Go beyond the Iberian Peninsula to discover the exotic beauty of not one but two Atlantic archipelagoes. You'll arrive in Gran Canaria, in Spain's Canary Islands, where you'll enjoy catamaran trips, mountain biking, and lazing on tropical beaches. Then jet off to Portugal's Azores, known as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic," where you'll go off-roading in a Jeep, hike to volcano craters, and enjoy another beach day or two.
Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo with Monteverde. For travelers wanting to visit San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo exclusively, consider a week to nine days for a well-paced trip. A condensed highlights trip is possible in six days for travelers with limited time. Read below for the best itineraries, including San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo.
Check off the highlights of the Iberian Peninsula on this two-week jaunt around Portugal and Spain. It begins in Lisbon, where you'll see centuries of history written in its cobbled streets on city tours and cultural outings. After a trip to Sintra's mountaintop palace, you'll head north to romantic Porto for wine tastings before jetting off to Spain to enjoy the fruits of Madrid and Barcelona.
See the highlights of Portugal and southern Spain alongside a hefty helping of outdoor adventure on this exhilarating 10-day itinerary. Begin in Lisbon to explore the city by tuk-tuk and hike through fairy-tale Sintra, then drive south to the Algarve coast for kayaking and surfing excursions. Cross into Spain to tour the sights of Seville and visit Carmona by electric bike, and end in Málaga to brave the walkways and bridges of the Caminito del Rey and snorkel beneath the stunning Cliffs of Maro.
Nine to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Costa Rica travelers interested in visiting Arenal/La Fortuna and Tamarindo, especially when also including San José and Monteverde. If you're only headed to Arenal/La Fortuna and Tamarindo, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to eight days. Even if you're pressed for time, you can see the highlights in as few as five days.
Eight to 10 days are the most popular trip length for Costa Rica travelers interested in visiting San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Monteverde and including Manuel Antonio. If you're not interested in Manuel Antonio, six to eight days is enough for your San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Monteverde trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and beyond.
Experience the best of Argentine Patagonia on this exciting 11-day trip. Stroll through the streets of Buenos Aires before transferring to El Chaltén, where you'll spend several days hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and ice trekking through the region's spectacular landscapes. For the last leg of your journey, move on to El Calafate for a kayaking excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier and a tour of Los Glaciares National Park.
Embark on the most exciting hikes in Argentine Patagonia—and enjoy the comfort of sleeping in hotels at night—on this 11-day itinerary. Base yourself in El Chaltén, El Calafate, and Ushuaia, exploring the spectacular surrounding landscapes on guided day hikes. Also featured on this thrilling trip are snowshoeing, boating, and trekking on glaciers!
This eight-day tour is perfect for any keen photographer, allowing you to see natural wonders and wildlife throughout Patagonia. Start in Punta Arenas, which you'll use as a base for visiting the Strait of Magellan and Isla Magdalena as you spot penguins, albatrosses, and other birdlife. Move on to Torres del Paine National Park to search for pumas with a specialized guide, then finish your adventure with some scenic hiking in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.
Embark on a culinary journey through Spain's gastronomic capitals, Barcelona and San Sebastián, for an unforgettable foodie experience. Savor the flavors of the country's rich and diverse cuisine as you explore local markets, take part in a city tapas walk, visit iconic monuments like the Sagrada Família, take a cooking class, and even venture out to nearby vineyards and epicurean villages.
From sprawling Tokyo to peaceful Mount Koya, experience the full spectrum of Japanese culture on this 11-day tour by train, car, foot, and bicycle. Eat your way through Tokyo and Osaka's lively food markets and glimpse Mount Fuji while cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko. Walk through Fushimi Inari's unforgettable 10,000 torii gates and stroll among geisha in Kyoto's Gion District. End your discovery immersed in Buddhist rituals as you spend the night in a temple on Mount Koya.
Most travelers will find that 8 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Gulf of Papagayo. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Alternatively, extend your trip and explore more of the country; some of the best-loved trip extensions include Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, or Tárcoles. See below for more ideas for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Gulf of Papagayo itineraries.
Experience Japan's culture through its food, architecture, sports, and art on this 11-day tour from Tokyo to Osaka. Start by learning about sushi-making and sumo in Tokyo, and then join locals in their daily shopping at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Next, soak in the hot springs of Hakone and sail across Lake Kawaguchi for Mount Fuji views. From here, walk among geishas and stroll through Fushimi Inari's red torii gates in Kyoto. Finish the adventure by sampling street food in the culinary hotspot of Osaka.
