With travel to the small island nation on the rise, Iceland has become uniquely cosmopolitan, bustling with new hotels, restaurants, and exciting things to do. To help you get a general idea of what to expect and how to prepare for your trip, we put together a guide of frequently asked questions that will help you navigate the country better, from must-try foods to the perfect time to see the northern lights.
As Medellín grows in popularity, a number of comfortable and well-designed hotels are beginning to appear. You're certain to find something that suits your tastes, from upscale guesthouses and the latest boutique spaces with rooftop swimming pools. Use this guide to find the perfect place to stay while exploring the city.
In recent years, a number of alternative treks to the Inca Trail have opened up, offering hikers an off-the-beaten-path experience to reach the famed citadel of Macchu Picchu. Treks have also taken on a new face, targeting travelers who are keen on long adventurous hikes but who want all the comforts of a hotel at night. There are a handful of lodge-to-lodge treks available in the Cusco area, offering travelers the perfect balance between adventure and luxury.
This five-day jaunt covers a great deal of Nordic ground, visiting the country's two largest cities and its longest and deepest fjord. Start in Oslo before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This self-drive trip through western Norway offers history, amazing scenery, and even guided hikes—all while staying in some of Norway's best family-run hotels. Start with a local tour of Bergen, and then drive north to explore Norway's two biggest fjords. Finish the adventure with a ferry ride across the Lusterfjord to a UNESCO-listed stave church built in the 12th century.
This five-day itinerary hits key summer spots using various means of transportation for a true Nordic adventure. You'll start off in Bergen, the country's second largest city, and explore the streets and surrounding mountains on your own and with a local guide. From here, take two day-trips involving a scenic train ride, a ferry through the longest fjord in Norway, and a fjord cruise to nearby waterfalls—all while returning to Bergen each night to enjoy its restaurants and nightlife.
When is the best time to visit Argentina? It depends on what you want to do. Winter is for skiing and visiting the Northwest, summer is for hitting Patagonia's trails, and the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are beautiful in Buenos Aires (and almost everywhere else!).
This awesome 12-day adventure takes you to the pristine heartlands of the Cordillera Huayhuash, one of the most stunning mountain areas in Peru. Your lungs will be tested as you cross four passes over 14,700 feet (4480 m)—but the challenge is well worth it for the chance to see colorful lakes, glaciers, wildlife, and Peruvian mountain culture.
There's no other way to state it plainly: this three-week journey to the end of the world is the trip of a lifetime. Massive glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, and gorgeous national parks are just a few of the highlights you'll enjoy during your adventures in Patagonia and Antarctica.
Malbec or Carménère? Torrontés or Sauvignon Blanc? You won't have to choose between varietals on this enviable itinerary: a nine-day schedule taking you to the best wine-growing regions on both sides of the Andes. From the sun-drenched landscapes of Mendoza, Argentina, to the coastal vineyards of Chile's Casablanca Valle, you'll see (and taste) it all.
Mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, cultural sightseeing in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a homestay with a local family, and a luxurious stay in a private bungalow — all in a four-day trip? You've got it. This active getaway is short but action-packed, well-suited to travelers who want to get away from it all, breathe some fresh air, and fit in a couple of workouts along the way.
This active tour of Japan combines modern cities with outdoor adventures, including five days of hiking along the famous Nakasendo Trail. You'll start in Kyoto, visiting the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and watching a live geisha performance. Then, set out on foot along one of the major traveling routes of the Edo period—traversing bamboo forests in Nojiri, the peaks of Torii Pass, and the plateaus of Usui-toge. End in Tokyo for city views from the Tokyo Skytree and a tranquil visit to Asakusa Shrine.
Explore the Atacama desert in the Antofagasta region of Chile, starting at San Pedro de Atacama, a laid-back oasis town on the edge of the driest desert on the earth. Revel in the stark beauty of the desert landscape and marvel at the dramatic scenery while enjoying the cozy hospitality and art in town.
Zipping over bubbling rapids, deftly navigating narrow inlets, skirting the edge of awe-inspiring gorges, and doing it all at warp speed: these are the thrills that draw kayakers and rafters to some of Norway’s most picturesque, challenging rivers and coasts. Here’s where to go for an unforgettable experience on the water.
Experience Kathmandu like a local, expat, or even royalty by staying at one of these unique Airbnbs. Here's a roundup featuring ten of the best — from a former Rana summer palace in Patan to a sound-proof apartment in Thamel — that are all within walking distance from popular tourist attractions and activities in the capital.
Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime! Explore the Western Cape, Little Karoo, Whale Route, Addo Elephant National Park, and more. Ride down Africa's largest dune on a sandboard, explore Wilderness National Park in a canoe, relax and shop in Cape Town, and jump from the world's highest bungee bridge (if you dare!).
Perfect for hikers looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure in Europe, this eight-day tour will wind you through the limestone peaks, glacial lakes, and plunging canyons of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Raft through the UNESCO-recognized Tara Canyon, visit Bosnia and Herzegovina's highest mountain, and wind your way through two national parks.
