Travel Insights

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

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Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure - 11 days

This active 11-day itinerary is designed to appeal to nature lovers and adventure fiends of every stripe. It starts on the southern Pacific coast, in the remote, Corcovado National Park. Here you'll enjoy rugged hikes abounding with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Then it's off to the north where you'll explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and fly over the forest canopy. After a visit to the famed Arenal Volcano, it's time for another hike, this time to the Hule Lagoon, an ancient crater lake like something out of Conan Doyle's "Lost World." Enjoy waterfall rappelling before ending your Costa Rican adventure with a wild rafting trip down the Pacuare River.

Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 17 Days

Unwind and indulge in the sun, surf, and flavors of Athens and the islands with this 17-day itinerary. First, enjoy a food tour of the capital and go wine tasting in the famous vineyards of Nemea. Then sail off the beaten path to Tinos, where you'll learn about its centuries-old marble craft. Next, make your way to glamorous Mykonos, where you'll roam its pretty streets and relax on the beach. Spend some time on the volcanic island of Santorini and enjoy a sail around the caldera and colorful beaches, before heading to the gorgeous lagoons of Crete. Return to Athens for an unforgettable sunset farewell.

Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 18 Days

Take in the beauty and flavors of Greece at a relaxed pace with this itinerary. See the sights in Athens by bicycle and enjoy wine tasting in the vineyards of Nemea before heading to sea. Follow the marble route on the hidden gem island of Tinos and unwind on the beaches of Mykonos. Then take the ferry to the volcanic island of Santorini, where you'll wander its pretty streets and enjoy a cruise around the caldera. Make your way to Crete for some quality time at its magnificent lagoons and a visit to its authentic, historic villages, before returning to Athens.

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island on Crete

Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 19 Days

Take your time exploring Greece's beauty, history, and flavor with this relaxed itinerary. You'll start in Athens, where you'll sample local delicacies and go on a cycling tour of the sights. Then sail over to the beautiful, lesser-known island of Tinos — a popular pilgrimage site — before continuing to glamorous Mykonos. Here you'll lounge on the beaches and enjoy an authentic farm-to-table meal. Next head to Santorini for some wine tasting and a fabulous cruise around its volcanic caldera. Finally, bask in the sun and surf of Crete before ending your trip back in the capital.

Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 20 Days

Slow down and indulge in the rich flavors and inviting waters of Greece with this itinerary. Start in the capital, where you'll see the sights and sample the street food, before heading to the islands. Visit the hidden gem of Tinos, where you'll learn about the centuries-old marble craft. Continue on to Mykonos for some beach time before heading to Santorini, where you'll cruise around its volcanic caldera. Then make your way to Crete to explore its historic villages and relax by its magnificent lagoons before returning to Athens for a sunset sendoff.

The turquoise waters and rocky shores of Crete

Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 11 Days

This classic Greek vacation hits all the cultural highlights. You'll explore everything from the ancient ruins of Athens to the beaches of Mykonos and the magnificent hills of Santorini. Immerse yourself in authentic village life in Crete and visit the Minotaur's palace before you return to Athens for a culinary send-off.

The Erechtheion Temple at the Acropolis, Athens

Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 12 Days

Experience the history, culture, and flavors of Greece on this jam-packed tour of Athens and the islands. You'll learn about ancient Greek mythology on visits to the Acropolis and Delphi, followed by an island-hopping adventure to stylish Mykonos, historic Delos, and romantic Santorini. Go trekking in Crete and explore fascinating ruins before making your way back to Athens.

Minarets of Fes seen throuth Bab Bou Jeloud Gate

Imperial Cities, Desert Grand Tour & Hiking in the Atlas - 13 Days

This 13-day grand tour is the perfect blend of culture and adventure. Start in the coastal city of Casablanca and wander the medieval medinas of Fes and Marrakesh. Spend a few days exploring desert towns, oases, and old kasbahs, finish with two days of hiking in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, spending an evening with a local Berber family.

Morocco Grand Tour: Cities, Desert & the Coast - 11 Days

Enjoy this 11-day trip from Casablanca to explore imperial cities, wander medieval medinas, follow old desert caravan routes, and relax along the Atlantic coast. Learn to cook tagine, spend a night listening to traditional music by a desert campfire, or go kitesurfing in the Atlantic.