With 10 days in Belize, you can cover three to four destinations. Consider a classic route of caves, Maya ruins, and snorkeling around Ambergris Caye, or spend time in the Cayo District—a starting point to explore parks and ecological reserves before learning about Garifuna culture in Hopkins on the coast. For a more off-the-grid experience, add a paddling adventure down the Moho River, and for divers and snorkelers, Glover's Reef Atoll is your paradise.
Go beyond Santo Domingo and Punta Cana on a 10-day journey to discover the Dominican Republic's lesser-visited treasures. After touring the colonial landmarks in the nation's capital, you're off to the southwest region around Barahona, where you'll explore hidden coves and hike national parks. More than that, you'll laze on white-sand beaches, stroll cacao (cocoa) fields, swim in freshwater lagoons, go horseback riding, and much more.
You can't do better than the Dominican Republic for an unforgettable beach holiday. This 10-day tour is ideal for families and couples as it covers the highlights, from the white sands of Punta Cana to the turquoise waters of Bayahibe. Along the way, you'll enjoy adventures like off-road buggy trips, horseback rides, island hopping, and more.
Take a walk on the wild side of the Dominican Republic, where unspoiled national parks, white-sand beaches, and ancient caverns await. You'll arrive in the capital of Santo Domingo, and after a bicycle tour of the colonial landmarks, venture north to the coast and Haitises National Park to do some caving and kayaking. Then continue to the virgin coastline of Samaná for snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming in lagoons.
With one week in Peru, you can transport your little ones to the days of the Inca Empire on a Sacred Valley highlights tour. Or opt for a classic Peru itinerary that combines history, culture, and adventure for a memorable family experience. Parents to young wildlife enthusiasts will love a trip into the Peruvian Amazon, while families who've already checked out the highlights or are looking for an off-the-beaten-path tour will find stays in Paracas and Máncora to do just the trick.
With 10 days in India, you can see at least three destinations. Families visiting for the first time can hit the highlights of the Golden Triangle. Or, satisfy a range of ages with cooking lessons, wildlife safaris, a houseboat experience, and more in Kerala. Families with a sense of adventure will appreciate the monastery visits and outdoor activities, including camping at Pangong Lake, in the Himalaya, while those seeking beach days and cave temple exploration should head for Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Goa.
With 13 days in Spain, you can drive through various diverse landscapes, from the coast and historic cities to charming small villages or incredible national parks, experience the vibrant culture, and sample delicious cuisine. Popular itineraries for a 13-day road trip include exploring the northern regions of Basque Country, vibrant Andalusia, or the lesser-known areas of La Mancha, Extremadura, and Galicia, all highlighting the hidden treasures of Spain's rich heritage.
Spend two weeks discovering the shared history and culture of two of Southeast Asia's most fascinating countries. In Cambodia, you'll step back in time to the days of the Khmer Empire on tours of the temple ruins at Angkor. Then hit the highlights of Thailand as you visit the floating markets of Bangkok, experience the culture and beauty of Chiang Mai, and enjoy some downtime on the beaches of Phuket.
For most travelers, 12 to 15 days is the right length of time for a trip to Costa Rica, with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Tortuguero. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 8 to 11 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Tamarindo, or Corcovado National Park.
In just one week in India, active families can explore the Golden Triangle's ancient sites and natural marvels. Meanwhile, those looking to get well off the beaten path can opt for a trip to northern India, complete with an overnight stay on a houseboat. If your family prefers an abundance of beach time, enjoy the perfect blend of Mumbai and Goa's sun-kissed shores. Or, head to southern India and delight children during enthralling cultural shows and wildlife encounters.
Experience the magic of Kathmandu and the Himalaya on this 10-day Nepal tour. Begin in Kathmandu, home to crowded bazaars and golden temples, before flying into the frosted mountains. Here, you'll embark upon a six-day scenic trek to Ama Dablam's base camp, passing through Himayalan towns surrounded by the world's most incredible peaks. Top it off with a scenic helicopter flight over Everest Base Camp.
This classic family itinerary through Peru—perfect for first-timers of all ages—is just what the parents ordered. Kick-off in Lima with a guided food tour followed by a day trip to the Peruvian Galápagos, where you'll see sea lions and penguins. Next, fly to Cusco for your entry into a range of historic sites in the Sacred Valley alongside fun classes like chocolate-making and painting. You'll even take a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu for a private tour of the famous Inca citadel to complete the adventure.
Japan is a wonderland for families, with cultural, natural, and modern attractions that will appeal to all ages. This 11-day trip visits three of the country's most significant cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—with an itinerary chock-full of kid-friendly outings and excursions. Broaden little ones' minds as they explore colorful temples and shrines, meet the local wildlife, and sample exotic new foods—then reward their patience with visits to Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.
