Travel Insights

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

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The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam

Explore Dutch Seafaring History - 5 Days

Immerse yourself in the seafaring history of the Dutch Golden Age on this enlightening 5-day trip. The Dutch East India Company was extremely important in trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. Discover reminders of this rich past as you gaze upon naval scenes in Frans Hals’ paintings in Haarlem, stroll along city canals bordered by ancient warehouses in Middelburg, tour Hoorn's historic harbor, and ride an antique boat across IJsselmeer lake. You'll also travel on an old steam train, cycle to a coastal fort in Zeeland, and wander around a replica of an 18th-century cargo ship in Amsterdam.

The 6 Best Mid-Range & Luxury Hotels in Monteverde

Monteverde is well known for its misty cloud forests, hills with exceptional views, and a nearly endless list of activities to enjoy. You can easily plan your visit with a comfortable mid-range or luxury hotel, and kimkim has quite a few to recommend.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Monteverde

Known for its cloud forests and wildlife—and as the birthplace of ziplining—Monteverde is one of the more popular regions in Costa Rica. Hilly, misty, and dense with rainforest, this area has no shortages of exciting and relaxing experiences to enjoy. And why not pair hiking across hanging bridges, touring coffee plantations, or searching for wildlife with a boutique accommodation?

The 5 Best Standard Hotels in Monteverde

Many travelers head to Monteverde for its cloud forest excursions, including ziplining, wildlife viewing, and hiking across hanging bridges. Many hotels offer accommodation right next door to these forests or within private reserves, so you can feel like you’re part of the serene environment, even as you sleep. If you’re on a budget or prefer something a bit more rustic, consider one of our recommended standard hotels in Monteverde.

Cycling & Boating Adventure in Weerribben-Wieden National Park- 5 Days

This refreshing 5-day cycling trip takes you to the beautiful Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Peat and reed cutters created this unique landscape filled with lakes, canals, reed lands, swamp forests, and floating mats — today, it's one of the largest wetland areas in Europe. Begin the journey in Zwolle, pedaling away on forested paths on your way to Sint Jansklooster. Continue on to the quiet village of Kalenberg, where you'll take a break from cycling to paddle around the wetlands in a canoe. Discover some of the park's most scenic areas as you cycle to Giethoorn, a picturesque village nicknamed "the Venice of the North." Explore its waterways by boat on the last day of the trip before transferring back to Amsterdam, where the trip ends.

Cultural Tour & Outdoor Adventure in Southern Holland - 5 Days

Cycle, hike, and relax in open-air cafés on this outdoorsy 5-day tour of Holland's southernmost region. Limburg is home to historic cities like Maastricht and Valkenburg aan de Geul, where you'll tour grand churches and romantic castles. It's also known for its hilly countryside, particularly the gorgeous scenery of the National Landscape of Zuid-Limburg, which you'll explore on e-bike and on foot. Since this area of the Netherlands is known for its vineyards and gastronomic traditions, you'll dine well, too, a perfect way to end a day's worth of fresh air and active pursuits.

Discover Culture and Nature in Friesland & Terschelling Island - 5 Days

This short trip takes you to the far north of the Netherlands for five days of cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventure. Begin in Leeuwarden, the capital of the green province of Friesland. This hidden gem is a lively city with a distinct language and culture. You'll tour its picturesque network of canals on a private gondola tour before continuing north. Ride a ferry to the peaceful island of Terschelling, known as the "Pearl of the Wadden Sea" for its windswept dunes, lovely beaches, and cozy villages. You'll explore the island on an e-bike, cycling past vast marshes and endless beaches home to a wide variety of birdlife. Dine on fresh seafood and enjoy this relaxing getaway before returning to Amsterdam, where the itinerary ends.

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beautiful stretch of shoreline on the southern side of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Accommodations are spread out between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, meaning the location caters to the jungle and beach. If Puerto Viejo is known for anything, it's the unique environment created by the mix of jungle, sea, and reef, plus its African-Caribbean influence, so it's the perfect place to relax in a boutique hotel.

Ultimate Guide to Puerto Viejo Beaches

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beautiful stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Costa Rica and near the border with Panama. You'll find gentle beaches protected by vibrant coral reefs—perfect for snorkeling and swimming—next to some of the best waves in the region, attracting surfers from around the world. Whether you want an adventure or a relaxing getaway, read on for the best beaches in Puerto Viejo.

