Travel Insights

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

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Dreamy views from the shores of Lago Maggiore

Ultimate Guide to the Italian Lakes: Mediterranean Meets the Alps in Northern Italy

With mountain views, sapphire waters, pine-wooded slopes, and islands brimming with botanical gardens, the Italian Lakes are in many ways Italy at its dreamy best. Here lakefronts are lined with medieval towns and grand belle époque villas, beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and promenades made for aimless strolls. Visit the Italian Lakes, and you'll happily master 'il dolce far niente': the art of doing nothing.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Buenos Aires

As it befits one of South America's most sophisticated cities, Buenos Aires is especially stylish when it comes to hotels. There are plenty of unique and character-rich options here to enrich your stay, boasting everything from in-room massage to tango lessons and complimentary wine and from private art collections to exclusive urban gardens.

Chile has a variety of landscapes waiting to be discovered

How kimkim Trips Work in Chile

Chile is what travel dreams are made of. Star-gazing, road tripping, wine tasting, and wildlife: from its northern reaches to the southern tip of Patagonia, this is a destination with endless options. Kimkim can help tailor a trip that's perfectly in line with your interests—find out how we do it in this article.

Discover Argentina with a kimkim-designed trip

How kimkim Trips Work in Argentina

The possibilities for a trip to Argentina are endless. Taste your way through vineyards at the foot of the Andes, see penguins at the tip of South America, learn the tango in metropolitan Buenos Aires—with so many options, this is a perfect destination for tailor-made travel. Learn how kimkim can help you plan (and book) your dream trip to Argentina below.

Discover history, culture, and nature in Italy

How kimkim Trips Work in Italy

Italy is one of the most sought after destinations in the world for its history, romance, and (of course) incredible cuisine. Hit the classic stops or head off the beaten path—no matter which route you want to take, kimkim can create a perfectly unique experience.

Enjoy beaches like Mar del Plata ahead of the peak summer crowds in December

Argentina in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is a magnificent time to visit Argentina as spring transitions into summer. This is the best weather month to take advantage of beach resorts and outdoor activities in the Lakes District and Patagonia before the peak crowds arrive. Find out what to do and where to go with this December guide.

Head to a Lake District beach in northern Patagonia in November

Argentina in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is a gorgeous month to visit Argentina. Buenos Aires is perfect for sightseeing, Patagonia finally blooms into spring, and the beach resorts open for business. It's an excellent time to visit the hotspots while the crowds and high prices are still a month away. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Jacaranda trees turn Buenos Aires' streets purple in spring

Argentina in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is in the midst of spring—a great time to visit Buenos Aires, central Argentina, and the north before the summer heat kicks in. Meanwhile, Patagonia emerges from hibernation, but the crowds haven't arrived yet, making this a favorite month for travelers in the know. Read on to learn more.

Whale watching off Puerto Madryn, gateway to Península Valdés

Argentina in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Spring becomes official this month. As ski season winds down, September is a great time to experience Buenos Aires and the country's northern region, with the best sightseeing and weather (and few crowds). This is also the best time for whale watching around Península Valdés. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Take advantage of the last month of ski season and hit the slopes of Las Leñas in early August

Argentina in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is the last full month of winter and the end of Argentina's ski season, with lower prices than in July. Those who want to skip the snow sports should stay north of Patagonia and head to Buenos Aires and the dry north for great alternatives. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Discover Seven Colors Hill in the Jujuy province from quaint spots like Purmamarca village in July

Argentina in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is Argentina's peak winter month, when ski resorts in Patagonia and Mendoza are in full swing. This is also a great month to visit Buenos Aires, go whale watching along the Atlantic coast, and explore desert landscapes, salt flats, waterfalls, and starry skies in the north. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Argentina this month.

Argentina in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Winter is coming this month in Argentina. This is when the Andes become snowcapped, and Patagonia practically empties out for the season (except for ski resorts). For non-skiers, this is an ideal time to visit the deserts of the Andean Northwest and Iguazú Falls, when there's less rain and heat. Read on to learn more.