Pedal your way through the Dinaric Alps - the natural border between the cute coastal towns of the Adriatic and the highland trading cities along the Ottoman caravan routes to Istanbul. Expect challenging rides, off-the-beaten-track gems, and plenty of gorgeous photo ops along the way.
With thousands of miles of coastline, India has a beach for every taste and temperament, from untouched coves and colorful temple towns to thumping party meccas. Your only trouble might be deciding where to go - so here’s a guide to get you started.
See all the classic highlights on this nine-day trip to magical Vietnam. Roam around the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise on the azure waters of Ha Long Bay, and hike to villages and terraced rice paddies in the countryside. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want a well-rounded showcase of Vietnam's history, charm, and natural beauty.
Repelling down waterfalls, rafting turbulent rivers, paragliding over cities and navigating steep trails on a mountain bike are just a few of the epic adventures you can have in Colombia. Throw in diving, trekking, kiteboarding and bungee jumping and you have a full plate of adrenaline-fueled options. This article describes the best ways to get your heart pumping in Colombia.
Ted Walsh and his family were accustomed to spending the holiday season in sunny Australia, and wanted to switch things up with a real White Christmas somewhere beautiful. And what better place than Iceland? They went all-in with an immersive cultural experience: a homestay in a remote fishing village, complete with authentic Icelandic traditions and, of course, plenty of snow.
Cuba is a big island, boasting a wide range of scenery, sights, and activities. Whether you plan to sample the rich coffee of Sierra Escambray, dance the night away in Havana, or even follow the footsteps of Che Guevara down the revolutionary trail, every traveler will be able to find their own slice of Cuba - read on to find out which one is perfect for you.
Pack your warmest winter clothes and head to the far north to experience the beauty and mystery of the Northern Lights and the peaceful communities that bear them witness. Spend your days frolicking in the snow and your nights hunting the aurora borealis from towns and fjords. Start and end the trip in Tromsø, a lively city known for its culture and restaurants.
This two-week tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and ends in Hanoi. Cycle around traditional farming villages, hike through national parks, explore grand architecture in Hoi An and Hue, and cruise around mesmerizing Halong Bay. Hitting all of Vietnam's highlights, you'll take in the very best this spectacular country has to offer.
Vietnam is culturally and geographically diverse, which you'll see first-hand on this 12-day highlights tour that will take you throughout the country. From the towering karst formations of Ha Long Bay to the coconut groves of the Mekong Delta, and from the ancient merchant houses of Hoi An to the French colonial landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, you can't help but fall in love with this special place.
This tour takes you around the major highlights of Vietnam, but along the lesser-traveled paths. Visit the coastal regions of Northern Vietnam that still remain unknown to many visitors. Get immersed in Vietnamese history in Hue, and experience a different side of popular Hoi An by being a local for one day. And of course, visit bustling Hanoi—the capital of Vietnam—which seamlessly blends the old and new.
Hop on your bike and ride along the beautiful Danube River from Serbia to Romania on this week-long adventure. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cycle through remote villages in the foothills of the rugged Carpathian Mountains. You'll explore Belgrade and Bucharest, get a taste of rural life in Romania's Banat region, and venture into the caves of the stunning Danube Gorges.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in bygone rural traditions on this 9-day tour of the Bucovina and Maramures villages. These two regions of Romania have carefully preserved their proud heritage, which you'll experience through plenty of cultural activities. You'll discover brightly painted monasteries, intricate woodwork, and fascinating multi-ethnic customs as you explore this pretty part of the world.
Vibrant Marrakech is perfectly situated between some of Morocco's most stunning sights, all well within reach for a memorable day trip. Whether you want to explore the Atlas Mountains, sunbathe on the Atlantic coast, or immerse yourself in traditional Berber culture, we've got plenty of ideas for one-day excursions from the city.
Located in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, the summit of Mt. Toubkal presents a worthy challenge. The climb takes two to three days, and you'll be rewarded with views of the ruggedly beautiful terrain. Whether you're an experienced high-altitude hiker or prefer a more leisurely trek to the summit, choose the itinerary that works best for you.
Kathmandu is a shopper's paradise, particularly for those who appreciate high quality artisanal goods at an incredible value. That said, the city is big and traffic is bad, so strategizing your time and whereabouts is key, depending on the goods you're most interested in. Below is a rough guide to help you.
This self-guided e-bike tour was designed with cyclists in mind. Pedal your way through lavender fields, vineyards, and charming hilltop villages. Work your body, soak up the French sunshine, and overnight in comfortable boutique hotels.
Get ready for a memorable village-to-village trek on the Kii Peninsula along sections of Japan's famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Perfect for avid hikers, this self-guided tour will take you past thermal hot springs, grand shrines, and waterfalls as you walk in the footsteps of emperors.
