Travel Insights

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

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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.

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 8 Days

In just over a week you can not only experience the highlights of Spain but go off the beaten track as well. This eight-day itinerary delivers on the famous sights and neighborhoods of Madrid and Barcelona, but you'll really immerse yourself on gourmet walking tours of these cities. Throw in a sunset sailboat cruise around Barcelona and you have the recipe for the perfect Spanish holiday.

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 9 Days

If you really want to do Spain differently, you'll not only visit the famous sights but you'll opt for cultural tours as well. This 10-day itinerary offers just such an authentic experience as you'll not only visit the plazas of Madrid and Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, but you'll take foodie tours and road trips to country villages. For a finishing touch, you'll enjoy a luxury sunset cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 10 Days

This 10-day tour of Spain allows you to visit the highlights, like the plazas and palaces of Madrid, while also getting off the tourist track. This is a deep immersion into Spain's rich culture as you travel from the capital to Barcelona while also taking day trips to ancient villages like Pedraza and Segovia as well as countryside wineries. Throughout the adventure, you'll enjoy some delicious food as you stop at authentic tapas bars and covered markets.

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 11 Days

Even in a nation with a heavy tourism footprint like Spain, there are still secrets to discover. On this 11-day itinerary, you'll get to the heart of this incomparable nation on city tours of Madrid and Barcelona, hikes along the stunning Costa Brava, countryside wine tastings, and day trips to historic towns like Segovia and Pedraza. Plus there's a delicious encore as you tour cheese farms, olive-oil shops, and artisan chocolatiers.

Kayaks on the beach waiting for your next paddle

Islands of Belize: Tobacco Caye & South Water Caye - 7 Days

On this seven-day tour of Belize's best islands, you'll spend time discovering underwater marine life while enjoying the pristine beaches. Begin at the Tropical Education Centre, where you'll embark on a nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo. Then, head to Tobacco Caye to start exploring the mangroves and coral reefs. The trip continues to South Water Caye, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and dive your way through the Southern Barrier Reef.

Experience Belize: Glover's Reef & Maya Caves - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure combines the best elements of Belize—the inland exploration of Maya ruins and rainforest caves, along with several days to discover the remote coral atoll of Glover's Reef. Perfect for active families and couples of all skill levels, this itinerary offers the flexibility to relax, paddle, snorkel, dive, and sea kayak, depending on your preference.

Belize Lighthouse Reef Adventure - 7 Days

The seven-day adventure begins with an overnight at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, then heads out by boat to Lighthouse Reef. You'll explore the Lighthouse Reef atoll—a tropical marine park and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site—via various snorkeling and paddling opportunities. Spend five nights at your Half Moon Caye Basecamp, which offers both guided and independent excursions, and end your trip with a night in Belize City.

Get your heart pumping with an early-morning trek in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia Trekking Adventure: Los Glaciares, Torres del Paine & More - 13 Days

This 13-day Patagonian trek is designed for adventurers and includes the best outdoor viewpoints in two countries. Explore the peaks, valleys, and glaciers of Torres del Paine, and then cross the border from Chile into Argentina to discover more of the stunning panoramas through hikes, boat tours, and more in El Calafate and El Chaltén. You'll also have time in two capital cities—embark on a sightseeing tour in Santiago and wind down the trip on your own in Buenos Aires.

Authentic Lithuania: Castles, Culture, & Craft Beer - 3 Days

On this quick, three-day tour of Lithuania anchored in Vilnius, you’ll explore cultural sites, along with plenty of brewery tours and tastings along the way. You’ll also attend a basketball game featuring the decorated BC Žalgiris team, visit a castle in Kaunas, and take a trip to the Biržai region, complete with its historical beer museum.

Lyon, Annecy & Chamonix - 10 Days

This 10-day adventure combines three of France's easternmost gems, starting with the nation's capital of gastronomy: Lyon. While here, indulge in its outstanding dining scene, visit nearby vineyards, and meet farmers and artisans. Then travel to Annecy, a storybook medieval town so gorgeous it's nicknamed the "Venice of France," before finishing in Chamonix and hiking the tallest peak in France—Mont Blanc.

Explore the historic ruins of Rome's ancient colosseum

How Many Days to Spend in Rome

If you're heading to Italy, your first stop will likely be Rome. With its position halfway down Italy's western coast, it's a convenient travel hub and one of Italy's most appealing destinations in its own right. Spend at least a couple of days exploring, starting with Rome's most famous icons—the Colosseum and the Vatican—and stay for the fun neighborhoods, food, and excellent day trip opportunities. See our recommendations below for one night, five days, and everything in between.

