Travel Insights

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

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Experience the isolation of unspoiled Los Cardones National Park, Argentina

5 Days in Argentina - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days in Argentina, you can focus on a single region or visit two: thanks to the frequency of domestic flights, you can start and end your trip in Buenos Aires and also spend a few days in wine country or a national park. Explore the famed wine region of Mendoza, road-trip around the colorful northwest, see the spectacular waterfalls at Iguazú, view whales and penguins in the wild, and enjoy wine and tango in the capital city with the options below.

Look out over the Serra dos Órgãos range from Portais de Hércules

Rio de Janeiro Trek: Portais de Hércules - 2 Days

Considered the best viewpoint over the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range, you'll trek to Portais de Hércules on this two-day excursion from Rio de Janeiro. Perfect for athletic travelers short on time, you'll depart the capital early on day one, trek through forest and plateaus to Castelos do Açú basecamp, and reward yourself the following morning with a sunrise trek to the famed lookout.

Take in a magnificent sunrise from atop Pedra do Sino

Rio de Janeiro Trek: Pedra do Sino - 2 Days

This two-day hike features Pedra do Sino in the stunning Serra dos Órgãos Mountain Range and is perfect for travelers who are visiting Brazil's capital and want a quick off-the-beaten-path experience. You'll set out from Rio de Janeiro to Brazil's mountaineering capital, Teresópolis, and on to your mountain shelter at the base of Pedra do Sino. Along the way, you'll pass waterfalls, trek through forest and high-altitude vegetation, and take in a sunset from the peak of Pedra do Sino.

Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel in Costa Rica: Exclusive Experiences & Itinerary Ideas

Whether you're drawn to wellness retreats in lush surroundings, chartered flights over tropical landscapes, or beautiful hotel properties that blend with the environment, you'll find something to love in luxurious Costa Rica. See our top picks for exclusive experiences and epic itineraries below.

Marvel at the "diamonds" of Jökulsárlón lagoon and the distant Vatnajökull

Iceland in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Dark and chilly, December brightens up in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve, attracting visitors to Iceland's festive villages and towns. This is a great month to hit the slopes, wander a holiday market, and ring in the new year with a fireworks display over Hallgrímskirkja. Read on to learn more about visiting Iceland in December.

Visit the pristine Grjótagjá hot spring near lake Mývatn in November

Iceland in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is a fantastic month to visit Iceland for those who want to see the northern lights and experience wintry outdoor activities: ice caving, snorkeling the Silfra fissure, and soaking in a geothermal pool. It's also an ideal time to travel around the lowlands without worrying too much about the weather. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.

Fall adds a golden glow to Iceland Sigöldugljúfur canyon, the "Valley of Tears"

Iceland in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The summer rush is long over, and the winter festivities have yet to begin, making October a peaceful time to visit. Enjoy colorful fall scenery and shorter days, taking advantage of one of the best times of year to view the northern lights. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Lace up your hiking boots while the trails are still open in September and go on a trek through Þórsmörk

Iceland in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September marks the end of the high season and is a fantastic month to explore Iceland's iconic scenery without the crowds. This is also a great month to join a northern lights tour. Read on to learn what to do and where to go.

Check out the less frequented Vestrahorn mountains in eastern Iceland's Stokksnes Peninsula when the crowds are heavy in August

Iceland in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is the last full month of Iceland's busy and expensive high season. With that comes warmer weather, a sporty vibe from tourists and locals who spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loads of fun events like Commerce Day and Fireworks at Jökulsárlón. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Take a detour off the Ring Road and visit the Hvítserkur sea stack in Vatnsnesvegur in July

Iceland in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is high season for Iceland, where you can expect the country's best weather, a lively vibe from locals who spend as much time outside as possible, and loads of fun events. Read this monthly guide to learn more (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).

