Travel Insights

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

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Sail amid the karst landscape of Ha Long Bay in a traditional junk boat, Vietnam

10 Days in Vietnam - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Vietnam, you can embark on a highlights tour featuring the energetic cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and spend a night onboard a cruise in Ha Long Bay. Or, for a more off-the-beaten-path tour, focus on northern Vietnam and hike through lush rice-terraced valleys. Vietnam is also the perfect place for foodies to hop between lively markets, while those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation can focus on southern Vietnam's villages and the beach-studded island of Phu Quoc.

Cai Rang floating market on the Can Tho River

5 Days in Vietnam - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Turn a brief five-day vacation to northern Vietnam into an unforgettable discovery of Hanoi's secret gems and a visit to the beautiful river lands of Ninh Bình Province. You could also see the central coast and the ancient citadel of Hue or travel farther south beyond the bright lights of Ho Chi Minh City, where an exciting excursion to the Mekong Delta awaits. And if you're eager for a hike amid the rice terraces and humble villages of rural Vietnam, consider five days to discover the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

BALI, INDONESIA - SEPTEMBER 17, 2019: Couple at the entrance temple of Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang. In Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is by far one of the best times of the year to visit Indonesia. The weather is warm and beautiful with sunny skies and an almost complete lack of rain anywhere; yet the crowds thin out as kids go back to school so there are fewer tourists than July and August. The result is an idyllic destination with beautiful beaches, stunning volcanos, and reasonable crowd sizes.

Indonesia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

August marks the middle of the high season in Indonesia when the weather is hot and sunny; the skies are blue; and the tourist attractions are bustling with people. It's one of the best months of the year to plan a vacation, whether you plan to head to the white sands beaches of Bali or the volcanic peaks of Java. The only downside is that it can be crowded so plan accordingly.

Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple is a very popular destination in Bali,Indonesia

Indonesia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is a month when Indonesia is at its absolute best. The weather is dry, the ocean is warm, and the beaches are full of people surfing, snorkeling, and playing in the sun. It's the perfect time to hike one of the volcanos, explore the many temples, and wander through the bustling street markets. It's high season, and hence more crowded and expensive. Still, if you're seeking a vacation with great weather and plenty of activities, it won't disappoint.

Balinese girl performing traditional dress with Hindu temple background.

Indonesia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

June is one of the best months of the year to visit Indonesia. It's hot, sunny, and dry with blue skies overhead and idyllic conditions for activities like beach-going, volcano hiking, and exploring the many cultural sites that the region has to offer. Tourist numbers are higher this time of year but not as crowded as later in the summer, providing a great blend of good conditions and space to move around.

LOMBOK, INDONESIA - September.10.2019: Swing at Kuta beach, Lombok, Indonesia.

Indonesia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

May is the beginning of the dry season when Indonesia transitions from a long, wet winter into summer. The weather is sunny and beautiful—with occasional scattered showers— and tourists begin arriving again. The white sand beaches along Bali's southern coast are idyllic and still fairly uncrowded, and the volcanos on Java, Lombok, and other islands are finally in the perfect condition for climbing.

Sunrise and mist at Batur volcano, Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia.

Indonesia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April is a shoulder season in Indonesia when the country shifts from its wet, rainy low-season into a more pleasant dry season that's sunny and full of tourists. It still gets a fair amount of rain—in fact, some consider April to still be wet season. However, you'll find far more dry days than earlier in the year and there are hardly any tourists, which makes it a great "best of both worlds" destination.

Traditional fishing boats at Sanur beach, Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is a rainy month in Indonesia, and large swaths of the country get pummeled with tropical storms. Although Bali remains less affected, many of the other islands are susceptible to flooding and washed-out roads. That said, the rain usually comes in short, intense bursts followed by sunshine and blue skies. Plus, the crowd sizes are small so if you don't mind a little bit of rain, it can actually be a great time of year for a visit.

Beratan Lake in Bali Indonesia, June 6 2018 : Balinese villagers participating in traditional religious Hindu procession in Ulun Danu temple Beratan Lake in Bali Indonesia.

Indonesia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

During February, rain falls on many of Indonesia's islands as tropical monsoons roll across the sea. It's considered low season—tourists aren't out in heavy numbers, making it a great time to come to escape the crowds. The storms typically don't last more than a few hours and the rest of the time it's full of lush, green jungles and sunny beaches with blue shorelines.

Beautiful landmark Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple in Bali, Indonesia.

Indonesia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January is the wet season in Indonesia, and many of the islands get hit with rain—making it a less-than-ideal time if you're seeking sunshine and beach-going activities. That said, it usually only rains for a small portion of the day and there are plenty of locations where the precipitation is lighter. Best of all, there are hardly any people around, so you won't have to contend with the crowds that swarm beach resorts during other times of the year.

