Travel Insights

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

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Spend some time exploring rugged Tatacoa, Colombia's second-largest desert region

2 Weeks in Colombia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Colombia, you can hop between the lively cities of Bogotá, Salento, Medellín, and Cartagena on a highlights tour. Or, focus your time on the Caribbean coast and travel from Cartagena to Punta Gallinas with a break for a four-day trek to The Lost City. Travelers interested in Colombia's archaeological wonders should add San Agustín and Tierradentro to their itinerary, while active explorers spend time in El Cocuy National Park and Río Claro Nature Reserve.

Tips for Traveling with Your Family in Ecuador

Ecuador is a fascinating, diverse country for families to explore. Whether you and your children would like to hike in the Andes, discover indigenous and colonial cultures, go bird-watching in the cloud forest, discover the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, or swim and snorkel on Pacific beaches, you can have an unforgettable family holiday. Careful planning is essential though and this guide will tell you all you need to know.

Overnight Escapes Around the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu can be a hectic place, but fortunately you don't need to go far from the center of the city to enjoy some fresh air, peace and quiet, beautiful views, and chilled-out ambience. These places — which are either on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley or just outside of it — are the perfect antidote to Nepal's capital city.

How Many Days to Spend in Costa Rica

You can have a great adventure in Costa Rica in as short as a long weekend. With only a few days to spare, you'll have enough time to hike through a rainforest, see an active volcano, and take a surfing lesson. Of course, a week or more is recommended so that you can take advantage of the wide range of activities and biodiversity, giving you more opportunities to explore the culture and vast natural surroundings like a local. This is a breakdown of optimal itineraries to explore Costa Rica, from four days to two weeks.

Top Norway Experiences in Summer

With its lush landscape and truly endless days of summer, Norway is a prime destination for mid-year travels. Hike among fjords, visit quaint towns, and stay up late to experience the magic of a never-setting sun.

Boy riding a horse at Quilotoa lake in Ecuador

10 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Locals are fond of saying that Ecuador is four countries in one: coast, highlands, jungle, and the Galápagos. Whether you want to relax on the beach, climb volcanoes, hike around Andean lakes, zip-line in the cloud forest, canoe up an Amazon tributary, or cruise the Galápagos, there is a perfect itinerary for everyone.

Best Things to Do in Medellín

Wedged into a narrow valley framed by Andean mountains, Colombia’s second-largest city boasts a setting to delight the senses. From a cable car ride into edgy Barrio Santo Domingo to a sensational night of salsa, there’s an astounding array of fantastic things to see and experience. Here are the best things not to be missed.

Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

If you're looking to spend a little time laying out on any of Sri Lanka's waterfront shores, there are numerous beaches to choose from. Which one you end up at will likely depend on the time of year you travel and on the overall route of your tour.

A man happy to be on his bike, or off it as the case may be

Cycling in Sri Lanka: All You Need To Know

From dreamy rice fields to sprawling tea plantations, rural villages to nature preserves teeming with wildlife, the range of Sri Lanka's geographical and cultural treasures is astounding—and there's no better way to see it all than on two wheels. Find out how to navigate the roads, weather, and more with this comprehensive guide to cycling in Sri Lanka.

A train weaves its way through the hill country near Nuwara Eliya

Getting Around In Sri Lanka: All You Need To Know

Sri Lanka is a compact country so domestic flights are limited. Newer highways are reducing travel times for those who take the bus. However, trains are the more comfortable way to get around. The best way to see Sri Lanks is on a bike and there is an excellent network of roads to get you around to every corner of the country.

Planning Your Honeymoon in Jordan

Beautiful beaches, unique hotels, and a stunningly diverse landscape: Jordan has all the elements of a perfect honeymoon locale. After reading our take on all that Jordan has to offer for newlyweds, you'll be ready to start planning your honeymoon in this surprisingly romantic Middle Eastern destination.

West Iceland Road Trip: Waterfalls & Saga Towns

Often overlooked by visitors traveling the famed Ring Road, West Iceland is packed with photo-worthy natural features and cultural history. Get off the beaten path on your next trip to Iceland and take in the waterfalls, geothermal pools, and cultural lore that make this region special.

Best Cafés in Reykjavik

Reykjavik takes its coffee seriously, with a café on practically every downtown corner. If you're wandering through town looking for a solid cup of joe and a sweet treat to go with it, you won't be disappointed by these recommended favorites.

