Travel Insights

South Island Tour: Christchurch, Akaroa & Hanmer Springs - 5 Days

Enjoy the outdoors of New Zealand's South Island on this quick, five-day trip. Begin in Christchurch and go punting on the Avon River, stroll Hagley Park, and zipline through the Adventure Park. Next, tour the Banks Peninsula, where time stands still. Discover the bays, villages, galleries, and cafés, as well as Akaroa, nestled in the heart of a volcano. Go swimming with Hector’s dolphins and view little blue penguins on a night tour. Then, head to Hanmer Springs for a therapeutic soak or two in the thermal pools, take a scenic hike, or go mountain biking along New Zealand High Country and Hanmer Forest Park.

Northern New Zealand: Auckland, Bay of Islands & Matakana - 5 Days

On this short-yet-eventful tour of New Zealand, experience both the city and island life. Begin in Auckland, and take a scenic dinner cruise along the local harbors and marinas. Then, travel to the Bay of Islands and enjoy time in Paihia. Swim with dolphins, lounge on Te Ti Beach, and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided history tour and a cultural performance. The trip concludes with an excursion into the Waipoua Forest, with its famous trees and acclaimed Matakohe Kauri Museum.

Luxury Annapurna Panorama Trek & Jungle Safari - 13 Days

Experience all that Nepal has to offer in this luxury trip that combines the thrill of trekking the Himalaya, going on exotic jungle safaris (by jeep and by boat), and exploring both city centers and rural life... all in style. This itinerary combines a 4-day trek through the Annapurna region with time to explore Kathmandu, the lakeside city of Pokhara, as well as a stint in the jungle, where you'll stay in an elephant camp. Spend your days adventuring and your nights relaxing in luxe accommodations, as you enjoy sweeping vistas and stellar hospitality.

Jewels of The Nile: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan - 8 days

Explore Egypt on a luxurious Nile River cruise as you visit Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Highlights will include visiting the Pyramids of Giza, seeing art and artifacts at the Egyptian Museum, and Karnak Temple in Luxor. As you cruise down The Nile, you will also have time to relax and take in the scenery.

Discover the Great Pyramids, Aswan & Abu Simbel - 8 days

On this eight-day cruise, you'll have time to marvel at the wonders of Egypt and relax while traveling on one of the largest artificial lakes in the world — Lake Nasser. You'll see major sights like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the ancient structures of Aswan, and the monumental temples at Abu Simbel.

Ancient Egypt & Oasis Adventure: Cairo, Alexandria & Siwa - 10 days

Discover some of Egypt's most historic and exotic locales as you travel from Cairo across the country to the western oasis of Siwa. First, marvel at the great pyramids of Giza, see pharaohs' treasures in the Egyptian Museum, and tour one of the finest libraries of the ancient world in Alexandria. Then continue west to the Siwa Oasis to visit archaeological sites and enjoy a desert safari.

6 Days in Argentina - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Six days is a quick trip to Argentina—you'll want to focus on regional exploration to make the most of your time. Combine a day of tango and touring Buenos Aires with a journey through Mendoza's wine country or the wonder of Iguazú Falls. Another option is to head south to Patagonia; choose between the diverse marine ecosystem of Puerto Madryn, seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier up close in El Calafate, or traveling all the way down to the Ushuaia, the Southernmost city in the world.

16 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In sixteen days, you could experience two or even three different regions of Spain. You can combine a highlights tour of Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia with an island hop around the Balearic Islands. There's also the option for a self-drive road trip to either Basque Country or southern Spain, and you could indulge your appetites by visiting the best tapas bars and taking the best wine tours in the country.

15 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

There are no limits to the type of Spanish vacation you can plan with 15 free days. You can revel in the Moorish history of Andalusia, take a road trip into Spanish Basque country, go off the beaten track in La Mancha, and even hop a border into Portugal. If an island holiday is more your speed, consider horseback riding along the rugged coast of Menorca and sailing to secluded coves on the larger and equally beautiful Mallorca.

