Travel Insights

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

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Jaipur's Amer Fort reflects in nearby Maota Lake

Golden Triangle & Rajasthan - 11 Days

Featuring the famous Golden Triangle (Delhi - Jaipur - Agra) and its well-visited attractions, this complete 11-day itinerary offers an in-depth look into the Rajasthani culture. In addition to seeing Jama Masjid in Delhi, the Amer Fort in Jaipur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, you'll wander historic mansions in Churu, visit with local artisans in Bagru, and marvel at architectural feats in Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri. You'll cook with locals, tour pink cities, and count the stars from the top of a sand dune.

Noah Beach where the Daintree Rainforest meets the ocean

Highlights of Australia - 12 Days

This 12-day highlights tour combines stunning natural settings and diverse wildlife with heart-stopping activities. You'll begin in Sydney before flying into the outback, ending your stay along the coast, where you'll divide your time between the rainforest and the Coral Sea. You'll hug koalas in Kuranda, watch whales off the coast of Sydney, snorkel part of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as hike in the Blue Mountains, and catch a sunset over Uluru.

Surfboards lining the beach in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Arenal & The Caribbean Coast - 15 Days

On this 15-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs. You'll visit the famous Arenal volcano, see tons of exotic wildlife in Tortuguero National Park, and surf world-class waves in the laid-back beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Manuel Antonio National Park has nearby surf spots for all levels and ages

Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 16 Days

Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 16-day adventure allows your family to experience the country from both coasts and includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to whitewater rafting.

Sardinia & Corsica - Boat & Bike - 7 days

On this week-long adventure, you'll sail and cycle around two crown jewels of Europe's islands: Sardinia and Corsica. The landscapes here are the stuff of Mediterranean dreams, where sky-blue waters turn crystal clear as they reach the soft white sands of emerald coasts. Then there's the countryside, which abounds with landmarks both natural and man-made, from bronze-age ruins to the great granite rocks shaped by wind over millennia into unique formations.

Family Adventure in Israel - 12 Days

From Jerusalem's old city streets to the underwater world of the Red Sea, this family-friend adventure is the perfect 12-day getaway. Explore the City of David and see the Western Wall and visit the ancient desert fortress of Masada and soak in the Dead Sea. End your trip in the modern city of Tel Aviv for ancient ports and snorkeling in the Red Sea.

Head to the Vatican City for bonus Christmas pageantry in December

Italy in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The chill may be coming in strong, but December in Italy also signals the start of the Christmas season. Across the nation, there are holiday markets galore, selling everything from hot roasted chestnuts to mulled wine. Plus, all those ski slopes in the north of the country are starting to open for business.

Check out the treasures inside Milan's Sforzesco Castle when the weather turns unfavorable in November

Italy in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The sunny splendor of Italy is officially gone by November. However, you shouldn't let a bit of inclement weather spoil your Italian holiday. During this month, the crowds are gone, the museums and restaurants are less crowded, and there are some delicious food festivals you can attend. So pack your appetite, because you're off to Italy.

Drink wine and sample truffles in the Piedmont region when towns like Alba come alive with harvest festivals

Italy in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Anyone looking for an Italian holiday mostly free of foreign sightseers would do well to travel in October. Despite the cooler weather, it's still possible to catch some rays and laze on uncrowded beaches. Plus, you can take advantage of a few delicious harvest festivals in October.

Discover Sardinia's Is Arutas Beach now that Italians have returned to their regular schedules in September

Italy in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Italy in September means you can still count on summer crowds and prices. That aside, some of the vacationers have gone home, freeing up much desirable real estate on Italy's famed Mediterranean coast. Plus, September kicks off harvest season in the country, so foodies, grab your forks.

Avoid the crowded beaches in August and stay cool in Northern Italy's Val di Funes, South Tyrol

Italy in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Italy in August is hot and crowded. 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, we'll point you in the direction of the best and most secluded gems.

