Travel Insights

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

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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.

Aix-en-Provence Culinary Culture - 5 Days

Experience the best of Provence in five days, with numerous guided cultural and gourmet experiences. You'll explore charming Aix-en-Provence and its surroundings via walking tours, a cooking class, and wine experience, all under the bright skies of southern France.

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour - 10 Days

Hit the temple trail to visit some of the stars of South India on this 10-day itinerary. You'll experience the modern culture of the state of Tamil Nadu alongside ancient Indian history and mythology, touring some of the world's most impressive and intricately carved temples and taking in the natural views along the Bay of Bengal.

Guide to South Africa's Top Regions: Where to Go for Safari, Culture, Hiking & More

South Africa's scenery is as diverse as its culture, providing an ideal setting for an activity-packed trip. Below we've outlined the Rainbow Nation's nine provinces (and what they're best for)—plus two landlocked kingdoms—so you can choose your adventure, whether it's big game safaris, Apartheid history, hiking and biking trails, Indigenous villages, or world-class vineyards. Read on to learn more.

Off the Beaten Path in Eastern Taiwan - 7 Days

See a unique side of Taiwan with this week-long itinerary. You'll meet many of Taiwan's indigenous ethnic groups and get to try your hand at some traditional craft-making and sample regional cuisine. The natural scenery won't be neglected either, with stops for clifftop views, dramatic rock features, and sprawling rice paddies, ending at Taroko Gorge, considered by some to be Taiwan's Grand Canyon.

Taiwan Nature & Bicycle Tour - 7 Days

Combine fitness and photos with this scenic week-long bike trip. Start out with some urban adventures in Taipei, then make your way to the spectacular Taroko Gorge National Park. After that, your biking begins, taking you through the East Rift Valley and along the Pacific Coast before you arrive in the beach town of Kenting.

Taiwanese East Coast & Green Island Tour - 7 Days

Explore the eastern regions of Taiwan on this week-long itinerary featuring an assortment of natural wonders. You'll start off visiting the Jinguashi gold mines and their neighboring multi-hued waters, then continue to the marble gorges of Taroko Gorge National Park. Take a scenic roadtrip along Highway 11, then swim and sun on the shores of Green Island before you head through the East Rift Valley Scenic Area and back to Taipei.

Family Holiday Package in Taiwan - 7 Days

Even the smallest members of your family can enjoy Taiwan on this week-long itinerary. With food- and art-based hands-on projects, beautiful natural landscapes, and even a theme park or two, your journey is sure to delight as you travel from Taipei to the shores of Sun Moon Lake, the Leofoo Resort, and the Yilan region.

Discover wildlife in Daintree's Mossman Gorge

Highlights of Australia: Cities, Beaches & Wildlife - 12 Days

Covering four states, this perfectly curated itinerary features Australia's top attractions in 12 days, providing visitors with a well-rounded experience. Beginning in cool and trendy Melbourne, you'll work your way around the country to the cosmopolitan cities of Adelaide and Sydney, ending the trip in Cairns. Along the way, you'll drive the scenic Great Ocean Road, hang out with kangaroos and seals on Kangaroo Island, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and explore the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland.

Take in a sunrise from Rupalaj K’istalin over Lake Atitlán, volcanoes, and Maya villages

Guatemala: Summit to Shoreline - 7 Days

Combining adventure and nature with leisure and culture, this one-week trip covers Guatemala's highlights, from the western highlands to the Pacific Coast. Discover historic Antigua on a walking tour and head high into the mountains to visit an authentic Maya craft market. Explore the indigenous communities and hike the mountains around Lake Atitlán before ending your adventure with a relaxing two days on the black-sand beach of Monterrico.

Best of Barcelona & València - 9 days

Experience the best of eclectic Barcelona and València on this nine-day itinerary, featuring tapas, beaches, and guided city tours. Start in Barcelona, where you'll explore Gaudí's whimsical architecture with La Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, and Casa Milà before heading to the mountains to discover the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. You'll then ride the high-speed EuroMed to València, the home of paella, to immerse yourself amid medieval buildings, future-forward structures, and golden-sand beaches.

