Travel Insights

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

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Savor Mexico: Discover Cuisine & Nature in Oaxaca & Chiapas - 15 Days

Prepare your tastebuds for an extraordinary culinary journey through mountains, canyons, and the sea. Start in Mexico City, where you'll shop with an expert at the famous San Juan Market. Lounge along the pristine beaches of Puerto Escondido. Learn bread-making and local cuisine in Oaxaca and visit a local mezcal distillery. Explore San Cristóbal de Las Casas' cobbled streets before venturing into the breathtaking natural scenery of Sumidero Canyon and Lagos de Montebello.

Moroccan Cities & Nature: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech & the Sahara - 15 Days

Experience Morocco's urban and natural highlights in this 15-day tour. Spend time wandering the maze-like medinas of Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. Admire the intricate beauty of Arabic architecture as you visit important mosques, historic gates, and other significant landmarks. In between, experience the overpowering beauty of Moroccan nature by camping in the Sahara Desert and hiking to the peak of Mount Toubkal.

History, Nature & Gastronomy in Mexico City, Valladolid & Isla Holbox - 13 Days

Experience the best of Mexico's food and culture and still find time to relax on the beach on this 12-day trip from Mexico City to the Yucatán Peninsula. Start in the capital and explore the past, from Frida Kahlo's house to the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Then, head to Yalcobá to swim in freshwater cenotes and learn about Maya milpa farming before taking the ferry to Isla Holbox, where you'll fish, kayak in bioluminescent water, and chill in a hammock.

Winter Road Trip in Iceland: Glaciers, Caves & Waterfalls - 7 Days

This weeklong winter adventure in Iceland takes you to the country's most famous natural highlights, including its largest glaciers. Upon arrival, you'll hop in a car and explore the waterfalls and national parks along the legendary Golden Circle route. Throughout this epic journey, you'll stop at glaciers for ice hikes, cave tours, and even snowmobile rides.

Winter Tour of Iceland: Golden Circle, East Fjords & Diamond Circle - 7 Days

This seven-day, self-drive winter adventure in Iceland starts with a visit to the Golden Circle, where you'll hike among waterfalls and volcanic craters. From there, take a guided, off-road ATV tour for a wild ride across tundra fields and unbridged streams, then head to the East Fjords to tour the Streiti coastline via Jeep. Relax in the nature baths at Lake Mývatn before concluding your travels with an evening cruise under the dancing lights of the aurora borealis.

Orangutan in Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang

Sumatra Winter Adventure: Jungles, Volcanoes & Orangutans - 10 Days

Experience the tropical climate of Sumatra this winter on a 10-day jungle adventure. Touch down in the island's capital of Medan before escaping to Tangkahan for jungle treks and river tubing. Wild orangutans await in UNESCO-listed Gunung Leuser National Park, followed by a sunrise hike to the peak of stratovolcano Mount Sibayak. Your holiday ends with a motorbike tour around Samosir Island, surrounded by glittering Lake Toba.

Mount Bromo volcano, East Java, Surabuya, Indonesia

Indonesia's Volcanoes & Dragons: Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen, Bali & Komodo – 6 Days

Come face to face with Indonesia's smoldering volcanoes and Komodo dragons on this epic six-day tour. The adventure begins in east Java, where you'll hike to the summit of Mount Bromo and discover Mount Ijen's acid lakes and blue sulphuric flames. Make a pit stop in idyllic Bali before cruising around Komodo National Park, a UNESCO-listed gem where you'll enjoy Komodo dragon sightings and snorkel with manta rays.

Winter in Bali: Temples, Countryside & Beaches - 9 Days

Escape the winter blues with this laid-back, nine-day interlude on Indonesia's "Island of the Gods." Start among the emerald valleys of Ubud, where you'll tour the countryside in a vintage Volkswagen, explore tranquil ancient temples, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Then it's off to the coastal town of Sanur to unwind on hidden beaches, snorkel off exotic islands, and celebrate your final night in Bali with a sunset barbecue on Jimbaran Beach.