Indonesia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Rainy season is in full effect in Indonesia in December. The monsoons sweep across the ocean and bring rain to the majority of the islands, making it a less-than-ideal time weather-wise. That said, there are hardly any crowds during this month (with the exception of the Christmas holiday) and prices are often cheaper. For those reasons, some tourists find December the perfect time to plan a vacation.

Indonesia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Indonesia is wet and rainy in November, although that doesn't necessarily mean it's not a good time for a vacation. It rains to some degree on most days; however, the storms don't usually last for more than a few hours and the rest of the time it's sunny and beautiful. Plus, prices are lower and crowd sizes are smaller.

Indonesia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October marks the beginning of the rainy season in Indonesia and although there are still plenty of things to do that don't involve beaches and sunshine, it's not the most ideal time for a vacation if weather is a big factor for you. That said, it's a great time to go with fewer crowds and the prices are much cheaper. Plus, temperatures stay warm and the rain showers typically only last a few hours so some travelers find it worth the other perks.

Guide to British Columbia's Regions

British Colombia has the perfect trip for everyone, any time of year. From cosmopolitan Vancouver to the vast tracks of wilderness in the north, from wine tasting in the rolling hills of the Okanagan to salmon-fishing in wild waters of Haida Gwaii, there really is something for everyone. To help you figure out your perfect trip, we've broken down the main regions for you to consider.

The high-altitude town of Manali in northern India

10 Days in India - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in India is enough to go beyond the highlights of one region, enjoying off-the-beaten-path sites or remote locales that wouldn't be possible with a shorter trip. Pair a classic Golden Triangle Tour—including a sunrise Taj Mahal visit—with two days in Ranthambore National Park, a protected tiger sanctuary. Or, experience the best of Rajasthan, from the Golden City of Jaisalmer to the blue houses of Jodhpur. Other options include a guided hiking trip in Kerala, and a multi-country tour that crosses the Himalaya into Nepal.

2 Weeks in India - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks to explore India, you can take your time and get to know more about the country. Visit the Golden Triangle and relax on Kerala's beaches, or opt for a cultural itinerary that includes some of India's most intricately-carved temples. For a more active vacation, spend two weeks cycling through Karnataka and Kerala, or combine your trip to India with a visit to Nepal to see temples, palaces, and views of the Himalaya.

Row of ocean fishing boats in the canals of the Kerala backwaters

1 Week in India - 5 Regional Itinerary Ideas

With only a week to visit India, maximize your time by sticking to a single region. Opt for a tour of the popular Golden Triangle—New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—or take in the highlights of Rajasthan. If you're looking to relax, head to the beachs of Kerala. Active travelers will love a bike tour through Karnataka, with stops at hills stations and national parks. And if you're looking for a cultural experience, head into the Himalayas to see monasteries and temples in Ladakh.

5 Days in India - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days is a quick trip to India, but you'll still have time to explore important sites, stroll through markets, and discover a slice of this fascinating country. Try a Golden Triangle tour to see Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur, or pair Maharashtra wine tasting with Mumbai. Other options include tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park, visiting Buddhist temples in the Himalayas, or relaxing on the beaches of Goa. Find out more with these five unique itinerary ideas.

5 Days in Ecuador - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you've only got five days in Ecuador, pick from one of the country's three main ecological zones to maximize your time. Base yourself in Quito and explore the surrounding region, or head directly to Yasuni National Park for four days of wildlife viewing and rainforest adventures. If you prefer remote wilderness, bypass the city and fly directly to the Galapagos to see giant tortoises, snorkel, and visit an uninhabited island.

Fes & Chefchaouen: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers who want to visit Fes and Chefchaouen typically plan a trip for 7 to 8 days that also includes Marrakech, Merzouga, and Ouarzazate. If you're only headed to Fes and Chefchaouen, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in about 4 days. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as 3 days. Read on for the best itineraries including Fes and Chefchaouen and beyond.

Athens, Naxos, Santorini, & Mykonos: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 9 to 12 days is perfect for a well-paced Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Mykonos. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 7 or 8 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Chania, Ios, or Nafpaktos. Get inspired with our Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Mykonos trip ideas below.

Athens & Santorini: Best Itinerary Ideas

Seven to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Greece travelers interested in visiting both Athens and Santorini, especially when also including Mykonos. If you're only headed to Athens and Santorini, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 5 to 7 days. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as 4 days. For the best itineraries including Athens and Santorini, keep reading below.

A view of the White Tower in Thessaloniki

Athens & Thessaloniki: Best Itinerary Ideas

Seven to 11 days is a great length for a Greece trip with stops in Athens and Thessaloniki. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 3 days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Crete. See more ideas for Athens and Thessaloniki itineraries below.