Sample varietals of Argentine malbec from any one of the 1,500-some wineries in Mendoza in autumn

Argentina in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

It's late fall in Argentina with shorter days and cooler weather. This is a great time to visit Iguazú Falls, the northwest desert, and the wine region of Mendoza, with fewer crowds, where you can enjoy the gorgeous foliage and spectacular landscapes in peace. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Autumn colors surround Patagonia's Mount Fitz Roy

Argentina in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April in Argentina is the peak of the autumn season, with cooling temperatures and fiery colors, especially in the southern forests. Crowds begin to wane in Patagonia, but decent hiking weather is still possible, while the northern wine regions, desert, waterfalls, and capital city offer great weather for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

Head to Mendoza for wine festivals and to see sights like Bridge of the Inca in the fall

Argentina in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is a great time to travel to Argentina as summer turns its head toward autumn. This is when crowds and prices begin to taper off, especially in Patagonia and the Atlantic coast. Travelers heading north to Iguazú Falls will also find less humidity toward the end of the month. Read on to learn more.

The iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse off of Ushuaia in the Beagle Channel of southern Patagonia

Argentina in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February is the last full month of Argentina's high season, with longish summer days—perfect for outdoor adventures in Patagonia and for escaping the heat at Atlantic beaches. Despite peak crowds and prices, this is a great time to visit. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

See the famous Perito Moreno glacier by boat or from a boardwalk in January

Argentina in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January in Argentina equates to long days and blissful summer weather—a time when locals skip out of town and head for the beach resorts. It's also high season for tourists in southern Patagonia for glaciers, wildlife, and national parks, so expect peak prices. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the crowds).

Ultimate Guide to Santiago de Chile

Chile’s capital is located right in the center of this long, thin country, midway between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Although it doesn’t yet have the glitzy reputation of Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, Santiago is firmly on the up, with a host of attractions, thriving culinary and creative scenes, and world-class ski resorts within easy reach.

Ultimate Guide to Valparaíso

Spread across a multitude of hills carpeted with colorful homes and overlooking a wide, arcing bay, Valparaíso is Chile’s most engaging city. Commonly known as Valpo, it boasts eye-catching architecture, a flourishing creative scene, and a distinct bohemian vibe. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that the city has to offer.

Ultimate Guide to El Chaltén

In the shadow of one of the most spectacular stretches of the Andes, El Chaltén is the undisputed trekking capital of Argentina. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that this Patagonian town has to offer.

Perito Merino Glacier, a short day trip from El Calafate

Ultimate Guide to El Calafate

Flanked by mountains and facing a shimmering, ice-blue lake, El Calafate is one of the most popular destinations in Patagonia. This small, welcoming city is the gateway to a spectacular section of Los Glaciares National Park. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best El Calafate has to offer.

Authentic Sardinia Drive & Hike - 12 days

Sardinians greet each other by saying, “A kent’annos” — “May you live to be a hundred.” Discover the landscapes that inspire these words on this incredible 12-day itinerary. Eat and drink your way through Sardinia's incredible food and heart-healthy red wine, walk alongside shepherds on rocky hillsides, and haggle for your lunch in bustling marketplaces. From stunning beaches to quiet towns this trip has it all.

Ring of Kerry Guide Assisted Hike - 8 Days

This 8-day assisted hike combines the best of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, a land that's famous for its beauty, culture, and friendly locals. Hike through a series of spectacular mountains, deep-sea inlets, between ancient archaeological sites and through green sheep pastures. Hike through these wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline, enjoy spectacular views, and stay at night in comfortable village accommodations.

Street vendor selling delicious antojitos

Southern Mexico Foodie Tour: Mexico City, Puebla & Oaxaca - 10 Days

Discover authentic Mexican cuisine, from exotic markets and fine restaurants to street food vendors and Indigenous farms. This culinary itinerary is designed for the traveler passionate about learning the history and culture of Mexcian gastronomy. You will try traditional dishes from different regions of Mexico and participate in cooking workshops, all the while exploring the cultural highlights of Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca.

Dingle Peninsula Assisted Hike - 8 Days

Explore one of the most spectacular regions on Ireland’s West Coast on this 8-day Dingle Peninsula assisted hike. Hike along this mountainous finger of land, which extends miles into the Wild Atlantic Ocean and is frequently pummeled by storms. Begin in Tralee and follow the southern shores to Dingle Bay, then return along the stunning north coast, with views of the Brandon mountain range and rocky Atlantic cliffs as you hike.