The 3 Best Boutique Hotels in Tortuguero

If you’re heading to Tortuguero, you’re probably looking for remote solitude surrounded by jungle and wildlife. Getting to this unique region of Costa Rica is half the fun, and you can make it even more enjoyable by staying the night in one of the area’s boutique hotels. These are a great option, as they tend to have little perks, like lush gardens, individual wooden huts, and/or upscale cuisine.

Explore Dutch Cities & the Southern Countryside - 10 Days

Discover lively Dutch cities and idyllic landscapes on this well-balanced 10-day tour of Holland. The trip starts in Amsterdam, where you'll visit the famous Anne Frank House and two major art museums. Then head into the nearby countryside to see historic windmills and charming fishing villages. Explore the university city of Leiden, spend one afternoon on a bike excursion to the beach, then go on a cycling tour of Rotterdam's architectural highlights. Learn more about the legacies of great artists Vincent van Gogh and Hieronymus Bosch in the quaint town of Den Bosch, followed by a stay in the off-the-beaten-path city of Maastricht, known for its historical buildings and churches. Finish the trip with several days of hiking and cycling in the peaceful National Landscape of Zuid-Limburg — a few days in the great outdoors is a wonderfully relaxing way to end this action-packed itinerary.

Luxury Tour of Holland - 10 Days

Experience the best Holland has to offer on this 10-day luxury tour! You'll sleep in one-of-a-kind boutique hotels and dine in fine restaurants while exploring the capital city of Amsterdam, pristine Hoge Veluwe National Park, the lively university town of Leeuwarden, and the windswept islands of Vlieland and Texel. Highlights along the journey include a private gondola tour, a day trip to historic windmills in the Dutch countryside, a self-guided bike ride along picturesque sand dunes, plenty of time to enjoy viewing Vincent van Gogh's original masterpieces, and an overnight stay in a gorgeously restored complex of Golden Age canal houses.

Muiderslot Castle in the Dutch countryside

Cycling in the Dutch Countryside - 5 Days

Holland is a cyclist's paradise! On this lively 5-day trip, you'll pedal past green meadows, small canals, peaceful lakes, picturesque villages, old fortified towns, and medieval castles. Start the adventure with some sightseeing in Amsterdam before you cycle through the Gooi, stopping to tour Muiderslot, a 13th-century castle. Explore historic Naarden, then sleep in a riverside hotel. Continue the journey through the "Green Heart" of Holland, taking a break from your e-bike to canoe or boat on a lake. You'll ride back to Amsterdam along the Amstel River, then spend one last night in the city before the trip ends.

Discover Amsterdam, Utrecht, Deventer & Hoge Veluwe National Park - 7 Days

Explore the best of central Holland on this weeklong itinerary featuring a mix of classic sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Visit the vibrant capital of Amsterdam and its top museums before day-tripping to the countryside to see iconic Dutch highlights, including windmills and a cheese market. Adventure waits in Utrecht, where you will have the chance to canoe around the city's canals. Then continue on to the forested heart of the country and Hoge Veluwe National Park, which you'll explore on an e-bike. View Van Gogh originals at the excellent Kröller-Müller Museum before finishing up the trip in the charming city of Deventer, known for its countless bookshops, picturesque squares, and laid-back atmosphere.

Explore Coastal Landscapes & Dutch Villages by the North Sea - 5 Days

Discover the coastline of the North Sea on this active 5-day adventure. Start the trip in historic Haarlem, where you'll see original works by the great painter Frans Hals before setting off on a self-guided e-bike trip to a beach resort. Ride over to National Park Zuid-Kennemerduine, home to the largest dune area in Holland. Then continue to Bergen, a scenic village that's long been popular with artists. You'll base yourself here for the last few days of the itinerary, riding to a pair of resort towns, visiting the famous cheese market of Alkmaar, and seeing the windmills of Zaanse Schans before the trip ends in Amsterdam.

Know what to pack for a trip to Costa Rica

Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

Packing for your trip to Costa Rica is an exciting part of the adventure but can be challenging. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with various weather patterns and activities, so creating a packing list is essential in the planning process. Whether you're going north or south, to the Pacific or the Caribbean, we've compiled the ultimate packing list for Costa Rica so that you'll know what to bring and what to leave behind.