Athens, Naxos, & Mykonos: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 12 days is the most popular trip length for travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos, especially when also including Santorini. For travelers wanting to visit Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos exclusively, plan 7 to 8 days for a well-paced trip. For the best itineraries including Athens, Naxos, and Mykonos, keep reading below.

Athens & Naxos: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Greece typically plan a trip for 9 to 12 days when combining both Athens and Naxos with Santorini and Mykonos. For travelers wanting to visit Athens and Naxos exclusively, plan 5 to 8 days for a well-paced trip. Check out our favorite Athens and Naxos trips below.

Athens, Naxos, & Ios: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten to 14 days is the most popular trip length for travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Ios, especially when also including Tinos and Syros in the itinerary. If you're only headed to Athens, Naxos, and Ios, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 7 to 8 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 5 or 6 days. Check out our favorite Athens, Naxos, and Ios trips below.

Santorini: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Greece typically plan a trip for 7 to 10 days when combining Santorini with Athens and Mykonos. If you're not interested in Athens and Mykonos, 3 to 4 days is enough for your Santorini trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as 2 days. Check out our favorite Santorini trips below.

Athens, Naxos, & Tinos: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 7 to 8 days is the perfect amount of time for a Greece trip with stops in Athens, Naxos, and Tinos. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 6 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Mykonos, Ios, or Chania. Keep reading for more inspiring Athens, Naxos, and Tinos itineraries.

Arenal, one of Costa Rica's most majestic landmarks, towers over the countryside

Arenal & La Fortuna: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Arenal spend about 8 to 10 days in Costa Rica, which usually includes some time in Manuel Antonio and Monteverde as well. If you're not interested in Manuel Antonio and Monteverde, 4 to 5 days is enough for your Arenal trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as 3 days. Read on for the best itineraries including Arenal, La Fortuna and beyond.

A view over the beaches at Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Manuel Antonio spend about 8 to 10 days in Costa Rica, which usually includes some time in Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde as well. For travelers wanting to visit Manuel Antonio exclusively, plan about 5 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in 3 or 4 days for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Manuel Antonio trips below.

Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Costa Rica travelers interested in visiting the Gulf of Papagayo, especially when also including Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde. For travelers wanting to visit the Gulf of Papagayo exclusively, plan about 5 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in 3 or 4 days for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Gulf of Papagayo trips below.

Dubrovnik: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Dubrovnik spend about 7 to 8 days in Croatia, which usually includes some time in Split, Hvar, and Korčula as well. If you're only headed to Dubrovnik, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in about 5 days. Travelers with limited time can see the highlights of the city in as few as 2 days. Read on for the best itineraries including Dubrovnik and beyond.

Petra: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Jordan typically plan a trip for five to six days when combining Petra with Amman, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. If you're not interested in those extensions, two to three days are enough for your Petra trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Petra and beyond.

Two Maasai giraffe, male and female, next to an acacia tree in the Masai Mara, Kenya.

Kenya in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

December is a wonderful time to visit Kenya—the weather is warm and reasonably dry yet the crowd sizes are still manageable, particularly at the beginning of the month. You'll get some rain but it's not constant, offering plenty of days to take a wildlife safari or stroll through the markets of Nairobi. Another great thing about this shoulder season is that prices are lower so you can find plenty of deals on hotels and airfare.

Beautiful lion in the tall grass of the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Kenya in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November can be a fantastic time for a Kenya vacation—the weather is warm, the tourist numbers are moderate, and the Mombasa Carnival gets underway on the coast. That said, you'll need to prepare for some rain. It's a shoulder season which means you get a little bit of everything: some days are sunny while others get pummeled with rain showers. They don't typically last long, however, so as long as you bring a good rain jacket you're still bound to enjoy yourself.

Safari cars in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Kenya in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is a fantastic time to visit Kenya, although you'll want to come earlier in the month for the best tourist conditions. The first couple of weeks are dry with warm, pleasant temperatures. Herds of wildebeests migrate across the Mara River, along with giraffes, zebras, and other savannah creatures. By the end of the month, however, the rains begin and wildlife becomes harder to spot.

Zebra mingle with thousands of wildebeest on the banks of the Mara River during the great migration. In the Masai Mara, Kenya. Every year 1.5 million wildebeest make the trek from Tanzania to Kenya

Kenya in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is one of the best times of the year to visit Kenya. It's still hot and sunny but the crowds have tapered off ever-so-slightly. The last of the wildebeests are wandering through Maasai Mara so you can still catch their migration, and the rains of October haven't yet arrived. Prices remain high, as it's officially considered peak season; however, you won't contend with the huge masses of mid-summer.

Camels at African sandy Diani beach, Indian ocean in Kenya, African landscape.

Kenya in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

August is high season in Kenya when the weather is warm and dry. The lack of rain, combined with ideal air temperatures, makes it an excellent month to watch the Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara, or treat yourself to the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Just keep in mind that the nice weather brings crowds and it will be busier this time of year.

