Travel Insights

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

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Costa Rica Nature Expedition: Turrialba, Irazú, Sarapiqui, Arenal, & More - 9 Days

Embark on a nine-day, nature-driven expedition through Costa Rica. After landing in the current capital, discover the history of the former capital of Cartago en route to Irazú Volcano and Turrialba. Next, visit the significant archaeological site of Guayabo National Monument and the biodiverse CATIE Bontanical Gardens. Then, spend time discovering the rainforest and rivers of Sarapiqui. Embark on a chocolate tour before reaching La Fortuna for the grand finale—the beauty of Arenal Volcano and its incredible surroundings.

The Beaches Of Goa - 5 Days

This five-day tour gives travelers a chance to explore the beautiful scenery of Goa. Stroll on the beach, visit a spice plantation, see the Dudhsagar Waterfall, and enjoy Goa's laid-back, and peaceful vibe.

Leh Cultural Tour: Leh, Pangong Tso, and Delhi - 5 Days

This five-day tour takes you to India's far north, into the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas, where you'll explore Ladakh, a region famous for its Tibetan Buddhist culture and centuries-old traditions. You'll visit beautiful monasteries, see small mountain villages, and discover its stunning lunar landscapes of arid mountains, high passes, plateaus, and deep valleys.

Guided Kerry Walk - 5 Days

Explore the glorious southwest of Ireland, a region shaped by ancient glaciers and the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. On this guided tour of the green hills, valleys, and pastures of Kerry, you'll enjoy plenty of fresh air and panoramic views, and you'll have frequent opportunities to meet local people and get a glimpse of daily life in their culture.

Discover Northern Italy, From Florence to Milan - 12 Days

Discover the best of Italy's northern regions, starting in the medieval city of Florence, with guided walking tours and wine tastings in Tuscany. Make your way through San Marino and the coastal cities of Riccione and Ravena before heading into Emilia-Romagna for a culinary exploration through Bologna and Parma. Take a cooking class and learn how to identify wine with a sommelier, then enjoy exploring the extravagant shores of Lake Como and the fashion-focused streets of Milan.

Family Costa Rica Getaway: Arenal & Tambor Beach - 6 Days

This family-friendly trip allows you to experience two sides of Costa Rica. Begin in La Fortuna—home of the stunning Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall—to enjoy nature walks, hikes, and an excursion over hanging bridges. Then, it's off to the Nicoya Peninsula for a few days of fun in the sun, snorkeling, nature discovery on Tambor Beach. The trip winds down in San José to do some sightseeing.

Luxury Costa Rica Adventure: Pacuare, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Osa Peninsula - 11 Days

Enjoy active adventures and luxurious stays on this 11-day Costa Rica journey. Conquer whitewater rapids in Pacuare, before heading to the Arenal Volcano region with opportunities to zipline, hike, and soak in natural hot springs. Then, stop to visit the crocodiles along the Tarcoles River en route to coastal Manuel Antonio, where you'll explore the rainforest and snorkel in pristine waters. Next, hop a flight to an Osa Peninsula eco-lodge, before one last day of exploration in San José.

Hike through the rugged landscapes of Chapada Diamantina National Park

Active Brazil: Trekking in Chapada Diamantina National Park - 11 Days

Head to Brazil's northeastern Bahia region for 11 days of memorable activities that combine city tours with outdoor adventures. It starts on the cobbled streets of historic Salvador and continues inland with excursions in Chapada Diamantina National Park, including hiking around jungle cliffs and swimming in waterfall lagoons. End the trip back on the coast, where you'll kick back in the island paradise of Boipeba.

"Chagras" Cowboys in Cotopaxi National Park

Trekking in Ecuador's Highlands: Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, & More - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring mountainous landscapes in a country that's equally famous for its volcanoes and rainforest. From Quito's colonial city center to the high-elevation hacienda refuge on Cotopaxi, you'll trek through historic sites and stunning nature. Spot rare Andean condors, haggle for goods at a mountain market, summit volcanoes, and more.