Countryside Escape in Northern Holland - 5 Days

Dutch cheeses, charming fishing villages, fields of flowers: these are just a few of the pleasures that await you on this quick but colorful 5-day adventure. After a day exploring the canals and museums of Amsterdam, you'll head to Zaanse Schans to see some of Holland's famous windmills. Then continue to the northern countryside, basing yourself in the small cities of Hoorn and Alkmaar. Sample delicious cheeses in centuries-old cheese markets, cruise around a historic harbor on a private boat tour, and ride to the North Sea on an e-bike for a relaxing walk on the beach. Since distances between destinations are short, you'll spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the highlights of this beautiful region.

Cycle through Jordan's otherwordly landscapes

Jordan Cycling Adventure: Madaba to Wadi Rum - 8 Days

Cycle through some of Jordan's most spectacular desert landscapes on this active 8-day itinerary. Setting out from historic Madaba, you'll make your way south along the Dead Sea coast, visiting ancient landmarks like Shobak Castle and the lost city of Petra. Cross shifting sands and rugged mountains to end your adventure among the red dunes of Wadi Rum, where you'll sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp.

Wales in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The weather is fickle in Wales in February. Conditions change suddenly: from fog to frost, gale-force winds to heavy rain and snow, but days are slowly getting longer and lighter and night skies shine brightly with stars. Read on to learn more about traveling to Wales in February.

Gourmet Experience & Outdoor Adventure in Athens, Crete & Santorini - 12 Days

Offering the perfect balance of outdoor activities and gourmet pursuits that provide insight into Greece's history and culture, the pleasures of Athens, Crete, and Santorini await. Begin in Athens and discover the city, kayak around Cape Sounio at sunset, and hike in Parnassos National Park. Then it's off to Crete to sample local cuisine and relax on the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi before ending the adventure with several days on Santorini.

Ice skating at Cardiff Winter Wonderland

Wales in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is dark, chilly, and wet in Wales, but Christmas brings festive sparkle, fairy lights, and markets to towns, cities, villages, and manor houses across the country. Up in the mountains, you might find snow dusting the highest peaks, and if you venture to the coast when the weather cheers up you’ll find it blissfully quiet.

A cold winter morning in the Brecon Beacons, Wales

Wales in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is when winter properly rolls in. This is one of the darkest, wettest months in Wales and much of the country goes into hibernation. Thankfully, there are plenty of winter warmers: cozy afternoons spent browsing galleries and curling up in cafés in cities and towns, fireworks and Christmas fairs full of seasonal sparkle, and a riot of cultural festivals.

The romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley

Wales in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Fall is here: October is the month when the rains properly arrive and the days get shorter, colder, and darker. But there’s brightness, with the woods turning gold and crimson, and Halloween jack-o'-lanterns glowing at the end of the month. Hit good weather and October can be a fine month for walking and tuning into local music and food festivals.

The 11 Best Hotels in San José

Culture, nightlife, haute cuisine—travelers are discovering the virtues of San José. And with plenty of lodging options, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities on offer. Make your decision easy with this list of the best hotels in Costa Rica's capital.

Hiking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path near Fishguard

Wales in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September is one of the loveliest months to visit Wales. The big summer rush is over, the weather is still reasonably warm for hikes on the coast and in the hills, and the woods are beginning to turn golden and russet. This is the month of harvest, with orchards and vineyards now yielding fruit and many a food festival on the agenda.

View over Llyn Nantlle towards Snowdon, Snowdonia

Wales in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is peak season in Wales: the schools are out and there’s a real buzz in the air, with everyone dashing to the coast, hiking in the hills, or clicking into the groove of a summer festival. Crowds swell, the roads are busy and accommodation is often booked solid, but if you like things lively and the weather warm, now is the time to come.

Worm's Head on the Gower Peninsula at sunset

Wales in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is Wales’ hottest month in more ways than one. Temperatures peak, cities and towns heave with people on vacation, roads are busy, coastal digs are fully booked and popular beaches are packed when the sun emerges. If you like things lively, come now for music and food events, beer gardens, and café terraces humming with good vibes.