The famous Verona Arena is a popular summer venue worth buying tickets for an opera performance

Italy in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

From the north to the south, east coast to west, summer temperatures mean all of Italy is open for business. Take a dip in Lake Como, tour the vineyards of Tuscany, or cruise the coastal roads of Sicily—the sky is the limit. Plus, two world-renowned cultural festivals occur during July, making this a prime month on the holiday calendar.

Discover the walled hill city of Orvieto in the lesser-visited Umbria region in June

Italy in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is the month when tourists flock from all over the world to claim for themselves a bit of the beauty, splendor, history, and culture that defines Italy. From Venice and Florence in the north down to Sicily in the far south, this is a month for outdoor excursions and lazing on Mediterranean beaches. And although you'll have to contend with sizable crowds, there are plenty of destinations to choose from in which to craft your perfect Italian holiday.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of Europe

Italy in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is synonymous with spring, although in Italy, you can expect the crowds to be more on par with summer. Still, the weather is often great during this month, which means prime conditions for outdoor activities like sunbathing and hiking. And what better month than May to hit the road and discover the nation's countless vineyards and sample its most legendary wines?

Follow the trails on Mount Vesuvius in April ahead of the crowds and heat

Italy in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

To venture to Italy in April is to experience a gem of a Mediterranean country in the throes of spring. Sunny days are now the norm, having supplanted the rain and gloom that defined winter. This is the last and greatest month to take advantage of the country's spring shoulder season, lower fares, and less-crowded historic sites. So pack your bags, because Italy is calling.

Explore the ancient stone streets of Matera in Italy's south during the spring months

Italy in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Those who plan an Italian holiday in March are a little bit ahead of the curve. This is the sweet spot on the calendar when the gloomy weather is just beginning to turn for the better, yet the tourist hordes are still far away as they plan their summer invasion. What better time, then, to venture to the old boot and journey down to its sunnier Mediterranean locales. Sicily, we're looking at you.

If you're in Italy in February, make sure to visit Venice for masked Carnevale revelry

Italy in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February in Italy 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, Italians celebrate one of the biggest religious shindigs of the year: Carnevale.

Head to UNESCO-protected Cortina d'Ampezzo to hit the slopes on a January holiday to Italy

Italy in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January signals the middle of winter in Italy. This is traditionally when gloomy weather hampers outdoor excursions to the nation's famous coastal cities and beaches. However, winter-sports enthusiasts will find January a veritable playground of ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions. Even if you aren't up for hitting the slopes, we can still point you to the best places to spend an Italian winter while enjoying two great benefits: fewer crowds and lower prices.

Highlights of Porto & Lisbon - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure combines Portugal's two biggest and most captivating cities for a cultural trip like no other. With a mix of excursions and free time, you'll start off exploring Porto's iconic food scene, cobblestone streets, and nearby Douro Valley (home of Port production). From here, spend three nights in the historic capital, complete with a day-trip to Sintra—a fairy-tale town tucked away in forested mountains.

Sustainability at kimkim: Specialist Initiatives Around the World

As of April 22nd, 2019 (Earth Day), all trips booked with kimkim will be climate neutral. Our specialists from around the world are also working to mitigate climate change—here are some of the projects they’re working on to pave the way for a greener future.

London and Cornwall Adventure - 9 Days

On this British adventure, you'll experience two distinct and wildly different parts of England. Start with a visit to cosmopolitan London, a great global metropolis and a true model of diversity. Then, you're off to the rugged coast and rural beauty of Cornwall, in the southwest region, which is regarded as one of the most scenic counties in England.

Golden Triangle & Wildlife Tour - 10 Days

Spend ten days exploring one of India's most popular regions with this itinerary. You'll go from the historic monuments of Delhi to the famed Taj Mahal in Agra, then continue to Ranthambore to search for the Bengal tiger. End your trip in Jaipur, the gateway to one of India's most colorful states, before you return to Delhi.

