Travel Insights

Colombia Epic Birdwatching Tour: Western Andes & Santa Marta - 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary is perfect for serious bird watchers who dream of visiting some of the best bird watching sites in Colombia. The journey includes excursions in the Choco-Western Andes transition, where nearly all the birds are endemic or near-endemic and the mystical and biologically unique Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – an evolutionary island of biodiversity where you have the chance to view over 20 endemic birds. In addition to excellent birding sites, you'll experience life in rural Colombia and travel across stunning landscapes from the sea to the soaring Andes mountains.

1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spend a week in Ecuador exploring the country's diversity, from volcanoes to the rainforest. Each trip starts in Quito, with tours of the UNESCO-designated historic city and a visit to the equator site. From here, choose to stay on the mainland and explore the highlands, cloud forest, and national parks, or fly to the Galapagos for a quick highlights tour of the biodiverse archipelago.

Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days

Spend 10 days taking in the Western Cape with this trip plan. You'll explore Cape Town and see Table Mountain from both a distant beach and right under your feet, sample the wines of Stellenbosch, and dive into a great white cage encounter before you hit the road on the Garden Route for canoeing, hiking, animal encounters, and more.

Mayan Adventure in Guatemala - 6 Days

This trip to the heart of Central America offers fascinating historical culture, thrilling adventure, and jaw-dropping vistas. You'll fall in love with the charming colonial city of Antigua, learn about ancient Mayan civilization, and hike and bike some of Guatemala's stunning mountain volcanoes.

Vineyard Hopping in Corsica: 7 Days

Calling all wine-loving travelers: this 7-day Corsican vineyard hop was made with you in mind. Bounce between some of the oldest vineyards in Europe (with stops at stunning beaches and charming towns in between) to experience the history, variety, and especially the flavors of Corsica's wine culture.

The Very Best Walks on Corsica: 7 Days

Amble along windswept coastlines and across dramatic mountain interiors as you explore Corsica on foot with this active 7-day tour. If you love to travel slowly, savoring each moment, landscape, and experience along the way, this trip was tailor-made for you. Spend each day taking in the island's natural beauty on foot - and every night in sumptuous accommodations.

Cycling Corsica: 7 Days

Perfect for avid cyclists, this 7-day tour of Corsica winds through classically Corsican villages, past sweeping mountain views, and over scenic seaside roads to take you through the very best of the island. Road bikes, hybrids, and e-bikes are all good options and breathtaking views are guaranteed.

Nature and Culture in The Gambia - 8 Days

Go off the beaten track on this eco-friendly, 8-day trip to continental Africa's tiniest country. You'll unwind on gorgeous beaches, discover tropical wildlife, and get an inside look at local culture - all while being a responsible traveler.

Galápagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 10 Days

This 10-day trip will take you to the best the Galápagos has to offer. Immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem of the archipelago as you see the sights by bike, by foot, and in the water. This extraordinary tour includes snorkeling with sea lions, tropical fish, and beautiful manta rays. On land, there will be numerous chances to observe giant tortoises and other amazing creatures in this one-of-a-kind destination.

3 Days in Northern Jordan

Northern Jordan – with its rolling hills, ancient ruins, slower pace, and community-based tourism initiatives – has much more to offer than one day allows. Don’t make the rookie mistake of a quick trip to Jerash. Read on to see why you should set aside at least three days for your northern Jordan adventure.

Family Travel in Norway's Countryside

Norway's cities may be an obvious choice for a family trip — museums, history, the works — but its countryside may have even more to offer. In an age where screens abound, a different way of life still exists in the Norway's small towns and natural areas. Here are a few ideas for taking your family through this beautiful country's less-trodden landscape.

4 Scenic Road Trip Routes in Jordan

Jordan is made up of much more than arid desert. Take a road trip and you'll quickly see the scenery change – from bustling cities to serene sea, wooded hills to rocky cliffs, all offering visitors a variety of vistas and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best road trip routes through Jordan to get you started.

Traveler Interview: South Africa Safari in Kruger National Park

Maria Yee and her boyfriend Aloysius booked flights to South Africa with their sights set on the abundant wildlife in Kruger National Park. Read on for Maria's advice to travelers and some of her favorite moments in South Africa.