Many rooms at this hotel feature views of Bergen's charming surroundings (photo courtesy of Bergen Børs Hotel)

The 6 Best Hotels in Bergen

Norway's second-largest city has a growing hotel scene for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf, hiking trails, and nearby fjords. We've hand-picked a few options in each category—standard, mid-range, and luxury—that are located in the city center with some unique perks, like a tranquility pool and a communal guest kitchen, to name a couple. Read on to learn more.

Sip on a signature cocktail in this Moorish-style lobby (photo courtesy of Hotel Bristol)

The 5 Best Hotel Cocktail Bars in Oslo

Norway's capital gets more sophisticated by the year, and many of its best hotels have atmospheric lounges that draw locals and travelers alike for signature cocktails. These hotels—some are historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with restaurants as well as cultural attractions like the National Theater and Oslo Opera House.

This hotel has a bright restaurant with street views (photo courtesy of Hotel Christiania Teater

The 9 Best Hotel Restaurants in Oslo

Many of Oslo's top hotels have added new polished restaurants in recent years that aim to draw locals and travelers alike, with unique draws like rooftop settings or large windows facing the Christmas market. These nine hotels—some are restored historic properties from the 19th century—are well located in the city center and pair easily with top attractions like Palace Park and the Munch Museum.

The 7 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Bergen

Norway's second-largest city has many unique hotels, big and small, for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf and nearby fjords. A step above standard, these seven mid-range options are well located in central Bergen and offer modern rooms, free breakfasts, and comfy lounge areas or restaurants. Read on to learn more.

Brazil's Meeting of Waters—where the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões meet

1 Week in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have a week to spend in Brazil, you can cover the country's highlights, from lively Rio de Janeiro to Manaus and the Amazon. Alternatively, head directly to your Amazon lodging, followed by time spent in historic Salvador and its beaches. Other itinerary options include an urban break that focuses on Rio alone, sticking to the Afro-Brazilian Bahia coast, or flying to the tropical wetlands of the Pantanal instead of the Amazon for a different kind of natural experience.

Mexico's Maya Roads: Temples, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure blends ancient Maya sites with stunning secluded scenery for an off-the-beaten-path journey through Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula. Venture through the Sumidero Canyon to the colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, then take a raft along Lake Montebello to see incredible wildlife. Explore the Maya cities of Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak, get your hands into clay during a pottery class near Nahá, and cool off along the way in hidden waterfalls and turquoise lagoons.

A road trip to Morocco shows its vast and varied landscape

Treasures of Morocco: Chefchaouen to Marrakech - 13 Days

From the Atlas Mountains to the red deserts of Merzouga, the landscapes of "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Gladiator" come alive on this 13-day Moroccan adventure. Get lost in Chefchaouen's blue streets and enter a sea of colors and scents in Fes's Medina. Take a 4WD jaunt through the desert, then hop on a camel to reach your Sahara camp for a night under the stars. Cool off in the surf at Essaouira, and end your trip watching a sunset over Marrakech's mesmerizing Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

Blue Mountains' Three Sisters, New South Wales

13 Days in Australia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thirteen days is enough time to explore 3-4 regions of Australia. See the best of the country, which includes Melbourne, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney, or swap Melbourne for Adelaide and nearby Kangaroo Island. Or, opt for a three-region trip and stick to the east coast to see Sydney, Brisbane, and Port Douglas—jumping off point to Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Lastly, there's south Australia to consider, a combination of the above, plus beaches, rainforests, and wildlife of Tasmania.