Discover Kirkjufellsfoss and Mount Kirkjufell in Grundarfjörður on the Snӕfellsnes peninsula in June

Iceland in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June begins Iceland's busiest travel season. With never-ending daylight hours and midnight sun tours, the country is alive with festivals and an all-access pass to hiking in the highlands. Find out what to do and where to go with this June guide.

Lupine flowers bloom in front of the town of Ísafjörður in the distance bloom in the spring

Iceland in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The last month before the summer crowds, May, is one of the best times to visit Iceland. Spring is well underway, trading in snowy landscapes with swathes of green land blanketed in purple lupine flowers, tourist crowds are still light, and the days are long—you can expect daylight to last until midnight.

Iceland in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Traveling to Iceland in April offers a lot: crowds are small, hotel and flight deals can be found, there's still the chance to see the northern lights, and there's enough daylight to do and see a lot each day. Read on to learn more.

Take in the setting sun from Reynisfjara beach on an early spring afternoon

Iceland in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

With few crowds, low prices, and ever-increasing daylight hours, March is arguably one of the best times to visit Iceland. Enjoy all the winter tours in peace and still have plenty of opportunities to catch the northern lights. Find out what to do and where to go with this March guide.

Catch the northern lights over a wintry Goðafoss, now that the nights are long (and offer better aurora visibility)

Iceland in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Iceland in February is a perfect place to play in the outdoors, with few international visitors and lower prices. Enjoy traditional winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling, or more unique sports like glacier hiking and ice caving. With the long nights, you can easily view the northern lights, too. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Discover the surreal icy landscape of Vatnajökull, particularly impressive during the winter season

Iceland in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Take advantage of the snowy season, when everything seems calmer and quieter, and the tourist crowds are at their smallest. This is also one of the best times to view the northern lights. Read on to learn more about visiting Iceland in January.

Taiwan Round Island Tour - 14 Days

Spend two weeks circling some of the most popular sites in Taiwan with this trip. Start off with the urban attractions of Taipei, then head out of the city to explore the nature of the Taroko Gorge National Park, followed by the many intricate rock formations and scenic attractions of the east coast. Continue through tree museums, beaches, and historic cities before you ascend into the mountains of the Alishan region, then descend past stunning Sun Moon Lake before you return to Taipei.

Stroll through an Aix-en-Provence food market

Gourmet Tour of Provence - 5 Days

This quick five-day getaway reveals the culture and flavors of Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of the Provence region of southeastern France. You'll discover the secrets of "Aix" with a guided stroll through its ancient thoroughfares, sample regional gastronomic specialties, plus take a local cooking class. You'll even enjoy a bonus cooking class in a nearby village in the Alpilles Mountains.

Slovenia Wilderness: SUP, Hike & Bears - 4 Days

Featuring highlights of southern Slovenia's pristine wild beauty, you'll start in the eco-progressive capital and SUP beneath centuries-old bridges along the Ljubljanica River. Paddle and hike through the forested Kolpa Canyon, hunt wild mushrooms and track brown bears outside of Kočevje, and cruise emerald-green lakes in the underground Križna Cave network.

Due to the exuberance of the vegetation that surrounds it, and the numerous rapids that form during its descent towards the Caribbean plains, suitable for rafting, the Pacuare is an important tourist attraction of Costa Rica. The Pacuare basin has been protected by the Matina Pacuare Forest Reserve.

Costa Rica Luxury Hot Springs and Rivers Getaway - 6 Days

Even with a mere six days at your disposal, you can rejuvenate your mind and body while enjoying exciting adventures in Costa Rica. This itinerary begins with some luxury spa treatments followed by long soaks in the natural volcanic hot springs in the Arenal region of the country. You'll then learn how to prepare authentic Costa Rican chocolate before finishing the trip with more pampering at a wellness retreat.