See another side of Mexico's gorgeous Yucatán Peninsula as you venture beyond Cancún to the region's heart: Mérida. Over seven days, you'll explore this Spanish-colonial gem of a city (the capital of the province), plus embark on day trips to beaches and the famous cenotes in the area. For a bonus, take a day trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the most impressive ancient Maya ruins in the Yucatán.
If there's one region of Mexico perfect for a quick getaway, it's the southwestern state of Oaxaca. Here you'll get a lot of bang for your buck as you spend four days enjoying excellent street food, touring pre-Columbian archaeological sites, and visiting local artisan towns. Cap the trip with a stop at Hierve el Agua, one of the most incredible waterfalls in Mexico.
Visit the world-famous Taj Mahal and spot wild Bengal tigers on this eight-day tour of India. Touch down in the buzzing capital, New Delhi, where you'll explore grand mosques and maze-like markets before venturing deep into Rajasthan to tour UNESCO-listed Amer Palace Fort. Next, you'll escape into the wilds of Ranthambore National Park for tiger-spotting safaris amid "Jungle Book" scenery. The adventure ends in Agra, where you'll witness the wonder of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
In less than a week, you'll tour the highlight landmarks of Mexico's dynamic capital city, plus dive deep into its history and culture. This includes food tours, stops at historic sites like Frida Kahlo's house, mariachi performances, and much more. As a bonus, you'll hop in the basket of a hot-air balloon and soar high over the pyramids at Teotihuacán, one of the most incredible ancient cities in Mexico.
This seven-day wildlife-filled itinerary delves into some of Thailand's most spectacular nature and national parks. After touching down in Bangkok, you'll transfer to Kaeng Krachan to spot macaques, leopards, and mongooses. Then it's on to Kui Buri, where you'll see elephants roaming in the wild and take an atmospheric night safari. Ko Thalu is next, for unspoiled island relaxation, before traveling to the marine park of Khao Sam Roi Yot and its lush mangrove forests and caves.
Satisfy your tastes for exciting flavors and outdoor adventure on this week-long trip that covers Thailand from north to south. Start in Bangkok, where you'll embark on a foodie tour of Chinatown and jet through its canals by rocket boat. Head for the hills in Chiang Mai to discover its nightlife from the back of a Vespa, then slow down with a hands-on visit to an elephant sanctuary. Finish in Phuket, where you'll go whitewater rafting, off-roading, and ziplining against a backdrop of jungles and beaches.
Twelve days in Spain is a perfect time frame for a road trip, as it gives you plenty of days to see major cities and sites while enjoying the countryside. Popular itineraries for a 12-day adventure start in Madrid and fan out into the country from there, whether to explore northern Spain's incredible scenery and gastronomy, discover Andalusia's unique history and culture, or get off the beaten path in regions like La Mancha and Extremadura.
See the most beautiful spots in southern Thailand and settle into the rhythms of island life on this laid-back, week-long vacation. Kick off your adventure in Phuket to discover colonial architecture and white sandy beaches, before being whisked away by speedboat to explore Phang Nga Bay's small islands and caves. Visit hidden coves as you island hop around Ko Phi Phi and snorkel in crystal-clear water, then end with a dose of culture in Bangkok with a tour of the capital's key temples and palaces.
Combine the highlights of Bangkok with the wonders of northern Thailand as you discover the country's most intriguing temples and palaces. Land in the capital to enjoy its street food stalls and vibrant nightlife, then it's temples galore as you spend the day in Ayutthaya, exploring its historical park with over 300 sites. Fly north for a change of scene in mountainous Chiang Mai, where you'll see more memorable temples and set off on day trips into the famed Golden Triangle and the ancient city of Lamphun.
With five days in South Korea, you can split your time between Seoul and Gyeongju and get to know the country's traditions and temples on a cultural tour, or head to Sokcho and explore Seoraksan National Park on a nature-focused itinerary. If you're curious to see South Korea's highlights in a unique way, consider a foodie tour filled with markets and street food or a K-drama itinerary of famous film sights while snow enthusiasts shouldn't miss time in Yong Pyong Ski Resort on a winter adventure.
Choosing between a safari in Kenya or Tanzania can be challenging, as both countries offer unique experiences and incredible wildlife diversity. To help you make the best decision, we've gathered insights from kimkim's local specialists in Kenya and Tanzania, who share their knowledge on activities, wildlife diversity, accessibility, travel safety, and accommodations in both countries.
Delve deeper into Portugal and southern Spain as you visit iconic cities and explore lesser-known towns and villages over two epic weeks. Tick off Porto and Lisbon, stopping at the Templar city of Tomar and a charming village en route. Journey deep into the Alentejo countryside where ancient Évora and fortified Monsaraz await, then continue to Spain, where you'll stop at small Andalusian towns on the way to Seville and Granada.