Sicilian Bike Tour - 7 Days

Sicily is a captivating destination, with scenic beauty, historic sites, and culinary delights. This 7-day itinerary is for the active traveler looking to experience the best of the island while cycling and walking.

Ultimate Guide to Diving in the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands are spectacular in so many ways, but even more so underwater. The seascapes of reefs, ledges, walls, and extinct volcanic craters are teeming with wildlife – from sea lions and marine iguanas to turtles and schools of hammerhead sharks. This guide tells you all you need to know to discover one of the world's best diving destinations.

Ultimate Guide to Medellín: The Reinvented City

Locals call Medellín the "city of the eternal spring." The capital of Colombia’s Antioquia Department is second only to Bogotá in terms of size, but there are just as many opportunities for culture and adventure as there are in the nation’s capital. Use this guide to help find the best Medellín has to offer.

Cycling in Colombia: Tours & Mountain Biking

Colombia offers excellent biking opportunities for both beginners and seasoned riders. The steep mountain paved roads are terrific for road bikers and have bred world-class racers. For mountain bikers, there is endless scope for easy country trails and gut-wrenching mountain single tracks. This guide will help you get around Colombia on two wheels.

9 Best Things to Do in Cartagena

Cartagena’s cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and bougainvillea-covered balconies are simply magic. But there is much to Cartagena than just its romantic Old City. This list offers a number of great options, from exploring old forts, to eating great seafood and lazing on white sand beaches.

Hike through the Valle de Cocora in Colombia's Coffee Triangle.

10 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 10 days in Colombia you can visit two or three areas of the country, thanks to low cost airfares that can jet you quickly between different regions. Enjoy the country's dynamic urban centers, get out in the countryside for hikes, visit a coffee plantation and sunbathe on the Caribbean coast, these are just a few of the things you can pack in during your 10-day stay.

Families enjoy the beach at Parque Nacional Tayrona

Planning Your Family Trip To Colombia: Best Tips & Advice

Colombia offers exciting sights and activities that can be enjoyed by parents and kids alike. From fascinating museums such as the Museo de Oro in Bogotá, to parks, city tours, horse riding and snorkeling, there is always something for your little ones to enjoy. This article covers the best sights and activities for families.

Six Great Day-Hikes in the Westfjords

Home to a rugged landscape and trails for every type of hiker, the Westfjords region provides a perfect backdrop for exploring Iceland on foot. Marvel at geysers, have a picnic on the shores of a scenic bay, and take in the mountain peaks as you make your way through one of the country's most beautiful trekking areas.

One of the peaceful beaches in The Gambia

How Many Days Should You Spend in The Gambia?

The Gambia may be small, but this friendly West African country is packed with things to do and see. How many days do you need to experience everything on your list? Our expert insight will help you decide how long to spend exploring The Gambia's relaxing beaches, quaint towns, and everything in between.

What to Do in Ísafjörður and Beyond

Ísafjörður (Isafjordur) is the largest town in Iceland's beautiful Westfjords, making it a perfect jumping off point for day trips around the region. The town itself, surrounded by dramatic scenery, also has a lot to offer in the way of historical value and opportunities to get out into nature.

The Gambia: Top 5 Local Activities

Beyond its famously beautiful beaches, The Gambia offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The rich culture, colorful traditions, and natural beauty of “the smiling coast of West Africa” are worth a visit for any curious traveler. Here are our 5 favorite opportunities to travel like a local in The Gambia.

Explore the colorful hills of Landmannalaugar

Guide to Landmannalaugar: Where to Hike, Stay & Play

Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, home to lava fields, hot pools, and steam puffs that rise from the earth. Hike among vibrantly hued mountains and explore highlands dotted with glaciers, black sand beaches, geysers, and waterfalls. Stunning and remote, this area is a perfect representation of all the Icelandic landscape has to offer.

The 6 Best Festivals In Iceland

From cultural events featuring film and music to Reyvjavik's vibrant pride parade, the people of Iceland know how to throw a party. Read our list below of the country's top 6 annual festivals, and get ready to celebrate on your next trip to Iceland.

Best Time of Year to Visit The Gambia

No matter when you visit, The Gambia always has something to offer. This tiny country earned its place on the travel map thanks to its gorgeous coastline and lush natural areas. With two main seasons and predictable weather patterns, it's easy to decide what time of year works best for a visit - keep reading for our take on the best time to visit The Gambia.