Beautiful ancient hieroglyphs in the Habu Temple at Luxor

Ultimate Egypt: Cairo, Nile River Cruise & the Red Sea - 15 Days

There's more to Egypt than the great pyramids—this comprehensive 15-day adventure combines the country's most iconic ancient sites with a relaxing Nile River cruise and some downtime on the beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh. Along the way, you'll check off landmarks like the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, visit spectacular riverside temples as you cruise toward Luxor, wander the historic bazaars of Cairo, and snorkel amid the colorful reefs and crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.

Evening light in a bluebell wood near Port Talbot in South Wales

Wales in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is one of the most enticing months to visit Wales: the hills, valleys, and mountains are bursting into new bud and there's plenty of sunshine to break up the showers. This is a fine month for diving into the great outdoors, whether you’re hitting a coast path, hiking around castle ruins, or heading into ancient oak woods misted with bluebells.

Cruise down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan

Journey Down the Nile: Cairo, Luxor, Esna, Kom Ombo & Aswan - 9 Days

Cruise deep into the heart of Egypt on this laid-back, nine-day itinerary. After exploring the many charms of Cairo—from the Great Pyramids to bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar—you'll catch a quick flight south to Luxor to board a memorable Nile River cruise toward Aswan. By day, you'll discover ancient sites and antiquities, like Luxor Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk, while nights are spent falling asleep to the gentle rhythms of the river.

Wales in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Wales has a real spring in its step in March, with daffodils in the hedgerows and warmer, lighter days on the horizon. While you can still expect the odd downpour, this is a fine, quiet month to combine a city stay with a tour of the coast and countryside. Read on to learn more about traveling to Wales in March.

Views over the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

Discover Israel & Jordan: Cities, Deserts & Coasts - 11 Days

Experience two countries and countless ancient wonders on this 11-day odyssey through Israel and Jordan. Starting and ending in Tel Aviv, you'll explore Jerusalem landmarks like Temple Mount and the Garden of Gethsemane, then cross into Jordan to discover Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the Dead Sea. Back in Israel, the trip winds down with visits to the incredible cultural and spiritual sites of the country's north—including Nazareth, Tiberias, Haifa, and Caesarea.

Tel Aviv's ancient & eclectic port of Jaffa

Essential Israel: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & Tiberias - 9 Days

From modernist Tel Aviv to ancient Tiberias, this immersive 9-day itinerary introduces you to the many faces of Israel. Visit the storied Mount of Olives and see the Dead Sea Scrolls up close in Jerusalem, then head off the beaten path to explore iconic historic and religious sites like Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, and the Roman city of Caesarea. End your adventure back in Tel Aviv, where you'll have free time to explore its characterful neighborhoods and Mediterranean beaches.

Beaches along the Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh

Cairo & Sharm El Sheikh - 8 Days

Equal parts cultural tour and beach getaway, this eight-day Egyptian escape takes you from the bustling streets of Cairo to the shores of the Sinai Peninsula. Get to know the capital by visiting the ancient wonders of Giza and Memphis, joining a tour of the medieval Salah El-din Citadel, and taking a stroll through the colorful Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. After a quick flight to the coastal resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, the rest of your trip is free to savor the sun-soaked beaches and clear waters of the Red Sea at your own pace.

Jerusalem's skyline from the Mount of Olives

Discover Israel & Jordan: Jerusalem, Amman, Petra & Tel Aviv - 9 Days

This 9-day journey through Israel and Jordan introduces you to some of the Middle East's most fascinating cultural and spiritual sites. After strolling the ancient waterfront and modernist squares of Tel Aviv, you'll hop over to Jerusalem to soak up the history and atmosphere of the Old City. Head west into Jordan to discover Roman ruins in Amman, then skirt the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo to reach the spectacular Nabataean city of Petra. After a detour into the wilds of the Wadi Rum desert, it's back to Tel Aviv for some beachside downtime before your departure.