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid & Barcelona - 12 Days

To get off the beaten path in Madrid and Barcelona requires venturing beyond the popular city sights and immersing yourself in the culture. This 12-day itinerary offers such an experience, as you meet local artisans in Madrid, venture into the countryside for wine tours, go on art walks, enjoy tours of local markets and tapas bars, cycle around Barcelona, hike the Mediterranean coast, and more.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 16 Days

Despite their dramatic size difference, the elephant's closest living relative is the hyrax. See if you can spot both elephants and their cousins as you take your own family on this 16-day adventure that will take you from up in the trees of Kirstenbosch Garden, onto the cliffs of Cape Point, out to sea for marine wildlife sightings, down into caves, and into safari grasslands, just to name a few, to take in landscapes as varied as your family.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 15 Days

While parenting can feel like an extreme sport at times, you can really get your adrenaline up on this 15-day itinerary. Warm up with a hike or cable car ride up Table Mountain and some beach time in Cape Town before you get on the road and follow the Garden Route to adventures like ziplines, a shark encounter, sandboard rides down one of the world's largest dunes, and safari drives.

Relax and reconnect on a family holiday to South Africa

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 14 Days

This two-week wildlife and adventure-packed family vacation takes you from the Western to the Eastern Cape via South Africa's stunning Garden Route. Start in lively Cape Town, where you and the kids will scale Table Mountain, make pals with the penguins at Boulders Beach, and relax in the surrounding wine country. If that sounds too sedate, you'll also plunge the depths of Shark Alley in a reinforced cage, meet the Big Five during a luxury safari, and tour the Stone Age Cango Caves.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 13 Days

Cape Town may be known as the "Mother City," but every member of the family can enjoy this 13-day trip. You'll scope out the scenery of Cape Point, enjoy extreme sports in Elgin, road trip through small towns and sparkling lagoons, and safari on both land and sea.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 12 Days

Sample some of South Africa's favorite family spots over the course of 12 days. You'll start with three nights in Cape Town to settle in and explore the city before you hop on the road toward farms in Franschhoek, extreme sports in Elgin, animal encounters in Oudtshoorn, and more, all topped off with a safari.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 11 Days

Take your small humans to meet some small (and large) animals on this 11-day outing. Whether you're visiting the penguin colonies of Boulders Beach, big cats at the Panthera Sanctuary, meerkats and ostriches in Oudtshoorn, or wide range of creatures on safari, there's a potential new friend around every corner.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 10 Days

Experience the best of South Africa's stunning scenery and wildlife with this 10-day family trip. Whiz up iconic Table Mountain by cable car, then explore the country's scenic Garden Route and vineyards before going on a safari at the luxury Shamwari Game Reserve. Along the way, you'll make pals with African penguins, see the Big Five, zipline across a ravine, and get in some beach time at beautiful Knysna.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 9 Days

Female lions in a pride will often all give birth around the same time, providing a collective parenting arrangement and plenty of play companions. Take your whole pride to South Africa with this nine-day itinerary that will take you from a pirate ship off the coast to Cape Town, to a big cat sanctuary, strawberry farm, and safari amidst other outings.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Safari, & More - 8 Days

Eight days of excellent await your family on this South Africa excursion. Whether you're strolling and sailing around Cape Town, adventuring in Elgin, or wildlife-spotting in Shamwari, you're sure to find something to enjoy.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands & Safari - 7 Days

With a beautiful coastline, fertile wine country, and seriously impressive wildlife, South Africa is an ideal destination for a chilled-out yet active family vacation. This week-long itinerary starts in vibrant Cape Town, a city with impressive views and beaches around every corner. Spot penguins on the Cape Peninsula, get hands-on at the farms of the Winelands region, then go on safari at the Shamwari Game Reserve for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & More - 6 Days

Take your children to meet the chicks of Boulders Bay's penguin colony and many more on this six-day trip. You'll divide your time between colorful Cape Town and its surrounding areas of Elgin and Franschhoek as you make your way through vineyard mazes, pirate cruises, and more.

South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & More - 5 Days

Skip through a South Africa sojourn on this family adventure. You'll sail out of Cape Town on a pirate cruise, meet the famous Boulders Beach penguins, make friends on the farms of Franschoek, and more.

Loire Valley Château Tour - 5 Days

This relaxing 5-day jaunt focuses on the Loire Valley, a fertile region south of Paris dotted with hundreds of opulent châteaux (many that are UNESCO-listed) that once belonged to kings, queens, dukes, and influential artists. Enjoy a series of full-day private tours where you'll explore the area's best estates, gardens, game reserves, vineyards, and charming towns, especially Amboise—your home base for the trip.