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Zagreb

Zagreb can often get short-shrift when up against its southern sisters Split and Dubrovnik, but Croatia's dynamic capital is worth a visit for its history, architecture, refined museums, vibrant street art, and genteel café culture. The hotels here tend toward the cosmopolitan and elegant, with a bit of Austro-Hungarian flare and plenty of amenities.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa & Lucca - 7 Days

Discover Tuscany's resplendent art, history, and landscapes on this weeklong jaunt that starts in Florence and ends in charming Lucca. See world-famous works by Michelangelo and da Vinci in the Uffizi Gallery, climb Pisa's iconic Leaning Tower, and relax over aperitivo in Siena's Piazza del Campo. Experience La Dolce Vita with trips to the hilltop towns of Pienza and Montepulciano to sip fine wines and stroll cobbled backstreets before finishing your trip with a pasta masterclass.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa & Lucca - 8 Days

This packed eight-day itinerary is perfect for travelers on a time crunch. Begin your trip in Florence to see top Renaissance works by Michelangelo da Vinci, tour the iconic Duomo, and go shopping on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the 12th-century Monumental Cemetery, then head to the countryside for wine tasting and afternoon coffee in medieval village piazzas. End in Lucca, where you'll tour the 11th-century Duomo di San Martino, then make—and eat!—the perfect bowl of pasta.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 9 Days

If spending 9 days seeing top works of art and eating chocolate Foccacia sounds good, then this trip is perfect for you. Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David', tour the Uffizi Gallery, and go shopping on the medieval Pontevecchio Bridge. See the Tuscan countryside from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, then see soaring cathedrals and ancient Piazzas in medieval Siena. Explore food and wine in the Val d’Orcia before ending in romantic Lucca, where quiet courtyards, 12th-century chapels, and the perfect cup of afternoon coffee await.

A winding road leading to a Tuscan villa

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 10 Days

If you only have 10 days to spend in Italy, this is the tour for you. Start in Florence to see Renaissance works by da Vinci and other artists in the Uffizi Gallery, then head to Pisa to climb the famous leaning tower. Continue to the Tuscan countryside to see the medieval city of Siena, and end in Lucca, where 11th-century churches and the perfect plate of handmade pasta await.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 11 Days

Explore the region that gave birth to the modern Italian language on this packed 11-day trip. Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and other famous Renaissance works, then head to Pisa to climb the leaning tower and try the local gelato. Sample world-famous wine and local pecorino cheese in the Val d'Orcia region and see Tuscany from a hot-air balloon. End in medieval Lucca, where you'll learn how to hand make your own pasta before relaxing in a 12th-century Piazza with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 12 Days

Discover why Tuscany is a favorite second home to many celebrities on this 12-day trip. Check out the iconic Duomo dome and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence, then climb to the top of the leaning tower in Pisa. Tour the medieval cities of Siena and nearby village of Montepulciano to see 12th-century architecture and the rolling Tuscan countryside. Sample the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine, then end your trip in Lucca where you will learn the art of pasta making and go horseback riding in the Tuscan hills.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 13 Days

With 7 UNESCO designated sites (as many as Egypt!), Tuscany's rich historic background is matched only by its wine and food traditions. Explore all this and more on this 13-day itinerary, starting in Florence to see world-famous Renaissance art by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Take in the views from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, explore Siena's 13th-century streets, and discover the rambling country roads of the Val d'Orcia region. End your trip with a pasta-making class and a full-day hike connecting historic fishing villages on the Mediterranean coast.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 14 Days

Discover why Pisa's famous tower leans so much (and why it's not the only one!), plus much more on this exploration of Tuscany. Start in Florence to see Da Vinci's 'The Annunciation' and other famous Renaissance works in the Uffizi Gallery. Look for treasures in the San Lorenzo market, browse shops on the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and explore history in the medieval cities of Siena and Lucca. End your trip with sweeping ocean views on the Cinque Terre hiking trail.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 15 Days

Explore the birthplace of Pinnochio on this packed 15-day itinerary of the Tuscany region. Begin in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and works by Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Donatello. Hunt for flavorful truffles in the countryside, climb the leaning tower of Pisa and take a vintage Vespa out for a ride on rolling country roads. Visit the pretty medieval cities of Montepulciano and Siena, tour Tuscany's top vineyards, and handmake your own Italian pasta. Round out your trip with a hike on the historic Cinque Terre trail, which hugs the stunning Mediterranean coast.

Highlights of Guatemala - 10 Days

Experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Guatemala on this 10-day, action-packed itinerary. Stroll the cobbled streets of historic Antigua, tour Lake Atitlán by boat, and hike around Indigenous villages and towering volcanoes. Finally, experience living history as you explore ancient Maya ruins at Iximché and Tikal.

Observe gorillas like this silverback in the dense foliage of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Gorilla Trek in Uganda - 3 Days

Head from Kigali into a UNESCO Natural World Heritage park to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with this itinerary. You'll follow a ranger into the jungle of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet these endangered animals in their home along the western Rift Valley.