Winter Wonders & Wildlife in Iceland - 5 Days

This five-day, self-drive tour provides the perfect winter exploration of Iceland. Start with a drive along the Ring Road to the sights and sounds of crashing waterfalls, then search the night skies for northern lights via horseback. Spot wild reindeer herds along the shores of eastern Iceland, or head to Jökulsárlón glacier Lagoon with its massive floating icebergs. Visit Mosfellsdalur and take a dogsled ride along snow-covered trails before ending your tour with views along the Reykjanes Peninsula.

East to West Iceland Family Adventure -7 Days

Perfect for families with older children in search of adventure and a digital switch-off, this seven-day road trip combines breathtaking excursions and a tour of Iceland's remote Eastfjords region. Discover wild reindeer, wintry glaciers, narrow fjords, towering basalt cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls as you venture from east to west. Along the way, you'll ride Icelandic horses, step inside a volcano, and relax in a geothermal infinity pool, ending your holiday restored, relaxed, and refreshed.

The pyramids of Tikal peeking out of the rainforest

Guatemala Winter Escape: Rainforests, Rivers & Ruins - 6 Days

With warm days and cool nights, winter is the perfect time to delve into Guatemala's natural and ancient wonders. This six-day adventure kicks off with sightseeing in Guatemala City before flying north to explore the country's most famous archaeological site—the UNESCO-listed temple complex at Tikal. After hiking ancient Maya pyramids, head south to Lago Izabal and take a ride down the jade waters of the Río Dulce.

Winter in Guatemala: Maya Ruins, Volcanoes & Beaches - 6 Days

This whirlwind itinerary introduces you to the highlights of Guatemala's dry season—from archaeological sites to iconic volcanoes and black-sand beaches in just under a week. First, head to Tikal National Park and walk amid ancient Maya pyramids dating to the eighth century. Then, head to the well-preserved colonial city of Antigua for a tour and scenic hike up nearby Pacaya Volcano before finishing the trip on the stunning Pacific Coast just in time for sea turtle hatching season.

The road to Mount Cook National Park on New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand Scenic Self-Drive Tour: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Canterbury & Otago - 11 Days

One of the best ways to experience New Zealand's diverse geography and wildlife is to get on the road and see it for yourself. This 11-day itinerary forges a path from the rolling hills, limestone caves, and Hobbit holes of the North Island to the whale-friendly coasts, fjords, and gorges of the South Island. Along the way you'll visit with native birds, fly over a glacier in a helicopter, and unwind at a geothermal spa.

Explore one of Morocco's oldest cities: Tétouan

Ultimate Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains, Deserts & Coast - 13 Days

Experience the best of Morocco on this well-rounded, 13-day journey that loops from the coast to the desert and back again. Be enchanted by Chefchaouen's blue-washed walls before visiting the preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis. Get lost in the intricate alleyways and souks of Fes, then travel through the Middle Atlas mountains before traversing the Sahara by camel. Soak up the rhythms of vibrant Marrakesh and finish your trip on the coast in laid-back Essaouira.

Iceland Winter Escape: Golden Circle & Northern Lights - 5 Days

You can experience some of the best of Iceland in a mere five days. This brief itinerary maximizes sightseeing by putting you on a road trip around the waterfalls, national parks, and geothermal areas along the famous Golden Circle route. Along the way, you'll see the northern lights, fly over glaciers, and take a well-deserved soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon.

Iceland's Winter Wonders: Snæfellsnes, Golden Circle & Reykjanes Peninsula - 7 Days

Explore the magic of winter in Iceland on this seven-day, self-drive tour. Your journey begins with a drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you'll stop in the picturesque town of Akranes and take a guided tour of Langjökull Ice Cave. Then, it's on to the Golden Circle for a visit to Þingvellir National Park and a snorkeling tour of Silfra fissure. See the wondrous phenomena of the aurora borealis, then close your trip with a soothing dip in the waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Bundle up for some family fun at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Family-Friendly South Iceland & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Road Trip - 7 Days

Hit the road on this seven-day family road trip that takes you through Iceland's beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula, across the iconic geysers of the Golden Circle, and to the dramatic waterfalls of the South Coast. Spot orcas as you ride the ocean waves on a whale watching tour, warm up with a dip in the thermal waters of the Secret Lagoons, saddle up for a gentle horseback ride along black-sand beaches, and don headlamps and helmets for a trip into an ancient lava cave.

