Travel Insights

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

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Stop in colorful Raquira to pick up a souvenir or two or three

Colombia's Cultural Interior - 14 Days

This two-week cultural adventure is perfect for travelers who don’t mind skipping the Amazon, Pacific, or the Caribbean and want to get to the heart of Colombia's interior. Start the trip with plenty of time to explore the vibrant capital of Bogotá, and then travel north to the famous salt mines and one of the most well-preserved cobblestoned towns in the country, Villa de Leyva. You’ll then swing over to the striking metropolis of Medellín, throwing in day-trips to lakeside Guatapé and a working coffee farm before heading to Cali, the salsa capital of the world, and ending your journey in the “white city’ of Popayán.

Explore Porto, Lisbon & Sintra - 5 Days

This 5-day adventure includes Portugal's two largest cities and a fairytale village that needs to be seen to be believed—all with a nice mix of guided tours and free time. You'll start in beautiful Porto, famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. Then train to Lisbon to explore the capital's ancient ruins and historic neighborhoods culminating with a trip to UNESCO-listed Sintra in the forested hills.

Highlights of Lisbon & Sintra - 5 Days

This 5-day trip is the ultimate cultural immersion into Portugal's up-and-coming capital, nicknamed 'The City of Seven Hills'. Let a local guide show you ancient ruins, cobbled alleyways, and hip neighborhoods—as well as the romantic UNESCO-listed village of Sintra surrounded by parks and gardens. Along with guided excursions, you'll have free time to explore on your own rounding out this fun adventure.

Lisbon's urban hillsides along the Tagus River

Highlights of Lisbon - 4 Days

This fun 4-day jaunt provides the perfect introduction to Portugal's up-and-coming capital, nicknamed 'The City of Seven Hills'. Let a local guide show you ancient ruins, cobbled alleyways, historic monuments, and hip neighborhoods—as well as the UNESCO-listed village of Sintra. In addition to excursions, you will also have free time to explore on your own to round out this Lisbon adventure.

Ultimate Guide to the Venetian Islands: Island Hopping in Venice, Italy

After you've marveled at the Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square, what's next? A short boat ride from central Venice, the island of Murano has long been famous for its glass. Lace is the claim to fame of tiny Burano, and bucolic Torcello contains the huge Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta. Learn more in our guide to island-hopping in Venice.

Discover the ochre-colored sand formations of the Tatacoa Desert

Southern Colombia Loop - 14 Days

Discover Colombia's southern region on this two-week adventure, covering major highlights of the country from the capital city of Bogotá to the pre-Columbian idols of San Agustín and to the well-preserved colonial town of Popayán. It's an itinerary fit for active travelers, history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife aficionados, and anyone with a thirst for adventure. You'll even have an opportunity to shake your hips to the sultry rhythms of Colombia's lifeblood: salsa music.

Torre del Prezzemolo, an old coastal tower in Cagliari, Sardinia

8 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have eight days to spend in Italy, you don't have to limit yourself to one region. Take a classic tour of Venice, Florence, and Rome, cycle the clifftop roads of Sardinia, boat around Lake Como, discover Sicily's antiquities, and sip wine in Chianti. Here are five unique itinerary suggestions.

View from the Soca valley to mountains of Triglav National Park

1 Week in Slovenia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week in Slovenia, you can take in various highlights or spend your time exploring one region, like Mount Triglav or the Julian Alps, in greater depth. In these five one-of-a-kind itineraries, you'll hike between mountain huts in Triglav National Park, sample local wines in Goriška Brda, cycle through native forests on the Istrian peninsula, swim and kayak on Lake Bled, and hike through the picturesque gorges and villages of the Soča Valley.

Tour the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu for a day

Classic Peru - 7 Days

This classic route through Peru introduces you to the country's top attractions for an immersive experience in seven days. See the contrast between old and new Lima, visit ancient archaeological wonders and textile communities in the Sacred Valley, and marvel at the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. You’ll also spend a day and a night in the beautiful colonial city of Cusco for your fill of treasures from its Inca and Spanish legacy.

Ancient History & Pristine Beaches in Sri Lanka - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary around Sri Lanka offers an ideal mix of activity and relaxation. You'll begin in Negombo and work your way around the island, stopping to visit ancient temple complexes, Buddhist shrines, and palaces carved into mountainsides. Along the journey, you'll spend two nights observing wildlife in Wilpattu National Park, enjoy the calm coastline in Pasikudah, explore charming colonial villages, and relax on breathtaking beaches with snorkeling and diving opportunities easily accessible offshore.