Spot hippos on a daring kayak tour in iSimangaliso Wetlands National Park in December

South Africa in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December in South Africa is the busiest month of the year, peaking during Christmas and New Year when prices are highest, and Cape Town's hotels and beaches are at their most crowded. Still, the festive season spirit is reason enough to visit Cape Town, where the weather is hot and clear. And this is an excellent time to seek out more remote beaches, such as iSimangaliso, where it's nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles, and the birding is splendid.

November is the last good month for viewing whales, like this adult southern right whale off the shore of St. Lucia, South Africa

South Africa in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

With warm weather throughout the country and low offseason rates without the crowds, what's not to like about South Africa in November? Even the northern game parks are worthwhile, despite increasing rainfall and thickening vegetation that makes wildlife harder to spot. This is your last month to view whales and the perfect month to view nesting leatherback turtles. Plus, it's a great time for a Cape Town beach holiday before the crowds pack the sands.

Head to Soweto Township to discover the "Long March to Freedom" Nelson and Winnie Mandela life-size sculptures in October

South Africa in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is an excellent month to visit South Africa as temperatures are nowhere extreme, the rains in the north have yet to arrive in force, and you can still take advantage of low shoulder season rates. On the West Coast, the spring flowers are still in bloom. And in the game parks, many animals are giving birth as new foliage springs up with the first rains.

Dry conditions in September mean less foliage, making wildlife like this white rhino easier to spot at perennial watering holes

South Africa in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Spring is in the air. Temperatures are rising throughout the country, whale watching is at its peak off the southern coast, and wildlife viewing is at a prime as many animals give birth. And September offers a last chance to admire the wildflower takeover of the Western and Northern Cape provinces. It's a good month to vacation anywhere in the country and a great time to combine regions.

Wildlife visibility in game parks is at its best in August

South Africa in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Spring in South Africa is in the air, with wildflowers beginning their spectacular blooms on the West Coast by August. Throughout Northern Cape, fluffy penguin chicks are hatching on beaches near Cape Town, whales can be seen close to shore, and wildlife visibility in the game parks is at its best. Plus, temperatures are starting to rise nationwide, while rainfall remains relatively low. All in all, August is a fantastic time to visit.

Wildflowers begin to appear in Namaqualand in July

South Africa in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July might be right in the heart of the chillier South African winter, but those who venture here during this month are in for some pleasant surprises. July is as good a time as any for a safari; pregnant female whales are giving birth close to shore off the Western Cape, the wildflower season is beginning, and snow in the mountains means skiing! Plus, South Africa hosts some cool shindigs, from film festivals to the nation's top horse racing event.

Spot black-maned lions in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa in June

South Africa in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Halfway through the year marks the start of safari peak season in South Africa's north, where wildlife viewing is enhanced by less-dense winter foliage and the concentration of game at waterholes. By contrast, this is the rainy midwinter "green season" in the Cape, with cooler temperatures, unpredictable rains, and even snow dusting the mountaintops. Read on for more of what to expect and do in South Africa in June.

In May, head to the lesser-visited reserves of the Northern Cape to spot Big Game, like this rhino

South Africa in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Although the days are shortening, there's no doubt May is one of the best months to visit South Africa, especially if your main focus is a safari. While temperatures vary by region, the mild weather will likely be pleasant, with sunshine and clear skies. Plus, you're not competing with summer crowds in most areas, except in the game parks, which are beginning to reach their prime.

April offers excellent surfing off South Africa's coast

South Africa in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

By late April, the crowds have disappeared, and fall is here, with warm, generally dry weather throughout South Africa. In the north, safari destinations like Kruger emerge from months of heavy rain while the summer season of Cape Town is winding down. It's an excellent month for an extended tour that combines regions, balancing the dry weather of the safari areas with still-warm, sunny days in the Cape.

March is prime for vineyard hopping around Stellenbosch

South Africa in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is a fabulous time to visit South Africa as the country transitions into autumn, with warm weather and low rain nationwide. Those in the know consider this perhaps the best month overall. Kruger and the other major game parks will be green with fresh foliage, and there's room to spread out on Cape Town's beaches. And March also sees two of the country's biggest shindigs: the Klein-Karoo National Arts Festival and Cape Town Jazz Festival.

February is an excellent time to check out Camps Bay or hike Table Mountain (in the background)

South Africa in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February is considered one of the best months to visit South Africa, especially for northern hemisphere travelers escaping the cold winter snow. Although summer is in full swing, the crowds of peak season begin to thin at this time, and the strong winds that batter Cape Town and coastal zones in January give way to pleasingly cool sea breezes.