Galapagos Island Hopping: Water, Wildlife, & Wilderness - 14 Days

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world's biggest ecological hotspots, with some of the highest percentages of endemic species and dozens of uninhabited islands. You'll spend two weeks exploring the biggest islands to see major landmarks—like the Charles Darwin Research Station and Sierra Negra Volcano—while also spending time on some less-known destinations, experiencing the truly remote nature of the rocky archipelago.

Culture & Nature in Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon, Chimborazo, & Cotopaxi - 14 Days

The landscapes of Ecuador's mainland are as varied as the people who live there, and you'll get to experience both nature and culture on this 14-day itinerary. Meet the locals who call these regions home and learn about their history, way of life and relationship to Ecuador's landscapes. From the Otavaleños and Afro-Ecuadorians in the north and the Quichua and Shuar in the rainforest to the Kichwa in the central Andes, you'll dive deep into everyday life and explore Ecuador's nature.

Best of Ecuador: Quito, Amazon, Cotopaxi, & Galapagos - 14 Days

Experience the best of Ecuador while getting to know its three main ecological regions: the Amazon rainforest, volcano highlands, and Galapagos Islands on this 14-day itinerary. Start the trip in Quito to see the UNESCO designated colonial city center, then head to the rainforest for three days at an ecolodge. Hike near volcanic lagoons and browse mountain markets, then catch a flight to Santa Cruz for three days of exploring uninhabited islands and spotting endemic wildlife.

Go in search for the elusive bengal tiger on a sunrise safari

Tiger Lands of Central India: Delhi, Agra, Bandhavgarh, & Kanha - 12 Days

Come face to face with some of India's most amazing wildlife on this 12-day tiger and temple itinerary through the heart of Central India. Start in Delhi, where you'll take a tour through one of the oldest living cities in the world, visit Agra for a sunrise trip to the Taj Mahal, stop by Gwalior to explore the ancient fort and wander through the faded palaces of the Lost City of Orchha. Next, you'll travel into the heart of tiger country on sunrise and sunset wildlife safaris through some of India's biggest and most beautiful national parks.

Two rivers (Bhagirathi and Alaknanda) merge to create the Ganges

North India Garhwal Pilgrim Trek - 19 Days

This epic tour combines a multi-day trek with sacred Hindu sites in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Starting from Delhi, you and your guide will drive north to the Ganges to kick-off several days in the Himalayan foothills passing forests, rice paddies, meadows, bubbling streams, and snow-capped peaks while staying in a mix of lodges and camps. Finish with a night in Uttarkashi—home to numerous temples and ashrams—before swinging through another holy city (Haridwar) on your way back to Delhi.

Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur - 5 Days

This five-day tour includes the best of India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), including the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, Jaipur's City Palace, and lots more. See the highlights of northern India in this fast-paced, fun-filled tour that gives you a taste of the region's fascinating culture and beautiful architecture.

Explore Ecuador: Quito & Galápagos Islands Cruise - 10 Days

Spend time in Ecuador's capital city and explore the biodiverse Galápagos from the comfort of a cruise ship on this 10-day itinerary. After touring colonial churches and hiking in Cotopaxi National Park, catch a flight across the water to the Galápagos Islands and the launching point for the cruise. You'll wake up at a new island every day, maximizing your opportunities for sightseeing and exploring.

Best of Ecuador: Quito, Mindo Cloud Forest, & the Galapagos Islands - 10 Days

Ecuador is famous for many ecological and cultural highlights, and you'll get to visit two—Quito and the Galapagos Islands—on this 10-day itinerary. Start in Quito to tour the colonial city center, hike to volcanic lagoons, and explore the biodiversity of the Mindo Cloud Forest. Continue the trip with a flight to the Galapagos, where you'll spend four days relaxing on sunny beaches, visiting uninhabited islands, and looking for rare and endemic animals.

Mountains & Rainforest in Ecuador: Quito, Andes, & Amazon - 10 Days

See rare wildlife, climb into the clouds, traverse volcanoes, and more on this 10-day Ecuador itinerary. You'll get to experience cultural highlights, like Quito's UNESCO-designated city center and the Otavalo market, but the true gem of this trip is nature. From the lush cloud forests of Mindo to the ecologically diverse Amazon, there's no shortage of wildlife sightings: howler monkeys, pink river dolphins, and iridescent blue butterflies all call this region home.

