Travel Insights

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

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Spend three days exploring Korčula's unspoiled island coastlines

Classic Croatia: Dubrovnik to Zagreb - 14 Days

This two-week guided route takes you north through Croatia, taking in many of the popular highlights at a relaxed pace. Begin in the southern Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik before working your way up the coast through the Pelješac peninsula and to the islands of Korcula, Hvar, and Vis, ending your stay in the capital of Zagreb. Along the way, you'll sample wine from the Konavle Valley, kayak around the Pakleni Islands, and tour impressive medieval fortresses and gardens in Šibenik.

Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 11 Days

Eleven days will allow you to encounter many of the highlights of the Western Cape with this itinerary. You'll start off in Cape Town with scenic city tours, wine tastings, and a shark dive before you set out on the Garden Route. This classic road trip will wind you through wilderness, wildlife, and more wine before loop back to Cape Town to depart.

Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 12 Days

Combine a city break and a classic road trip with this 12-day itinerary. Stroll through Cape Town's many attractions, whether on sandy Bloubergstrand Beach or the shops of the V&A Waterfront, before you duck under the vines of the Winelands' vineyards. Then get in your car for a drive filled with whale-watching, wildlife, and more.

Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 13 Days

Thirteen days through the Western Cape will thrill you with all that this region has to offer. Your trip begins in Cape Town, where you can enjoy views from on the shore, atop Table Mountain, and amidst the city streets. Venture into the vineyards of the Winelands and rocky coasts of Hermanus before you embark on a Garden Route drive that will bring you from one of the world's highest bungee jumps down into glittering caves, and so much more.

Close-up of male ostrich in Little Karoo

Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days

Take a two-week adventure from one of the world's highest bungee jumps down into a cage next to a great white shark with this trip plan. Start on Table Mountain in Cape Town, followed by a culinary tour, treetop walkway, and wine tastings. Once you get onto the Garden Route, you'll make your way around canoeing through lagoons, hiking in national parks, and spelunking through caves.

Classic Croatia: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Split, & Zagreb - 10 Days

This itinerary combines culture, history, and adventure. Begin in southern Croatia and work your way up the coast, stopping along the way to explore the Pelješac Peninsula, Pakleni and Hvar islands, and the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cap off the trip with a night in Zagreb, the Croatian capital, and wander its pedestrianized sections around Bogovićeva and Preradovićeva.

Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Tswalu Kalahari - 10 Days

Take 10 days to tour South Africa's top spots with this trip plan. Take in the tantalizing views from Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope or on top of Table Mountain, travel to Franschhoek to taste their time-honored vintages, and traverse the Kalahari on safari.

Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Tswalu Kalahari - 11 Days

Frolic through the fynbos for 11 days of some favorite South African attractions. You'll drive the scenic coastal roads outside Cape Town, dive into a shark cage encounter, and gaze out from Table Mountain over the city. Follow it up with the famous vineyards of Franschhoek and a safari to find the many flora and fauna of the Kalahari.

Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Tswalu Kalahari - 12 Days

Take 12 days to saunter through South Africa with this itinerary. You'll start in Cape Town, driving the scenic route out to the Cape of Good Hope and penguins of Boulders Beach, before you get in the water on a great white cage dive and sunrise sea kayak (separately, of course). From there you'll continue to Franschhoek for some time among the grape vines, followed by a safari through the Kalahari reserve before you return home.

Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, & Tswalu Kalahari - 13 Days

Sip, spin, safari and more on this 13-day itinerary. You'll take in the highlights of what Cape Town has to offer with outings including the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and a full day to explore on your own. Then travel to the Winelands, where you can sample the food and wine of Franschhoek and see the scenery from a bike tour; sail over the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site with a hot air balloon tour out of Johannesburg; and venture into the Kalahari desert in search of wildlife on safari.

Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg & Tswalu Kalahari - 14 Days

This trip takes a two-week tour of some of South Africa's most popular attractions. Five nights in Cape Town will start you off with an exploration of the city, from its busy streets to the open landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope, and down into the water on a sea kayak tour. Continue to Franschhoek to sample its famous wines, tour the historic streets, fly over the Johannesburg countryside, and cap it off with a safari across the Kalahari.

Everest Base Camp in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Along with March, April is a popular month for trekking in Nepal. Temperatures are generally warm (or at least, not too cold in the high Himalaya) and the monsoon rains are still several weeks away. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Everest Base Camp in April.

South Africa Safari: Kruger National Park - 6 Days

An elephant's trunk can contain more than 40,000 muscles, while your tiny human frame only holds up to 600. Consider practicing your lifting before you embark on this safari through the expanse of Kruger National Park, with six days of game walks and drives, barbecues, wildlife rehabilitation, and more.