Discover Sarajevo at your own pace and on a guided tour

Sarajevo Spring Tour - 8 Days

This eight-day itinerary features Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital city of Sarajevo and offers the perfect mixture of history, culture, and adventure, with enough time to explore at your own pace. Deep dive into Sarajevo's long and varied past on a guided tour of the city's landmarks and monuments, immerse yourself in the coffee culture and drink your fill of the Bosnian elixir, and take advantage of the spring weather and hike to Skakavac, the country's highest waterfall. You'll visit Tito's nuclear bunker in Konjic, eat spit-roast lamb in Jablinca, and sample local brews in Dobrinja.

Costa Rica: Natural Highlights Luxury Tour - 6 Days

Even a mere six days is enough time to experience the highlights of Costa Rica. On this brisk itinerary, you'll do just that, visiting both Arenal and Corcovado National Park as well as enjoying waterfall hikes and exotic wildlife safaris. In between all this adventure you'll find time to relax in natural hot springs and enjoy the first-class amenities of your luxury accommodations.

Luxury Adventure Tour: Rainforests and Rivers - 7 Days

In just seven days you can mix equal parts adventure and luxury for one unforgettable Costa Rican vacation. Regarding the adventure, this brisk itinerary includes visits to exotic national parks like Arenal and Corcovado as well as whitewater rafting excursions and river safaris. As a bonus, you'll even take a private guided hike to some of the most secluded and beautiful waterfalls in the country.

Costa Rica: Wild Luxury Adventure - 8 Days

In a little over a week, you can experience the main highlights of the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica. This includes visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, going on a boat safari down the Tárcoles River, and venturing into the remote jungles of Corcovado National Park. Best of all, throughout the experience you'll enjoy luxury accommodations and be accompanied by your own bilingual guide.

From Waterfalls to the Coast: Luxury Escape to Costa Rica - 9 Days

When you have to get away from it all yet you also hunger for adventure, there's only one place to go: Costa Rica. On this nine-day itinerary, you'll experience the best of both worlds, from relaxing in natural hot springs to soaring over the rainforest canopy on a zip-line tour. You'll also venture into national parks and reserves for exotic wildlife safaris, all while staying in luxury accommodations every night.

Costa Rica: Luxury Wildlife Safari and Multi-Sport Adventure - 10 Days

If you're looking for an adventurous holiday without roughing it, then this itinerary is for you. On this 10-day tour of Costa Rica, you'll enjoy all the creature comforts of a luxury vacation while still embarking on wildlife safaris and adventure sports activities. Take to the air on a zip-line tour over the rainforest, hike to exotic waterfalls, and view the most exotic animals in the country—it's an exclusive vacation tailored just for you.

Costa Rica Luxury Wildlife and Adventure Sports Getaway - 11 Days

In Costa Rica you can combine the relaxation of a luxury vacation with all the adventure and exotic wildlife found in the tropics. On this 11-day itinerary, you'll enjoy an array of adventure sports, from canopy tours in the rainforest to wildlife expeditions in national parks and rivers. In between, you'll soak your weary muscles in natural hot springs and retire each night to luxury eco-lodges and villas.

Luxury Wildlife and Adventure Sports in Costa Rica - 12 Days

The only thing better than enjoying a pampered holiday is doing so in the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica. On this 12-day excursion, you'll alternate between relaxing in natural hot springs and embarking on a number of adventure activities, be it a zip-line tour in the rainforests of Arenal Volcano National Park or a crocodile river safari near the Pacific coast. You'll spot even more exotic wildlife with a hike in Corcovado National Park, the most biologically diverse area in the country.

Costa Rica Luxury Adventure: Rafting, Hiking, and Wildlife - 13 Days

On this 13-day Costa Rican adventure, you'll get the adrenaline pumping by day and relax in luxury accommodations at night. You'll visit three distinct areas of the country—the central highlands, Pacific coast, and the southern Osa Peninsula—each offering its own unique excursions. Whether it's horseback riding to a waterfall, braving whitewater rapids, or marveling at exotic animals on a rainforest hike, the opportunities for adventure are almost limitless.

Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica: Rainforests, Rivers, and Beaches - 14 Days

As a travel destination, Costa Rica offers luxury and adventure in equal measure. A two-week tour of this tropical paradise will allow you to experience many breathtaking locales, from the volcanoes of the central highlands to the beaches of the Pacific coast. Between relaxing in four-star eco-lodges you'll also enjoy adventure sports and hiking trips into the most bio-diverse national parks in the country.

Costa Rica Luxury Escape: Arenal, Bajos del Toro, & Uvita - 15 Days

This luxury tropical vacation combines the natural highlights of Costa Rica with VIP pampering. On this 15-day itinerary, you'll visit three of the most beautiful regions in the country: Arenal Volcano National Park, the Pacific coast, and the remote and wild Osa Peninsula. Throughout you'll enjoy adventure tours and first-class services that combine to create an unforgettable vacation.

Costa Rica Luxury Adventure: Volcanos, Cloud Forests, and Rivers - 16 Days

On this 16-day itinerary, you'll explore the biodiversity of Costa Rica while visiting three distinct regions of the country. First is a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park for some adventure sports, then it's off to remote Bajos del Toro and its three incredible waterfalls. As a grand finale, you'll embark on a guided hike into Corcovado National Park, the most biodiverse region in Costa Rica.

Take in the stunning views of Norway's Geirangerfjord

Summer Road Trip: Mountains & Fjords - 14 Days

Steer a relaxing two-week course through Norway's spectacular landscapes from Jotunheimen National Park to the depths of Sognefjord, the country's deepest fjord. You'll enjoy the freedom of setting your own pace when visiting museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention plenty of opportunities to get out in nature and explore.

Visit the Sarajevo Cathedral in the capital's Old Town district

Sarajevo Winter Tour - 8 Days

This week-long tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital highlights the city's rich history, diverse culture, and delicious regional food in addition to curated winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing. You'll sip on aromatic Bosnian coffee, participate in a cooking class, sample regional beers, and learn to work with copper from a local artisan. Enjoy the perfect balance of active adventure, guided tours, and free time to explore Sarajevo at your own pace.

Include Korčula in a Croatia highlights tour or a focused exploration of the Dalmatian Coast

1 Week in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Croatia, you can travel right across the country—from Zagreb to Dubrovnik—on a highlights tour or narrow your focus to one region. The idyllic Dalmatian Coast is perfect for those seeking time on the water, and you can choose between a thrilling sailing excursion, a foodie tour, and a classic trip that includes Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. Other options are an active itinerary featuring Croatia's national parks and a road trip through the Istrian peninsula.

Surf until sunset on Costa Rica's west coast

Nicoya Peninsula Surf Adventure - 11 Days

You'll travel to three of the best places in Costa Rica to ride the waves on this 11-day trip. Start in Jacó, one of the most renowned surf spots in Costa Rica. Then, head to Playa Santa Teresa, home to major surf competitions and some of the most consistent waves in the country. End the adventure in Playa Tamarindo for surf days that end with glorious Pacific Coast sunsets. You'll also have time to relax on the beach and explore the country's vast wildlife.

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days

On this five-day self-drive trip, explore the coastal capital city of Melbourne and then hit the open road. One of Victoria's most scenic drives, Great Ocean Road provides plenty of exciting pit stops—explore the surfing town of Bells Beach, discover the waterfalls of Lorne, zipline through the Otway Ranges, and visit The Twelve Apostles rock formations. On the way back to Melbourne, do some sightseeing in Ballarat, known for its Gold Rush heritage and indigenous art.

Discover the red sand and rock formations of the Tatacoa Desert

West & Central Colombia: Bogotá, San Agustín, Popayán, & Cali - 8 Days

This well-rounded tour perfectly combines cultural and historical exploration with adventure in eight days. Immerse yourself in the bustling and vibrant barrios of Bogotá, trek through the white and gray landscape of Los Hoyos in the Tatacoa Desert, and dive into the pre-Colombian past with sightings of ancient monuments in San Agustín. You'll also meander the charming stone streets in colonial Popayán before capping off your stay with a salsa lesson in colorful Cali.

Discover New Zealand along the Rimutaka Trail

New Zealand North Island Self-Drive & Cycling Tour - 10 Days

This self-drive itinerary covers the highlights of New Zealand's North Island, from Auckland to Wellington. Along the way, you will park your car and switch to your mountain bike to ride unique cycling trails covering historic logging and railway routes, through dramatic landscapes of native bush, volcanoes, and mountains.