Belize is a small country, about the size of Massachusetts, so in five days, you can hit all the highlights: the beach, Maya ruins, and jungle. Mix it up with time at the Maya Lamanai ruins, zipline through the jungle, and relax on Southwest Caye, or spend more time discovering Maya ruins, exploring the jungle, and checking out underground cave systems. Alternatively, you could spend most of your time on an island like Tobacco Caye or Southwest Caye, snorkeling and diving the Belizean Barrier Reef and lying out under the sun.
If you and your family prefer to get active on your vacations rather than sit at the beach, this 10-day tour of Peru is designed for you. Starting in Lima, you'll begin with sandboarding in a desert oasis before heading to the high-altitude Andes (with time to acclimate). Then dive right into the Sacred Valley with standup paddleboarding, ziplining, riding ATVs to remote Inca villages, exploring the unmissable Machu Picchu, and ending with a hike to a lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
Explore Patagonia's outdoor wonderland in two national parks—Torres del Paine in Chile and Los Glaciares in Argentina—on this active 12-day trip. You'll begin on the Chilean side, hiking the W Trek and sleeping in shelters along the trail. Then, cross the border to El Calafate and El Chaltén to hike through mountainous landscapes, kayak on remote glacial lakes, and boat to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
Boat past glaciers, kayak on a windswept lake, trek in one of South America's finest national parks—all of these outdoor adventures await you on this action-packed 12-day journey around Patagonia. Explore the region's epic landscapes with active excursions on both sides of the border, beginning with Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, then crossing over to Argentina to discover Los Glaciares National Park.
Eat your way around colorful Lisbon, admire the stunning natural coastline of the Algarve, and soak up the sunshine on the beaches of Mallorca with this relaxed 10-day coastal itinerary. As you hop between Portugal and Spain, balance slow beach days and relaxation with adventure and fun activities, such as sailing to the world-famous Benagil Cave, wine tasting at a traditional quinta estate, cycling through the lagoons of Ria Formosa, and paddleboarding on the bays of Mallorca.
Combine historic cities with off-the-beaten-path treasures on this 10-day, self-drive journey through Portugal and Spain. Start by enjoying the food and historical landmarks of Porto, then drive to the León region of Spain to marvel at the ancient sandstone buildings in Salamanca. Take a hot-air balloon over the countryside of Ávila, hike through the pine forests of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, tour the medieval walls of Segovia, and finish the trip exploring the parks, plazas, and markets of Madrid.
Take advantage of your 11 days in Spain with a road trip through numerous cultures, regions, and landscapes. Options include driving along the scenic Basque coastline, exploring the historic towns of La Mancha and Extremadura, and combining buzzy Madrid with laid-back Andalusia. Regardless of your choice, these itineraries allow you to dive into Spain's rich history while experiencing its natural beauty.
With 16 days in Spain, you can cover a lot of ground, combining the capital city of Madrid with exploring historic sites in Andalusia, traversing the stunning countryside of La Mancha, or cruising along the rugged Basque coastline. These road trip options take you through different regions of Spain, including lesser-known areas like Extremadura, to experience authentic Spanish culture, gastronomy, and history.
Experience the wonders of Iberia on this 21-day adventure in Spain and Portugal. Lap up culture on walking tours in Madrid and Granada, then tackle the steep streets of Porto and Lisbon by e-bike and e-tuk-tuk. You'll hike among beauty spots like Cascais Natural Park and the Caminito del Rey, then finish by exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, where crater lakes, thermal pools, and whale watching tours await.
Family adventures don't get more exciting than this fast-paced, 10-day tour of Peru, which is best suited for older kids. After arriving in Lima, head deep into the Peruvian Amazon for a three-day cruise in the rainforest. Next, change things up in the high-altitude Peruvian Andes, where you'll stay in exclusive mountainside accommodations that can only be reached by zipline or via ferrata. Finish the trip with a tour of Machu Picchu and free time to explore Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas.
With some of the world's best snorkeling spots, rich Maya history, and endless cayes to explore, Belize is a paradise waiting to be discovered on this 10-day adventure. Journey by land and sea as you swim with sharks in the Hol Chan marine reserve, step into the world of Actun Tunichil Mukna's sacrificial burials, and explore the archaeological site at Caracol. Hop over to the islands to end your trip dancing, savoring fresh fish, and snorkeling on Ambergris Caye.
Embark on an active adventure in Peru without sacrificing comfort on this 10-day, family-themed tour. Start from Lima to explore the coastal city's kid-friendly parks and squares, then set off by boat to swim with sea lions. It's off to the Andes next to tour the most impressive sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley with modified activities that are perfect for kids. Meet friendly llamas, hike a portion of the Inca Trail, take a private tour of Machu Picchu, and scale the colorful slopes of "Rainbow Mountain."
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