Traveler Interview: High Altitude Trekking in Peru

Avid hiker and kimkim traveler Kristin Monesmith lives in Peru halftime, working remotely and exploring the endless mountain trails. The Ausangate Trek checked all her boxes: incredibly beautiful, essentially devoid of tourists, and enough of a challenge to leave her feeling accomplished at the end. She spoke with us about her five-day adventure circumnavigating one of the most spectacular mountains in Southern Peru.

Highlights of Northern Chile

Home to red-rock deserts, craggy mountain peaks and sparkling coastlines, northern Chile offers boundless adventures for avid travelers. You can spend your days wandering through eerie ghost towns, zipping down sand dunes or basking on pristine beaches, followed by nights of stargazing beneath the dark southern hemisphere skies. Here are some of the top destinations when planning a trip through Chile.

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu - 6 Days

On this tour, you'll explore the ancient streets of Cusco, then head to the Sacred Valley to shop for handicrafts in historic Pisac and go to a traditional garment workshop and hike to the amazing salt pans produced by the Incas. Top it all off by spending a day exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu.

1 Week in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a full week in Nepal, there’s time to cover a lot of ground on a sightseeing tour—you can easily combine the highlights of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. But the reason many travelers come to Nepal is to trek, and with seven days, you can choose between a few rewarding trails. The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Pikey Peak treks are both popular options with views for days; you can also opt for a cultural village-to-village hike or a luxury trekking experience in the Annapurna foothills.

Third Eye Tour of India - 14 Days

This tour takes you to some of the most spiritually important places in North India. Be introduced to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism at Rishikesh, Dharamsala, and Amritsar, and learn about ancient yoga and Ayurvedic traditions. Visit the classic and popular “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur but from a different perspective by meeting local artisans, staying in village homestays, and engaging in other socially responsible tourism and business ventures.

Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 6 Days

Land-based tours are a more economical and comfortable alternative to cruising the Galapagos. This 6-day itinerary takes in the highlights of the three main inhabited islands — from watching giant tortoises to hiking around an active volcanic crater and snorkeling with penguins and sharks.

Discover Northern Peru: A Journey For The Senses - 14 Days

This 14-day trip will take you to the best cities and historic places of interest on the north coast of Peru. From the fascinating archaeological sites around Trujillo and Cumbemayo, to visits with local woodcarvers and environmentalists, you'll get an in-depth experience with this little-visited area. Along the way, you'll hike to one of the world’s highest waterfalls, make some cocktails, visit superb museums, and sample delicious local cuisine.

South India Odyssey - 15 Days

This two-week journey will take you on an epic odyssey through two of the most fascinating states of southern India. You'll be enchanted by the French flavors of Pondicherry and the grand temple complex at Madurai in Tamil Nadu, the lush natural world of Periyar and the traditional culture of the backwaters of Kerala. Discover why this laid-back part of the country is a traveler favorite.

Magic and Realism in Rajasthan - 13 Days

There are almost too many spectacular sights and experiences in Rajasthan — camel trekking in the Thar Desert, the watery splendors of Udaipur, open-air art museums in Bundi, the sandcastle city of Jaisalmer, the mesmerizing blue of Jodhpur, and the sacred lake-side town of Pushkar. Add on the must-sees of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and you'll begin to understand why so many travelers are drawn back to India time and again.

South India: Wildlife & Local Traditions - 18 Days

South India is a hot, steaming, colorful mix of untamed nature and mesmerizing culture. This tour will immerse you in some of the more exotic traditions of peninsula India: the art and temples of Tamil Nadu, the flavors and jungles of Kerala, and plenty of chill-out time on the backwaters and in the hills that permeate the region.

India's Golden Triangle: A Local Perspective - 5 Days

Travel in India will open your eyes like nowhere else on earth. You'll see beauty and experience wonder in a new way in this incredible country. The triangle of Delhi - Agra - Jaipur is popular with tourists for good reason, but this tour offers a unique perspective. As well as seeing the Taj Mahal, you'll visit local communities, women’s cooperatives, and an elephant rescue center in Agra.

5 Days in Norway - 8 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Norway may have 63,000 miles of coastline and endless countryside to explore, but you don't need to see it all to have an amazing experience. Whether your priorities lie in the dramatic southern fjords, coastal islands, cultural cities, or small fishing villages, it's easy to craft a satisfying itinerary that takes less than a week to complete. Get inspired by these unique itineraries for your 5-day trip to Norway.