Guatemala & Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Historic Streets - 14 Days

This unforgettable two-week itinerary is the perfect mix of active adventures and cultural excursions around Belize and Guatemala. Spend time in colonial Antigua, hike an active volcano, rub elbows with the K'iche' Maya people, and visit Indigenous communities around stunning Lake Atitlán. Then go north to the ancient Maya archeological site at Tikal before heading to the Caribbean to camp on coral islands and snorkel around Belize's 180-mile (290 km) Barrier Reef.

5 Hidden Towns Near Medellín

Tucked neatly in a valley at the base of towering Andean mountains, Medellín is a city where the scent of freshly-cooked empanadas wafts down palm tree-lined streets, where graffiti art transforms neighborhoods into open-air museums and where the peaks that overlook the city offer a lush, flowery landscape and impeccable views from above.

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Ryokan: Experience Traditional Luxury in Japan

Revitalizing hot spring baths, multi-course dinners made from fresh, local ingredients and the comfiest pillows you’ve ever tried, Ryokan hotels are an unforgettable way to experience traditional, Japanese luxury. Read on to learn the history and offerings of this unique lodging experience and the best places to stay.

Active Honeymoon in Bali - 14 Days

Tied the knot and want a customized trip to celebrate your love? Try honeymooning in Bali. This tour combines culture, relaxation, beautiful landscapes, snorkeling, and a touch of adventure: the perfect combination for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Ilha do Pelado, a tropical beach near Paraty

Paraty Beach Trek from Rio - 3 Days

The Paraty wilderness trek is one of Brazil's favorite beach hikes, and it's easy to see why: endless beaches, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping ocean views, all located within the Juatinga Ecological Reserve. Hike 20 miles (32 km) over three days, camping overnight in local fishermen houses and enjoying dinner and sunset on the beach each night. Connections to and from Rio make this an easy and fantastic addition to your Brazil getaway.

Saco do Mamanguá Fjord from Pão de Açúcar Peak

Brazil Mamanguá Fjord Trekking - 4 Days

Spend four days trekking around the Saco do Mamanguá peninsula, a natural paradise with beautiful beaches and accessible trails. Explore Brazil's only fjord from kayak and take in the sweeping views of mountains, beaches, and waterfalls, then hike the Sugar Loaf Peak of Mamanguá, a postcard-perfect highlight of the region. Enjoy easy access from Rio de Janeiro and don't worry about meals, lodging, or carrying the equipment—everything is taken care of.

The morning sun washes Borobudur in golden light

Java: Mount Bromo to Yogyakarta - 8 Days

In eight days, enjoy breathtaking views over active volcanoes, learn about traditional customs in rural villages, and discover a range of biodiversity from mountain peaks to marshy plateaus. You'll experience contemporary life in Yogyakarta, explore calderas, and wander centuries-old Buddhist and Hindu temples along the way. Experience the best of East and Central Java.

Chernivtsi, Ukraine's National University's Three Saints Orthodox Church

Best of Belarus, Moldova & Ukraine - 16 Days

This 16-day itinerary introduces you to one of Europe’s least visited, but arguably most interesting regions. You’ll explore three countries that have developed diverse customs and a rugged sense of self, where hospitality to visitors is the norm in lands known for invasions and shifting allegiances. Prepare to fall in love with Eastern Europe.

Watch ocean waves from under the palm trees

Costa Rica Luxury Tour: Arenal, Tenorio, & Nosara Beach - 14 Days

If you thirst for adventure yet also enjoy luxurious creature comforts, then the north of Costa Rica is the destination for you. Beginning in the Arenal Volcano region, you'll travel to Tenorio National Park and hike along the neon-blue Celeste River. Then it's off to the Nicoya Peninsula, where you'll enjoy every tropical beach activity under the sun, from snorkeling and kayaking to paddleboarding and even riding horses at sunset.