South Africa Safari: Kruger National Park - 7 Days

The African continent is home to thousands of species of animals, including the heaviest and tallest land mammals (respectively) in the world. See if you can spot them on this week-long safari through Kruger National Park, filled with game-sighting opportunities and interactive experiences.

Inca Trail in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

June is high season in every sense on the Inca Trail and in the Sacred valley surrounding it. Weather is at its best for hiking (sunny and dry, although chilly at night) and the daily trekkers on the trail are at their maximum levels. In addition to this, it is big party time as the Sacred Valley celebrates Inti Raymi, the ancient Incan festival of the sun.

Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 8 Days

Follow a classic South Africa route for eight days on this itinerary. Start off on Cape Town's scenic seaboard and wine country, then go north for a night in Johannesburg accompanied by a tour of the Soweto Township. From there you'll head to Kruger National Park for a safari across its famous territory.

Inca Trail in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Shoulder season segues into high season as May goes on, which means higher numbers of trekkers on the Inca Trail. But trail conditions are improved dramatically: it is largely dry underfoot and generally sunny during the day, although camping out at night is colder than it has been in recent months. Overall May is one of the best months for hiking the trail, though, and interesting festivals throughout the Sacred Valley add to the color of the experience this month.

Classic South Africa: Cape Town. Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 9 Days

Nine days will give you a nice amount of time to nourish your understanding of South Africa on this itinerary. Spend your first three nights in Cape Town on a walking tour through historic city highlights, out sampling in the Winelands, and driving the scenic coast. Stop in Johannesburg for an interactive dinner evening, then keep going to Kruger National Park for a classic safari.

Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 10 Days

Take a 10-day trek through the tales of South Africa with this trip plan. Listen to the wind blowing in across Cape Town from atop Table Mountain or rustling through the vineyards of the Winelands, then get in touch with the country's human history on a Cape Town city tour and over dinner in Johannesburg. You'll end your trip listening to the bird calls and animals of Kruger National Park on safari.

Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 11 Days

Spend eleven days exploring some of South Africa's essential spots on this itinerary. You'll start off in Cape Town with day trips out to the Winelands and up the coast, then head over to Johannesburg for engaging dinner experiences and a tour of the Soweto township. Venture into Kruger National Park for an extensive safari before following the Panorama Route back to Johannesburg.

Inca Trail in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It is hard to envisage a better time to hike the Inca Trail than April. Wet season is over by the middle of the month, and crowds are nowhere near the levels they will be in high season. Flora is thriving across the region after the rains, brightening almost every view, and communities of the Sacred Valley put on colorful Semana Santa celebrations (should Easter fall after the first week of April).

Inca Trail in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The Inca Trail reopens this month, seeing a surge of visitors to the hike and to Machu Picchu not seen since the previous October. This is still wet season in the Sacred Valley, but the rains are beginning to subside as the month wears on, bringing better hiking weather. If Easter falls this month, Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations bring even more visitors to the region.

Inca Trail in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The Inca Trail is closed this month for maintenance, but the good news is that Machu Picchu is still open, as are some of the other classic Inca Trail alternative treks, such as the Salkantay trek. The year's heaviest rain this month makes hiking muddier and less appealing that at other times of the year: time, perhaps, to divert to some of the Sacred Valley's indoors attractions.

Inca Trail in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Despite rainy season being here in earnest, January can be a surprisingly good month to hike the Inca Trail. Once Christmas and New Year crowds have dispersed, there will be fewer hikers on the trail or sightseers in the Sacred Valley than at almost any other time of year. And the sun still comes out between the showers to capture the region in all its beauty, sometimes all the more dazzling for being part-covered in mist and cloud.

Ultimate Guide to Cinque Terre: 5 Fabled Villages of the Italian Riviera

In the northwest of Italy is a stretch of ruggedly beautiful coast that gives the nation's other hotspots a run for their money. This is Cinque Terre, and it comprises five villages spread over two miles, all with a history as deep as the Ligurian Sea. Let this guide be your roadmap to the vast lemon groves, terraced vineyards, and colorful seaside homes that define a region.

Peruvian woman walking through the Inca ruins of Chinchero

Peru Highlights: Lima, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, & Amazon Adventure - 16 Days

Experience the best of Peru with this comprehensive tour. Spend three days at an ecolodge in the Amazon Rainforest, where you'll view wildlife like the giant river otter and multiple parrot species. Next, travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley to learn about its ancient ruins and take short treks to Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu. End your trip at Lake Titicaca, immersing in the culture of this region's famous Islands.