8 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With eight days in Peru, you can achieve a comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, plus a couple of days enjoying the cuisine and culture of Lima. Or skip the capital city in favor of another point of interest: add a short Inca Trail trek, cruise around Lake Titicaca, or hike to colorful Rainbow Mountain. You can even pair a quick Machu Picchu adventure with a few days in the Peruvian Amazon. Learn more below.

Monteverde & Samara - 5 Days

This fun, five-day Costa Rica itinerary takes in many of the country's natural highlights, from wildlife reserves to beautiful beaches. Enjoy a combination of outdoor activity and relaxation, structured and free time, to ensure your quick trip to Monteverde and Samara is just what you want it to be. As this is a self-driving tour you can go at your own pace.

13 Days in Spain - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In just under two weeks, travelers can experience most of Spain's most beloved highlights without rushing. First-time visitors will enjoy spending time in Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona, with day trips from each. You can also opt to spend your whole trip in either the north or south, combining well-known points of interest with deeper cultural dives: think farm stays, coastal drives, and a cooking class in the Andalusian countryside.

Pikey Peak to Lukla Trek in the Lower Everest Region - 13 Days

Sir Edmund Hillary claimed that the view of the lower Everest region from Pikey Peak is the best in all of Nepal, and we're inclined to agree. This trek has the advantage of being slightly farther away from the big peaks, meaning views from the trail encompass much more of the Himalaya. You'll also visit Thupten Choling Monastery, where you can meditate with the resident nuns and monks. Enjoy the extraordinary scenery, get acquainted with Sherpa culture, and explore Kathmandu on this gorgeous route. 

Khopra Danda Trek - 13 Days

Also known as the Khopra Ridge, this moderate, off-the-beaten-track adventure is a peaceful alternative to more popular treks in the region. For nine days you'll climb your way through local villages, terraced farmland, and dense bamboo, oak, pine, and rhododendron forests with rewarding vistas of snow-capped Annapurnas. There are plenty of chances to observe and participate in traditional Nepali lifestyle rituals, including staying in teahouses and taking a day-hike to Kaire, a sacred lake that Hindus believe will help you achieve Nirvana.

Annapurna Multisport: Trek, Bike, & Raft - 12 Days

This action-packed and adventure-filled trip will keep you on the move and get your heart rate pumping!  Explore Nepal by mountain bike, river raft, and trekking trail. You'll hike through a beloved route in the Annapurnas, but will veer off-the-beaten-path for a unique mountain experience, all the while taking in incredible panoramas of extraordinary scenery.

Oslo to Bergen Summer Adventure - 6 Days

This 6-day itinerary combines Norway's two largest cities and a stunning mountainous area between them. Begin in modern Oslo—the fastest-growing capital in Europe—before heading westward to Eidfjord and Utne, home to the stunning Hardangervidda National Park. Top it off with a cruise to charming Bergen, the historic Hanseatic city known as the gateway to the fjords.

Multi-Day Trek in the Norwegian Highlands - 6 Days

Halfway between Norway's two largest cities—Oslo and Bergen—lies an extraordinary wilderness area situated between two national parks. This itinerary includes four days of hiking along well-marked trails (becoming more difficult each day) from Geilo to Finse. Start and end the trip with some urban culture and nightlife in the two aforementioned cities to round out this awesome adventure.

12 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days in Spain is a great trip duration for getting to know two of the country's regions. Pair six days in Barcelona with a sun-filled week exploring the Balearic Islands or the Costa Brava, or hop between the major cities of central and southern Spain. Or, stick to one region or theme and do a deep dive: take a Southern Spain road trip inspired by local expertise, or see the country through the lens of food and wine on a culinary tour.

6 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Six days is just enough time for an efficient tour of the country's highlights. You can certainly visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley—and if you fly into Cusco instead of Lima, you can even fit a short Inca Trail trek in the itinerary. If this isn't your first visit to Peru, you might want to skip Machu Picchu in favor of a wildlife tour in the Amazon or an excursion to the more remote reaches of Northern Peru. Find out more below.