Luxury Getaway: Volcanoes, Rivers, & Secluded Beaches - 16 Days

On this active luxury tour of Costa Rica, you'll explore the nation's most distinct locations. First, it's a trip to Arenal National Park, followed by a visit Tenorio, home to the Celeste River, whose ethereal blue waters are the stuff of dreams. Finally, you'll laze on the unspoiled beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula and enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and even horseback riding on the beach.

Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days

This epic Portugal tour highlights two cosmopolitan cities and a stunning mid-Atlantic island—part of an autonomous region—known for its tropical foliage and eternal spring-like weather. You'll kick off in Porto, home of centuries-old wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. Then fly to Madeira Island for secluded beaches and untouristed villages waiting to be discovered. Last but not least is Lisbon's friendly, up-and-coming capital—a striking city built on seven hills.

Costa Rica Private Tour: Volcanoes, Rivers, & Secluded Beaches - 6 Days

Recharge your batteries with a quick six-day jaunt to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. This luxury holiday in the north of the country covers the major highlights, like Arenal Volcano and the unspoiled beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Not only will you get to view exotic wildlife on various nature tours, but you'll also get some exercise in with rainforest hikes and kayak excursions along the coast.

Costa Rica Luxury Beaches & Rainforest Adventures - 7 Days

Escape to northern Costa Rica for a luxury vacation you'll never forget. You'll pack a lot of adventure into just seven days, and these active excursions include waterfall hikes, nocturnal nature walks, and river safaris. Throughout the trip, you'll travel between the inland rainforests to the sun-kissed beaches of Guanacaste Province—and each night you'll relax in the finest luxury accommodations in the country.

A staircase leading to the Catarata Río Celeste

Luxury Adventure in the Costa Rican Wilderness - 8 Days

In just over a week you can enjoy the best activities in Costa Rica and visit its most exotic locales. First, you'll travel to Arenal and Tenorio National Park, where you'll embark on nocturnal nature walks, soak in natural hot springs, and hike along sky-blue rivers to tropical waterfalls. Then it's off to the coast, where you'll enjoy more wildlife-spotting excursions as well and active adventures like kayaking along the coast.

Luxury in Costa Rica: Jungle Paradise & Exotic Wildlife - 9 Days

This tropical getaway will appeal to anyone who's ever wanted to experience Costa Rica's most famous sites as well as its exotic wildlife. Over nine days you'll travel through the north of the country and stay in luxury accommodations between embarking on active excursions. This includes such diverse activities as hiking and nocturnal nature walks to kayaking and horseback riding on the beach.

Luxury, Adventure, & Wildlife in Northern Costa Rica - 10 Days

10 days is enough to enjoy Costa Rica's immense natural beauty and exotic wildlife. This combined luxury/adventure itinerary allows you to experience it all, first in Arenal Volcano National Park, and then by visiting the rivers and waterfalls of the Tenorio region. You'll finish on the unspoiled coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula, riding horses at sunset, kayaking through mangrove forests, and snorkeling at coral reefs.

Luxury in Northern Costa Rica: Volcanoes & Pacific Beaches - 11 Days

The secret to a perfect tropical vacation involves the right balance of luxury and adventure. On this 11-day tour of Costa Rica's north, you'll visit rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls by day, and relax in the hot springs of luxury hotels by night. Then you'll head west to the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula and enjoy adventures like snorkeling around coral reefs and horseback riding on beaches at sunset.

Costa Rica Luxury Wildlife & Outdoor Adventure Tour - 12 Days

On this 12-day adventure, you'll enjoy the most famous activities in Costa Rica. You'll do it all, from river rafting and jungle hikes to wildlife tours, snorkeling, horseback riding, and even stand-up paddleboarding. The journey combines luxury accommodations with outdoor excursions as you travel from Arenal Volcano to the waterfalls of Tenorio National Park and finally to the beaches of Guanacaste Province.