Wildlife & Nature in Ecuador - Quito, Amazon, & Galapagos - 10 Days

Ecuador is one of the world's hotspots for ecological diversity, so it makes sense to spend this 10-day trip exploring nature as much as possible. Start in Quito to see the UNESCO heritage city center, then head to the rainforest for three days at an ecolodge where you'll spot macaws, pink river dolphins, and howler monkeys. Round out your trip with a flight to the Galapagos, where giant tortoises, white-sand beaches, and uninhabited islands await.

Ecuador Mountains to Coast: Andes, Quito, Cotopaxi, & More - 10 Days

From Quito's colonial center to the volcanoes of Cotopaxi National Park, explore the best of Ecuador's mainland on this packed 10-day itinerary. Hike along the rim of volcanic lagoons, barter for Ecuadorian handicrafts at markets, and visit small mountain villages. You'll see cascading waterfalls, lush orchid farms, high altitude plateaus, and much more as you traverse the countryside.

Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 15 Days

This 2-week trip takes you through Portugal, revealing its Jewish heritage with visits to synagogues, museums, monuments, and old Jewish quarters in towns like Belmonte, Monsanto, Sortelha, and Castelo de Vide. You'll enjoy guided tours of cities like Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, and Évora, as well as Sintra with its National Palace of Pena and the Portuguese Riviera. Relax along the Douro River with a wine tasting and river cruise, plus explore the castle in Amarante, the monasteries in Batalha and Alcobaça, and the Amoreira Aqueduct in the walled city of Elvas.

Bridge of S. Gonçalo in Amarante, Portugal

Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 14 Days

This trip takes you from north to south, discovering Portugal's Jewish heritage with city tours in Porto, Lisbon, Évora, and Tomar, plus a visit to Sintra with its National Palace of Pena and the Portuguese Riviera. Relax in the Douro Valley with a wine tasting and a river cruise, and then explore the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, the castle in Amourol, and the synagogue and old Jewish quarter of Castelo de Vide. Other highlights include the community museum in Belmonte, the Amoreira Aqueduct in Elvas, and Amarante's iconic stone bridge.

Jewish Quarter in Castelo de Vide, Portugal

Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 13 Days

Explore the history and heritage of Portugal's Jewish communities in this 13-day tour, which guides you through cities like Porto, Lisbon, Évora, and Tomar, as well as Sintra and the National Palace of Pena. You'll enjoy a wine tasting and river cruise in the Douro Valley, plus visits to Almourol Castle, the Portuguese Riviera, and the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça. Discover synagogues, old Jewish quarters, monuments, and museums in the country's small villages of Belmonte, Monsanto, and Sortelha, as well as Monsaraz, Elvas, and Castelo de Vide.

Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 12 Days

This trip takes you through Portugal's Jewish history, with guided tours of several cities and sites, including Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Belmonte, and the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça. You'll explore synagogues, museums, and old Jewish quarters throughout the country, including in the small villages of Monsanto, Sortelha, Marvão, and Castelo de Vide. Enjoy some time to relax with a wine tasting and river cruise in the Douro Valley, plus a tour of Almourol Castle, Sintra, the National Palace of Pena, and the Portuguese Riviera.

Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 11 Days

Explore Portugal's Jewish history with guided tours of cities like Porto, Lisbon, and Évora, visiting synagogues, museums, monuments, and castles. You'll learn all about Jewish heritage in the small villages of Portugal, such as Belmonte, Monsanto, Trancoso, and Sortelha, plus discover the Templar City of Tomar. Enjoy the Douro River Valley with a wine tasting and a boat cruise, then end your trip with a tour of Sintra, National Palace of Pena, and the Portuguese Riveria.

Hiking in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador - 7 Days

Ecuador is famous for its snow-capped volcanoes and UNESCO historic sites, and you'll get to visit both on this 7-day itinerary. In Quito, visit colonial churches, stand on both hemispheres at the Middle of the World, and hike the nearby Ruco Pichincha Volcano. You'll also hike the Pasochoa Volcano, admire the scenery in Cotopaxi, and browse for gifts at mountain markets.