Adventures in Thailand: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Pai & Phuket - 14 Days

Adventurous travelers rejoice: this two-week itinerary runs the gamut of Thailand's most iconic scenery and sights. You'll bike, river raft, and trek your way to ancient temples, traditional villages, and vibrant night markets. Lace up your hiking boots and prepare to immerse yourself in all this colorful country has to offer.

Highlights of Northern Thailand Trekking: 7 Days

From the third highest peak in northern Thailand to the authentic night markets of Chiang Rai, this seven-day trek is a great choice for avid hikers who also want a taste of Thai city life before heading home. Enjoy sweeping mountain panoramas, intricate temples, and bustling, colorful night markets.

Climb the Peaks of Northern Thailand - 8 Days

The active eight-day tour is perfect for moderate hikers who are interested in northern Thailand's epic landscapes. Starting with a summit above Chiang Mai, you and your guide will accomplish a number of trails in national parks, forests, and rice fields while staying in unique towns near the Burmese and Laotian borders. Of course, there will be plenty of time to absorb Thai culture along the way, from visiting monks and hill tribes to dining on fresh red curry at the night markets.

Adventures in Angkor - 4 Days

Discover the ancient ruins and delights of Angkor, just outside the bustling modern city of Siem Reap, on this 4-day trip to northern Cambodia. You'll hike and bike around Angkor's sacred sites, experience the nightlife of Siem Reap, and learn to cook and farm the Khmer way.

Bike & Hike the Backroads of Chile near Pucón - 9 Days

This 9-day hiking and biking adventure along central Chile's backroads is perfect for active travelers. You'll discover a fascinating part of the country dominated by clear lakes and amazing active volcanoes. Together with expert guides, you will pedal alongside snow-capped peaks, green meadows and stunning lakes, make visits to local indigenous villages and relax in soothing natural hot springs.

Norway: Frequently Asked Questions

A country as varied as Norway naturally leads to many possibilities — and plenty of questions. Though you may know enough about Oslo or Bergen, what's a vacation like in the villages? On the fjords? Up north to the Arctic Circle? Preparation is key for any vacation to go off without a hitch, so here are the basics for your first trip to Norway.

A Taste of Southern Thailand - 5 Days

Go beyond the stunning islands and emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, and get a taste of the local lifestyle on this five-day trip to southern Thailand. You'll kayak through the lush jungle, unwind on pristine beaches, and eat authentic Thai food with a local family on your homestay in a small fishing village.

Motorbike Tour of Corsica: 6 Day Itinerary

Perfect for avid motorcyclists and those seeking an off-the-beaten-track adventure, this 6-day tour winds through quiet back roads to charming Corsican villages, beautiful beaches, and some of the best hotels on the island.

Traveler Interview: Father & Daughter Trek in Nepal

Hiking is a shared passion for kimkim traveler Esther Yoon and her recently retired dad, so Nepal - a trekker's paradise - seemed like the perfect choice for a father-daughter adventure. Interested in the culture and beauty of Nepal without the crowds, they chose the Manaslu Circuit: a beautiful 15-day trek circling the eighth-highest peak in the Himalayas.

2 Weeks in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

A two-week visit to Peru allows travelers to comfortably combine Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley with one of the country's more remote regions. Enjoy the culture and history of the ruins and villages surrounding Cusco and take a jungle excursion into the Amazon on the same trip. Or head north to the archaeological wonders of Kuelap and Chachapoyas. A trip of this length also means more opportunities for trekking, including multiday treks on the Inca Trail.

Highlights of Provence - 11 Days

Vibrant Marseille, charming Aix-en-Provence, and historic Avignon: pay a visit to every quintessential locale in Provence on this comprehensive tour. With a perfect balance of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, this itinerary will check every box on your list of things to see and do in this lovely region of Southern France.

Experience Chiloé: Wildlife & Birdwatching Tour - 8 Days

This 5-day trip follows in the footsteps of Charles Darwin who documented the flora and fauna along Chile's southern coast. Traveling by sea and land you'll observe the extraordinary wildlife and birds of Chiloé Island, the second largest island in Chile after Tierra del Fuego. Visits to quaint fishing villages where you'll enjoy a traditional "curanto" meal and experience local culture round off this unique experience.