Luxury Costa Rica Getaway: Golden Beaches & Wild Rainforests - 13 Days

On this 13-day itinerary you'll get to enjoy many of the adventure sports and outdoor activities Costa Rica is famous for. This includes hiking and river rafting in the Arenal region and Tenorio National Park, plus snorkeling, paddleboarding, and horseback riding on the beach. And at the end of each day, you'll retire to the luxury hotels and eco-lodges that will serve as your accommodations during this adventure.

Crashing waves in Porto, Portugal's second largest city

Best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days

This exciting two-week itinerary combines cosmopolitan cities, medieval architecture, and spectacular beaches for a Portuguese trip of a lifetime. After exploring Lisbon with a local guide, you'll stay in the fairy tale village of Sintra and the surf town of Nazaré. Then work your way north to UNESCO-listed Porto and its nearby wine region before heading to the university town of Évora. End the trip in pure bliss with some beach time in the western Algarve.

Northern Costa Rica Luxury Adventure - 15 Days

You can experience the highlights of Costa Rica without racing around the entire country. On this 15-day luxury adventure, you'll travel around the north, first visiting the famous Arenal Volcano before heading into Guanacaste Province for waterfall hikes, rafting safaris, and nocturnal nature walks. You'll finish the journey on the coast, where you'll enjoy activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Beach paths along the Algarve's southern coast

Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary covers Portugal's biggest metropolis and its southern coast for a city-beach combo that's hard to beat. Kick off in Europe's hottest capital—Lisbon—for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, take the train south for several days of glorious beach-hopping while based in a charming old city surrounded by stone walls: Lagos.

A bougainvillea-lined walkway in the Algarve

Lisbon & the Algarve - 10 Days

This 10-day trip splits time between Portugal's exciting capital and its southern coast while moving at a relaxed pace. Kick off the adventure in up-and-coming Lisbon for a guided introduction to the "City of Seven Hills," including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, choose your own day trip before taking the train to Lagos for several days of golden beaches and picturesque villages in the Algarve.

Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days

Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve.

A scenic road near the village of Sintra

Portugal Relaxed Self-Drive: Lisbon, Porto, Évora - 10 Days

This road trip is ideal for those who want to experience Portugal's two biggest cities and rural countryside at a relaxed pace. After strolling around Lisbon with a guide, you'll make your way north to UNESCO-listed Porto and its nearby mountains and vineyards. Finish off in the medieval town of Évora with plenty of free time to explore the Alentejo—a vast region known for olive groves, cork production, and rustic cuisine.

Ultimate Guide to Umbria: Hill Towns, Art, and Culinary Treasures

Often overshadowed by Tuscany, its culturally mega-rich neighbor, Umbria is brimming with treasures of its own. Think gorgeous medieval hill-towns, plenty of art, and olive-growing and wine industries that have been thriving for thousands of years.

Ultimate Guide to Verona: Shakespeare's Fabled Italian City

Made famous in a number of Shakespeare's masterpieces, Verona is as charming as you would expect. Come here to see Juliet's (fictional) house, and stay for an old Italian city marked by wide, photogenic piazzas and landmark bridges spanning the River Adige; pretty churches and the biggest wine exhibition in the world. Learn more about what to do, see, and eat in "fair Verona" below.

7 Must-See Museums in Japan

Japan’s museums aren't all serious affairs. Sure, some of them deal with classic museum topics like art and history—but many go for the charming, quirky, or downright bizarre, focusing on collections that are so obscure, you won't find them anywhere else in the world. Visit the seven spots in this list to catch a unique exhibition or to check out the extraordinary architecture,

Ultimate Guide to Istria: Cultural Crossroads in Croatia

The Istrian peninsula doesn’t quite feel like the rest of Croatia, and there's a good reason for that—it's been part of the Venetian Republic, Italy, and the Austrian Empire, depending on the century. History has given it many faces, and that’s good news for visitors. You can cycle through its cities, towns, and natural areas to take in Roman architecture, pristine beaches, and singular cuisine—sometimes all in one day.