Monastery of Panayia Pantanassa at Mystras

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 7 Days

Take a week to drive through the mythological territory of mainland Greece with this itinerary. Your seven days will start and end in Athens, covering the historical sites and sprawling castles of the Peloponnese along the way.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 17 Days

Take a drive through the scenery and history of mainland Greece with this 17-day itinerary. Begin in Athens, then make your way through the seaside towns, vineyards, scenic castles, and historic sites of the Peloponnese.

Snap pics of the beautiful and colorful buildings of Santorini

Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 13 Days

From Athens to the islands, you'll experience some of the best Greece has to offer with this itinerary. Travel back in time in the capital as you visit historic sites like the Acropolis and Delphi. Then make your way to the beaches of vibrant Mykonos, Delos' sacred ruins, and Santorini's volcanic hills. End your island-hopping adventure in Crete, where you'll discover fascinating ruins and hike the stunning Samaria Gorge before returning to Athens.

White and blue churches over Santorini's caldera

Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 14 Days

Delve into Greece's modern culture and ancient history with this exciting itinerary. Immerse yourself in Greek mythology in Athens and Delphi before beginning your island-hopping adventure. Explore the picturesque streets and inviting waters of Mykonos and the volcanic island of Santorini, with a stop at the sacred island of Delos along the way. Then head to Crete for more fascinating archaeological sites, hiking in the mountains, and visiting traditional villages before returning to Athens.

Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 15 Days

Get the best of both Athens and the islands on this well-rounded trip to some of Greece's most classic locales. Starting in the capital, you'll get a dose of history at the Acropolis and Delphi. Then you'll sail to the famous blue-and-white islands of Mykonos and Santorini, including a day trip to the sacred island of Delos along the way. Spend a few days exploring Crete's traditional villages and historic sites before making your way back to Athens.

Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho Base Camp Trek - 19 Days

The holy grail of treks since it first opened to foreigners in the early 1980s, the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular high-altitude adventures in the world. The route crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna massif through lowland villages occupied by Brahmin and Chhetri ethnic people to the upper settlements of Manang Valley.

Best of Nepal: Ghandruk, Seti River, and Chitwan - 14 Days

This multi-activity tour is a perfect combination of adventure and culture featuring historic villages, wildlife, and some down time. You'll explore the Kathmandu Valley's popular attractions before flying to Pokhara to begin your multi-day trek through the Annapurna foothills. Meet Gurung locals, visit beautiful Namo Buddha, raft whitewater, feed elephants, and safari in the famous Chitwan National Park.

View of lower Pangboche village with Ama Dablam in the background

Best of Nepal: Everest, Pokhara & Chitwan - 16 Days

This tour combines three of Nepal's most famous regions—Everest, Pokhara, and Chitwan. You'll start with a short multi-day trek into the heart of the Everest region to Namche Bazaar for views of Mount Everest. Returning to Kathmandu, you'll fly to Pokhara for a bit of relaxation and optional day tours into the surrounding hills. Finally, you'll head south to Nepal's jungle in Chitwan, to experience the wildlife and unique cultures of this region.

Stunning view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)

Best of Nepal: Khopra & Chitwan - 15 Days

This route takes you off-the-beaten-path in the lower Annapurna region to multiple spectacular viewpoints. You'll hike through local villages, terraced farmland, and dense bamboo, oak, pine, and rhododendron forests to rewarding vistas of snow-capped Himalaya. Contrast your adventure with a relaxing stay in the peaceful village of Bandipur before heading south to explore Chitwan's jungle and wildlife.

View of the Lhotse Wall from the village of Chukhung (5,550 m)

Chukhung Valley Trek - 13 Days

Few travelers venture up the Chukhung Valley, except those looking to scale Lhotse or climb Island Peak. It's a beautiful trek where you'll come face-to-face with the Lhotse Wall and ascend Chukhung Ri, an 18,208 ft (5,550 m) ridgeline above the village of Chukhung.

View over the Pokhara Valley from Sarangkot Hill

Best of Nepal: Panchase & Chitwan - 13 Days

Experience the beauty of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. This tour takes you past small farming villages where you'll get the opportunity to experience local daily life, beautiful scenery of lush green forests, ancient temples, and rich terraced fields. Featuring a short easy trek, this itinerary is ideal for those short on time or new to trekking who want to explore the Pokhara Valley.