Discover Medellín, Bogotá, & Tayrona National Park - 12 Days

Start your fast-paced tour in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá, where you can explore street art, museums, and restaurants. Then you're off to the hip metropolis of Medellín and Cali, known as the World Capital of Salsa. Santa Marta and a visit to a coffee farm in the Andes are next. End your trip with the beaches of Tayrona National Park and yet another vibrant city scene in beautiful Cartagena.

Avignon's Pont Saint-Bénézet in the Southern Rhône valley, gateway to Provence

Rhône Valley Family Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 12 Days

This self-drive 12-day itinerary highlights the best of the Rhône Valley, from north to south. Perfect for the whole family, you'll start in food forward Lyon, then work your way through the colorful countryside of Provence and down to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you'll taste full-bodied wines, marvel at ancient Roman ingenuity, and enjoy the majestic beauty that is southern France.

Palaces, Castles & Cathedrals of the United Kingdom - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary is perfect for anyone with a love of UK heritage. On this trip, you'll visit some of the grandest palaces and churches in the nation, which cumulatively represent many millennia of history and culture. It's a fascinating architecture tour that allows you to see a number of places where key historical figures ruled and reigned, from Buckingham Palace to Edinburgh Castle.

Highlights of Sri Lanka - 8 Days

This eight-day itinerary takes you to the heart of Sri Lanka for ancient history, Buddhist culture, and exciting adventures in nature. From Negombo (near the capital), you'll experience a slew of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tour a tea plantation, meet elephants, and explore towns loaded with Portuguese and Dutch colonial history. End each day with an opportunity to catch an alluring sunset that only South Asia can offer.

London and the English Countryside - 7 Days

On this week-long itinerary, you'll immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of London, visiting Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, and much more. Then venture out into England's fertile green countryside, which boasts some of the most scenic landscapes in all of Europe. It's the perfect mix of city and country life, allowing you to enjoy culture and excitement as well as rest and relaxation.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 7 Days

This packed weeklong itinerary is perfect for adventurous families who are short on time. Hit the top highlights with visits to Venice and Florence, where you'll tour medieval palaces, go on city-wide treasure hunts, and explore kid-friendly museums. End in Rome to go back in time to the ancient empire with a visit to the Colosseum and a chance to become gladiators for the day.

Endless Fun with Bubbles in Trastevere, Rome

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 8 Days

Eight days isn't enough time to explore all of Italy, but bring the family and hit the top highlights for an unforgettable adventure. Start in Venice for a city-wide treasure hunt and a ride on a gondola, then head to Florence for kid-friendly museums and delicious chocolate focaccia. End in Rome, where Ancient Roman ruins and the world-famous Vatican await.

Child playing in Piazza Gae Aulenti, Milan

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 9 Days

From city treasure hunts to skip-the-line tickets, this 9-day itinerary is perfectly crafted for your next family adventure. Hunt for hidden lion statues and go for a family bike ride in Venice, then tour medieval piazzas and learn to make the perfect pizza in Florence. End in Rome where you'll go on a kid-friendly tour of the Vatican and dive into Roman history at the Colosseum.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 10 Days

Spend a week and a half exploring Italy with the family on this packed 10-day itinerary. Find hidden lion statues and visit sprawling villas in Venice, craft the perfect pizza and visit medieval plazas in Florence, then continue to Rome. Go back in time as you explore the Colosseum and ancient Forum, view art in the Vatican, and visit Gladiator School for an afternoon in Ancient Rome.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 11 Days

Don't forget the camera to capture all the memories you'll make on this incredible 11-day kid-friendly adventure. Start off in Venice, where enchanting waterways and a city-wide scavenger hunt bring the city's magic to life. Continue to Florence for a full day of crafting and delicious focaccia bread, then end in Rome where you'll dive into history with a tour of the Colosseum and a chance to become a gladiator.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 12 Days

Bring the family and spend 12 days exploring Italy's top historic and cultural sites. Learn to make a carnival mask and visit medieval palaces in Venice, explore family-friendly museums and craft the perfect pizza in Florence, then head to Rome for 4 days in the bustling capital. Let the kids' imagination run wild as they tour the Colosseum and go back in time to Ancient Rome.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 13 Days

From Venice's waterways to Rome's Colosseum, this thirteen-day trip is the perfect family-friendly Italian adventure. Explore Doge's Palace and go on a lion treasure hunt in Venice, then learn to make the perfect pizza and climb Pisa's famous tower in Florence. Finish in Rome for a kid-friendly tour of the Vatican and an afternoon at gladiator school.

