Experience the diversity of the Slovenian Alps in this ultimate nature lovers tour. Take on a mix of serious hiking, white water rafting, kayaking and even canyoning. Explore the vibrant city of Ljubljana and savor authentic Slovenian food and wine on an adventure you won't soon forget.
Ideal for anyone who loves nature and leisurely walks, this itinerary takes you through the beautiful Slovenian landscape while tackling trails of low technical difficulty. Visit stunning viewpoints of the Julian Alps, meander along turquoise rivers, and marvel at the mysterious underworld of Karst before relaxing along the Adriatic coast. There's no better way discover Slovenia’s natural treasures.
The kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the last unspoiled gems of the Himalayas. Closed to foreign visitors until the 1970s, Bhutan's past and present are firmly grounded in traditional Buddhist culture. On this quick 5-day journey around the country, you'll visit quiet monasteries, explore ancient fortresses, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains as you hike through peaceful valleys.
Get off the beaten path and onto the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the remote Kii Peninsula. Trek to grand shrines and thermal hot springs on this self-guided trip, great for those looking to challenge themselves with full-day hikes through hilly terrain. You'll be rewarded, however, with unforgettable experiences as you follow in the footsteps of emperors.
Western Bhutan is home to many of the kingdom's top sights and most beautiful landscapes. You'll explore the region on this well-rounded 7-day trip that starts in the capital city of Thimphu. Discover the glacial valley of Phobjikha, attend an evening prayer ceremony in Punakha, enjoy a picnic in the mountains, and hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery. Since the itinerary focuses on just one part of the country, you'll spend less time traveling between destinations and more time simply enjoying them.
Perfect for cyclists seeking a sunny, self-guided itinerary, this Croatian cycling adventure spans the best of the beloved Dalmatian Coast. Start your adventure in ancient Split, where Diocletian's Palace sits along the sea. You'll cycle through olive groves and vineyards on nearby islands before making your way south to Dubrovnik.
Bhutan is home to more than 700 avian species. You'll spot many varieties on this colorful excursion through the western part of the country, which takes you to both well-known and off-the-beaten-path birding zones. Fall in love with Bhutan's forested landscapes and majestic wildlife on this itinerary that's tailor-made for nature lovers.
A great option for active travelers who want to combine stunning scenery with outdoor adventure. Starting in Split, you'll explore popular Krka National Park and canyon the Cetina River before taking to the sea to discover Hvar Island. You'll hike, paddle, and rappel your way across the southern Dalmatian coast ending your stay in historic Dubrovnik.
Santiago de Chile boasts a one-of-a-kind location, sprawling below some of the highest peaks of the Andes range, providing a breathtaking city backdrop. Fabulous Buenos Aires, the most European of South America's cities is world famous for its tango, restaurants, vibrant nightlife, fashion and traditional cafés. You'll experience both of these dynamic cities on this 9-day itinerary, enjoying not only urban culture but beaches, an Argentine ranch and the quirky seaside town of Valparaíso.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.
Every Christmas, kimkim travelers Jen and Garrison Draper give each other the gift of travel. This year, their goal was to glimpse the Northern Lights - so they headed to Iceland for a once-in-a-lifetime winter road trip. From climbing glaciers to eating hot dogs, Garrison shares his favorite moments and some great advice.
Colombia is an incredible country for birdwatchers. It boasts a list of 77 endemics (birds found in no other country) and is home to well over 1930 bird species — around 20 percent of the world's total bird count. This 16-day adventure is designed to showcase the best birding sites in the country. You'll experience Colombian culture, excellent food, and vibrant cities as you travel between incredible birding habitats.
Colombia's second-largest city, Medellín is young, dynamic, and on the up. It’s a place where people like to go out, enjoy life, and eat well. During the day, you’ll find plenty of cheap diners where you can fill up on hearty local staples, with lots of stalls on the street selling fresh fruit and juices. But come the evening, you’ll probably want to check out the increasing variety of excellent modern restaurants serving local, international and fusion cuisine.
The Santa Cruz four-day trek takes you high into the Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru, providing spectacular views of glacier-wrapped peaks, turquoise lakes and fields of wildflowers. It's a demanding hike that will test your body and lungs, but well worth it for the epic scenery. This article will help you make the most of your Peruvian high altitude adventure, and provide information on extending the hike to five or more days.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, crossing Larkya La pass (16,752 ft. or 5106 m.) to the legendary Annapurna region, is one of Nepal's most spectacular and culturally diverse treks. Its dramatic Himalayan vistas, challenging terrain, mix of Gurung and Tibetan villages, Tibetan Buddhist gompas, birds, and wildlife make it one of Nepal's best camping treks.
Ever since a chance conversation with a Moroccan uber driver about his native land, kimkim globetrotter Niea Rosa was determined to see this magical destination for herself. As an architect and savvy solo traveler, Niea brings an especially unique perspective to the table. Read on for her impressions of beautiful Northern Morocco and how she prioritized her itinerary.
