Travel Insights

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

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Medellín & the Los Nevados Trek - 8 Days

Colombia Outdoor Adventure: Medellín & Los Nevados Trek - 8 Days

This active Colombian adventure includes three days of trekking in the snowy mountains of Los Nevados National Park, which sprawls across 143,000 acres of the Colombian Andes. Enjoy hiking through a unique high-elevation ecosystem, where rare species of flora and fauna thrive. You will also have time to explore the charming colonial town of Salento, the coffee region hub of Manizales, and the revitalized city of Medellín—the best of both worlds.

Explore Colombia: Medellín & Los Nevados - 9 Days

The core of this adventure includes three days of trekking in the high, snowy mountains of Los Nevados National Park. With ancient ancestral pathways, your journey passes through an extraordinary ecosystem with rare species of flora and fauna that rely on the snow for preservation. You will land in the up-and-coming city of Medellín, along with taking a day trip to a coffee farm to close out your Colombian exploration.

Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Tayrona, Cartagena, Rosario Islands - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary explores the diverse Caribbean coast of Colombia, from the sand dunes of La Guajira desert to the mountain village of Minca. Start in Cartagena, with its charming streets and markets, before a tubing excursion on a jungle river in Palomino. Next, you'll hike through Tayrona National Park. Your adventure finishes back in Cartagena and ends with a relaxing day trip to the beaches of the Rosario Islands.

December in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, & Cartagena - 16 Days

This festive itinerary begins in Bogotá, where you'll discover museum, restaurants, and nightlife. Next, jet over to Medellín to explore historical sights and see the Christmas lights. From there, drive to the Zona Cafetera to tour the coffee fields and stay on a farm. On your last leg, ring in the New Year in Cartagena and snorkel in Tayrona National Park.

See impressive Drakensberg's Amphitheatre—crescent shaped cliffs of basalt rock

How Many Days to Spend in South Africa

While 10 days is the most popular duration for kimkim travelers, two weeks is recommended for a satisfying trip to South Africa. You can venture farther outside Cape Town, discover the Winelands, drive the Garden Route, and go on a safari (or two) in Kruger National Park. This gives you enough time to explore outside of the main cities at a more relaxed pace and cover some beautiful parts of the country.

9 Places Most People Miss (But Shouldn’t) in Nepal

Most popular tourist attractions are popular for good reason. But travelers who want to avoid crowds and tourist traps should also seek out some of these lesser-known attractions in Nepal. Here are a few beautiful and interesting places in Nepal that most people miss—but shouldn't.

Spend time exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii and visit the Quadriporticus of the theatres

13 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 13 days in Italy, the sky's the limit. Take a grand tour around the country to hit the top sights, delve into a specific region, like Tuscany or Sicily, or do a bit of both. Divide your time between Rome and the laid-back Amalfi Coast, tour the islands around Venice on a boat, or focus on northern Italy and its lakes and mountains with these great itineraries.

Explore Lake Como, near Bellagio, from Milan

12 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Travelers with 12 days to spend in Italy have plenty of options—you can hit multiple major cities or enjoy an in-depth tour of one region like Sicily or the Italian Lakes. Trek through the scenic coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, see the lakes and mountains of the north, explore the quiet side roads of Sicily, or go on a grand tour that takes you to Rome, Venice, and Florence: these five unique itineraries show you how to make the most of your stay.

11 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 11 days in Italy, you could focus your time on a single region, like Sicily or Tuscany. Or you could take advantage of the country's high-speed train network and visit several destinations. See the art and architecture of Florence, cruise around Lake Como, climb to the top of Mount Etna, take a pizza-making class in Rome, or sample locally produced cheeses and wines on a food-focused tour of Italy: find out how with these five unique itineraries.

Getaway to Tuscany & Rome - 6 Days

Spend six days visiting historical sites, eating delicious food, and relaxing in Italy. Start in Tuscany for a wine tour of the Chianti region and admire the beautiful villages of the Italian countryside. Catch a high-speed train to Rome and explore the Eternal City with visits to the Vatican City and Colosseum, then round out your trip with a food tour of the city's famous markets and gelaterias.

A Christmas market in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Spain in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In December, Spain's famous beaches are all but abandoned. Those in the know, however, can still plan a diverse adventure in this remarkable country. Whether you want to plan a ski holiday, walking tour of a historic city, or simply eat great food and browse Christmas markets, December in Spain has you covered.