Classic Alaska Self-Drive - 13 Days

There may not be that many roads in Alaska, but the ones that run through the south-central region are spectacular. Spend almost two weeks driving from North America's tallest peak to the icy fjords of the Alaskan coast, from the immense glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to the bear habitats on the southwest coast. Go glacier hiking, sea kayaking, and jet boat cruising through these expansive natural landscapes.

Bali Honeymoon - 8 Days

Spend eight days in two of Bali's most popular spots with this itinerary. You'll start off in Seminyak, visiting surfing beaches and watching the sun set. Then head to Ubud to take in the temples and wildlife and learn to cook in the Balinese style before you depart.

Discover the vast Maya city of Uxmal on the Puuc Route

Highlights of Mexico: From Mexico City to the Riviera Maya - 14 Days

Step back in time on this two-week itinerary highlighting ancient Aztec and Maya ruins. Along the way, you'll explore Mexico City, the colonial towns of Valladolid and Mérida, and the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya. Other adventures include snorkeling in freshwater cenotes, hiking up pre-Hispanic pyramids, and meeting with Indigenous locals to learn about Maya history and culture.

Boating between the icebergs of Leconte Bay

Alaskan Fjords and Backroads - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring both the deep fjords and fishing towns of southeast Alaska along with the natural parks and scenic drives of the south-central region. Go bear viewing, glacier hiking, sea kayaking and more, as you see some of the highest peaks in North America along with wildlife, glaciers, and stretches of true wilderness.

Culture, Food, and History Tour of Provence - 8 Days

In just over a week it's possible to see all the highlights of southeastern France's most stunning region: Provence. This is a whirlwind tour that includes visits to its most beautiful cities, hill-top villages, national parks, and vineyards. You'll spend time in the oldest city in France, travel between the towns of the UNESCO-listed Luberon, and more.

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina

Off the Beaten Path in Patagonia: 5 Places to Know

Come for the whale watching and national parks, stay for the charming Welsh towns, little-known hot springs, and far-flung marble caves. Patagonia is huge, and while the classic attractions shouldn't be missed, there's plenty to see and do off the beaten path, from hiking to ancient cave art to sleeping beside a glacier.

Croatia FAQ

With over 3,000 miles of coastline, geography that ranges from mountains to beaches, culturally rich cities to tucked-away villages, and multiple languages and identities, Croatia can feel like ten countries in one. If you’re planning a trip to this multi-layered destination, read on to have all your questions answered—including how to get around, what to eat, how much to tip, and more.

Going Off the Beaten Path in Chile: 7 Places to Discover

There's so much to see and do in Chile. Getting off the beaten path—and away from the crowds—is a great way to experience the country's natural beauty and cultural character. Go whale-watching from a little-visited island, check out a ghost town, drive hairpin roads in Patagonia, and star-gaze in a quiet valley with this list of ideas.

Catch a memorable sunset in Torres del Paine National Park in the spring

Chile in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is a gorgeous month to visit Chile. Patagonia finally blooms into spring, while the north moves into warmer, drier weather. It's an excellent time to visit the coastal towns and desert in the north, as well as Torres del Paine, while the crowds and high prices are still a month away.

Head to Chile's Atacama Desert to see the wildflowers bloom in October

Chile in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is a great time to travel in Chile, with spring wildflowers blooming in northern and central Chile, surf waves in the north, and Patagonia starting to come out of hibernation. You can also join in the fun with Oktoberfest taking place in the Lake District. Read on to learn more.

Santiago's Barrio París-Londres has added color with spring blossoms

Chile in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September brings early spring weather to central Chile, with warm, sunny days in Santiago and great surfing waves in the north. Though it's just the start of shoulder season, the country is full of life for locals during this month. Case in point: loads of festivities for Chile's Independence Day.

Thrill to the fresh powder in Chile's southern mountains on an August winter escape

Chile in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August signifies the last month of Chile's ski season with lower prices than July. In the south, winter rains begin to taper off making this a good time to head to Patagonia with days starting to get longer for more outdoor adventures. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Enjoy an apres-ski soak post wintry fun on a July trip to Chile

Chile in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is peak winter season in Chile, and that means ski resorts are open for business in the central Andes and Lake District. This is also a great time of year to visit Santiago, the wine valleys, and northern Chile for desert landscapes, coastal towns, salt flats, and starry skies. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Chile this month.

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