Check out the Makhtesh Ramon Crater in spring and you may spot Sinai ibex

Best Time of Year to Visit Israel

It's best to visit Israel in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasantly warm, there is less chance of precipitation, tourism is calmer, and you have more options for outdoor activities. Consider planning around the country's many religious holidays as businesses close and prices for hotels and flights are higher.

2 Weeks in Australia - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Australia is ample time to take in a variety of the country's highlights at a family-friendly pace. As well as Australia's famous wildlife, kids will love the variety of outdoor activities available, from swimming and snorkeling to hot-air ballooning and hiking. Plus, with a generous two-week itinerary, you can even hop over the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, a completely different landscape with its own unique attractions.

Namib dunes at dawn in the Namib-Naukluft National Park

1 Week in Namibia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In a week, you can enjoy a range of wildlife-spotting highlights in Namibia's deserts and canyons, plains and watering holes, and coast and wetlands. Between safaris, you'll explore some of the world's largest dunes at Sossusvlei, ancient tree carcasses of the Deadvlei, and shipwrecks along the foggy Skeleton Coast. There's even time to combine a visit with neighboring South Africa on a well-planned itinerary starting in Cape Town.

This stunning all-day restaurant, called Fresco Hall, welcomes guests and non-guests (photo courtesy of Bergen Børs Hotel)

The 4 Best Luxury Hotels in Bergen

If you're looking for a splurge hotel in Norway's second-largest city—walking distance from the historic harbor—these four hotels have upscale interiors and possible amenities ranging from spas and tranquility pools to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Bergen.

Sip a local beer and catch up on emails in this trendy lobby (photo courtesy of Zander K Hotel)

The 3 Best Standard Hotels in Bergen

There are affordable hotel options in Bergen despite being an expensive city. The accommodations on this list have welcoming lounge spaces, complimentary breakfasts, and surprising perks like a communal kitchen for hotel guests. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of all the city offers, including Bryggen's medieval wharf, hiking trails, and fjord excursions.

A statue of Leif Erikson outside the Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavík

Iceland Winter Holiday: In the Footsteps of Vikings - 5 Days

Iceland is for you if your dream of a winter getaway involves more ice and snow than sun and sand. Even with five days, you can enjoy its highlights on a road trip around Reykjavík and along the famous Golden Circle to waterfalls and geothermal areas. You can also stop to see full-size replicas of Viking ships, embark on mountain hikes, visit museums, and glimpse the unforgettable northern lights.

New Zealand North Island Highlights: Culture, Wine & Wildlife - 11 Days

Nature lovers, film buffs, and wine connoisseurs: get ready to experience 11 days of New Zealand's top cultural and natural highlights. Sample the country's finest wines paired with delicious food during a vineyard tour of Hawke's Bay, and follow in the footsteps of Frodo and Samwise in a "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations tour. Traverse spectacular countryside by car and train as you spot rare wildlife like gannets, kiwis, and even the rare tuatara—New Zealand's living dinosaur.

Self-Drive Portugal & Santiago de Compostela - 11 Days

Hit the road in postcard-perfect Portugal on this 11-day itinerary that explores the rich history, curious culture, and delicious food and wine of the country's northern half. Start in the colorful capital Lisbon and weave your own pilgrimage north to Spain's Santiago de Compostela, before heading south again. Beyond ticking off the big cities of Lisbon and Porto, you'll soak up the history of Coimbra, Guimarães, Braga, Évora, and Tomar, and taste the country's famous port wine at the source.

