Travel Insights

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

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Sail through the Geirangerfjord on the Hurtigruten

Discover Norway's Cities & Fjords - 14 Days

This zealous (yet relaxing) scenic 14-day trip checks off Norway's three biggest cities by train, ferry, and fjord cruise. Start in Norway's buzzing capital with its waterfront promenade before you take one of the steepest trains in the world to the village of Flåm. You'll ferry through Norway's longest fjord and explore Bergen independently and with a local guide. From here, board the Hurtigruten—a mighty coastal steamer—stopping in Ålesund for a night. Back on the Hurtigruten, you'll sail to Trondheim by way of the Geirangerfjord and then return to Oslo by train.

Trolltunga's rewarding vantage point over Lake Ringedalsvatnet

Norway Hiking & Kayaking Adventure - 7 Days

Get to the heart of Norway's spectacular scenery via trail and watercraft with this outdoorsy 7-day itinerary. Tour Bergen and catch a boat to the beautiful Hardangerfjord. Hike to the Trolltunga overlook, with views of Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and kayak in a section of Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Finally, jump on the Flåm Railway and make your way to Oslo for a taste of the fastest-growing capital in Europe.

Take in a spring sunset, like from the foothills of Carrauntoohil, MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains

Best Time of Year to Visit Ireland

Ireland has mild temperatures and plenty of rain, no matter when you choose to visit. Summer is warmest, with long days perfect for road trips and village-to-village walks. Spring wildflowers burst through cracks in glacial limestone and fall bedecks the national parks in dazzling foliage. Chilly, quiet winters offer fewer options, though travelers will love the cheerful holiday festivities in Dublin. Read on and choose the season that's right for you.

Experience Uluru in Central Australia's outback

Highlights of Australia: Sydney, Uluru & Cairns - 9 Days

If you've got limited time to tackle the vast Australian continent, this may be the itinerary for you. You'll start in cosmopolitan Sydney under the eaves of the famous Opera House, then fly out to the Red Centre to experience the dramatic rock formations of Uluru. Top it off with a visit to Cairns to explore the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, with plenty of free days in between to add your own twist.

Photo courtesy of Palace Judita Heritage Hotel

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Split

Split is the kind of city you'll want to take in at your leisure, and that means spending a few days here. Luckily, there's a hotel for every taste, often in the historic center—and even within Split's most famous attraction, Diocletian's Palace. This list has your best options, from pretty boutique hotels in town to contemporary seaside escapes.

7 Unique Places to Stay in Nepal

Planning a trip to Nepal? The country offers much more in the way of accommodation than just hotels. Consider spending a night or two in one of these unique alternatives: a trailside teahouse, traditional homestay, Buddhist monastery, or luxury mountain lodge at 13,000 feet.

Hiking Ireland's highest mountain, Carauntoohil

Best Active Experiences in Ireland

Ireland is a wild corner of Europe, with many ways to explore. Long-distance trails make the country perfect for village-to-village walks, with terrain for every fitness level. The quiet roads are great for cycling, and a rugged Atlantic coastline lends itself particularly well to kayaking. Ireland's magical scenery will appeal to adrenaline junkies everywhere—here are some ideas for your active trip.

Girl taking surfing lessons in Co. Donegal

Family Travel in Ireland

Ireland is full of kid-friendly outdoor adventures, fun ways to interact with ancient history, and cultural activities from falconry to farming. Chase the leprechaun legend in Carlingford, hang out with Ireland's favorite dolphin off the Dingle coast, or learn to surf on beginner-friendly beaches. The best part? Driving distances are short, with plenty of ways to keep little ones engaged along the way.

Kayak among karst islands in Ha Long Bay

Active Vietnam Adventure - 12 Days

Over 12 days you'll travel from the mountains of northern Vietnam down to the southern Mekong Delta and enjoy outdoor adventures every step of the way. It begins with two days of cycling through nature reserves followed by a cruise along the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Then visit historical sites in the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An before ending the trip on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and rafting down the Mekong River.