Hot Springs, Waterfalls, and Luxury Retreats in Costa Rica - 7 Days

All you need is a week to replenish your body and soul on the trip of a lifetime. The destination is Costa Rica and over seven days you'll enjoy whitewater rafting, waterfall hikes, and luxury accommodations in the best eco-lodges and wellness retreats in the country. You'll even take part in a hands-on course where you learn to prepare artisanal chocolate.

Lavish Costa Rica: Rivers, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls - 8 Days

Pamper yourself on an eight-day tropical getaway to Costa Rica that offers wellness and adventure in equal measure. You'll begin in a luxury rainforest lodge with an exciting trip down the Pacuare River. Then it's off to the Arenal Volcano region where you'll relax in natural hot springs and learn the secrets to chocolate making on a local farm.

Tropical Adventures and Luxury Retreats in Costa Rica - 9 Days

When you want to combine luxury and beauty in a tropical getaway, there's no better destination than Costa Rica. On this nine-day excursion, you'll alternate between luxury spa treatments and adventurous excursions. This includes a whitewater rafting trip down the famous Pacuare River and a hike to some of the most secluded tropical waterfalls in the country.

Luxury Wellness Getaway in Costa Rica - 10 Days

10 days is all you need to enjoy a perfect Costa Rican holiday that mixes equal parts luxury, comfort, and outdoor adventure. On this 10-day jaunt, you will stay in four-star wellness retreats, enjoy exhilarating whitewater rafting excursions, and soak in natural volcanic hot springs. You'll even get a hands-on lesson in preparing the most delicious of Costa Rican exports: chocolate

Costa Rica Outdoor Adventure and Luxury Wellness - 11 Days

In Costa Rica, it's possible to seamlessly mix tropical adventures with luxury wellness retreats and eco-resorts. Over 11 days you'll replenish your mind and body with yoga sessions and spa treatments while also enjoying some thrills in the form of white-water rafting and waterfall hikes. As a bonus, you'll get to laze on Pacific beaches and even learn the secrets to making chocolate.

Luxury Spas and Outdoor Adventures in Costa Rica - 12 Days

This packed 12-day itinerary combines the mind and body rejuvenation offered by wellness retreats with all the tropical adventure Costa Rica is famous for. You'll enjoy spa treatments and soaking in natural hot springs before embarking down wild rivers and hiking to exotic waterfalls. Add in some beach time on the Pacific coast and you have the perfect vacation for total enrichment.

Costa Rica Luxury Spa Treatments, Hot Springs, and Adventure - 13 Days

There's no better way to rejuvenate your body and spirit than with a long soak in natural hot springs and some tropical outdoor adventures. Costa Rica offers all of this in the form of waterfall hikes, beach excursions, and whitewater rafting. You'll enjoy all of this plus spend a few days getting pampered in some of the most luxurious spas and eco-resorts in the world.

Luxury Wellness in Costa Rica - 14 Days

Head off to Costa Rica for a wellness excursion guaranteed to recharge your batteries. Over 14 days you'll enjoy yoga sessions and spa treatments in some of the most incredible eco-resorts in the world. Aside from total relaxation, you'll hike to tropical waterfalls, brave whitewater rapids, and experience the beaches of the Pacific coast.

Luxury Wellness Retreat and Active Adventures in Costa Rica - 15 Days

There's no better place to replenish your mind, body, and soul than Costa Rica. It's a country as abundant in world-class wellness resorts as it is natural beauty. On this 15-day itinerary, you'll compliment the spa treatments with some exciting adventure excursions the country is famous for, like whitewater rafting, waterfall hikes, and ocean trips off the Pacific coast.

Go for a swim with an ocean view in Costa Rica

Luxury, Wellness & Adventure in Costa Rica - 16 Days

This 16-day tour of Costa Rica will recharge your batteries through a combination of luxury wellness experiences and thrilling outdoor adventures. On this excursion, you'll travel across the country, from Arenal Volcano to the wild Pacuare River and out to Pacific beaches. Throughout the adventure, you'll replenish your body and soul in some of the most luxurious eco-retreats anywhere in the world.