From Slovenia's Alps to the Adriatic: Lake Bled, Soča Valley, Piran - 14 Days

Ideal for travelers looking for a natural getaway packed with outdoor recreation, this exploration of Slovenia's rugged western region combines picturesque lake vistas with high-alpine mountain huts in Triglav National Park, cave spelunking, and sunsets on the coast. The trip begins in Ljubljana, a European Green Capital, and continues north to the unforgettable scenery of lakes Bled and Bohinj and the Julian Alps. You'll then travel south through the emerald waters of the Soča River Valley and lush hillsides of Goriška Brda wine region, ending your adventure with a dip into the waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Discover Ancient Croatia: Dubrovnik to Hvar - 8 Days

This exciting itinerary combines self-driving to explore Croatia's breathtaking scenery alongside guided tours to discover the country's ancient history. After arriving, you can stroll past Dubrovnik's spectacular architecture along cobblestone pathways and self-drive through the Pelješac peninsula to the charming island Korčula. From Korčula, you will drive to Split where you can take a day trip to the picturesque Plitvice Lakes National Park before catching a ferry to the beautiful Mediterranean island Hvar and finally, departing back to Dubrovnik.

Kongde Luxury Trek: Phakding, Namache Bazaar, Kongde - 12 Days

This deluxe trek is great option if you're short on time yet keen to see the Everest region — and do so in style! You'll spend your nights relaxing in a beautiful, luxury Himalayan lodge and your days either trekking or flying through the Everest region by helicopter. The highlight of the trek is Kongde, a village perched high on a ridgeline with incredible panoramic views that few trekkers get to see.

Cuba in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

December is peak season, especially during Christmas week, as Canadians and Europeans flood in droves. But the weather is as perfect as any month of the year. And three of Cuba’s premier festivals occur, including an unforgettable religious procession and the equally memorable fireworks “battle” (or parranda) of Remedios. But expect higher prices, and plenty of other visitors crowding your pictures.

Cuba in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The dry season finally arrives in November, bringing heaps of sunshine and agreeable temperatures. Plus, this month Cuba hosts some of the most popular festivals of the year. The tourist floodgates begin to open also, but not so much than Cuba feels crowded, and expect higher hotel and other rates than in prior months.

Cuba in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

With temperatures cooling after the blitz of summer, and the peak season crowds still two months away, October can be a good time to visit. You’ll have much of Cuba more or less to yourself, and at bargain prices. However, overall it is the rainiest month. And this is a peak month for hurricanes, although the chance of one striking and affecting your visit remains very slim. Plus, three of Cuba’s premier music festivals take place in October.

Cuba in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By September the suffocating heat of peak summer months begins to recede, but temperatures and humidity remain high. Havana and Western Cuba also see a second spike in rainfall. By month’s end the mid-summer tourist crowds and high-season hotel rates give way to far fewer visitors and bargain prices—making this month a win-win for travelers who don’t fear that September is the apex of hurricane season.

Cuba in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

We’re well into Cuba’s rainy season by August, with the hottest temperatures and highest humidity. Yet summer vacationers from Canada and Europe flock to the beaches to take advantage of Cuba’s scorching sunshine and ocean breezes—the rains are mostly heavy downpours perfectly timed to coincide with afternoon siestas. Plus, baseball season begins this month.

Cuba in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is one of the hottest and humid months of the year, although the chance of rain diminishes. It’s also one of the liveliest, with Cuba biggest carnival—in Santiago de Cuba—and its most important revolutionary celebrations, making this a great month to experience quintessential Cuban culture. Mid-July begins the Cubans’ own holiday season—a chance to vacation alongside the locals—while Canadians and European families flock to the beach resorts.

Cuba in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The summer wet season begins in earnest in June, when the humidity begins to resemble a sauna. The Eastern Provinces are the hottest part of the country, and by June often insufferably so. Understandably, this is the low season for tourism. Don't worry: there's still plenty of glorious sunshine. And in spite of the weather, there are some major advantages to off-season travel. You won’t be competing with crowds, and early summer travel offers the lowest prices of the year.