Ultimate Guide to Easter Island: Moai & More off the Chilean Coast

Adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this tiny volcanic island is one of the most remote inhabited places on earth, home to the distinct Rapa Nui culture and—of course—an incredible collection of Neolithic statues called moai, found nowhere else on earth. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that Easter Island has to offer.

Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Walks in Ireland

One of the best ways to experience Ireland's remote corners is with a multi-day walk through the heather-covered hills, stretches of unspoiled coast, and sheer cliffs that the Emerald Isle is famous for. Many routes are suitable for novices, and walkers spend their evenings getting a dose of culture (and a good night's sleep) in countryside towns and villages. Learn about the ten best multi-day walks in Ireland with this comprehensive guide.

Top Highlights of the Peloponnese Region

The Peloponnese region is the little-visited underbelly of Greece. It's a hotbed of history—the Olympic Games were birthed here, it was the home of ancient Sparta, and even today Arcadian Greece survives largely intact here. The Peloponnese is worth a trip, whether you make a day trip from Athens or road trip through the region on a cultural, culinary, or active tour.

Reflection of Mount Cook on a hidden tarn in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

New Zealand Cities, Parks & Mountains - 12 Days

This 12-day tour features a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Explore New Zealand's cities, mountain landscapes, native bush, and beaches. Begin in Wellington working your way through parks and vineyards to Christchurch and to the mountains and fjords of Mount Cook and Milford Sound, ending your stay in Queenstown.

5 Off-The-Beaten-Path Colonial Cities in Colombia

The Spaniards came to Colombia in the early 16th century with dreams of gold and visions of El Dorado. After the new country won its independence from Spain in 1819, the colonialists were finished, but they left behind a legacy that's still seen today in Colombia's many well-preserved colonial towns. This article lists the most unique throughout the nation.

One of the most epic drives in the world, Ruta 40 runs the length of Argentina

7 Places Most Travelers Miss In Argentina (But Shouldn’t)

From sophisticated second cities to (nearly) secret wine regions, Argentina is full of great unknowns that are every bit as spectacular as the blockbuster attractions. Beat the crowds with historic Jesuit ruins in Misiones province, visit remote salt deserts studded with brilliant pools, and drive Ruta 40—a wilder version of North America's Route 66, where you won't have to share the road.

Colorful desert landscapes outside of Salta

Discover Northern Argentina - 10 Days

This 10-day trip highlights one of the least explored—yet most rewarding—areas of Argentina. After touring Buenos Aires with a local, you’ll head north to visit hundreds of waterfalls along the Brazilian border, explore a colonial city known for architecture, and take day-trips to gorges, salt flats, and wineries at the foot of the Andes.

Buenos Aires, El Calafate & Bariloche - 11 Days

This amazing 11-day trip combines some of the most spectacular scenery that Argentine Patagonia has to offer. After exploring Buenos Aires with a tour and tango lesson, you'll head to El Calafate—jumping off point for Los Glaciares National Park—where you'll get up close to several glaciers. Finish the adventure in Bariloche, surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains, with ample hiking trails and local history.

Classic Argentina: Patagonia, Mendoza & Iguazú - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary highlights three of Argentina's most impressive natural wonders. Kicking off in Buenos Aires, you'll venture to Bariloche, surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains—great for kayaking and hiking. Next is high-altitude Mendoza, where you'll take part in several wine tastings (especially malbec). Finish at the Brazilian border to experience hundreds of waterfalls in both countries.

Hidden Beauty of North Vietnam - 6 Days

Head from Hanoi up into northern Vietnam for six days of highland journeys. You'll make your way over mountain roads, past dramatic scenery through villages and markets, then spend two days amid the tranquility of the Ba Ba Lakes before you return to Hanoi.

Classic Argentina: Buenos Aires, Mendoza & Salta - 9 Days

Immerse yourself in Argentina's sights, tastes, and rhythms on this 10-day adventure. Begin by exploring the culture of Buenos Aires with a guided tour and tango lesson. Next, venture to high-altitude Mendoza and take part in several wine tastings (especially malbec). Finish in the colonial city of Salta—your jumping off point for rugged gorges, giant salt flats, and painted deserts in the country's far north.