Best of Ecuador: Quito & the Galapagos Islands - 7 Days

This whirlwind trip takes you to many of Ecuador's top highlights in a single week. Stroll the colonial streets of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Then it's off to the Galapagos Islands for four days of hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing on the beach. From snow-capped peaks to deep waters filled with sea turtles and penguins, this diverse itinerary has something for everyone.

Nature & Culture in Ecuador: Quito and the Amazon Rainforest - 7 Days

If you want to visit Ecuador but can't decide between city or rainforest life, this itinerary has the best of both worlds. Start in Quito to see colonial churches and visit the equatorial line, then head to the Amazon rainforest. Spend three days in Yasuni National Park relaxing at an ecolodge, panning for gold in a stream, and learning to make chocolate the authentic way.

Ecuadorian Adventure in Quito: Otavalo, Cotopaxi, & Cloud Forest - 7 Days

Use Ecuador's capital as your base for this adventure-packed, weeklong trip. Explore Quito's colonial past and visit the equator line, head to the lush Mindo Cloud Forest to see its incredible diversity of wildlife, and browse local markets for handmade art and handicrafts. No trip to Ecuador would be complete without a visit to one of the country's volcanos, and you'll get to hike two: Quilotoa and Cotopaxi.

Galápagos Island Hopping: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz - 5 Days

If you're short on time but don't want to cut back on experiences, this 5-day island hopping trip to the Galápagos is for you. Fly out of Quito, heading for San Cristobal—home of the famous sea lion colony and Kicker Rock. Then, take a speedboat to Santa Cruz, where you'll see giant tortoises and visit an uninhabited island.

Explore Quito: History, Culture, & Volcanoes - 5 Days

If you want to experience the best that Ecuador has to offer but don't have time to wander far, this 5-day trip is full of adventures. Explore Quito—the site of the equatorial line, historic downtown, and ethnographic museums—then head out of the city to stretch your legs on the hiking trails. You'll hike on two nearby volcanoes, look for rare wildlife, and breathe in the fresh Andes mountain air.

Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu, Luxor

Egypt in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

With its cooler temperatures and bustling energy, December is one of the best times of the year to visit Egypt. The weather is pleasant and special events abound as tourists spill in for the holidays. It's more crowded than usual; however, the extra bodies also bring an exciting, fun-filled atmosphere with crowded markets and vibrant nightlife.

Egypt in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November is one of the best times of year to visit Egypt. It's the beginning of winter and the temperatures cool off dramatically, offering respite from the scorching heat of the summer months. The crowds grow in size this time of year but don't yet hit the peak that arrives in December and January. It's a fantastic month to discover the many treasures of the world's oldest civilization.

Egypt in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By October, temperatures throughout Egypt have finally begun cooling down (although keep in mind that "cool" is a relative term in this part of the world). Daytime highs range from 88 to 100°F, depending on where you are in the country; however, it's not the unbearable heat of the summertime (which hovers constantly in the triple digits). Not only that, the crowd sizes are more moderate, making it an excellent time to explore the ancient ruins or swim in the crystal blue ocean.

Egypt in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September marks the end of the hot summer and the beginning of the transition into cooler weather in Egypt. Temperatures are still warm but no longer sweltering hot, especially toward to middle and end of the month. It's a fantastic time to wander through the ancient ruins in or swim in the turquoise sea, taking advantage of the "best of both worlds" atmosphere.

Egypt in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The summer season in Egypt is a hot time and August is no exception. Daytime temperatures can range 96 to 105°F and the midday heat can at times feel sweltering. That said, it's also a time when very few tourists visit and prices are low, making it an enticing option for certain types of travelers. Although hot, the Pyramids of Giza and other wonders are no less awe-inspiring this time of year.

Egypt in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is the hottest month of the year in Egypt and for that reason, it 's considered low season. Due to the high temperatures, many tourists avoid booking trips and the crowds thin out substantially. This makes it a great time to visit if you're someone who can tolerate a little extra heat—you'll have much more room at the pyramids and other historical sites, and the costs go down, too. Best of all, there are still plenty of destinations—particularly on the beaches—where temperatures are still pleasant and the evenings cool off considerably.