A guide to hiking in Norway is akin to swimming in the Pacific — where do you even begin to explore? What ground you decide to cover will depend on your endurance level, the season, and how much time you have. Stunning views are around every corner; here, nature is left at its most pristine. Hiking is one of Norway's most beloved pastimes, and this is why.
With grandparents and a six-year-old in tow, kimkim traveler Lesley Santiago needed to plan a trip that was fun, educational, and great for all ages. Iceland proved to be the perfect place, with plenty of family-friendly wintertime activities to choose from. From the Blue Lagoon to snowmobiling on a glacier, Lesley gives us the highlights and some tips for planning a multigenerational vacation.
Most people come to Pokhara for the fantastic nearby trekking, and after a week of bucket washes and wet wipes, you might just be ready for a splash of well-deserved luxury. The good news is that the charming countryside around Pokhara offers some of the Himalaya's most stylish and relaxing top-end places to stay. Budget a day or two to recover from your trek in style at one of these fabulous resorts.
Easily one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador, compact Cuenca is crisscrossed by rivers and surrounded by Andean slopes. Crammed with gorgeous colonial cathedrals, a relatively cosmopolitan variety of eateries, and lovely boutique accommodations for all budgets, the city makes an appealing place to linger for a few days.
Peru's rich history of the Inca entwined with influences from the Spanish colonial era have combined to create amazing festivals. Some of the festivals are religious and to be respected but are open for the enjoyment of everyone who visits Peru. This article includes some of the best festivals and where to find them.
Chile's Lake and Volcano District offer some of the best downhill and backcountry skiing in Chile. The powdery conditions, challenging terrain, and awesome views provide a unique adventure, especially for visitors from the Northern Hemisphere looking to ski in June to September. This exciting journey is topped off with spas, thermal baths, and luxury resort accommodations.
Cruising around the Galapagos Islands — viewing extraordinary wildlife and natural sights by day while motoring between islands at night — is one of the best ways to experience these magical islands. On this tour, you'll visit 11 islands in the famed archipelago, observing birdlife, sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, giant tortoises and an array of other creatures.
In 10 days, you'll have enough time to see many of Jordan's highlights, and even combine your trip with a few days in Israel or Egypt. Travelers who want to follow in the footsteps of ancient Christians can try a Biblical tour of Jordan, and ancient history buffs might want to stop in Cairo to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, as well as spending a full day the Lost City of Petra. Choose your favorite option from these five unique itineraries.
A magnet for nature lovers, Chile has a little of everything, from ice-capped volcanoes to lush rain forests. The diversity of its landscapes and vast size offer limitless adventures: trekking past glaciers and soaring Patagonian peaks, watching sunsets over otherworldly desert valleys, and basking in mountain hot springs or on a white-sand beach after long days of exploring. The following is a list of the country’s top 10 regions to visit when traveling one of the world’s longest countries.
Kathmandu's shopkeepers have been expertly catering to foreign tastes since the first hippy stumbled into town looking for a tie-dye shirt. Fast forward a half-century and Kathmandu now offers some of the best shopping in Asia, showcasing a huge array of unique products whose quality and value make them almost impossible to pass up. From bargain-priced down jackets to buttery-soft pashminas, most visitors leave the city with considerably more baggage than when they arrived. If shopping is your thing, budget an extra day.
Trek through an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes, and Bhutanese villages. As you walk, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks - including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, and many more.
Take in the best Bhutan has to offer, from culture to mountain scenery. Visit the impressive fortresses and monasteries of Thimphu and Punakha, see the tranquil Bhutanese countryside, and enjoy day hikes before embarking on the famed trek to Mount Jomolhari. It's an adventure that takes you to the stunning snow-capped mountains and lakeside campsites, with the chance to see Himalayan vultures and the elusive snow leopard along the way.
See the beautiful Canal de Garonne by bike, via a stunning route through several wine-growing regions - including the world famous St Emilion. Continue through southwest France (Aquitane and the Midi-Pyrenees) as you ride by vineyards, chateaux, and so much more.
With flora and fauna unlike anywhere else in the world, the Borneo rainforest offers a thrilling experience to anyone willing to venture this far. During this 5-day journey, you will explore the jungle by both river and land in search of elusive wildlife, as well as encounter endangered species through the local conservation and rehabilitation centers.
Jordan's varied terrains, ancient ruins, and lunar-like landscapes are a hiker's heaven. From oak forests in the north, to warm water wadis near the Dead Sea and secret trails to the Lost City of Petra, here are five of the best trekking treasures to discover on your Jordan journey.
Slovenia is quickly emerging as a European gem with fun activities and cultural excursions for every season. Ljubljana and Lake Bled are worth a visit any time of year - but there's so much more to see and do in this small yet versatile country, and much is weather dependent. Whether you're craving sun and sea, powdery snow, or a peaceful, crowd-free getaway, each traveler will find their own perfect time to visit Slovenia.
Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.
Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.
Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.
You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.