January is a popular month to observe African bush elephants in Addo Elephant National Park

South Africa in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January is a great month to visit South Africa: it's right in the middle of the bone-dry summer, offering lovely weather in the Western Cape. However, this region—where southeasterly breezes and often gale-force winds take the edge off the heat—is at its busiest, while Kruger National Park is at its hottest and rainiest, making off-the-beaten-track venues so much more appealing.

Underwater scene off the Dalmatian coast

Croatia Multisport: Plitvice, Paklenica, Hvar, Korčula, & Dubrovnik - 16 Days

Not for the faint of heart, this 16-day multisport itinerary covers Croatia's top sights and attractions from the vantage of an adrenaline-fueled activity. Begin in the capital of Zagreb before cutting inland through stunning Plitvice Lakes and working your way down the Dalmatian coast. Cover all the elements as you paddle, swim, and scuba white water, rivers, and the Adriatic, walk, hike, and bike your way through national parks, karst rock, and wine country, and finally sail through the air, suspended by only a harness and wire over a river canyon.

Two lonely islands off the coast of Zadar in the Kornati National Park

Croatia Multisport: Dubrovnik, Kornati, Paklenica, & Plitvice Lakes - 15 Days

Head off on a 15-day multisport adventure through coastal cities, idyllic island towns, and wild landscapes. Kayak off the coast of Dubrovnik, discover the Konavle wine country on a bike tour, and explore the island terrain of Korčula and Hvar. You'll also zip-line over the Cetina River Canyon, sail amid the near-deserted Kornati Islands and enjoy the stunning beauty of Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica national parks.

Canyoning down the Cetina River outside of Omiš

Croatia Multisport: Dubrovnik, Split, Paklenica, Plitvice & Zagreb - 13 Days

If you like heart-pumping activity in raw nature with a side of cultural exploration, then this multisport itinerary is for you. Starting in the "Adriatic Pearl" of Dubrovnik you'll paddle to Lokrum Island before driving over the rugged landscape of the Pelješac Peninsula to hike and bike island terrain on Korčula and Hvar. Spend a little time exploring historic Split and then enjoy a day of canyoning the Cetina River, ending the tour with a visit to picturesque Plitvice Lakes and two nights in bustling Zagreb.

Town of Omiš, seen through the Cetina River Canyon

Croatia Multisport: Dubrovnik, Split, Paklenica, Plitvice & Zagreb - 12 Days

From the narrow alleys and fortress walls of Dubrovnik to the leafy green parks and historic buildings of Zagreb, this 12-day itinerary is perfect for the active traveler. You'll make your way through the wild terrain of the Pelješac Peninsula to hike and bike the islands of Korčula and Hvar and spend a day canyoneering the Cetina River. Cap off the excitement with a visit to historic Šibenik, Plitvice Lakes, and exquisite Paklenica National Park.

Sailing in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia

Sailing Dalmatia: Vis, Korčula, Hvar & Brač - 6 Days

Sail to four of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands—Vis, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač. Enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine as you relax and delight your senses onboard your private sailboat, stopping along the way to swim, snorkel, and explore charming coastal towns. You'll begin and end in Split and chart a route to nearby islands with time spent to discover the beautiful Pakleni archipelago.

Plitvice Lakes National Park in all its fall glory

Croatia Multisport: Zagreb, Plitvice, Paklenica & Split - 8 Days

Pack in 8 days of adventure as you travel from Zagreb to the Dalmatian coast. You'll paddle rapids on the Zrmanja River, trek through black-pine forests in Paklenica National Park, and swim off the coast of Šolta's white-pebbled beaches. You'll even have time for a little cultural exploration of historic cities and charming towns as well as time for relaxation in between walking, rafting, hiking, swimming, and sailing.

Panama's Pacific Coast: Panama City, Playa Reina, & Santa Catalina - 10 Days

This 10-day trip to Panama’s Pacific Coast is the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. Begin in Panama City, where you’ll tour the iconic Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, and take a day trip to visit the indigenous Emberá. Then, rent a car and drive to the beach—you’ll stay in Playa Reina for two nights, where you can observe turtles nesting and hatching. Next, enjoy some surfing and downtime in Santa Catalina, followed by a whale-watching excursion, before you return to Panama City.

Croatia offers some of the best sailing in the world, with hundreds of islands to explore

Sailing Dalmatia: Brač, Hvar & Vis - 5 Days

Enjoy five days of sailing on a private boat between three of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands: Brač, Hvar, and Vis. You'll bask in the sun on deck, taking in the island setting as you leave historic Split and the mainland behind and chart a course for nearby islands, including the Pakleni archipelago off the coast of Hvar. Seek out aquatic wildlife and drop anchor to swim and snorkel secluded bays as well as disembark to visit charming coastal towns.

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