Peru Highlights: Lima, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, & Amazon Adventure - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary starts in Lima before heading east to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. Spend three days viewing wildlife while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge. From there, head to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, where you'll visit Rainbow Mountain and trek to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. Finally, travel to Lake Titicaca to explore the region's history and beautiful islands.

Spend a day castle-hopping in the Loire Valley

France Family Adventure - 14 Days

This exciting, yet easy-going itinerary is the perfect introduction to France—especially for groups and families (ages 10 and up). Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, the Loire Valley, Provence, and the French Riviera with a fun mix of educational tours led by local guides and free time to explore on your own.

Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 13 Days

The "big five" are just a few of the animals you can see in South Africa, and you'll meet plenty of the country's residents both human and animal on this classic 13-day trip. You'll start off in Cape Town, where the city's human residents will guide through the city's cultural and culinary scene, and out to the Cape of Good Hope and penguin colonies of Boulders Beach. Then head to Johannesburg to hear stories of the city's complicated history before you set off on safari through Kruger National Park.

Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger Safari - 14 Days

Take two weeks to see some of the most famous spots in South Africa on this tour. Start in Cape Town, home to mountaintop views, classic wine vintages, and historical, natural, and consumable attractions. Head over to Johannesburg to learn more about the history of the country, then keep going to Kruger National Park to meet the country's animal residents before you take a scenic drive back to Johannesburg and depart.

Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 15 Days

Whether you're looking down the colorful buildings of Bo Kaap or out at the traditional house-shaped mountains of the Three Rondavels, you'll find plenty of views to take in on this 15-day itinerary. Look down from Table Mountain or the cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope in Cape Town, up at the skies during an outdoor dinner and storytelling experience in Johannesburg, or across the plains on a safari through Kruger National Park to see some of the highlights of South Africa.

Start your epic 16-day tour of South Africa in coastal Cape Town

Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger Safari - 16 Days

Explore some of South Africa's highlights on this 16-day trip to two iconic cities and the Kruger National Park Reserve. Take a cable car up Table Mountain in Cape Town, go on a road trip along the Cape Peninsula, and sample local wine in the Winelands. Then, fly to Johannesburg to explore the Maboneng Precinct and learn more about the Apartheid era in Soweto. Look for the Big Five in the reserve on bush walks and game drives before taking a scenic drive back to Johannesburg via the Blyde River Canyon.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 6 Days

Get a glimpse of some of the biggest draws in South Africa on this six-day itinerary. You'll start off in Cape Town, experiencing highlights like Table Mountain, coastal drives, and the Winelands. Then head to Kruger National Park to meet some of the local wildlife on a safari before you depart.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring South Africa's Cape Town and Kruger National Park. You'll begin in Cape Town, discovering its highlights and history before driving along the Atlantic and False Bay coasts to reach destinations like Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, and Boulders Penguin Colony, ending the venture with stops at a couple of world-class wineries. Next, you'll have three days to go on day and night safaris to see Big Five animals, like elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinoceros, as well as plenty of avian species.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 8 Days

Eight days will introduce you to some of the high points of South Africa on this itinerary. Spend three nights in Cape Town complete with scenic drives, wine samples, and sweeping views, followed by a night in Johannesburg for a skim of the history of the Soweto district. End your outing with a safari through Kruger National Park and all its native wildlife.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 9 Days

Take nine days to notice a curated list of some of South Africa's nicest spots. Open your outing in Cape Town, where you can check out the city from atop Table Mountain and then get down into its many attractions. Venture out to the vines of Franschhoek to sample from its renowned cellars, jump down to Johannesburg for a cultural lesson and dinner, then conclude your trip on a safari through Kruger National Park.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Safari & Beach - 10 Days

Take 10 days to get a taste of some of the urban and natural attractions of South Africa on this trip. Your tour takes off in Cape Town, taking in the views from Table Mountain and tasting wine and cheese from the Winelands. Transfer to Kruger National Park to traverse the wild landscapes and treetop creatures, then travel down to Thonga Beach Lodge to work on your tan and turtle time.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 11 Days

Enjoy 11 days amid some of South Africa's most enticing attractions with this trip plan. You'll embark to Cape Town to start, with three nights in the urban environment to experiment with the city's culinary and cultural attractions. A brief intermission in Johannesburg will educate you on some of that city's expansive history, then go on to experience the ecological side of South Africa with three nights on safari in Kruger National Park and two more atop the sandy expanses of the Thonga Beach Lodge.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 12 Days

Wind your way through South Africa with this 12-day trip plan. Your start in Cape Town will walk you through the city views and varietals with wine tastings and scenic tours. Head up to the Winelands to sample their winning wines, then keep going through Johannesburg and all the way to Kruger National Park for a walk on the wild side. Wind down amid the waves on the west coast at Tonga Beach Lodge.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 13 Days