10 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Many travelers with 10 days to spend in Italy choose to explore two to three cities or regions—you can easily see the top sights in Venice, Florence, Rome, adding the Amalfi Coast for good measure. Or, take a food-focused trip that includes detours to Chianti and Parma. Another option? Immerse in the culture and nature of one region with a tour around Sicily or a hiking adventure in the Dolomites. Read on for five unique itineraries.

Discover the trulli houses in Alberobello, Italy

9 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days to spend in Italy, travelers have enough time to see three major cities and add an additional region to explore—or, have a truly immersive experience in one area. On these five unique itineraries, you'll wander medieval towns in Tuscany, enjoy the beaches of Puglia, hike past craters on Mt. Etna, and share pizza and gladiator classes on a family-friendly tour of Rome.

Costa Rica Exotic Birds and Natural Highlights - 7 Days

Costa Rica is home to a wildly diverse amount of wildlife, including over 850 species of birds. In a mere week, you'll take to the jungles, rivers, mountains, and coast of this tropical paradise in search of the best vantage points in which to view the most exotic specimens. It's an adventure that not only includes the highlights of Costa Rica's avian population but the highlights of the country itself.

Guided Birding Tour of Costa Rica - 8 Days

In just over a week you can experience the birding highlights of Costa Rica, a country known for its biodiversity. Over 850 different species call this nation home, and on this eight-day itinerary, you'll see many of them. The journey will take you from rainforest jungles to wetlands as you hike through unspoiled tropical landscapes, view exotic wildlife, and snap photos of birds unlike any other on the planet.

Birding Highlights of Costa Rica - 9 Days

Any serious birding enthusiast must at some point make the pilgrimage to Costa Rica. There are over 850 avian species in this tiny Central American nation, so there's no shortage of great birding opportunities. On this unforgettable nine-day itinerary you'll take to the mountains, jungles, and coastline, venturing into national parks and dense rainforests to view the most elusive, exotic, and beautiful birds in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Wildlife, Birds, and Jungles - 10 Days

Costa Rica is one of the smallest countries in Latin America, yet it is also one of the most biodiverse. Consider birds, of which there over 850 species just in this one country. You'll be able to see many of them on a 10-day birding tour as you search for the rarest and most exotic avian varieties in Costa Rica's national parks, rainforests, and mountains.

Costa Rica: Birding in Paradise - 11 Days

Costa Rica is one of the few truly great birding destinations in the world. This is due to the nation's diverse and abundant amount of birds (over 850 species have been spotted here). Over 11 days you'll travel from the mountains to the coastal rainforests on an immersive birding safari to view some of the most exotic specimens, such as motmots, tanagers, and the reclusive resplendent quetzal.

Guided Birding Safari in Costa Rica - 12 Days

Costa Rica has a couple of things in abundance: exotic locales and exotic birds. On this 12-day ornithological trip, you'll witness various avian species amongst misty cloud forests, lowland rainforest canopies, and even soaring overhead on the Pacific coast. Throw in a bit of hiking, wildlife spotting, and sightseeing in the nation's capital, and you have the ideal active vacation.

Look for vibrantly hued birds on a birdwatching tour

Costa Rica Nature and Birding Adventure - 13 Days

Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers. Over 850 different species exist in this small Central American nation, which accounts for 10% of the birds in the world. The birding opportunities here are limitless, and on this 13-day adventure you'll go on ornithological excursions in some of the most exotic locales in Costa Rica.

Birds of Paradise: Costa Rica Birding Adventure - 14 Days

Grab your binoculars and sketchbook, because you're off to Costa Rica for a grand birding adventure. This small tropical country is a haven for exotic avian varieties, and there are many regions ripe for ornithological exploration. Aided by an English-speaking guide, you'll travel the length and breadth of Costa Rica, from the mountains to the coast, viewing the most colorful bird species over two incredible weeks.

Ultimate Costa Rica Birding Adventure - 15 Days

There are few nations on earth home to a greater variety of birds than Costa Rica. On this expedition, you'll visit the major ornithological regions of the country, from the coast to the rainforests to the high mountains and even volcanoes. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you'll go off the beaten path to the furthest reaches of national parks where you can enjoy optimum birding from the best vantage points.

Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway's, historical home outside of Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare in Love Tour - 9 Days

On this unique multi-city “Shakespeare in Love” tour, you will explore the towns and cities that shaped William Shakespeare's career, including London, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the romantic Cotswolds. Tour the English countryside and cities he called home and gain insight into the Bard's 16th-century world. You will tour the Globe Theatre, explore Shakespeare's hometown, as well as visit movie locations for the film based on the young playwright.