Buenos Aires & Iguazú Falls - 9 Days

This exciting 9-day itinerary fuses Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital with the Iguazú Falls. Kick off in Buenos Aires where you'll explore neoclassical architecture, buzzing neighborhoods, and urban escapes by foot, boat, and bicycle. Next, fly north to the Brazilian border to experience hundreds of waterfalls in both countries. Circle back to the big city for a tango performance to complete the adventure.

Discover the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park

Classic Argentina: Patagonia & Iguazú - 9 Days

This diverse nine-day tour combines top destinations in Argentina for a trip that won't disappoint. Start by experiencing the cosmopolitan bustle of Buenos Aires before you fly south to El Calafate for several spectacular glaciers, which you'll see by land and boat. Then, fly north to the Brazilian border (and warmer weather) to explore Iguazú Falls—the largest waterfall system in the world.

Discover Northern Argentina - 8 Days

One of the least explored—yet most rewarding—areas of the country, this 8-day itinerary covers the highlights of Northern Argentina. After a day in the capital, you’ll visit hundreds of waterfalls on the Brazilian border teeming with unique flora and fauna, explore a colonial city known for architecture, and take day-trips to epic gorges, salt flats, and wineries at the foot of the Andes.

Experience Buenos Aires - 5 Days

The capital of Argentina is a Latin American/European hybrid like no other city on this earth. Buenos Aires' rich culture is exemplified in its neoclassical and baroque architecture, the cobbled streets of its old neighborhoods, and the visceral passion of the city's Porteño soccer fans. Get the best of this concrete jungle on a 5-day tour which explores the city and indulges in its rising food scene, not to mention allows time for tango dancing and horseback riding with real gaucho cowboys.

Luxury & Adventure in Myanmar - 9 Days

Spend nine days traversing the sights of Myanmar on this itinerary. You'll visit the urban highlights of Mandalay and Yangon, cruise through the heart of the country down the Irrawaddy River, soar above the 3,000 pagodas of Bagan in a hot air balloon at sunrise, and sample handicrafts in village markets as you make your way through your tour.

Argentina's Salta & Jujuy Province – 5 Days

Discover why Salta is called 'La Linda' (the beautiful) on this 5-day tour of northwest Argentina. After arriving in Buenos Aires, you'll fly here and explore one of the best preserved colonial cities in South America. Then hit the road with an experienced guide and visit the giant salt flats and Humahuaca Gorge, as well as traditional Andean towns known for pre-Colombian history in the Jujuy Province.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Marrakech

There’s more to Marrakech than the circus-like hullabaloo of Jemma el-Fna, persistent hawkers, and the donkey-dodging craziness of the souks. Beyond the walls of the medina (and sometimes even within them), you can find serene escapes that feel a million miles away from the city din – from the wave-lashed Atlantic coast to hidden gardens, galleries and High Atlas valleys.

Basque Country: From Bordeaux to Bilbao - 11 Days

Travel the Atlantic coastline from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the contemporary art of Bilbao on this 11-day itinerary. After exploring the wine regions of Bordeaux, you'll continue with bike tours of the countryside and the seaside glamour of Biarritz before you arrive in artsy Bilbao to wrap up your trip with a museum tour and a few more glasses of wine.

An inner courtyard at La Sultana, one of Marrakech's most luxurious sleeps (Photo courtesy of La Sultana)

The 7 Best Luxury Riads in Marrakesh

A stay in a riad will likely be one of your most memorable experiences in Marrakesh. Push open the heavy wooden door, and you enter a world far removed from the hubbub outside; one where you can rest in the shade of an orange tree, dip into a lantern-lit pool, or peer across the minarets of the historic city from the roof terrace, mint tea in hand.

Contrasting colors in northern Argentina

Argentina's Salta & Calchaquí Valley - 5 Days

This 5-day itinerary explores a special area of northwest Argentina starting in Salta—one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America (circa 16th century). From here, you’ll enjoy a scenic road-trip to the towns of Cachi and Cafayate, admiring colorful gorges, vineyards, and mountain villages with an experienced guide. Return to Salta for one more night to soak in the local culture before heading home.