Sunrise over Masada and the Judean Desert

Discover Israel & Jordan: Jerusalem, Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum & Tel Aviv - 14 Days

Ancient history comes to life on this immersive two-week journey through Israel and Jordan. Beginning and ending in Tel Aviv, you'll make your way through some of Israel's most important sites—from the 2,000-year-old Garden of Gethsemane to the clifftop fortress of Masada and the fabled city of Jericho. Hop over to Jordan to tour the archaeological wonders of Amman and Petra and spend an unforgettable night camping in the "Valley of the Moon." Back in Tel Aviv, you'll wind down with a day trip along the Mediterranean coast and free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Wine, Sun, and Romance in Athens & the Greek Islands - 13 Days

Experience the best of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini on this romantic 13-day luxury voyage. You'll explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis and sample local delicacies before being whisked away to drink red wines around Nemea and sail along the picturesque coastline of Nafplio. Then it's off to discover the beautiful beaches of Greece's islands, cruise turquoise waters on a catamaran, and cap the experience with a professional photographer documenting your sunkissed excursion around Santorini's most scenic locales.

Relax on a holiday on Oia, a Santorini Greek island

Sun and Sea in Athens, Naxos & Santorini- 11 Days

Soak up the sunshine on this 11-day luxury tour of Greece, Naxos, and Santorini. Enjoy a guided tour of Athens' ancient Acropolis, an escorted drive of the coastline, and a sunset over Cape Sounio. On Naxos, take lessons to windsurf, sail to the Small Cyclades, and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini for a catamaran cruise over pristine waters to swim, snorkel, and lie out on the island's famous volcanic beaches.

Hiking in the Jungfrau Region of Bernese Oberland

8 Best Day Hikes in Switzerland

From snowy peaks and alpine meadows to vineyard-carpeted valleys, Switzerland's stunning scenery makes for some of Europe's best hiking. If you have only one day to spare for a walk here, these eight day hikes are all easily accessible and take you out into the middle of the most exceptional landscapes the country can offer.

Take to the Bernina Alps with the Bernina Express

Switzerland's Best Train Rides

Switzerland's rail network is one of the world's best, defying steep mountain gradients, threading through dramatic valleys and around beautiful lakes to showcase the country's finest scenery. Here is all you need to know about Switzerland's best train rides.

Romania in December: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

December is mid-winter in Romania, and that means cold temperatures and landscapes blanketed in snow and ice. Christmas markets add festive cheer to towns and cities. Read on to find out more about visiting Romania in December.

Romania in November: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

November is the start of winter in Romania and not generally a popular time to visit. However, if the idea of touring atmospheric medieval castles, churches, and monasteries appeals to you, November might be the ideal time. Read on to learn more about visiting Romania in November.

Romania in October: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

October is fall in Romania and the start of the low season. However, if you enjoy pretty fall colors, harvest festivals, and fewer crowds, it's a good time to visit. Read on to find out more about traveling to Romania in October.

Autumn landscape in the Carpathians, Romania

Romania in September: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

September is late summer/early fall in Romania, and this means it's shoulder season for travelers. Sunseekers, outdoor lovers, and cultural enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities, depending on where they go in the country. Read on to learn more about traveling to Romania in September.

Romania in August: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

August is midsummer in Romania and a busy time to visit. The weather is hot and many people flock to the Black Sea coast, but you can also cool off with alternative outdoor adventures in the mountains. Read on to find out more about traveling to Romania in August.

Romania in July: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

July is midsummer in Romania, and that means coastal towns get busy with visitors trying to stay cool. It's hot and relatively dry, so the conditions are ideal for all kinds of cultural and outdoor activities—as long as you don't mind the crowds in the most popular places. Read on to find out more about traveling to Romania in July.

Romania in June: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

June is the start of summer—and of the high season—in Romania. Temperatures soar and many people flock to the Black Sea coast and to the mountains to cool off. Read on to learn more about traveling to Romania in June.

Romania in May: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

May is shoulder season in Romania, with warmer weather and a range of cultural and outdoor attractions ready and waiting. But it's also notoriously wet. Read on to learn more about traveling to Romania in May.

Sunset over a forest and castle in Romania

Romania in April: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

April is spring in Romania and the shoulder season between the quiet, cold winter and the hot, busy summer. With Orthodox Easter usually falling in April and bird migrations to the Danube Delta, there are wonderful cultural and natural attractions to enjoy in Romania in April. Read on to learn more about traveling to Romania in April.

Romania in March: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

March in Romania sits between winter and spring, and visitors may encounter both seasons, depending on where you visit. It's a good time for snow sports and cultural sightseeing. Read on to learn more about traveling to Romania in March.

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