Young child painting a carnival mask in Venice

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 14 Days

If spending two weeks traveling with the family through Italy's top cities and historic sites sounds perfect, then this packed itinerary is for you. Start in Venice to see ornate palaces and ride a gondola on city canals, then continue to Florence for amazing food, kid-friendly museums, and the rolling Tuscan landscape. End in Rome where the kids can follow Percy Jackson's adventures through Ancient Roman ruins.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 15 Days

Bring the whole family on this incredible 15-day adventure through Italy's top sites. Start in Venice where you'll go on a city-wide treasure hunt and learn to make carnival masks, then continue to Florence for a food tour and craft making. End your trip in Rome, where you'll dive into Ancient Roman history with a visit to the Colosseum and spend an afternoon in gladiator school.

Colorful produce in a traditional market

Mexico's Culture & Gastronomy Tour - 9 Days

On this fascinating nine-day trip to Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca, you will discover traditional dishes from different regions of the country, participate in cooking workshops, and tour numerous urban and rural attractions, from archaeological sites to the country's best museums—all while meeting friendly locals along the way.

Explore Israel & Petra - 6 Days

Explore ancient history and culture in Israel on this 6-day trip. Visit ancient synagogues and King David's tomb in Jerusalem, tour the ancient fortress of Masada, and let the healing waters of the Dead Sea soothe you. End your trip in Petra, Jordan's incredible desert city.

Discover the 9th century Alhambra Palace in Granada

Highlights of Central and Southern Spain: Madrid, Seville, & Barcelona - 12 Days

This complete 12-day itinerary highlights some of Spain's most enchanting cities, featuring Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona. Begin in Madrid and explore historic Toledo, working your way into Andalucía and to Sevilla, Córdoba, Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda, and Granada. Fly to Barcelona and discover Gaudí's whimsical architecture, the 1000-year-old abbey in the Montserrat mountains, and the wines of the Penedès region.

The paradisiac Parnaioca beach and the Brazilian flag formation

Ilha Grande Beach Trekking - 7 Days

In this active Brazilian excursion, you'll travel from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis, a coastal region famous for Ilha Grande, the largest of 365 islands in the area. Over six days you'll trek all around Ilha Grande, visiting local caiçara (indigenous) fishing villages, hiking on trails that cut through unspoiled Atlantic forest, ascending mountains, crossing rivers, and, of course, enjoying the island's many sun-kissed beaches. All told it's a 43-mile (70-km) hiking adventure in one of the most scenic locales in a nation abounding with scenic locales.

The ocean and rocks from Tayrona National Park

Cartagena, Carnival & the Caribbean Coast - 10 Days

This fun itinerary hits the highlights along Colombia’s northern coast, balancing colonial history, beaches, hiking, and relaxation. Wander Cartagena's pretty Old Town and take a speedboat to the Rosario Islands. Drive to Barranquilla, where a raging carnival celebration is held each year. You'll also spend two active days exploring Tayrona National Park and visit a coffee farm in the rolling hills of Minca.

Dancers in Barranquilla during the Carnival

Vibrant Colombia: The Caribbean to Cali - 10 Days

This diverse, action-packed itinerary covers a lot of Colombian ground in two weeks. The trip starts on the northern Caribbean Coast with time to explore Tayrona's beautiful national park, sandwiched between the turquoise sea and rugged mountains. From here, you'll visit Colombia's carnival city, Barranquilla, and spend a few days in the stunning inner-walled city of Cartagena before taking a flight to Cali, the salsa capital of the world.