Impressive Ronda straddles a deep gorge, El Tajo

Spain in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The weather may be taking a turn for the cloudy, but even November is a great month to visit Spain. What you'll miss on a beach holiday you'll make up for with visits to some of Spain's historic towns and cities. Andalusia, Madrid, the Basque Country, and the Mediterranean islands are awaiting your arrival.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Zaragoza

Spain in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

As the calendar edges into autumn, Spain offers one last defiant burst of sunshine through October. This is the final month for travelers to do some sunbathing before the rains take over, yet the lighter weather means it's also great for walking tours of Spain's famous cities. Come, then, to Madrid, the Mediterranean coast, and the northern Basque country, and drink deeply of Spain's bottomless cup.

Spain in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

By September, the crowds start to thin out in Spain. And with the high summer temperatures beginning to abate, this is the perfect time to come for a great shoulder-season holiday. During this month, you can enjoy any activity you choose, be it sunbathing, road-tripping, museum-hopping, or simply eating and drinking your way through this gastronomic marvel of a nation.

Join the locals in tomato-throwing mayhem in Buñol, Spain

Spain in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August represents the apex of Spain's tourist season, and it's also the nation's hottest month. Even if sun and sand are your goals, there are off-the-beaten-path beaches and historic towns that won't be as crowded as hotspots like Barcelona and Ibiza. And if you're coming specifically for big parties, not to worry: one of the wildest and messiest fiestas in Spain occurs at the end of August.

The brave might dare to run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain

Spain in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

It's the middle of summer, which in Spain means both the party crowds and sunshine are out in full force. The only question is how exactly to spend your July holiday in this captivating country. Do you opt for sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast, island hopping, touring historic cities, or a bit of all three?

The idyllic bay of Cala Figuera on Mallorca

Spain in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

By June, the schools are out, and vacationers are following the siren's song to Spain. From the northern Atlantic shores to the golden Mediterranean coast, this month delivers on its promise of ideal weather. Grab your bikini or board shorts, because summer in Spain has arrived.

Take in a sunset over Cuenca, just oustide of Madrid

Spain in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In Spain, May represents the last month of the spring low season before the tourist hordes descend on the country for the summer. This is the time to enjoy the beaches before they get too crowded and tour the streets of Madrid before it gets too hot. There are also some unique events and festivals during this month that range from controversial to pure party fun.

Spain in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April in Spain signifies the arrival of Spring when the sun is out, and the beaches are opening for business. As if that isn't enough, some of the biggest parties and holidays in the world occur during this month. The icing on this sweet Spanish "tarta" is that April falls in the shoulder season, so you can enjoy low prices on flights and hotels.

Spain in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March in Spain is great for those who want the fun without the high prices. During this time, the cold weather is easing back a little, making visits to Spain's famous beaches a nice proposition. Above all else, you'll want to come for the great parties like the incomparable Fallas Festival in the historic city of Valencia.

Spain in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

By February, Spain is still deep in winter, and the tourist crowds are sparse. Despite the often gloomy weather, there are regions like the Mediterranean coast that get little rain and avoid the chillier temps. Yes, there is sun to be had in Spain, even in February, and the lower ticket prices make it easy to book a quick winter getaway.

Aramon Cerler ski resort in the Pyranees, Spain

Spain in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

A trip to Spain in January means you’ll have many of this nation’s hotspots mostly to yourself. You can travel the length and breadth of the country, from the Mediterranean coast up to the northern Basque region, without having to contend with oppressive crowds. Best of all, you can enjoy steep discounts on flights and hotels.

Ultimate Guide to Lucca: Laidback City Retreat in Tuscany

Ringed by Italy's most impressive and intact medieval walls, lovely Lucca often plays second fiddle to Florence and Siena, but opt instead for this highly cultured città and you won't be disappointed. Beyond the amphitheater-shaped piazza lies a delightfully walkable city, brimming with centuries-old towers and churches, hidden alleyways and botanical gardens, and restaurants that play up the bounty of farm-fresh Tuscan produce.

How Many Days to Spend in Tuscany

Whether you have two days or two weeks, Tuscany is a wonderful destination. Travelers short on time should focus their energy on Florence and the wine region of Chianti, while those with five days can road-trip to medieval highlights like Siena and San Gimignano. With a week, slow down and take a pasta-making class—and with 10 days or more, spend some time exploring Tuscany's gorgeous coast. Read on for advice on how many days to spend in the region.