Best of Central Nepal: Villages & Trekking - 10 Days

Experience the highlights of Nepal with the right amount of cultural exploration, trekking, and plenty of downtime in between. This tour combines a visit to traditional villages followed by a multi-day trek through beautiful landscapes to stunning vistas in the Annapurna region. Begin and end in Kathmandu, exploring the capital's main attractions before your flight home.

Paragliding from Sarangkot Hill, above Phewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley

Best of Central Nepal: Multi-Sport Adventure - 5 Days

This fast-paced trip includes takes you on a number of mini-adventures: rafting, trekking, and paragliding. You'll visit the two main traveler hubs of Nepal—Kathmandu and Pokhara—and have some time to explore the main cultural sights at the beginning and end of your trip.

Namo Buddha Monastery with the captivating Himalaya in the background

Balthali Village Trek - 7 Days

This Balthali Village Trek features multi-day trekking with an overnight in Balthali. Begin your trip by driving a short distance from Nepal's capital to the edge of the Kathmandu Valley rim, passing through quiet farming villages and lush forests. You will experience local customs, discover ancient temples and historic villages, and enjoy the snow-capped Himalaya as a backdrop to your adventures.

December welcomes clear skies and with that, you'll have excellent chances to appreciate otherworldly rock formations and stargazing in the Tatacoa Desert

Colombia in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

You won't find a more festive month in Colombia than December. Everyone here prepares weeks in advance for Christmas and the New Year, with seemingly non-stop parties and celebrations leading up to the big day. Higher lodging and airfare prices are to be expected, as is great weather throughout the country—even famously rainy Bogotá stays mostly dry this month.

Best of Nepal: Ghorepani & Chitwan - 16 Days

This Best of Nepal tour perfectly mixes adventure and cultural exploration with relaxation. Featuring multiple days of trekking through the Annapurna foothills, you will start in the Kathmandu Valley before flying to Pokhara to begin the trekking portion of the itinerary. Discover Gurung villages and ancient temples and feed elephants and safari in the Chitwan National Park.

Best of Nepal: Ghandruk, Seti River, and Chitwan - 13 Days

This multi-activity tour combines adventure with villages, wildlife, and relaxation. You'll explore Kathmandu, visit the beautiful village of Namobuddha, as well as the Pokhara Valey for a multi-day trek through the Annapurna foothills. Along the way, take in a rafting adventure on the Seti River before spending a day with elephants and going on a jungle safari in the famous Chitwan National Park.

View of Phewa Lake, Pokhara, and the Annapurna range from the World Peace Pagoda

Best of Central Nepal: Rafting & Trekking - 4 Days

Begin your trip in lively Kathmandu before setting off toward Pokhara for a half-day of rafting on the Trishuli River. Spend time exploring Pokhara and enjoying the great views of the Annapurna range before returning to Kathmandu. This is a great itinerary for all ages and rafting experience and provides a well-rounded taste of Nepal in a short amount of time.

Guatiquia River in Chingaza National Park

Bogotá's Active Adventure: Bike, Hike, and Climb - 6 Days

If you're interested in the kind of vacation that revitalizes body and mind while pushing the limits of your endurance, consider this active six-day Colombian itinerary. It's centered in and around the capital of Bogotá and packs enough high-intensity exercise to really get those endorphins pumping. Even better, all these activities occur outdoors, on city streets, and in all that surrounding nature for which Colombia is deservedly famous.

Medellín's cablecar system ascending a hill at dusk

Medellín and the Caribbean Coast - 6 Days

What's better than immersing yourself in the culture, cuisine, and nightlife of one famous Colombian city? Doing so in two famous Colombian cities. In less than a week you'll get to do just that, starting in the "city of the eternal spring," Medellín. Enjoy the trendy restaurants and cocktail lounges of this revitalized metropolis. Then, fly to Cartagena—a well-preserved fortress city and a throwback to a time when the kingdom of Spain ruled the New World. Snap photos as you wander its colonial streets, sample the fresh seafood and visit the nearby Rosario Islands.