Aerial view of Amazon's lush rainforest.

Colombia's Amazon Rainforest & Canyons - 7 Days

This adventurous 7-day itinerary starts in the exciting capital of Bogotá before delving into the Amazon rainforest (by charter plane) to get to one of the hardest-to-reach places in the country. This wild location will be your home for the next three nights, and the itinerary combines hiking and boating around two dramatic canyons, plenty of wildlife viewing, and interactions with two local tribes. Return to "civilization" and spend your last night in Villavicencio dancing alongside Colombian cowboys.

Taormina's Teatro Greco with a snowcapped Mount Etna

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 7 Days

Explore Sicily's Arab-Norman highlights, mouthwatering cuisine, and ancient ruins with this weeklong foodie trip to Italy's "boot. " Delve into Palermo's vibrant culture and history, cook up a storm with a four-course masterclass, then head to elegant Taormina to hike the summit of Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna. Your whirlwind trip concludes in Catania, where you'll sharpen your taste buds with a tour of Sicily's famous street food amid the city's famous Baroque architecture.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 8 Days

Discover what drew ancient and modern people to strategically located Sicily on this eight-day tour. Start in Palermo to explore its colorful history and exceptional food scene. See the 12th-century Norman Cattedrale, shop for lunch at the busy Vucciria Street market, and soak in the Mediterranean sunshine on Mondello Beach. Continue to Taormina, where you'll catch a performance at the Greek theater, see Sicily from the top of the Mount Etna volcano, and stuff yourself on delicious fried street food.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 9 Days

Explore why Sicily has been one of the world's most densely occupied regions for over 2,000 years on this colorful nine-day itinerary. Begin in the food capital of Palermo to see 12th-century churches, Italy's largest opera house, and learn to make a four-course meal. Continue to the resort town of Taormina to hike Mount Etna, see a show at the Greek theater, and explore the beautiful little island of Isola Bella. End in Catania, where finger-licking street food and Baroque architecture dominate the scene.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 10 Days

Cliff diving is the national pastime in Sicily, and it's easy to see why on this beautiful 10-day itinerary of the mountainous island. Begin your trip in diverse Palermo to discover history and culture through the medium of street food. Go back in time with a trip to the Cappuccini Catacombs and enjoy the sunshine and turquoise water on Mondello Beach. Explore art and history in Taormina and see Sicily from the top of Mount Etna, then end your trip with a street food tour in beautiful Catania.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 11 Days

Sicilians consider themselves Sicilian first, and Italian second—discover the source of their fierce pride on this beautiful 11-day itinerary. Start in culturally rich Palermo, voted by Forbes as the 2015 European food capital. See a variety of churches, from 12th-century to modern-day, and learn to make a traditional 4-course meal. Head to Taormina, where art and theater dominate the region. Catch a show at the Greek theater overlooking the Ionian Sea, then end your trip in bustling Catania—the perfect place to try finger-licking street food and enjoy views of Mt. Etna.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 12 Days

A favorite with bikers and hikers, Sicily's hilly landscapes are also perfect for travelers who want big views, diverse cultures, and sunny weather. Explore all this and more on this packed 12-day itinerary, which starts in the food capital of Palermo. Tour medieval churches and relax on sunny beaches, then head to Taormina to dive into the arts and theater scene. Explore Mount Etna and the local winemaking culture, then end your trip in Catania, where churches, street food, and views of the Ionian Sea create the perfect Mediterranean atmosphere.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 13 Days

Sicily has long been a favorite with maritime travelers, and you'll fall in love as well on this incredible 13-day trip. Tour churches and busy street markets in Palermo, then head to Syracuse, home of the famed mathematician Archimedes. Haggle for your lunch at the bustling Ortygia Street Market and visit the 13th-century Castello Maniace before making your way up the coast to Taormino and Catania, where theater, street food, and seafront promenades are a trip highlight.

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