlights of Sydney: Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House & More - 5 Days

This five-day Sydney itinerary provides an active adventure through New South Wales' capital city. Take a sightseeing tour of all the best neighborhoods and sites—The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Kings Cross, and Mrs Macquarie's Chair included. A day trip to The UNESCO World Heritage region of the Blue Mountains allows you to explore the outdoors and interact with animals. The trip concludes with a guided tour of the famed Sydney Opera House and a thrilling climbing excursion up Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Croatia Multisport: Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice, & Zagreb - 16 Days

Take in the wild and rugged beauty of Croatia's top sights and attractions on this complete adrenaline-fueled 16-day adventure. You'll cover three historic cities along the Dalmatian coast—Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar—as well as spend two nights in Zagreb with exciting day trips to nearby islands and ancient fortressed cities. Hike and bike island terrain on Korčula and Hvar, spend a day canyoning the Cetina River, and walk amid waterfalls and emerald-green lakes in stunning Krka and Plitvice Lakes national parks.

Spend two leisurely days driving around the Brittany region

Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley - 14 Days

This epic trip loops around three beloved regions in France with a nice mix of free time and guided tours. Start in Normandy to visit historical sites—spanning 900 years—between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Next is Brittany, where you'll have free time (and a car) to explore the wild, rugged coastline at your own pace. Then experience UNESCO-listed villages and castles in the Loire Valley before finishing with two days in Paris.

Enjoy an evening stroll along the Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 5 Days

Five days may not be long, but if you focus your energy, you can create the perfect Spanish holiday. This itinerary focuses on Madrid and Barcelona, and in the former, you'll visit its most famous city sights, enjoy gourmet walking tours, and visit local artisans. In Barcelona, you'll discover this Catalan gem via its cuisine as well as an unforgettable cruise around its port by sailboat.

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 6 Days

Even in less than a week, it's possible to get to the heart of Spain—you just need to focus on the right places. This six-day whirlwind cultural tour achieves exactly that by focusing on Madrid and Barcelona, ensuring you get the most out of each. Not only will you see famous sights like the Royal Palace and El Prado Museum, but expert local guides will give you a delicious introduction to both cities on private food tours.

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 7 Days

With a full week, you can experience both the highlights of Spain's most famous cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Not only that but on this seven-day whirlwind itinerary, you'll also find time for day tours to historic towns outside the nation's capital. And when you do finally end up in Barcelona, prepare yourself for a delicious food tour and sunset sailing experience on top of visiting its most famous neighborhoods.

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