Colombian Coffee & Colonial Towns: Bogotá & Zona Cafetera - 6 Days

This trip starts in the capital, where you'll discover colorful neighborhoods and museums on a walking tour, along with famous restaurants and nightlife. Then, fly into the heart of the Zona Cafetera and spend the night at a working coffee farm. Visit nearby Salento, a colonial town that wears its exuberance on its sleeve. While here, hike the unspoiled green mountains of the Cocora Valley, dotted with towering wax palms.

Costa Rica's Wild South - 11 Days

If you prefer an active holiday in the great outdoors amid exotic wildlife, then this is the trip for you. Over 11 days of travel throughout Costa Rica, you'll indulge in almost every activity the country is famous for. This includes zip-line tours, canyoning, horseback rides, rafting trips, and kayak excursions. All in all, this itinerary packs 10 vacations worth of experiences into just 11 days.

Discover Costa Rica's Nature and Beaches - 9 Days

Some 25% of the total area of Costa Rica is protected. You'll see evidence of this in the country's many national parks and reserves—the goal being to ensure that Costa Rica's natural wonders and delicate eco-systems remain viable for years to come. This is great for visitors such as yourself, who can luxuriate in Costa Rica's natural beauty on this immersive 9-day itinerary.

Discover Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde & Tamarindo - 12 Days

Costa Rica prioritizes the protection of its abundant (and delicate) biodiversity, and national parks and reserves make up nearly a quarter of the country's land. This makes it a fabulous spot for travelers keen on experiencing outdoor activities and spotting wildlife. This immersive 12-day trip includes a guided nature hike in coastal Manuel Antonio National Park, birdwatching and zip-lining in the Monteverde Could Forest Reserve, and aquatic fun in the estuaries of Tamarindo.

View from under the palm trees in Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica's Relaxation & Wildlife Tour - 12 Days

Costa Rica is a nation as biodiverse as it is beautiful. The best way to experience all this nature and beauty is by touring the country's many national parks, reserves, and protected areas. Also, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the famous Pacific coast. This nearly two-week itinerary delivers both these highlights with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the Costa Rican way of living "Pura Vida!"

Costa Rica's Wild South - 12 Days

If you prefer an active holiday in the great outdoors amid exotic wildlife, then this is the trip for you. Over 12 days of travel throughout Costa Rica, you'll indulge in almost every activity the country is famous for. This includes zip-line tours, canyoning, horseback rides, rafting trips, and kayak excursions. All in all, this itinerary packs 10 vacations worth of experiences into just 12 days.

Enjoy off-the-beaten-path road tripping in Costa Rica

Self-Drive Luxury Beach and Volcano Adventure - 11 days

Time to hit the open road and enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica on this 11-day self-drive tour. Your adventure begins on the Pacific beaches of Tamarindo and Nosara, both gems of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. On top of exploring and surfing these beaches, you'll make pit stops in coastal villages and glean insight into the local culture. Continue your journey eastward to the towering Arenal Volcano. Here you will soak in natural hot springs and brave whitewater rapids on a rafting trip.

Costa Rica's Essentials - 11 Days

This 11-day itinerary allows you to enjoy a comprehensive Costa Rican experience that will take you from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast and everything in between. Beyond the virgin rainforest and exotic wildlife, however, you'll also get to experience Costa Rica through its delicious flavors, be it local cuisine or the famed coffee grown in its volcanic soil.

September marks low-water season in Colombia's Amazon region, a great time for exploration!

Colombia in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

If you want to visit Colombia during the lull between peak seasons, September is a good time to do so. You'll experience all the famous sights and places without having to contend with the masses of foreign travelers—plus, there are seasonal activities and events to enjoy.

August is one of the best months to witness breaching whales as mothers swim with calves

Colombia in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Whether you're trying to escape the summer heat back home or are looking to ramp up the thermometer on a tropical holiday, there are plenty of spots in Colombia that will appeal to you, like the Pacific coast, now that humpback whales are making their annual appearance. Also, one of the most famous festivals in the entire country takes place during this month.

Discover the high-altitude "páramo" landscape dotted with espeletia plants in Los Nevados National Park

Colombia in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

If you've reached July and have still to decide on that perfect summer adventure, give Colombia a shot. Sure, it will be busy with other peak-season travelers, but its diversity of topography and climate means you'll be able to find a place of your own. The Amazon region is particularly nice this month, when low river waters make more of the region accessible to explore.