Looking for an eventful winter vacation? The South Coast of Iceland is chock-full of fun winter activities, from glacier hiking to snowboarding, snowmobiling and more. If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to witness the unparalleled beauty of the Northern Lights that often grace the crisp Arctic sky. Here's our recommended way to spend the winter on Iceland's South Coast.
Strap on your snowshoes and make your way through two Bulgarian national parks full of independent massifs separated by deep gorges and mountain passes. This tour winds through southwestern Bulgaria for a truly authentic experience of snowy wilderness, traditional cuisine, and local hospitality.
Pair up the colorful culture of Havana and the outdoor adventure of the Viñales Valley for an epic tour of western Cuba. Perfect for adventurers with eclectic tastes, this itinerary will take you from rural schools to silkscreening workshops to Latin America's largest cave.
Even with just a few days to spare, you can still take in all that Havana has to offer. Discover Cuba’s creative culture with entrepreneurs, artists, intellectuals, and chefs – the people who are creating Cuba’s future. You'll see the art , taste the flavors, hear the rhythm, and feel the soul of the thriving Cuban lifestyle.
Explore three amazing Croatian jewels—Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik—and discover why so many people fall in love with Croatia. In just a week you'll have time to learn about Croatia's long, rich history in the cities of Split and Dubrovnik; relax on beaches and go sailing around the Pakleni Islands, and hike to monasteries and forgotten villages on Hvar and Brač.
Croatia has something for all interests, with historic old towns, sparkling sea for swimming and kayaking, and beautiful hiking trails. See a bit of them all on this 8-day itinerary that takes in some of Croatia's gems: the lovely cities of Split, Dubrovnik, and nearby national parks and islands for wilderness adventures.
There is perhaps no better way to get "off the beaten path" in Jordan than to walk or ride the trails that traverse its spectacular landscapes and diverse communities. The Jordan Bike Trail takes you behind the scenes and away from the crowds, on a challenging and rewarding journey from ancient Greco-Roman ruins in the north to refreshing Red Sea waters in the south. Here are some tips to get you started.
You could spend a whole year in Norway and barely scratch the surface of its expansive beauty. If you've only got two weeks to try and do so, give one of these itineraries a try. You'll scope out Norwegian nature, culture, and more through the seasons.
Avid walkers celebrate: this village-to-village walking tour was designed just for you. Hike through national parks, great forests, and the exceptional landscapes of the Bucegi Mountains. Visit traditional villages. And take in the dark, eerie history of Bran Castle - also known as Dracula's Castle.
There is so much to see in Romania, and this two-week trip offers a glimpse into a country and culture where the people's connection to nature runs deep. Explore charming medieval towns, visit the castle that inspired the location of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," and take a steam train ride through the countryside. You'll discover authentic villages straight out of a fairy tale, jaw-dropping landscapes, and carefully preserved traditions.
Planning to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and spot the extraordinary wildlife on the Galápagos Islands? A great way to make this journey is on a land-based tour: sleeping in hotels by night and shuttling between the islands by day. In between, you'll have the chance to spot giant tortoises in their native habitat, snorkel with sea lions, hike up an active volcano, and spend time experiencing the culture of these Enchanted Islands.
This 7-day adventure is perfect for those planning to visit the top two sights in Peru – Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. In addition to these unforgettable highlights, this itinerary will take a detour over some stunning Andean scenery, from icy peaks to steamy jungle. Along the way, enjoy a dip in hot springs, a visit to a coffee cooperative and shopping in traditional Andean markets.
Cusco serves as the perfect base to explore the numerous sights of the Sacred Valley. Colonial settlements and ancient Inca towns are dotted here and there, while in remote mountain settlements life has largely remained unchanged for centuries. Use this guide to plan your day trips from the ancient Inca capital.
Love getting off the beaten track and traveling like a local? This tour was tailor-made for you. Experience the best of the French Riviera, including the hilltop villages of Luberon, multicultural Marseille, charming Aix-en-Provence, and vibrant Cannes.
From dog sledding to snowshoeing, this adventure above the Arctic Circle covers all the winter activities the region has to offer. With a private guide behind the wheel, there's no need to worry about icy roads and reindeer crossings - just sit back, relax, and enjoy the hidden gems of the polar north.
With 14 days to explore Jordan, you'll have plenty of time to see the best this country has to offer. Opt for an adventure trip that includes hiking and rock climbing, or focus on the region's many Biblical sites. You can also combine your trip to Jordan with a few days in Egypt or Israel. Check out these five unique itineraries to find the perfect one for you.
Lush, steamy and unmistakably tropical, Colombia’s Amazon region seems very remote, even from the rest of the country. The main town, Leticia, is an easy-going, friendly little place, located right on the border with Brazil and Peru. But the main reason to visit is the Amazon River and the vast rainforest that surrounds it – full of strange and exotic plants and animals, from lazy sloths to electric eels – a massively important environment that provides a lung for the whole planet.
Iceland has plenty to offer all year-round, but if there’s one holiday worth planning a trip around, it's New Year’s Eve. Check out this self-drive itinerary idea that starts with Reykjavik's famous year-end festivities and continues with a week of the winter activities Iceland is known for.