Explore Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 14 Days

This adventure covers the highlights of Colombia's diverse Caribbean coast with plenty of opportunities to get in the water. You'll start in the colonial city of Cartagena with a speedboat trip to the Rosario Islands and then head east for Santa Marta. You'll travel by 4WD to La Guajira Peninsula for remote dunes and Indigenous tribes, tube down the Río Don Diego, and then spend a few days hiking around Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona before ending the trip back to Cartagena.

Visit Parque Nacional Cotopaxi in the dry season when it's cool, windy, and (generally) clear—ideal for trekking around Laguna de Limpiopungo, mountain biking, and horseback riding

Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador

Ecuador is a year-round destination, but the sweet spot is June to September, when drier weather and cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the Andes, wildlife viewing in the Amazon, and island-hopping in the Galápagos. Thanks to Ecuador's position on the equator, seasons are defined more by rainfall than temperature—so where you go matters just as much as when.

Great Honeymoon Ideas for Colombia

The romantic city of Cartagena, white-sand Caribbean beaches, beautiful Coffee Country and sizzling salsa dancing combine to make Colombia a wonderful honeymoon destination. This list covers some of the top destinations to consider when making plans for your post-nuptial getaway.

Colombia Summit to the Sea Adventure - 14 Days

This action-packed itinerary hits the highlights near two of Colombia's most exciting cities. Start off in Medellín before driving to the "coffee triangle," where you'll stay on a ranch in the Andes. From here, embark on a three-day hike through some of the last surviving snowcapped peaks in the tropics before rafting in two of Colombia's major rivers. Next, you'll head north to the Caribbean coast for white sand beaches, sailing, and a chance to scuba dive in one of the few coral reefs in Colombia. Finish off with time to explore the cobbled alleys of Cartagena's Old Town.

Ultimate Guide to Bogotá: Colombia's Beating Heart

Bogotá has two faces. It is both a bewildering urban sprawl across a South American massif, and a hodgepodge of quaint, colonial-era villages merged together over the centuries. The Colombian capital has an enormous variety of activities and historic sites but requires good insight to navigate the intertwining fabric – use these expert tips to get the most out of your visit.

Short Trip to Ethiopia's North: 5-Day Itinerary

Whether you have an extended stopover or simply want to add some sightseeing to your business trip in Addis Ababa, this is the ideal tour if your time in Ethiopia is limited. This itinerary includes Bahir Dar and Lalibela, two of the main destinations on the country's classic northern route. On your day of driving and domestic flights between the historic cities, you'll be able to admire the dramatic landscape of Ethiopia's highlands.

Best of the Ecuadorian Amazon: 7 Days

Leave the cold climes of Quito and descend to the sinuous rivers and sticky jungle of the Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth. On this 7-day itinerary, you will wildlife-spot along mighty waterways, climb into rainforest canopies, brave some of South America’s best white-water rapids and bathe in beautiful thermal pools. If you are set on exploring the Amazon, Ecuador is one of the best places to do it.

Sunrise at the old baroque town of Ragusa Ibla

Southeast Sicily in 7 days: Syracuse, the Sicilian Baroque, and the Valley of the Temples

This 7-day tour along the southeastern coast of Sicily features impressive archaeological sites, including the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. It's an incredibly scenic drive, with golden beaches and vineyards, plus overnight stays in ancient, seaside towns.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Bogotá

Bogotá is home to dozens of locally-owned hotels, many with boutique quality and personal service, making them great choices compared to some of the larger chain hotels. The following list includes stylish places emphasizing high-end design, theme hotels, and backpackers' favorites that have hosted travelers for decades.

Best Things to Do Around Bogotá

Superb natural and historic destinations surround Bogotá, enough to keep visitors busy for several days. For travelers keen on the outdoors, high altitude air, hikes of varying difficulty and some culture beyond Bogotá, here are a few ideas for day trips around the Colombian capital.

An aerial view of a harbor in the Trapani province of Sicily

Sicily's West Coast in 7 Days: Fishing Villages, Wineries & Archaeology

This tour of Sicily starts in the island's largest city, colorful and vibrant Palermo, before continuing to the country for scenic drives and island hopping. Boat rides, visits to wineries, walks along cobblestone streets and exploration of archaeological sites are just a few of the bucket list items you can tick off on this Sicilian adventure.

Explore famed Machu Picchu on all but four of the following one-week itineraries

1 Week in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In seven days, it's easy to combine Machu Picchu with day trips within the Sacred Valley or with a visit to another region like the Amazon Rainforest or Lake Titicaca. Trekkers can conquer part of the Inca Trail plus take a hike to the brilliantly-striped Rainbow Mountain, and culturally-minded travelers who don't mind skipping Machu Picchu can head to the lesser-visited ruins of Northern Peru. Learn more about your options below.