Relaxing on the beaches of Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona continues to be ideal during the wet season

Colombia in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The last month of Colombia's first wet season sees a drier Caribbean Coast and Andes region, while the Pacific continues to be damp (though lush!) and the Amazon rivers swell. Yet there are still destinations to enjoy, from arid deserts to tropical beaches and everything in between—though you can expect a slight increase in crowds and prices toward the end of the month as you lead into the dry shoulder season of July.

When the winter skies over the Parthenon are clear, it's glorious

Greece in December: Travel Ideas, Weather & More

True, the weather can be cold and rainy—but when the sun shines, it's simply glorious. Above all, December is a month to experience Greece alongside the Greeks, and at its most authentic. In fact, many destinations are perfect wintertime venues, especially for nature lovers, skiers, and gourmands.

Meteora is spectacular at any time, but especially when the leaves turn to rusts and gold in the fall

Greece in November: Travel Ideas, Weather & More

No, it's not too cold in Greece yet. Expect a mix of mild to warm, sunny days and plenty of rain interspersed throughout. The weather may be less than ideal, but crowds are gone, prices are low, and you can experience the best of Greece like a local.

Hire a boat in October to explore the network of Tragonisi sea caves, just off of Mykonos

Greece in October: Travel Ideas, Weather & More

October offers the best of all worlds: Mild to warm, sunny weather, low shoulder season rates, and fewer visitors to compete with. Win-win-win. By month's end, however, the chillier autumn has officially arrived.

If you can handle the rain, check out Villa de Leyva's Plaza Mayor, one of South America's largest stone-paved squares

Colombia in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is a real sweet spot on the calendar to visit an eclectic paradise like Colombia, though you'll need to be savvy as it's one of the rainier months of the year. It's still low season, so you can travel the country without being engulfed by the crowds. Take a unique Caribbean beach vacation, visit the northernmost point of South America, or check out the huge Festival of Wayúu Culture.

Jungle, Mountains, & Machu Picchu - 9 Days

If you have an adventurer's heart, this 9-day exploration of Peru's jungles and mountains is perfect for you. Start in Lima and enjoy a diverse mix of architecture, world-renowned restaurants, and eclectic neighborhoods. Continue to Cusco—the capital of the ancient Inca empire—and explore narrow cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and ancient ruins. Get a rush of adrenaline as you bike, raft, and trek through Peru's mountains on your way to the Machu Picchu ruins—the iconic 15th-century royal Inca citadel. Continue to the Amazon rainforest for an unforgettable stay in a nature lodge deep in the jungle.

Peru Cities & History: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca - 11 Days

Explore Peru's coast, mountains, and southern region in this 11-day trip. Start in metropolitan Lima, then continue to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire, to explore archaeological sites and the stunning Sacred Valley. Visit the famed Machu Picchu citadel, then keep going south to Lake Titicaca—South America's largest lake—to explore cultures who predate the Inca by millennia. Take a tour onto the lake to see the floating reed islands, textile weaving, and ancient stone ruins. Whether by plane or bus, you will be amazed at how quickly the landscape changes as you discover Peru.

History & Culture of pre-Inca Peru - 11 Days

From the coast to the mountains, explore Peru's pre-Inca cultures and ruins in this 11-day itinerary. Start in metropolitan Lima, then visit Pisco on a day trip to take a spectacular flight over the iconic Nazca lines. From here, head north up the coast to Trujillo to discover the Mochica pyramids, the mud-brick city of Chan Chan, and the Tucume pyramids of the Sican people. Drive inland through the cloud forest into the Amazonas region to see Gotca waterfall and Kuelap fortress, a walled Chachapoya structure known as the "Machu Picchu of the North". With over 5,000 years of architecture and civilization to experience, this trip is a must on any traveler's list.

See the iconic wax palms and blooming wildflowers of the Cocora Valley in April

Colombia in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is the perfect month to visit Colombia—prices are low and the crowds have thinned. Plus, one of the most popular music festivals in the country takes place this month. Let this guide point you to the fun and adventure.

Visit the old walled city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast

Colombia in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Colombia is a country as pious as it is fun-loving, and March features one of the biggest religious celebrations: Semana Santa. Aside from Holy Week, there's also the chance Carnival lasts into the beginning of the month. Let this guide direct you to the biggest celebrations (and best locations) for a March trip to Colombia.

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