The Amazon rainforest is the world’s green lung, a beautiful but actually quite fragile region where strange and exotic birds and animals share their forest home with hunter-gatherer jungle tribes, and where you can leave the motorized, industrialized world behind and disappear off into the jungle, or just take a boat ride up the world’s mightiest river, check out the wildlife and meet the indigenous people. Way off the beaten track, this is our guide to this remote and exotic region.
From down in the fjords up to the mountain peaks, Norway is full of sweeping vistas and stirring Viking tales. How to capture it all in a week? Hone in on your favorite region or travel style with these itineraries.
This chilly, scenic self-drive tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure fiends alike. Visit the famous Golden Circle, explore vibrant Reykjavik, and get off the beaten path for tours of ice caves and craters, snorkel trips between tectonic plates, and walks behind ice-covered waterfalls.
This week-long family tour of Chiang Mai offers active families seeking an authentic Thailand experience the perfect blend of culture, nature, and kid-friendly activities. Hike to stunning temples in the mountains before cooling off in the region's beautiful waterfalls. Play with elephants, take a family bike ride through paddy fields, and discover peace and tranquility in Thailand's temples as you and your family immerse yourselves in local life.
Get ready to spend a lot of time on your bike as you travel to villages in the rolling green hills of the countryside, taste incredible local flavors and home-cooked meals, and immerse yourself in the history of northern Thailand. You'll explore the impressive temple ruins in the ancient city of Sukhothai, stay with the Karen tribe in their village, and hang out with a herd of wild elephants.
Experience Morocco's stunning natural beauty and fascinating culture on this four-day trip to its mountains, deserts, and oases. Ride camels in the Sahara, roam the maze of passageways in a classic kasbah, and hike through a river gorge. Along the way, you'll meet Berber tribes, eat fresh dates and nuts straight off the trees, and browse the vibrant souks and bazaars.
One of the best aspects of visiting Cartagena on Colombia's northern coast is having close proximity to nearby Caribbean Islands for the ultimate culture/beach adventure. On this 5-day trip, you'll start off experiencing the city's narrow streets with palaces, churches, and mansions painted in pastel colors (not to mention hip hotels and galleries that are popping up). Then, boat over to San Bernardo's beautiful coral islands for white-sand beaches and watersports. Finish the adventure back in Cartagena for one more night of colonial romance.
Wind your way by bike through the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania's hills - the mysterious, beautiful land made famous by Bram Stoker's Dracula. Perfect for those looking for an experience that seamlessly integrates culture, nature, and history, this tour will take you to citadels, fortified churches, bear sanctuaries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Experience stunning highlights along Colombia's northern coast in this active 10-day adventure. You'll soak in the romance and colonial history of Cartagena's Old Town, hike in Tayrona National Park, 4x4 through remote jungles, wander majestic sand dunes, visit indigenous cultures, and go birdwatching in Minca at sunrise. Circle back to Cartagena and end the trip with a relaxing beach day in the Rosario Islands.
Sandwiched between Colombia’s mountainous capital and its romantic inner-walled city on the northern coast, this scenic 9-day journey highlights one of South America's most beloved ecological gems: Caño Cristales. After completing this two-day river adventure, you’ll fly back to Bogotá to visit the salt mines before heading north to Cartagena. Here, you'll have two days to explore the sites, culminating with a speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands.
This active South American adventure spotlights trekking in the high, snowy mountains of Los Nevados National Park. A good portion of this 9-day journey will take place in the rugged outdoors before you head towards the charming colonial town of Villa de Leyva in the Colombian Highlands. Start and finish the trip with time to explore the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá for colorful street art, museums, dining, and nightlife.
This journey in the Atacama desert takes you to some of the most spectacular desert scenery on the planet. You’ll see sputtering geysers, salt flats where flamingoes roam, and gorgeous sunsets over otherworldly rock formations. This Chilean adventure is for active-minded travelers, with biking and hiking among astonishing Andean landscapes.
Ecuador is a country that packs enormous diversity into a small area, so it's ideal to visit for a short trip. You can spend a long weekend exploring Quito and the mountains, stay for a week venturing into the Amazon jungle or cruising the Galápagos, or spend two weeks climbing volcanoes, exploring cloud forests, and enjoying adventure sports before relaxing on the Pacific beaches. Whatever your preference, use this guide to help you make the most of your visit.
From desert camps to quaint guesthouses to art-inspired city hotels, Jordan offers a variety of accommodations for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best boutique hotels, from north to south.
The High Atlas mountains are more than just a backdrop for vibrant Marrakech. Only an hour from the city, spectacular scenery and culture await you, with plenty of trails to choose from. Check out one of these four easily-accessible regions and immerse yourself in varied terrain, stunning views, and local Berber culture.
Only those looking for true adventure are suited for a trip to Northern Norway and (just across the border) Finnish Lapland in winter. The Arctic Circle admits few through its snowy doors, but if your name is on the list, you'll be escorted into another world. A world of surprises, a world of adrenaline, and a world of stories to tell.