Planning Your Honeymoon in Peru

With its mysterious Inca ruins, quaint villages, beautiful sunsets and colorful Quechua culture, Peru makes for a fascinating and romantic honeymoon. The following list covers the best places to visit in Peru after you say “I do.”

Medellín & the Pacific Coast - 7 Days

Get ready for the wild and remote region of Chocó on Colombia's lesser-visited Pacific coast, which is the crux of this 7-day itinerary. The trip starts with a flight to Nuqui in a dense rainforest where you'll spend three days exploring tiny villages and partaking in a variety of activities like canoe rides, hiking, cooking with locals, whale watching, and soaking in hot springs. End the trip in one of Latin America's most exciting cities (Medellín) and then visit a nearby coffee farm to round out this awesome Colombian adventure.

Medellín & Los Nevados Trek - 7 Days

Enjoy the natural beauty of Colombia on this 7-day itinerary which takes you through the mountains and valleys of Colombia's famous coffee region. You'll undertake a multi-day trek in the Andes, relax in the peaceful city of Manizales, and then finish with some urban culture and great museums in the city of Medellin.

December Holiday Adventure in Colombia - 7 Days

This fun and festive weeklong Colombia adventure starts in the up-and-coming city of Medellín. With hip restaurants, art galleries, and eternal springlike temperatures, this city goes wild with Christmas lights. From here, you'll head to lakeside Guatapé for hiking, visit a coffee farm, and then fly to Cartagena—a fairy-tale city that draws a vibrant international crowd. Reserve early and get a seat at one of the city's best rooftop bars overlooking colonial architecture and the Caribbean Sea—what a way to start the new year!

One of Tayrona's stunning beaches on the Caribbean Sea

Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 7 Days

This seven-day land and sea adventure covers all the highlights along Colombia's northern coast. You'll experience the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, explore the beautiful Tayrona National Park, hike through mountainous jungles, go bird-watching, visit a coffee farm, and finish your trip with a relaxing trip to the Rosario Islands by private speedboat.

Iconic wax palm trees in Colombia's Cocora Valley

Medellín, Bogotá & the Zona Cafetera - 7 Days

On this fast-paced seven-day tour, you'll experience two of Latin America's most exciting cities, stay overnight on a working finca (coffee farm), and hike the Andean foothills. The trip starts in Medellín, the scenic metropolis fast on the rise after a turbulent past. You'll then head into the heart of Colombia's coffee triangle, exploring charming Salento and touring a working finca. You'll also hike the green mountains in Valle de Cocora before finishing the trip to Colombia's sophisticated urban capital.

An artistic clay house in Villa De Leyva

Bogotá & the Colombian Highlands - 7 Days

On this culturally rich seven-day tour, you'll explore the historic and cosmopolitan side of Bogotá before heading north through the scenic Colombian highlands toward two of the country's most photogenic cobblestoned towns. Here, you'll visit the underground salt mines, bike the Suarez Canyon, and finally explore the Spanish Colonial wonder that is Barichara—oozing with charm—before heading back to the capital's exciting restaurants and nightlife.

Best Things To Do In Cali

Steamy Cali is where salsa clubs boom long after midnight and welcoming locals can be found dancing in parks — this is the salsa capital of the world. Beyond salsa, the city has historic neighborhoods, excellent hiking, delectable street food and more. This guide shows off 9 of the best things to do in Cali.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Peru

From ancient Inca ruins to the mysterious Nazca Lines, snow-capped peaks to dense Amazonian jungle: Peru is one of the world's most diverse destinations. That diversity is also reflected in the stunning places and range of activities you can enjoy. Here's our list of the top 10 Peru highlights to check consider adding to your itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Bogotá

Bogotá is a pulsating South American metropolis where well-preserved colonial-era neighborhoods mix with 21st-century glass and steel. While its impressive museums and architecture rank high on the list of things to see, the best experiences will be your own exploration of historic neighborhoods on bike or foot. Let this guide direct you toward the best Bogotá has to offer.

Viknaslodir East Fjords Trek: 3-Day Hike from Borgarfjörður to Seyðisfjörður

East Iceland is home to some of the best hiking in the country, including a vast trail system that traverses black sand deserts, ruins of ancient homesteads, and dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most dynamic and accessible treks in the area is this three-day trek from Borgarfjörður to Seyðisfjörður.

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