Namibia Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari – 10 Days

Step off the tourist trail and discover Namibia's lesser-visited treasures on this 10-day safari. Witness Spitzkoppe's ancient rock art and track endangered rhinos in Palmwag, then head to the wild northwest to bathe in crashing waterfalls and meet Namibia's Indigenous communities. The adventure ends with a wildlife-studded safari in Etosha, followed by a hike up Waterberg Mountain.

Namibia Luxury Safari: NamibRand, Swakopmund, Damaraland & Etosha South - 10 Days

Explore Namibia's wild coastline, deserts, and national parks on this luxury 10-day tour. Start in the Namib Desert, where you'll sip sundowners, stargaze and discover mammoth dunes and salt pans. 4WD adventures and German seaside towns await along the bird-spotted Skeleton Coast, followed by prehistoric rock art in remote Damaraland. Finish your adventure with a wildlife-studded safari in Etosha National Park.

1 Week in Australia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Head to Australia with your family for a week of outdoor fun, animal encounters, and uniquely Australian adventures. Spend seven days hitting the highlights of Sydney and Melbourne, including Phillip Island and Sydney Harbour's skyline. Animal-loving families can journey to Brisbane and Gold Coast for swimming, and city adventures, with stops at Australia Zoo and a koala sanctuary. Adventurers can combine a trip to Sydney and Melbourne with a visit to spectacular Uluru, sacred to the Anangu people.

Snow-capped peaks over Marrakesh, Morocco

Winter Adventure in Southern Morocco - 10 Days

This 10-day guided tour takes you through southern Morocco and the wonders of the desert during the (slightly) cooler winter months. Your adventure begins in the colorful city of Marrakesh, where you'll stroll the medina and take a food tour of Moroccan cuisine. Then, it's off to Essaouira to see argan oil in production and tree-climbing goats! Visit Berber nomads and spend a night in the desert, before closing your tour with an invigorating spa day at a traditional hammam.

Facade of the ancient Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey

1 Week in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With seven days in Turkey, you can experience the best of the country's highlights on a classic tour of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Izmir. Alternatively, take a deep dive into Turkey's vast history, both ancient and modern, on a voyage down the Aegean Coast that takes you from World War I battle sites to Roman ruins. Tea lovers will discover the best of Turkish blends on a cross-country trip showcasing Turkey's tea gardens and plantations, along with breathtaking natural scenery.

The Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate

Ultimate Patagonia: Santiago, Puerto Natales, El Calafate & El Chaltén - 15 Days

On this 15-day adventure, you'll experience Chile's vibrant capital and dive deep into Patagonia. Start with a tour of Santiago, followed by a visit to the nearby coastal city of Valparaíso. Explore the Andes Mountains and San José Volcano, then head to Puerto Natales to begin the Patagonian leg of your trip. Enjoy hiking, stunning views, and a boat tour on the Chilean side, then cross the border into Argentina for more outdoor activities. Finish with one last day of leisure in Santiago before heading home.

One of the stunning turquoise lakes in Torres del Paine National Park

Adventure in Chilean Patagonia: Torres del Paine, Strait of Magellan & Lake District - 14 Days

Discover the reason so many travelers head south to Chilean Patagonia on this 14-day itinerary. From the turquoise waters of the Lake District to the penguin colonies of Isla Magdalena, this region offers an endless array of natural sites to explore. Get close to the action as you reach out and touch the glaciers of Torres del Paine, kayak alongside sea lions and dolphins in the Strait of Magellan, and hike to the edge of the active Osorno Volcano.

Iceland South Coast Winter Adventure - 5 Days

If your goal this winter is to reconnect with nature amid the spectacle of ice and snow, then there are few better places for it than Iceland. This five-day jaunt may be quick, but it packs in some of Iceland's most incredible natural highlights as you enjoy a road trip around the stunning South Coast. During the excursion, you'll visit waterfalls, see the northern lights, hike glaciers, visit sparkling ice caves, and ride ATVs on volcanic beaches.