Egypt in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By June, summertime is in full swing and, along with it, considerable heat. That doesn't mean you can't have a fantastic Egyptian vacation this time of year but you do have to plan your destinations a bit more thoroughly. The beaches along the Red Sea are stunning and full of life and in Cairo, the temperatures are cooler as well. Southern destinations, however, can reach temperatures of up to 106°F during the days, making it an undesirable time for most tourist attractions. The upshot is there are far fewer tourists during this low season.

Egypt in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

May is the beginning of the summer in Egypt and one of the hotter times of the year to visit. It's a magical time to head to the Red Sea coastal resorts where temperatures are slightly cooler and the gentle sea breezes help temper the heat. Plus, you can often scoop up end-of-season deals and there are fewer tourists crowding the attractions. Inland and farther south, the heat can be oppressive and the desert is known for sandstorms this time of year so it's best to stick to the northern region.

Egypt in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April is still considered shoulder season in Egypt, however, the weather is considerably hotter than it is in May and toward the end of the month the crowds begin clearing out significantly. This makes it a great time for a visit, particularly if you can tolerate the more intense heat that begins arriving at the end of the moth. It' not scorching hot yet and you can enjoy a "best of both worlds" scenario where the weather is reasonably pleasant but the crowds are smaller.

Egypt in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is shoulder season in Egypt and without a doubt one of the best times of year to visit. The weather begins warming up as winter comes to an end; however, the temperatures are not yet scorching hot. This makes it a fantastic time to stroll through the ancient ruins and explore the historical sites. Plus, as a bonus, the crowds begin thinning out, giving you the space you soak up all of the wonder.

Egypt in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

High season is in full effect in Egypt in February. The weather is cooler this time of the year and the air is more pleasant, a fact that draws many tourists to visit the world's oldest civilization. It's the perfect time to check out the Pyramids of Giza and other key historical sites where you'll find temperatures idyllic for strolling around the magnificent ruins and watching the ancient cities bustle with life.

Egypt in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January is wintertime in Egypt which makes it one of the best times of the year to visit. The weather is cooler in Cairo and around the Nile-Delta region so you won't have to deal with the stifling heat of the summer months yet it's still sunny and beautiful. Farther south, temperatures stay hot but ease up in the evenings. The pleasant weather brings larger crowds but if you can tolerate other tourists, it's the perfect time for a trip.

Best Time of Year to Visit Cinque Terre: Seasons, Travel Tips, & More

Located in northwestern Italy, Cinque Terre is a Mediterranean dreamscape as beautiful as any other in Italy. However, the seasons determine the type of holiday you can expect here. Fall and winter bring grey skies and chilly weather. Summer is the most popular month, with the beaches of Monterosso al Mare overflowing with sunseekers, making the shoulder seasons the ideal time to travel. But there are other secrets to seasonal travel to Cinque Terre, and you'll find them below.

Oslo & Bergen: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Norway typically plan a trip for 5 to 7 days when combining both Oslo and Bergen with Balestrand. If you're not interested in Balestrand, 5 to 6 days is enough for your Oslo and Bergen trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 4 days. Read on for the best itineraries including Oslo and Bergen and beyond.

Oslo, Bergen, & Tromsø: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø spend about 7 to 10 days in Norway, which usually includes some time in Flåm as well. For travelers wanting to visit Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø exclusively, plan 7 to 9 days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 6 days. Check out our favorite Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø trips below.

Barcelona & Madrid: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 6 to 9 days is the perfect amount of time for a Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and Madrid. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as about 5 days. 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 Seville, Valencia, or Córdoba. See more ideas for Barcelona and Madrid itineraries below.

Taste your way through a culinary tour of Spain

Barcelona, Seville, & Madrid: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 8 to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for a Spain trip with stops in Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 6 or 7 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Granada or Valencia. Keep reading for more inspiring Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid itineraries.

Nice & Paris: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Nice and Paris spend about 11 to 14 days in France, which usually includes some time in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille as well. If you're only headed to Nice and Paris, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 7 to 8 days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in 7 to 6 days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries including Nice and Paris and beyond.

Buenos Aires & Mendoza: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 7 to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for a Argentina trip with stops in both Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 5 or 6 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Iguazu Falls, Salta, or Santiago. Get inspired with our Buenos Aires and Mendoza trip ideas below.

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