Self-Guided Ukraine Tour: Kyiv, Lviv, & Odesa - 9 Days

On this nine-day, self-guided tour of Ukraine, you will visit three cities: Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. Begin your travels in the capital city of Kyiv, where you will learn about the city’s history in Independence Square and take a boat tour along the Dnieper River. Next, you will get to explore Lviv and all of its art-heavy influences and galleries, along with climbing the ruins of Lviv High Castle. Your last stop is in Odesa, where you can relax on the Black Sea beaches and enjoy an opera and ballet performance. Along the way, make sure to taste delicious confections and sip iconic cherry wine!

North India's Golden Triangle - 10 Days

The Golden Triangle in North India symbolizes three pinnacles: culture, heritage, and metamorphosis. Your 10-day journey begins in the capital city of New Delhi, where you can learn about both Islamic and Hindu influences. In Agra, which symbolizes love, you will visit the grand wonder that is the Taj Mahal. A trip to Jaipur will reveal the beauty of the Pink City and its textile industry. On the final leg of your trip, you will visit Varanasi, where you will experience the live, iconic rituals along the Ganges, and visit the sacred Buddhist town of Sarnath.

Colombia: From the North to the Caribbean Coast - 16 Days

This urban-meets-outdoorsy Colombian itinerary is jam-packed with sightseeing and excursions. The 16-day trip starts in the capital of Bogotá, then heads north for a challenging hike in the heart of Iguaque Sanctuary, and a cycling tour through along the Suarez River. From there, you will fly to the Caribbean Coast and spend time exploring a stunning national park, followed by birding in Minca. You will end your adventure in romantic Cartagena, with a relaxing trip to Múcura Island.

A pristine laguna in the Atacama Desert, Chile

1 Week in Chile - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have a week to spend in Chile, take advantage of your time and visit more than one region. Beginning in Santiago, venture to the Atacama Desert for stargazing, to the Andes for skiing and snowboarding, to Chile's wine regions for food and wine tastings, or to Easter Island for hiking around the Moai. Find out how with these five unique itineraries.

Stunning landscape of Torres del Paine National Park

5 Days in Chile - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Just because you only have five days in Chile doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to one destination. Pair your visit to Santiago with an active adventure in the Lake District or the Atacama Desert, a gourmet excursion to Chilean wine regions, a side trip to the colorful port city of Valparaiso, even a side trip to Easter Island. Find out how with these five unique itineraries.

Machu Picchu in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

December is a strange month in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: both quiet (at the beginning of the month) and hectic (over Christmas and New Year). Then again, the famous Christmas and New Year festivities in Cusco pull in a lot of Peruvian visitors as well as a fair few from overseas, and one of the biggest handicrafts fairs anywhere in the Andes takes place in Cusco too.

Machu Picchu in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The two intriguing festivals of Día de Todos Santos (November 1) and Día de los Muertos (November 2) make this a very interesting month to visit Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Rainy season is here in earnest, however, and at Machu Picchu the cloud cover is often heavy. Trekking is harder in the rain this month, as is cycling, but rafting is more popular because of the higher water levels in the rivers.

Machu Picchu in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

If you want the same sunny weather as the high season without high season crowds, September is the month to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. As this is officially shoulder season, expect to get better deals on hotels and tours this month too.

Machu Picchu in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

This is the very end of dry season in the Andes, even though rain will get more frequent as the month wears on. Still, compared to the five months that follow it, October has little wet weather and is still shoulder season, with tourists taking advantage of the last decent month for trekking and many other outdoor activities until the following April comes around.

Machu Picchu in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It's the last month of high season in and around Machu Picchu this month. Visitor numbers overall remain very high, temperature highs are creeping up again and some ultra-traditional Andean festivals are celebrated.

Machu Picchu in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Sunny days with little rain and a series of great festivals ensure that July is a popular month for visiting the region. Expect festivities to be happening wherever you are staying as the aftermath of one festival or the build-up to another make this a lively and atmospheric time of high season.

Machu Picchu in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Hands down the most lively month to visit Machu Picchu and its surroundings, June is also the busiest month and the height of high season here. Plenty of sunshine combines with the most important celebration of the Andean calendar, Inti Raymi, to make for a very special and atmospheric (if busy) time to visit.