The laid-back beaches on the Amalfi Coast make a wonderful getaway

1 Week in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week to explore Italy, you can focus on the country's must-see highlights while hopping between Rome, Florence, and Venice. Or, swap in the Amalfi Coast and a day trip to Capri if you're eager for a slice of idyllic coastline. If you're a traveler who enjoys the freedom of a rental car, you'll find Tuscany the ideal road-tripping destination, while Sicily and hiking in the Italian Dolomites are a great fit if you're seeking a more specialized trip.

5 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have five days in Italy, it's best to focus on one city or region—otherwise, you'll likely feel like you're spreading yourself too thin. On these five unique itineraries, you'll discover northern Italy's food scene, explore a corner of Sicily, road-trip between coastal villages on the Amalfi Coast, cycle through Tuscany's wine roads, or get to know the Eternal City.

Enjoy sweeping vistas from the ramparts of the Crusader castle in Karak

Discover Jordan From Tel Aviv - 7 Days

Discover Jordan's leading cultural and historical attractions on this complete seven-day itinerary, a perfect extension following a tour of Israel. Begin in Tel Aviv and cross the border into Jordan to float in the salty Dead Sea, drive north to explore the Roman ruins of Jerash and Amman before turning south to find Byzantine mosaics in Madaba, Crusader castles in Karak, and ancient Nabataean ruins in Petra. End your stay with a Jeep tour of Wadi Rum followed by some time spent in the Red Sea port of Aqaba.

Go on a Jeep safari into the vast Wadi Rum desert

Experience Jordan: Amman, Petra, & Wadi Rum - 7 Days

Experience a week of Jordanian hospitality, ancient and natural wonders, and rural life on this curated adventure of Jordan's main attractions. Walk amid ancient Roman ruins in Amman and Jerash, overlook the Judean Desert from the peak of Mount Nebo, and immerse yourself in the Nabataean city of Petra in between. You'll also sleep in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, snorkel with the fish in the Gulf of Aqaba, and relax in the buoyant and calm Dead Sea waters.

Explore the Dana Reserve's biodiversity (© Tala Dabain)

Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 7 Days

Experience Bedouin hospitality and rural life as you trek a segment of the historic Jordan Trail on this week-long adventure. Begin in Jordan's capital, Amman, and transfer to your starting point in the diverse Dana Reserve where you'll trek north through wadis and deserts and over rocky mountains, ending in the "Lost City" of Petra. Along the way, you'll drink your fill of sweet Bedouin tea, sleep under the stars in wilderness camps, discover millennia-old Roman mines, and wander ancient Nabataean cities.

Snorkel off the coast of Aqaba in the Gulf of Aqaba

Discover Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea - 7 Days

Enjoy one week exploring Jordan's cherished landmarks as you take in the country's rich heritage. You'll begin and end in the bustling capital of Amman where you'll cover some major ground, from the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, to the Crusader castle in Karak and the Church of Moses on top of biblical Mount Nebo. You'll swim in the Red Sea, sleep under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent, and marvel at the ancient tombs and temples of Petra.

6 Best Day Trips from Venice: Exploring the Veneto Region

Venice is crammed with attractions, but if this is your second visit or you’re here for a week or more, head across to the mainland. Beyond the causeway lies the Veneto, a vast, historic region rich in culture, vineyards and intriguing medieval towns. Though this was once part of the Venetian Empire, it feels very different from the city: visit Palladian mansions, stand on Juliet’s balcony, and sample bubbly prosecco with these great day trips.

Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera - 6 Days

This packed getaway itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to see a different side of Italy but are short on time. Spend 6 days on the UNESCO-designated Cinque Terre coastline, where you'll stay in small fishing towns, eat fresh seafood, and sunbathe on rocky beaches. Explore the historic area on foot (no cars allowed in the old villages!) then end your trip in Pisa to climb the famous leaning tower.

Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera - 7 Days

Spend a week on the Cinque Terre coast, exploring the small towns and rugged cliffs that make this region such a popular destination. Stay in Manarola and Portofino, two of the UNESCO-designated region's old-world villages. Hike along the coast, snorkel in the clear blue water and eat delicious fresh-caught seafood. End your trip in Pisa where the famous leaning tower and richly decorated medieval churches await.

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