Hop through some high points of South Africa on this 13-day itinerary. Head to Cape Town to start, hiking through its happening streets and into its waters in a shark cage, then up to Franschhoek to have a glass of wine (or three) amid the vineyards. Johannesburg is up next for a lesson in history, then over to Kruger National Park to say hi to the hyenas and other animals on safari and down to Thonga Beach Lodge to end your holiday in the sun.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 14 Days

Frolic through South Africa on this 14-day itinerary. First go to Cape Town, where you'll find your way through the city and up to Table Mountain, then down into the fin-filled depths in a shark cage. From there, you'll stop in Franschhoek for wine flights and Johannesburg for a foray into the area's history. Find your way over to Kruger National Park to feast your eyes on the flight of the many birds and animals inside the park on safari, then finish up on the fine sands of Tonga Beach.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 15 Days

Relish 15 days in South Africa with this itinerary. Arrive in Cape Town and roam through the city's outlying scenic real estate to discover rocky coastlines and a rich cultural and culinary scene. Ramble over to Franschhoek to revel in the area's renowned wine scene, then to Johannesburg to learn about the area's racial history. A safari through Kruger National Park will reveal the wildlife of the region before you round back down to Tonga Beach Lodge to bask in the radiant coastal sunshine.

Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 16 Days

Spend 16 days sightseeing through South Africa with this itinerary. Start off in Cape Town and survey the scenic views from Table Mountain and seaside cliffs, descend in a shark cage, and sample the city's culinary scene. Switch to Franschhoek to sip from the local wine cellars, then over to Johannesburg to soar above the plains in a hot air balloon. Continue straight on to safari in Kruger National Park, then escape to the sea at Thonga Beach.

Ultimate Guide to Genoa: Maritime History, Palaces, and Focaccia on Italy's Ligurian Coast

Capital of Italy's Ligurian region, the port city of Genoa seems surprisingly off the tourist trail, despite its cache of grand palaces and exceptional street food. Explore the atmospheric alleys and piazzas of the Old Town, visit its huge aquarium or just stroll its reinvigorated waterfront and become an expert on everything pesto. Learn more about what to do, see, and eat in Genoa below.

Rhinos in Kenya, one of the so-called "Big Five"

"Big Five" Safari Experience - 10 Days

Explore Kenya's wildlife, landscapes, and native culture on this diverse 10-day itinerary. After taking in sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley, you'll go on safari tours in Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. Then you'll have the chance to tour a Maasai village, visit a pair of national parks, hike to the summit of Mt. Longonot, and see elephants in the wild at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Consider climbing the 740 steps of El Peñón de Guatapé (The Rock of Guatapé) for beautiful panoramas

6 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Six days is plenty of time to explore two major cities or regions in Colombia. Choose the bustling capital of Bogotá, the rebirth of now-charming Medellín, or the adventurous port town of Cartagena. If you enjoy birding, go deep into the jungle in Santa Marta among the Sierra Nevada range. For beach lovers, there's island-hopping from San Andrés to Providencia, while coffee aficionados can relish staying on a coffee finca.

Cartagena & Island Adventure - 4 Days

Pair Cartagena's colonial walled city on the northern coast with the nearby Caribbean Islands for the ultimate culture and beach adventure. Start with a tour of Cartagena's colorful streets, lined with palaces, churches, and galleries. Then take a day trip to the Rosario Islands to relax on white-sand beaches. Spend your last night in Cartagena's Old Town, soaking in the fairy-tale romance from one of the city's rooftop bars.

Exploring Dublin and the Northern Coastline - 10 Days

On this unique exploration of the northern coastline, you will learn the history of conflict in Northern Ireland, visit castles and historical sites, spend the night on an island with a bird sanctuary, and walk some of the most pristine landscapes, wild coastlines, and beautiful beaches in the world. You'll also spend some time sightseeing in Dublin on a private walking tour of the city.

Visit the Hassan II Mosque, with one of the tallest minarets in the world

Explore Morocco: Imperial Cities to Berber Villages - 11 Days

On this 11-day tour of Morocco, you'll begin and end your travels in Casablanca, home to the famous Hassan II Mosque. Your trip takes you through all four imperial cities–Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakesh. Take in daily life in each town at the lively medinas. You'll also have the opportunity to observe Moroccan life among the farms in the Berber villages on this well-rounded Moroccan journey.

Discover France: Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, the Dordogne Region - 14 Days

You will be delighted by this trip in Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux and the Dordogne region. This is a subtle mix of French history and culture, wine and flavors, and some bucolic landscapes such as the Atlantic coast and Dordogne perched villages. A great road trip adventure for the whole family!

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