Iceland Winter Highlights: Vík, Golden Circle & Reykjanes - 5 Days

Take in Iceland's winter wonderland with this five-day, self-drive tour. See crashing waterfalls and ice caves along the Ring Road and visit the city of Vík for glacier hikes and ice climbing. Then it's on to the Golden Circle and astonishing views of the aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Snorkel in the underwater world of the Silfra fissure and relax in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon before closing your trip on the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its erupting geysers and bubbling hot springs.

A family hike through the Iceland landscape

Highlights of Iceland & the Westman Islands: Family-Friendly Road Trip - 7 Days

Perfect for active families, this seven-day road trip combines the best child-friendly excursions with Iceland's stunning highlights. Discover lava tunnels, lunar landscapes, and thundering waterfalls as you drive the country's Golden Circle. Set sail to the volcanic island of Heimaey and explore the icebergs, glaciers, and glittering black sands of the South Coast. A day in Reykjavík concludes this family adventure.

Discover Palawan's Snake Island at low tide in the dry season

Best Time of Year to Visit the Philippines

The dry season (December to May) is the best time to visit the Philippines as the sun is shining, the sea is calm and clear, and the conditions are perfect for a range of outdoor activities. There are also advantages of traveling in the wet season (June to November), including lower prices and fewer crowds, as well as pockets of the country that remain pretty dry.

Take a silent cruise around the remote waters of Doubtful Sound

New Zealand South Island Adventure: Mountains, Lakes & Glaciers - 9 Days

Encounter snowy peaks and lush rainforests on this nine-day road trip around New Zealand's South Island. Strike out from Christchurch toward Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, wind through the mountains and lakes of "The Lord of the Rings" country to reach Queenstown, then turn north for an epic drive up the wild West Coast. Along the way, you'll stargaze in a dark sky reserve, soak in glacier hot pools, cruise across remote fjords, and end with a spectacular trans-island train ride.

South Africa Culture & Safari: Cape Town & Thornybush Game Reserve- 9 Days

Hit the highlights of South Africa on this nine-day itinerary that takes you from the coast to the savanna. The tour kicks off in Cape Town, where you'll learn about the city's diverse history. Take a cable car to Table Mountain and enjoy panoramic views as the sun sets. Spend the day wine tasting and find out what all the fuss is about over South African wines. Finally, spot "Big Five" game animals like lions and elephants on multiple safari game drives at Thornybush Game Reserve.

2 Weeks in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Brazil affords plenty of time to combine active sightseeing with relaxation. Soak up the culture in cities like Rio or unwind on the idyllic beaches of Ilha Grande and Jericoacoara. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Amazon rainforest, learn how to dance the samba, and discover the history behind Brazil's Indigenous tribes. Seek a culinary-inspired itinerary and revel in the local cuisine in Fortaleza, or embark on a wildlife tour in Morro do Pai Inácio.

This pale yellow entrance leads to a private garden overlooking the Lustrafjord (photo courtesy of Walaker Hotel

The 3 Best Luxury Hotels in the Sognefjord

All family-owned, these three luxury hotel options offer beautiful views, elegant decor, and standout food and wine programs. Read on to find out more about our hand-picked luxury properties in Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

This family-owned hotel in Balestrand dates to 1877 (photo courtesy of Kviknes Hotel)

The 3 Best Fjordside Hotels in Balestrand

When choosing a hotel in the artsy and outdoorsy town of Balestrand, you'll likely prioritize views of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. These three hotels not only take advantage of their proximity to the surrounding mountains and sea but have easy access to galleries, challenging hiking trails, and fjord adventures.

This historic hotel with stylish new interiors is located near hiking trails and glacier tours (photo courtesy of Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel)

The 8 Best Historic Hotels in the Sognefjord

These eight properties—many family-owned and operated for generations—provide plenty of local charm and hospitality after a day's adventures in the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

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