Wildlife & Nature in Argentine Patagonia - 15 Days

This 15-day tour in Argentine Patagonia hits the highlights between Puerto Madryn in the north and Ushuaia in the south for a range of outdoor activities and wildlife. On the itinerary are two national parks: Tierra del Fuego (rivers and ancient settlements) and Los Glaciares (glaciers and iconic hikes). There's also whale watching, snorkeling with sea lions, and a visit to South America's largest Magellanic penguin colony.

Tierra del Fuego—one of three national parks on this itinerary

Hiking in Patagonia - 15 Days

This self-guided and incredibly scenic trip highlights Patagonia's best trails on both sides of the border. Kick off in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, home of 13 glaciers and the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. Next is Chile's Torres del Paine National Park for more jaw-dropping peaks, turquoise lakes, and rare wildlife. Finish back in Argentina for coastal trails and a taste of the world's 'southernmost city'.

3 Weeks in Greece - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With multiple weeks in Greece, you can truly do it all, returning home with memories of the mainland and a number of islands. History-minded travelers can begin and end in Athens before visiting the sacred sites of Delos near Mykonos, prehistoric Akrotiri in Santorini, and the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Or, spend your time hopping between the Cycladic islands at an easy pace, experiencing the beaches, outdoor activities, and culture of each.

2 Weeks in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Morocco is enough time for a proper grand tour, from the souks of Fes and Marrakesh to the glittering Sahara, High Atlas mountains, and windy Atlantic coast. Those looking for an activity-packed trip should spend time exploring southern Morocco by camel, going on guided hikes, and desert camping, while those traveling during summer will love sticking to the Imperial cities of the north and splitting their time between classic stops and renowned cities like Tangier and Chefchaouen.

Check out Almejal on Colombia's pacific coast next to El Valle

5 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days in Colombia is enough to visit one major city and explore the surrounding area. Enjoy the best of Cartagena with a city tour, a private boat trip to nearby Rosario Island, and tasting menus at the city's best restaurants. Or, combine the charm of Bogotá with two nights in the Amazon rainforest, where you'll sleep in hammocks and explore via canoe. Learn about these options and more below.

Hike to Mt. Fitz Roy while day-tripping in El Chaltén

Patagonia Wilderness Excursion - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure dives into Argentina and Chile's deep south by land and sea. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll get up close to massive glaciers, sail the pristine channels and fjords on a multi-day cruise, and enjoy the magnitude of Patagonia's most famous—and therefore scenic—national parks. Mixing relaxation and adrenaline, the tours are flexible for those who prefer more (or less) challenging activities.

Bogotá & the Amazon Adventure - 5 Days

This outdoorsy adventure highlights some of Colombia's most fascinating and unique landscapes in the Amazon region. Start off by exploring Bogotá's arts and culture scene before flying south to Leticia; from here, you'll head out on two unforgettable days via foot, canoe and other small boats in Colombia, and across the border in Peru and Brazil. At night, you'll sleep in hammocks with mosquito nets in order to fully experience the rainforest.

Explore Zona Cafetera - 5 Days

Experience a taste of Colombian culture on this 5-day trip to the Coffee Triangle. You'll go to the heart of the country's coffee region in charming Salento for an overnight at a working farm and hike through the picturesque green mountains of the Cocora Valley (and the famous wax palms). Then, head to Manizales, the most adventurous of the three cities that make up Colombia's coffee triangle, where you'll visit the Rio Blanco Nature reserve. Like the coffee this region is known for, this trip is designed to awaken all of your senses.

A cyclist in the narrow streets of Puglia

Cycling In Southern Italy - 8 Days

Soak up the sunshine and go off the beaten track on this 8-day cycling expedition around Puglia in the heel of Italy's boot. You'll bike to lesser-known towns and villages on this moderate-level ride, pedaling through lush inland plateaux and down the coastline on mostly flat terrain. Enjoy southeastern Italy's historic sites, flavorful food, and natural beauty on this active tour.