Cuba in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Cuba’s wet season officially begins in May so, yes, rain will likely be part of your experience. Fortunately, this usually means late afternoon thunderstorms following hot, sunny mornings. But you’ll have much of the country more-or-less to yourself as this is a low-season month. And the beginning of May is a great time to be in Havana for the country’s most important annual event—the May Day Parade—when you can experience Cuba at its most political.

Cuba in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Although the temperature is hotting up, this is still a fabulous month weatherwise, as the prolonged dry period (la seca) of Western Cuba extends through April. Heaps of sunshine and little rain. What’s not to like? Plus, Havana hosts several important cultural events. Not least, every three years, visitors get to enjoy the Biennal art festival, and while Easter is not the big deal it is in other Hispanic cultures, you can witness religious processions in any year.

Cuba in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

This is a fantastic month weather-wise, as Western Cuba typically experiences a prolonged dry period—la seca—with relatively little rain, and warmer temperatures than January or February. In fact, many visitors feel that March offers the most agreeable climate of the year, although high-season room rates typically still apply. It’s a good time, too, to enjoy some of Cuba’s more off-beat musical festivals.

Cuba in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Although visitors are fewer than in January, February is, with good reason, still a very busy month, especially in Havana, Trinidad and Viñales. The sun shines without being overbearing, rain mostly stays away, and nighttime temps are refreshingly cool. Further afield the number of visitors thins, and it’s easy to find attractive off-the-beaten-track venues.

Cuba in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

This is a peak month in Cuba for travel. Havana, Trinidad, and Viñales in the heart of tobacco country can all seem overrun (although things have eased in Havana since 2019, with U.S. cruise ships no longer calling). This is also a peak festival season, and Havana is abuzz with celebration. Hotel rates are high, but there are plenty of bargain-priced casas particulares (private B&Bs). And though weather is variable, you’ll mostly experience gorgeous sunny days.

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 18 Days

Take in the sights and sounds of Italy's romantic capital, travel along the ruggedly beautiful southern coast, and dive deep into Sicily's ancient culture. You'll do all this and more over 18 unforgettable days, beginning in Rome with tours of the city's emblematic sights before heading to the rocky beaches of the Amalfi Coast and the sunny island of Capri. Then you'll visit the island of Sicily, where you'll experience the best of its culture and cuisine on an adventurous road trip.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days

This 17-day grand tour of Italy is your ticket to all the beauty and living history for which that country is famous. You'll begin in Rome and visit the most famous sights, including the Colosseum, Vatican, and Roman Forum, before absconding south to the sunkissed shores of the Amalfi Coast. A jaunt to Sicily and a road-trip around that incomparable island completes the adventure as you discover its great food, wine, and natural beauty.

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 16 Days

This 16-day adventure includes visits to some of the most incredible locales in Italy. This includes everywhere, from the capital of Rome to the Amalfi Coast to the island of Sicily. On top of the beautiful sights, you'll also enjoy unforgettable activities like museum visits, a street-food tour of Palermo, hiking up Mount Etna, and more.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 15 Days

Get ready for the ultimate 15-day Mediterranean experience. You'll first tour the highlights of Rome before venturing south to Italy's Amalfi Coast and the nearby island of Capri, which rises out of the sapphire blue waters like a siren. The adventure then kicks into high gear with an epic road trip around Sicily, where you'll explore its famous ruins, luxuriate in its rich culture, and dine on its incomparable cuisine.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 14 Days

Over  15 days you'll experience the highlights of Italy. In the capital Rome, you'll visit landmarks like the Colosseum and historic institutions like the Vatican. You'll then enjoy the pebble beaches and sun-kissed coast of Amalfi before venturing far south to Sicily, where a road trip will take you from Palermo to Mount Etna.