Giraffes in the Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli National Park in Kenya

Kenya in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By July, the dry season has arrived, the rains are gone, and high tourist season is in full swing. It's a fantastic time to watch wildlife roam the savannah or soak up breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It's relatively cool in Nairobi, averaging in the 70s, with slightly hotter temperatures along the coast. The only downside to visiting in July is that crowds begin arriving in large numbers.

Small herd of giraffes grazes near a green bush in the African savannah. Funny scene. Jeep Safari Masai Mara, Kenya. The concept of active, environmental and photo tourism

Kenya in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

After a short rainy season between March and May, June ushers in the beginning of drier weather—and the onset of Kenya's busy high season. The first part of the month is typically a bit wetter and, as you move toward the middle and end, it gets drier and sunnier. The combination of pleasant weather, excellent wildlife viewing, and an abundance of tourist activities make it a great time of year to visit.

Kenya in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The rainy season is in full effect during the month of May when showers arrive in the afternoons throughout most of the country. Also dubbed the "green season," the vegetation is lush and beautiful this time of year but wildlife is harder to spot. There are lots of mosquitos and, in addition to the rain, it's hot and muggy. The upside, however, is that crowd sizes are small and prices are excellent.

Cheetah hunting in a savannah in Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Kenya in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April is a wet, rainy month in Kenya. The coasts are extremely hot and rainstorms are frequent and steady. Meanwhile, wildlife is tougher to spot on safaris due to thick vegetation and lack of animals visiting water sources. The upshot, however, is that it's a cheap time of year to visit—and there are hardly any tourists. Plus, since rain often only falls in the afternoon, you'll still have time to enjoy the morning hours.

African sunset with acacia tree in Maasai Mara, Kenya. Savannah background in Africa. Typical landscape in Kenya.

Kenya in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

In March, the weather transitions quickly from "hot and dry" to "wet and rainy." The precipitation renders many of Kenya's national parks inaccessible and it becomes harder to book safaris or view wildlife. That said, prices are fantastic this time of year and there are hardly any tourists. Plus, if the rains arrive later in the month as they occasionally do, you can enjoy all the benefits of a March trip without the lousy weather.

Two small baby elephants playing at elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa.

Kenya in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

February is the dry season in Kenya and, due to the lack of rain, also the high season. The absence of mud and wet soil makes the savannah easy to access and perfect for wildlife safaris. Destinations like Samburu National Reserve and Maasai Mara teem with elephants, zebras, and giraffes, and others while temperatures in the city are warm and pleasant, lingering in the high 70s to mid-80s. Do keep in mind that this is peak season—expect more tourists and higher prices than other times of year.

A lioness portrait with safari car in the Masai Mara national park, Kenya. Animal wildlife. Safari concept. Vacation in Africa

Kenya in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Due to the dry weather, January is considered high season in Kenya—a great time to spot spectacular wildlife in Maasai Mara or soak up stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park. The temperatures in Nairobi typically hover in the high 70s to mid-80s while coastal towns around Mombasa average about 90°F. It's a fantastic time for hiking, exploring, and safari-going, the only downside being that it tends to be crowded.

Ultimate Spain Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days

We interviewed local experts, scrutinized hundreds of actual trips, and considered the feedback of intrepid travelers in order to put together the very best Spain itineraries for first-time travelers. Plan for five days to two weeks with the itineraries below, all crafted by local travel specialists.

The stunning Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg

Soviet History Tour: Moscow & St. Petersburg - 7 Days

Take a tour through Russia's two capitals, where you will experience the impact of its Soviet history firsthand. Start with a tour of Moscow, before continuing on to St. Petersburg, where you'll find a mix of Eastern and Western influences. Walk through the medieval halls of the Kremlin, explore Moscow's palatial metro stations built under Stalin's rule, stand on the decks of the Aurora Cruiser that played an important role in the 1917 Russian Revolution, and more.

The Domes of St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow

Luxury Highlights of Moscow and St. Petersburg - 5 Days

Get a crash course in Russia's multi-faceted identity and history on this tour of its two capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. This highlights tour will take you to the places you've read about in the books, as well as those known only to locals. Tour the medieval fortress of the Kremlin, view world-famous art in the ornate halls of the Hermitage Museum, shop like a local at GUM and the Eliseevsky Supermarket, and more.

Family Trip to Indonesia: Bali, Gili Air & Lombok - 21 Days

On this three-week tour, enjoy waterfalls and hot springs, take bicycle tours, climb a mountain, go snorkeling, and spend plenty of time relaxing on gorgeous beaches on Bali, Lombok, and tiny Gili Air. There will be plenty of sights and activities included every day, but also enough downtime to relax around hotel pools and spend quality family time together.

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