Travel Insights

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

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Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 8 Days

Explore Italy's top cities and winemaking regions with this whirlwind 8-day itinerary. Dive into history as you discover extravagant Venetian palaces, medieval Tuscan towns, and Rome's Vatican City. Ride a gondola on Venice's Grand Canal and taste world-famous wine in the Chianti Classico region. See masterpieces by Michelangelo and da Vinci in Florence, then end in Rome, where bohemian neighborhoods, a vibrant food scene, and the magnificent Colosseum await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 9 Days

From the Sistine Chapel in Rome to eclectic artist neighborhoods in Venice, this nine-day trip is perfect for travelers who want to see Italy's top sights at a relaxed pace. Start in Venice to see the Grand Canal, then head to Florence to see Michelangelo's "David" sculpture and taste Chianti wine in Tuscany. End your trip with three days in Rome for trendy wine bars, nighttime foodie crawls, and an exclusive tour of Vatican City.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 10 Days

Explore Italy's top cities and cultural sights on this 10-day trip. Start in colorful Venice to see the ornate Doge's Palace and enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal. In Florence, see world-famous art by Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Donatello, then go wine tasting in rural Tuscany. End your trip in Rome, where visits to the Sistine Chapel, bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, and mouth-watering pizza round out the perfect getaway.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 11 Days

Spend eleven days visiting historical sites, eating delicious food, and enjoying yourself in Italy. Start in Venice, where romantic canals, Italo-Byzantine architecture, and exquisite hand-blown glass beckon. Tour the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, then spend a day visiting vineyards and medieval fortresses in Tuscany. Finish the trip in Rome, where you'll dive into history at the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel, then enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 12 Days

From the top of the leaning tower of Pisa to the rolling hillsides of Tuscany, this 12-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. Start in Venice to explore ornate palaces and tour glassblowing workshops. Head to Florence for masterpieces by da Vinci and tour small vineyards and farms in Tuscany, then end in Rome—the world-famous home of the Vatican, bohemian neighborhoods, and a buzzing street food scene.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 13 Days

Explore Renaissance masterpieces and modern culture in this 13-day packed Italy trip. See the Grand Canal in Venice, visit colorful Murano island, and tour the gothic Doge's Palace. Head to Florence for Michelangelo's 'David' and a visit to Pisa's famous tower, then spend a day in rural Tuscany. End in Rome, where Vatican City, trendy restaurants, and a visit to the serene Castelli Romani estates await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 14 Days

Spend two weeks visiting Italy's top cities and world-famous winemaking regions. See ornate palaces and colorful bohemian islands in Venice, tour the Uffizi Gallery to see da Vinci's work in Florence, and climb the leaning tower in Pisa. Spend a day touring vineyards and small farms in Tuscany, then make—and eat!—the perfect pasta dish. Round out your trip in Rome for a visit of the Sistine Chapel and buzzing neighborhood wine bar.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 15 Days

Spend 15 days discovering Italy's art, culture, and cuisine with this comprehensive trip. Ride a gondola in Venice, climb Pisa's famous tower, and see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture in Florence. Enjoy wine tasting in Tuscany and learn to make the perfect pasta dish. Round out the trip with 5 days in Rome, where world-famous Vatican City and a relaxing visit to Castelli Romani summer estates await.

Ruins of St Andrews Castle in Fife, Scotland

Discover Scotland - 9 Days

With historic cities, quaint towns and villages, beautiful countryside, and some of the best whisky distilleries in the world, Scotland makes for a wonderfully diverse and relaxing vacation. Combining day trips to Glasgow, St Andrews, and Loch Ness, you'll spend eight nights in Edinburgh, taking in everything this historic capital has to offer. Wander centuries-old castles, tour modern galleries, and visit medieval seaside villages.

Luxury Tour of London & Edinburgh - 10 Days

London and Edinburgh are among the most cosmopolitan cities in the UK, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Begin this 10-day luxury tour in London with day trips to Blenheim Palace and Bath before visiting Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy the convenience of private tours and knowledgeable guides as you visit ancient Roman ruins, historic castles, and legendary lochs.

Catch a sunset over famous Bran's Castle outside of Brașov

Self-Drive Tour of Transylvania - 9 Days

This complete self-drive tour covers the highlights of Romania's Transylvania region and features attractions made famous by Bram Stoker's, Dracula. You will visit historic fortresses and medieval castles, linked to Vlad III Dracul, "the Impaler," himself, as well as explore medieval Saxon towns and cities. Discover the myth and legend of Count Dracula on this nine-day itinerary.