Best Local & Cultural Experiences in Ireland

Besides the stunning green hills, seaside cliffs, and wild Atlantic coast, Ireland is most known for its culture. Music, literature, history—all of these conspired to create a truly unique and attractive legacy. For travelers who'd like to get to the heart of this country, here are some of the most authentic cultural experiences in Ireland.

Relaxing in an outdoor café on Avenida de Mayo, Buenos Aires

9 Best Local & Cultural Activities in Argentina

In Argentina, you could easily spend all your time on the major highlights. But to fully experience the Argentine lifestyle, you'll want to spend time the way locals do: sipping coffee in old-fashioned Buenos Aires cafés, riding horses on quiet ranches in the country, and cheering from the sidelines at a soccer match. Read on for more local experiences in Argentina.

Putting the wine aside: hiking up Aconcagua in Mendoza province

Top Highlights of Argentina (& How to Do Them Differently)

Cosmopolitan colonial cities, mega-waterfalls with hundreds of cascades, and still-advancing icefields peaking into lurid glaciers: Argentina's attractions are justifiably very popular with tourists. But the good news is, you don't have to stray far from these blockbuster sights to get a very different—and crowd-free—experience.

Specialist Interview: Great Ideas for Family Trips in Slovenia, Iceland, and Greece

Planning a family trip this summer? Local travel specialists from Slovenia, Iceland, and Greece share their favorite kid-friendly activities, family travel tips, and more.

Ultimate Guide to Spetses and the Saronic Islands

Just south of Athens, in the Saronic Gulf, this group of half-a-dozen or so islands makes for an easy getaway. No two are the same, and which to visit depends on your preference. Match culture with a lively party scene on Spetses, get away from it all on tiny Agistri, and everything in between with this guide.

Ultimate Guide to Naxos: The Cyclades in a Nutshell

Naxos is unfairly overlooked by many visitors to the Aegean. It's the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades Islands, and perhaps also its most quintessential, blessed with an abundance of attractions from archaeological treasures to some of the best stretches of white sand beach in Greece. From the main city of Chora to road trip-worthy villages and the glittering southwest coastline, let this guide be your essential handbook for Naxos travel.

Highlights of the Baltic Capital Cities - 8 Days

Discover the capital cities of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on this whirlwind 8-day trip through the Baltic states. As you travel north from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn, you'll learn about each city's rich cultural, historic, and culinary traditions. Visit churches in Vilnius, indulge in a food tour in Riga, and explore the creative hub of Tallinn on this Northern European adventure.

Discover Kiev - 3 Days

Explore one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities on this three-day self-guided tour of Kiev. Visit the capital's highlights, including ornate churches and monasteries, historic districts, and cultural landmarks. You'll see grand baroque and Byzantine architecture, remnants of Ukraine's Soviet past, and get a sense of its modern, cosmopolitan present.

Luxury Grand Tour of Morocco - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary checks off Morocco's top urban and natural landmarks. See medieval architecture in the capital of Rabat, walk the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and tour 9th-century Al Quaraouiyine University in Fes. Continue to the Sahara for a night of glamping, visit the desert citadel of Ait Benhaddou, and explore colorful Marrakech markets and ornate palaces before ending in the quiet coastal city of Essaouira.

Morocco Imperial Cities Tour - 7 Days

Visit Morocco's Imperial cities in this packed one-week tour. Start in Rabat, Morocco's capital, to see 12th-century architecture, then continue to Fes to explore the world's largest urban car-free zone. See the tanneries, the world's oldest university, and the medieval Jewish quarter, then head to Marrakesh to round out your trip with ornate palaces, bustling Jemaa El-Fna market, and a half-day cooking class.

Merzouga in the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Southern Morocco Luxury Tour - 8 Days

Exploring the highlights of Southern Morocco on this adventure-packed trip. Spend your first night in the Sahara, then visit the famed Ait Benhaddou and explore the dunes of Erg Lihoudi with a comfortable night in a luxury camp. Continue to Marrakech to visit ornate palaces, the serene Majorelle Gardens, and vibrant city markets. Finish your trip in the charming coastal city of Essaouira, where 18th-century artist studios and quiet coastal charm await.

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