Luxury Costa Rica: Exotic Beaches and Tropical Waterfalls - 6 Days

In less than a week you'll get to visit two of Costa Rica's most stunning regions. This six-day itinerary you'll visit the cloud-forest region of the central highlands before heading south to the biodiverse wonderland that is the Osa Peninsula. Throughout it all, you'll enjoy horseback rides, waterfall hikes, and wildlife spotting all while enjoying luxury accommodations.

Costa Rica Luxury Birding, Horseback Riding, and Wildlife - 7 Days

In a mere week, you can enjoy some major highlights of Costa Rica like riding around local farms on horseback, spotting exotic birds on nature walks, and hiking to exotic waterfalls. You'll even travel to the far south and the remote Osa Peninsula, which is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. And every night, you'll stay in the finest hotels and eco-lodges in the country.

Costa Rica Private Waterfall Hike and Luxury Eco-Adventure - 8 Days

Costa Rica is a ruggedly beautiful country whose natural highlights are best experienced on foot. That's just what this eight-day luxury vacation itinerary has in store in the form of nature walks and waterfall hikes. You'll also get to the visit the secluded beaches of the southern Osa Peninsula and enjoy a horseback excursion in the remote mountains.

Exotic Wildlife and Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica - 9 Days

Only in Costa Rica, where unspoiled nature and luxury resorts exist side by side, can you mix adventure and pampering. This nine-day itinerary includes horseback riding through local villages, hiking along secluded beaches, and exotic bird-watching. And at the end of each day, you'll rest and recharge in the best hotels in the country.

Costa Rica Luxury and Adventure: Vara Blanca, San Isidro, & the Osa Peninsula - 10 Days

In 10 days you can not only embark on wildlife excursions around Costa Rica and immerse yourself in its local culture, but you can do it all while staying in luxury accommodations. This is a packed itinerary that involves horseback riding, visiting a working coffee farm, and plenty of bird-watching and wildlife spotting. Keep your camera ready because you'll be visiting tropical waterfalls, too.

First-Class Costa Rica: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Wildlife - 11 Days

Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, and to vacation here is to partake in a great ecological adventure. That's just what you'll do on this 11-day itinerary as you embark on nature hikes, bird-watching tours, and visits to tropical waterfalls. On top of staying in luxury accommodations, you'll also get a sense of the local culture by visiting family farms and working coffee plantations.

Luxury Beach Hikes, Mountain Adventures, and Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica - 12 Days

There are few countries where you can enjoy a luxury vacation complete with eco-tourism adventures and immersion in the local culture. Costa Rica is one such place, and on this 12-day itinerary, you'll hike to tropical waterfalls, visit secluded beaches, horseback through the mountains, and embark on many wildlife tours. To cap the adventure you'll do some exotic bird-watching as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica World-Class Wildlife, Nature, and Cultural Experience - 13 Days

On this 13-day tour of Costa Rica, you'll enjoy exciting wildlife hikes, tropical waterfalls, and luxury accommodations in unspoiled rainforests. More than that you'll discover the soul of the country on nature hikes, horseback rides through local villages, and visits to family-run farms. Add in some beach time on the Pacific coast and you have the makings of a perfect holiday.

Luxury Eco-Tours and Adventures in Costa Rica - 14 Days

This 14-day Costa Rica holiday covers the highlights of the entire country: tropical waterfalls, secluded beaches, exotic wildlife, and more. You'll travel from the north of the country to the south, from high-altitude cloud-forests to golden beaches. The icing on this great big tropical cake is that each night you'll be staying in the most comfortable luxury hotels and eco-lodges in the country.

Costa Rica Luxury Mountains, Beaches and Eco-Adventures - 15 Days

This unique 15-day Costa Rican holiday mixes equal parts adventure and luxury. Besides staying in four-star accommodations, you'll enjoy thrilling activities such as horseback riding, a tour of exotic bird sanctuaries, private waterfall hikes, and much more. The journey will take you from the central highlands to the Pacific coast, and by the time you're done you'll have accumulated memories to last a lifetime.