5 Days in Patagonia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days, you'll want to focus on one region of Patagonia. Pay a visit to Perito Moreno in Los Glaciares National Park, road trip the Carretera Austral, make a whirlwind circuit through Torres del Paine, or step just outside of Patagonia to southern Chile's incredible Lake District.

Patagonia FAQ

Patagonia is the dream destination for any outdoor enthusiast. It encompasses 402,700 miles of wilderness in both Chile and Argentina, every inch abounding with mountains, glaciers, and near endless expanses of steppe grassland. There's a lot to see and do here—read this FAQ to get your questions answered.

Best of Panama City - 7 Days

Melding colonial history and bold modernity, the cosmopolitan capital of Panama is a thriving hub in Central America. With this active weeklong itinerary, you'll explore the city's best neighborhoods, boat through the Panama Canal, and take day-trips to nearby national parks and indigenous villages. Finish with a ferry to the Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama for a dose of beachy relaxation.

Self-Guided Baltic States Highlights - 10 Days

Visit three of the Baltic states at your own pace with this self-drive itinerary. You'll make your way through both national parks and historic cities and towns as you explore Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, taking in the old town districts, Gothic cathedrals, natural scenery, and more.

Caleta de Famara in northeastern Lanzarote

Ultimate Canary Islands Tour - 8 Days

This exciting 8-day itinerary covers the archipelago's three easternmost islands with the help of a private guide. Traveling by road and ferry, you'll discover historic villages, orchards, forests, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and vineyards to understand just what makes this destination so unique. There will be plenty of free time to explore each isle's capital—especially in the evenings—to round out this fun adventure.

Best of Barcelona & Ibiza - 8 Days

This 8-day itinerary is pure holiday bliss on the Mediterranean. Kick off the trip in Barcelona, an enchanting European city that needs no introduction, where you'll have a few days to explore Gaudi's architectural masterpieces and the popular gastro scene (i.e. tapas galore). From here, you'll jet off to the capital of cool—Ibiza island—for five days of white-sand beaches, sparkling seas, and serious bohemian relaxation.

Madrid, Costa de la Luz & Seville - 9 Days

This nine-day itinerary combines world-class museums in Madrid, beautiful beaches in Costa de la Luz, and elegant winding streets in Seville. With various travel modes (including a rental car), you'll get the chance to explore Andalusia's untouched coastline along Europe's southernmost tip at your own pace. You can also take advantage of private guided tours for the best local advice, including tapas bars and wine producers.

Ireland's highest sea cliffs, located in southwest Donegal

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Adventure - 12 Days

Ireland's emerald landscapes and rugged cliffs have always held a magical allure. Traveling off-the-beaten-path, this guided tour covers some of Ireland's quietest and least-visited sites in the west and northwest. Over 12 days, you'll hike, boat, kayak, learn history, see live music, and hop over to a tiny Gaelic-speaking island—and it all starts in Dublin, one of western Europe's most charming cities.

Close-up of cloudberries in the swamps of Ranua

Travel Feature: Cloudberry Culture in Finnish Lapland

When the Midnight Sun shines, Ranua locals grab their buckets, put on their boots, and hit the swamps in search of an elusive Arctic delicacy. Every July—for just three weeks—this remote part of Finnish Lapland succumbs to cloudberry fever, when long days are spent picking, visiting fruit markets, and feasting on the luscious berries. This is Finland's self-defined 'cloudberry capital', and visitors can join in the fun.

Visit colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market just outside of Bangkok

Thailand Authentic Grand Tour - 12 Days

Get to the heart of Thailand on this 12-day tour, from urban neighborhoods to age-old traditions tucked away in the jungles and mountains. The adventure starts in the exotic capital, where your private guide will show you the best Buddhist sites and local eats. You'll visit the country's most unique markets before continuing west to the River Kwai and then north to Chiang Mai. Finish the trip in Phuket for some of the world's best beaches and island scenery.

Immersive Artist Community Visit in Brazil - 5 Days

Experience community-based tourism in the beautiful Jequitinhonha Valley on this immersive art trip. You'll spend five days with the women of the Campo Buriti community, learning the traditional process from harvesting the clay to kiln firing from the artists. Combine with trips to the historic cities of Belo Horizonte, Diamantina, and Tiradentes for a full Brazil tour.