Machu Picchu in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Interesting festivals start popping up across the Sacred Valley during May, as dry season continues and shoulder season approaches high season towards the end of the month. May is a great month to experience Machu Picchu in some of the year's best weather conditions without those high season crowds.

Machu Picchu in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The start of the dry season in the Andes makes April perhaps the best time to visit South America's most famous historical site. Machu Picchu's weather is more often sunny and rain-free than not, carpets of flowers brighten almost every vista, and the communities of the Sacred Valley have colorful Semana Santa celebrations, should Easter fall after the first week of April. Yet this is still shoulder season, with crowds far less than in June, July, and August.

Machu Picchu in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The Inca Trail reopens, the wet weather starts to subside and, should Easter fall this month, Semana Santa brings in the crowds to Machu Picchu at levels not seen since the end of last season's shoulder period. Read on for more advice on traveling to Peru's most beloved attraction in March.

Machu Picchu in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The big heads-up for Machu Picchu-bound travelers this month is that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, but Machu Picchu itself remains open. The heaviest rain of the year and the trail closure keep crowds away, but you will never see the ruins so refreshingly empty of tourists. A few interesting festivals take place across the Cusco region too, notably carnival.

Machu Picchu in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

For tourist-free views of Machu Picchu, visit in January. Peru's most popular attraction is much less crowded in the wet season. Rainy weather means a lot of mud—and far-from-ideal trekking conditions. But with the rain, flora flourishes. When the rains clear, as they often do, Machu Picchu appears spectacularly verdant.

Take in the opera at Palermo's impressive Massimo Vittorio Emanuale theater

Sicily in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December welcomes Christmas and New Year visitors looking to spend the holidays in Sicily's festive towns and cities. An excellent month to peruse Christmas markets, feast on local Sicilian delicacies, and explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins with next to no crowds.

Discover the ridge-top temples of Agrigento on Sicily's southern shore

Sicily in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

While the weather is a little rainier than the rest of the year, November remains an excellent month for urban and cultural exploration as well as a possible beach day. November also ushers in wine season with St. Martin's Day kicking off a host of festivals celebrating seasonal fare and, of course, wine. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Take in the autumnal scenery as you explore the cooled lava flows on the slopes of Mount Etna

Sicily in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is an ideal time of year to visit Sicily and explore its popular attractions without the crowds. Plus, the weather is pleasant enough to entice beachgoers and harvest festivals are plenty. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Stroll through the elegant streets of Noto, famed for its baroque buildings

Sicily in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September is a fantastic month to experience Sicily as the summer weather continues and the crowds start to thin. There are endless options to take advantage of, from outdoor activities and cultural events to wine-and-food festivals, though if you're in search of a bargain you'll want to look toward the end of the month. Read on to learn more about visiting the Italian island in September.

Take in a stellar sunset over windmills and evaporating salt ponds in Trapani

Sicily in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is the last full month of Sicily's lively (and pricey) high season. The weather is sunny and hot, perfect for beach days and all things watersport related, though you'll have to contend with the hordes of foreign and local tourists. Don't let that deter you though, as this guide will tell you what to do and where to go.

Explore the chalk-white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi before going for a swim

Sicily in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Without a doubt, July is Sicily's most popular time for travelers. The weather is hot and sunny, the Mediterranean is warm and inviting, and there are a host of fun and lively cultural and musical events that take place throughout the month and all over the island. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Sicily this month.

Head to the ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater to take in a performance

Sicily in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Sicily begins to heat up in June; the weather is beach-perfect drawing holidaymakers to the coastline and popular cultural attractions. And though you'll have to contend with the crowds, there are plenty of destinations to choose from in which to craft your perfect island holiday. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Trek the coastal route in Zingaro Natural Reserve for pretty views and access points to the beach

Sicily in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is undoubtedly one of the best times to get outdoors and explore Sicily. The weather is consistently pleasant, the crowds aren't yet at their peak, and there are a number of fun and tasty festivals to experience, granting you an all-access pass to the Italian island. Find out what to do and where to go with this May guide.

Enjoy the view over Modica from the steps of Cattedrale di San Pietro

Sicily in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The Italian island is green, lush, and dotted with blooming wildflowers and citrus fruit—with the entire country coming out for Easter festivities. Take advantage of the fewer crowds and cheaper airfare during this shoulder season month and get yourself outdoors to experience all that Sicily has to offer. Read this monthly guide for more.

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