Big sea views on the scenic Amalfi Coast road

5 Coastal Road Trips in Italy: Sardinia, Puglia, Sicily & Beyond

Italy is a country made for slow touring: whether you’re cruising through vineyards and silver-green olive groves that dip to the sea in sun-baked Puglia, negotiating hairpin bends on a cliff-hugging road skirting the dramatic island of Sardinia, or making an epic drive along the coast of Sicily. Wind down the window, breathe in the scent of wild herbs on the breeze, crank up the radio and get ready for five of our all-time favorite coastal road trips.

Hidden Grottoes of the Amalfi Coast: 7 Secluded Beaches to Discover

For pure Mediterranean beauty, nothing beats Italy's Amalfi coast. The scenic drives and pebbly beaches are well known by this point, as are the romantic grottoes that dot the rocky coastline. There are still some secrets to be discovered, though, and below we reveal the most romantic hidden grottoes, coves, and secluded beaches of Amalfi, from one end of the region to the other.

6 Best Beaches in Puglia

By summer, beaches in Italy's popular coastal areas engorge with both tourists and sun-seeking locales. Where does one go, then, to find those stretches of sand that are not only beautiful but relatively undiscovered? The answer is the southern region of Puglia—Italy's "heel of the boot"—which abounds with secluded coves and golden beaches fronting crystalline waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.

5 Best Street Markets in Rome

The only place to find all of Rome's globally celebrated gastronomic creations under one roof is at the city's public food markets. They offer everything from pizza and pasta to cured meats, cheeses, pastries, and much more. Let this guide direct you to the very best of Rome's myriad markets.

7 Top Highlights of Italy: Classic Italian Sites & Tips for Beating the Crowds

From the cinematic coastline of Amalfi to the canals of Venice, Rome’s lavishly frescoed Sistine Chapel to Florence’s treasure-trove Uffizi Gallery, Italy's classic stops are worth visiting again and again. Read on for the inside scoop on seven Italian must-sees.

Sunset from the Cabo da Roca near Lisbon

Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days

This itinerary includes Portugal's two biggest cities, a slew of historic villages, and some spectacular beaches for an epic adventure to remember. Start in up-and-coming Lisbon to explore ancient ruins and trendy districts before going north to UNESCO-listed Porto (and its nearby wine region). You'll also get time in the university towns of Évora and Coimbra—each with its medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve.

Sandstone formations at Camilo Beach (two beaches connected through a tunnel)

Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & Lagos - 7 Days

This is the ultimate weeklong introduction to Portugal's southern half. The trip starts in the vibrant capital of Lisbon, where you'll tour the city—and nearby villages—with a local. From here, drive into the Alentejo region for a night in ancient Évora's inner-walled town. Finish the adventure with a train ride to coastal Lagos for fabulous beaches and stunning views in and around the Algarve.

Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, & Jungle Adventure - 7 Days

From the city to the jungle, this 7-day exploration of Peru is perfect for adventurous travelers. Start in metropolitan Lima, then continue to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Explore the ancient Incan streets of Cusco then continue to the jungle for a stay at a jungle lodge. Explore the rainforest, visit a coffee plantation, and hike the Inca Trail to see the Llactapata ruins. Spend a day visiting Machu Picchu, the famed 15th-century citadel. Finally head back towards Cusco to see the colorful Rainbow Mountain.

See an authentic side of Vietnam by bike

Cycle the Highlands & Coast of Vietnam - 11 Days

Experience the diversity of Vietnam by traveling on two wheels. Starting in the cool highlands of Da Lat, you'll descend to the coast and pedal north, between the turquoise sea and verdant hills. Comfortable hotels and breaks from cycling mean you'll never get too worn out on this 11-day part-guided itinerary. You'll also spend a couple of days exploring the ancient sites of Hoi An city, then top off your trip with a cruise on tranquil Lan Ha Bay.

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