Costa Rica Luxury Eco-Adventure: Cloud Forests, Waterfalls, & Exotic Animals - 16 Days

On this 16-day luxury itinerary, you'll go off-the-beaten-path in Costa Rica. First, it's the waterfalls of the Vara Blanca region and enjoying horseback-riding excursions in the Talamanca Mountains. Then it's off to the southern Osa Peninsula, the most biodiverse region in the country, where you'll hike through unspoiled rainforest to secluded beaches while enjoying the local wildlife.

Stand up paddle board along a section of the breathtaking Soča River

Active Slovenia: Bike, Hike & SUP - 4 Days

This quick active adventure showcases some of Slovenia's top highlights in four days. You'll tour vineyards in wine country and pedal through rural landscapes, explore a labyrinthian underground cave network, hike to stunning waterfalls, and paddleboard emerald-green rivers in nature and the capital, Ljubljana. Hike, bike, and paddle your way across the country and fall in love with Slovenia.

Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 9 Days

Hit some of the hottest destinations in Greece on this itinerary. You'll start in Athens, visiting the towering Acropolis and day-tripping out to the archaeological site at Delphi to experience the ancient world. Then head to the islands, where you'll lounge amid the luxury of Mykonos and then stroll along Santorini's volcanic caldera before you loop back to Athens.

Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 10 Days

Some of the most-discussed spots in Greece are yours to explore on this itinerary. After a city history tour of Athens, you'll set sail for the Cyclades' best-known islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Take a sunset sail out to the sacred island of Delos and sun on the sparkling beaches of Mykonos, then sample the fresh seafood and volcanic springs of Santorini.

Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 11 Days

You've spent enough time eyeballing them on Instagram, it's time to check out these popular Greek destinations for yourself. Look down at the city of Athens from atop the Acropolis, then get out onto the water. Depart the mainland for the island of Mykonos, where you'll cruise to all the island's top spots, then head to Santorini to explore both its wine traditions and volcanic caldera.

Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 12 Days

See some of Greece's star attractions on this 12-day itinerary. Start off in the capital of Athens and experience its rich historic heritage and modern food scene. Then ship out to the Cyclades, home to Mykonos and Santorini, where you'll enjoy beaches, archaeological tours, and all the fresh seafood your stomach could desire.

Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 13 Days

Hit three major hotspots on this thirteen-day tour of some of Greece's top sites. You'll start in Athens, experiencing both the Acropolis and modern metropolis, before hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos. Explore both buzzing beaches and smaller island villages before you end your trip in Santorini with wine, hiking, and sailing around the white-topped-cliffs.

Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 14 Days

Take a two-week jaunt between some of Greece's most popular sites with this itinerary. Start off with a spin through Athens, enjoying a food tour, and views from the Acropolis before you ferry out to Mykonos. Cruise around the island to experience its beaches and bustling nightlife, then head to your final stop in Santorini, where you'll hike, sail, and sip your way through Cycladic culture.

Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 15 Days

Spend 15 full days discovering some of Greece's most iconic sites on this itinerary. Divide your time between three different spots, starting with a few days to discover what modern Athens has offer from the top of the Acropolis down to the street food stalls. Then sail down to Mykonos for both inland village tours and leisurely beach time to see every angle of the island, and follow it up with the white cliffs and colorful beaches of Santorini as you sip their ancient wines and sail through the classic caldera.

Discover Huehuetenago in Guatemala's western highlands

Best of Guatemala & Roatán - 14 Days

Enjoy the best of Guatemala and Honduras' Roatán Island on this two-week culture and nature adventure. You'll explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, go tubing through river caves, and visit Indigenous communities in the western highlands. Finish the journey in Roatán, a Caribbean island fringed with coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.

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