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 13 Days

Give yourself over to the beauty of Italy for 13 days of culture, romance, and adventure. After touring the famous sights of Rome, like the Forum and Colosseum, you'll travel south to the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast and the incomparable Mediterranean gem of Capri. The trip culminates with an exciting road trip around the island of Sicily, in which you'll tour Palermo and visit ancient Greek ruins.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 12 Days

Get away from it all for 12 days of unforgettable experiences in Italy. This includes touring the most famous sights of Rome, lazing on the pebbly beaches of the Amalfi Coast, and marveling at the cotton-candy-pink sunsets of Capri. The Mediterranean dream doesn't end there—you'll also embark on a road trip adventure around Sicily, from the historic streets of Palermo to the Greek ruins of Syracuse. 

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 11 Days

The only thing better than visiting one incredible region of Sicily is visiting three. Over 11 days you'll do just that, beginning in Rome with tours of its ancient ruins and historic sights. You'll then travel south to the incomparable Amalfi Coast and island of Capri before finishing up in Sicily with an epic road trip that includes a visit to historic beach towns like Cefalú and ancient Greek ruins.     

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 10 Days

In just 10 days you can craft an unforgettable Italian vacation that includes many highlights. This, of course, includes the historic locales in Rome, but you'll also travel south to the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast and Capri, a pure postcard region if ever there was one. You'll then immerse yourself in the rich culture of Sicily on an adventurous jaunt that will take you from Palermo to Cefalú to ancient Greek ruins. 

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 18 Days

This 18-day itinerary covers two of southern Italy's most stunning regions: Puglia and Sicily. It begins in Puglia with visits to the cone-shaped trulli homes of Alberobello and the ancient cave dwellings in Matera. Then head to Lecce to see Baroque architecture and Roman ruins before experiencing the highlights of Sicily on a self-drive road trip.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 17 Days

On this 17-day tour of Italy's southern regions, you'll go beyond medieval and Roman history and also visit the ruins of ancient civilizations. 9,000-year-old cave dwellings exist in the historic city of Matera, in Italy's Puglia region, but you'll also visit coastal gems like Lecce and Bari. The adventure culminates in Sicily with tours of Greek and Roman ruins and a hike up Mt. Etna.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 16 Days

This packed 16-day adventure combines the culturally rich region of Sicily with one of Italy's less-heralded gems: Puglia. First, you're off to the heel of Italy's boot, home to ancient and unique cities like Matera and Alberobello. Then you'll jet to Sicily, where you'll hop in a rental car and drive across the island, stopping at ancient Greek and Roman ruins along the way.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 15 Days

In a little over two weeks you can enjoy comprehensive tours of southern Italy's most beautiful regions: Puglia and Sicily. The adventure begins in the former, where you'll visit historic cities on Italy's heel of the boot like Lecce, Bari, and Alberobello. Then it's off to Sicily, where on a self-drive road trip you'll discover Palermo, visit ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and hike up to Mt. Etna.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 14 Days

This two-week holiday combines anthropology and history with a road-trip adventure in two of Italy's most unique regions. First, you'll tour Puglia, Italy's "heel of the boot," which is home to beautiful beaches and ancient cities. Then you'll fly to Sicily for a road trip from the cultural melting pot of Palermo to ancient Greek and Roman ruins—plus enjoy a jaunt to Mount Etna. 

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 13 Days

Ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, historic cities—you'll get all this and more on a 13-day tour of southern Italy. First up you'll visit cave dwellings and go on food tours in Puglia, the southernmost region of mainland Italy. Then you'll fly to the island of Sicily, which you'll discover on a road trip that will take you from postcard coastal towns to ancient Greek ruins in Syracuse.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 12 Days

On this 12-day holiday in Italy, you'll visit ancient ruins and historic sights in two of Italy's most beautiful southern regions: Puglia and Sicily. Moreover, you'll enjoy various activities, from cooking classes to beach trips and even a hike up Mt. Etna. The best part is you'll finish the trip with a road trip around Sicily, visiting its most famous locales like the ancient Greek ruins at Syracuse.