Ko Samui's turquoise water and lush vegetation

Ultimate Highlights of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Ko Samui - 10 Days

Experience Thailand's amazing highlights from north to south on this exciting 10-day itinerary. Kick off the trip in Bangkok, equipped with a local guide, where you'll hit the city's best monuments and foodie options. From here, head to Chiang Mai for elephants and hiking trails in a pristine national park. Finish the adventure on the western gulf coast for your pick of powdery beaches and underwater activities.

Honeymoon in Thailand - 12 Days

This 12-day adventure through Thailand's exotic capital, mountainous north, and beachy south delivers a truly special getaway for you and your new spouse. From learning the secrets of Thai cooking and enjoying the country’s most beautiful turquoise waters to jungle excursions with elephants and nighttime canoe rides, your new marriage will certainly benefit from the 'Land of Smiles.'

Brazil Itatiaia National Park Trekking (02 days)

Rio de Janeiro Trek: Itatiaia National Park - 2 Days

A true mountaineering paradise, Itatiaia National Park houses the highest point in the state of Rio de Janeiro: the majestic Pico das Agulhas Negras. In this 2-day Itatiaia expedition, you'll climb the two park's main rock formations, Agulhas Negras Peak and Prateleiras Peak, enjoying fantastic views of the park from both summits.

Lopes Mendes, one of the 10 most beautiful beaches of the world

Rio de Janeiro Trek: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande - 2 Days

One of the most sought-after activities in Rio de Janeiro is a tour of Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—but very few people see the beautiful beaches only accessible via hiking trail. Pico do Papagaio is the most beautiful trail on Ilha Grande. You'll visit Lopes Mendes Beach, considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, and one of the highest points of Ilha Grande—the best viewpoint of Angra dos Reis.

Rio de Janeiro Trek: Valley of the Gods - 3 Days

This trek through Three Peak State Park is one of the top areas for adventure in Brazil. Hike around some of the most famous formations in the Valley of the Gods—known as the "Brazilian Yosemite"—including Dragon's Head Peak and Matchbox Peak, known as the "Miracle Stone" for its unlikely formation. In the evenings, camp in one of the park's most beautiful sites and enjoy dinner under the stars.

Neighborhood Guide to Kathmandu: Thamel & Beyond

In a city as big and diverse as Kathmandu, it'd be a shame to only visit one or two popular areas. Different neighborhoods here offer diverse experiences: Tibetan culture, Hindu temples, unique accommodation, and so on. Here's a quick guide to some of the key neighborhoods of Kathmandu.

Tuscany Off the Beaten Path: 7 Ways to Go Beyond Florence

It’s easy to fall into the Florence trap in Tuscany. While no one is denying the appeal of that most cultured of cities, Tuscany goes way beyond the obvious appeal of Pisa’s leaning tower, Siena’s Palio and popular hill towns like San Gimignano. Read on to find out how you can sidestep the crowds and find Tuscany's off-the-radar highlights.

Parmesan cheese from Parmigiano-Reggiano

6 Best Culinary Experiences in Italy

Eating in Italy goes way beyond the restaurant terrace. Factor in a first-hand experience to get closer to the source, be it tasting wafer-thin prosciutto on a food tour of Parma, a wine tour in the vine-clad Tuscan hills, or white truffle foraging in misty autumn woods of Alba in Piedmont. Dive in with our six favorite culinary experiences.

The port district of Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires

Ultimate Guide to Buenos Aires

Sometimes called the "Paris of the South," Buenos Aires is renowned for its sophistication and culture. From European architecture and historic cafés to a fabulous food scene, the Argentine capital has plenty to offer visitors. Read on for an overview of the best sights, tips on where to stay, and key transportation information.

Spoleto at sunset, with the medieval bridge of Ponte delle Torri and Rocca Albornoziana hilltop fortress

6 Places Most Travelers Miss in Italy (But Shouldn't)

So you’ve ticked off the Colosseum in Rome, boated the canals in Venice, and have come back for more. Bravo, as the Italians would say—there is a lot more to this country than the trophy sights, and enough little-known treasures to fill a lifetime of repeat visits. Get to know the Aeolian Islands, Saturnia, the hill towns of Umbria, and more.

Patagonia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is winter season in Patagonia, and that means ski resorts are open for business and local snow festivals are underway. Low tourist numbers and prices appeal to the adventurous (and those equipped with outdoor gear). Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Patagonia this month.

Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park

Patagonia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

A quiet month overall, August signifies the last full month of Patagonia's ski season with lower prices than July. Everywhere else, winter rains begin to wane while daylight hours begin to lengthen—a sure sign of spring. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

A sunset in Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is a transition month in Patagonia, when the region comes out of hibernation in preparation for the upcoming high season. This is also the best time for spring skiing at the mountain resorts and whale watching around Península Valdés. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia

Patagonia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October in Patagonia is the heart of spring and prime shoulder season—a great time to visit the region's most popular spots before peak crowds arrive. Hint: This is a favorite month for savvy travelers in the know. Read on to learn more.

Patagonia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

With springtime blooms, November is a beautiful month in Patagonia—arguably the best of the year. If that's not enough, you can visit popular sites and national parks while the crowds and high prices are still a month away. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Lake Pehoe, Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The transition from spring to summer is a spectacular time to visit Patagonia with plenty of sunshine for enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, the first half of the month is still quiet—in other words, get here before the tour groups arrive for the holidays. Find out what to do and where to go with this December guide.

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world

Patagonia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

With the onset of winter, snowcapped Patagonia practically empties out in terms of tourism for the season (except for ski resorts). Let this monthly guide show you the best sights and culture during the shortest days of the year.

Patagonia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It’s late autumn in Patagonia with shorter days, cooler weather, and waning crowds. This is a great time to enjoy the last of the autumn foliage and spectacular landscapes in peace before winter (and ski season) arrives. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Patagonia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Autumn is in full swing this time of year in Patagonia with cooling temperatures and fiery colors. Crowds thin out across the region making this a great time to visit with decent hiking weather and lower prices (except for Easter week). Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Patagonia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is a great time to travel to Patagonia for the first glimpses of autumn. This is when crowds and prices beginning to taper off, making popular national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares, more peaceful. Read on to learn more.

Patagonia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

February is the last full month of Patagonia's high season with peak temperatures and longish days of summer—perfect for all sorts of outdoor adventures that capitalize on the views. Despite peak crowds and prices, this is a wonderful time to visit. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Patagonia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January in one of the best months of the year to visit Patagonia and the crowds confirm it. This is peak season for international tourists who come to see glaciers, wildlife, and national parks with warmer temperatures and longer days for enjoying outdoor activities. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go, including lesser-known options.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Florence

As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Florence remains one of Italy’s—and Europe’s—most popular destinations, crammed full of mind-blowing art. But as Mark Twain wrote in Innocents Abroad, “I used to worship the mighty genius of Michelangelo…But I do not want Michelangelo for breakfast, for luncheon, for dinner, for tea, for supper, for between meals. I like a change, occasionally.”

Guide to Thessaloniki & Macedonia: Greece's Mountainous Mainland

There are countless reasons to add Thessaloniki (Greece's second largest city) and Macedonia (Greece’s largest province) to your travel plans. From the white sands of Halkidiki to Thessaloniki’s pulsing nightlife, the region is bursting with world-class sites. No wonder that, together, they form the country’s most popular region.

Barcelona, Granada & Seville - 10 days

See the cultural highlights of Spain's most captivating cities on this 10-day itinerary, showcasing Barcelona, Granada, and Sevilla. You'll start in Barcelona, fly to Granada, pick up your car rental and drive to Ronda before ending your stay in Sevilla. Along the way, you'll drive through the Andalusian mountains, explore colorful cities, and marvel at ornate Islamic architecture.

Hiking Within Machu Picchu: Trails, Permits, and More

The Inca Trail gets most of the publicity, but there are also several hikes within the Machu Picchu complex itself, offering more fabulous mountain scenery and some unique perspectives on the ruins. These hikes, ranging from one to three hours in length, can be great ways of escaping the crowds and adding some color to your time in Machu Picchu.

Argentine beef lathered in the typical chimichurri sauce

What to Eat in Argentina (and Where to Eat It )

Perfectly grilled steaks slathered in fresh chimichurri, pastries stuffed with creamy dulce de leche, piping-hot empanadas to go, a glass of full-bodied red wine from Mendoza: a trip to Argentina is a culinary adventure. Read on to learn about the country's classic dishes and drinks, including tips on the best places to try them.

Spend an afternoon kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

Best of Thailand - 8 Days

If you've ever dreamed of Thailand, this 8-day adventure covers the highlights with a perfect mix of guided tours and free time. Start off in vibrant Bangkok for iconic Buddhist sites and a gourmet dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Then fly north to Chiang Mai to explore the Old Town on foot and spend a day with elephants. Finish off in Phuket, where you'll kayak, island-hop, and relax on gorgeous white sand beaches.

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