6 Unique Places to Stay in Norway

Planning a trip to Norway? Make the most of your visit with a standout stay in one of these alternatives to traditional hotels. Spend an unforgettable night in a lighthouse, igloo, or fisher's cabin, and you'll have something to write about.

Family Travel in Jordan: From North to South, Something for Everyone

The idea of family is central to Jordanian culture, so it should come as no surprise that Jordan is an incredibly family-friendly destination. From north to south, Jordan offers active, educational adventures for travelers of all ages.

Ecuador's Main Highlights: Top Places To Visit

Ecuador is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries: in this small but breathtakingly varied nation, you can visit tropical beaches, volcanoes, cloud forest and jungle all on the same day. Ecuador is also steeped in culture, with colonial Spanish churches, pre-Columbine archaeology, and bustling indigenous markets. The icing on the cake is the incredible Galapagos archipelago which belongs to Ecuador. From the Andes to Amazon, here are our main highlights.

Discover the Atacama Desert - 4 Days

Spend four days taking advantage of the natural beauty of the town and hinterlands of San Pedro de Atacama. Visit geysers, volcanoes, valleys and salt flats on this trip around the arid Chilean plateau and be wowed by the formidable grandeur of the Andes at every turn.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Lima

Lima is one of South America's most cosmopolitan cities. New boutique hotels are popping up overnight in the hip neighborhoods of Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro, and beyond. There are artsy hotels, bohemian hotspots, swish modernist joints bathed in white, and plenty of options in between that cater to all tastes and budgets.

Best Things To Do In Cusco

The former capital of the Incas, Cusco is today a bustling city that attracts scores of travelers for its ancient Incan remains, Andean culture and Spanish colonial splendors. Small stonewalled alleyways spill onto impressive plazas full of brightly dressed indigenous women, while tucked away are surprisingly excellent museums, quirky nightlife venues, and stylish clothing stores. This guide will direct you toward the best Cusco has to offer.

Colombia's Urban Walking Tour: Bogotá & Medellín - 7 Days

City slickers who like to hoof it will love this weeklong itinerary in Colombia spotlighting two of Latin America’s most exciting (and mountainous) hubs. The trip starts in the sophisticated capital of Bogotá where you'll have time to soak in the culture, restaurants and nightlife. From here, take a day-trip to the highlands to visit the region's salt mines. Next, it's a flight to Medellín, the scenic metropolis in the midst of a transformation after a turbulent past. With year-round spring temps and a free metrocable, there's plenty to see and do. Take a hike in lakeside Guatapé to round out this fun adventure.

5 Top Norway Road Trips: Villages, Fjords, & Scenic Routes

If you're in Norway and you've got four wheels, throw away your guidebook. You're going to want to visit towns you can't pronounce, places your friends don't know exist, and vistas you won't find on Instagram. With plenty of time — driving through mountains and fjords, hopping on ferries, and navigating single-lane roads is never quick — the entire country should be on your list. Here are five specialist-recommended ideas for an incredible road trip through Norway.

Trip Ideas for the Perfect Honeymoon in Iceland

Looking for a unique destination to celebrate your marriage? Iceland offers the perfect escape for a newlywed couple, and with so many thrilling adventures that await you there, you can rest assured that your honeymoon will be an unforgettable experience.

Cotopaxi Volcano By Horseback - 5 Days

If you love horses and want to experience Ecuador in a unique way, consider this five-day journey to volcano country. On this trip, multiple days are spent in the saddle as you traverse the high plains, stopping off to take in the views or walk amid stands of native trees. Magical nights are spent in the Andes at haciendas, where you'll eat hearty meals and rest up for the next days' journey.

Ecuador Volcano Trek - 6 Days

This 6-Day trekkers delight crosses stunning grasslands dotted with volcanoes in the highlands of Ecuador. Each day will be spent trekking in the open high altitude plains until the final ascent up Cotopaxi volcano. Along the way, we'll spot wildlife, meet Andean cowboys, sleep in tents and overnight in comfortable haciendas.

Ultimate Guide to Tayrona Park: Natural Wonders and Ancient Culture

With miles of white sand beaches, dense jungle, and waves crashing into enormous boulders, Parque Nacional Tayrona is one of the most visually stunning natural reserves in Colombia. Days can be spent swimming in the sea and exploring the jungle, and there are opportunities to visit the remnants of ancient indigenous cities. Use this expert guide to help you get the most from one of Colombia's true natural wonders.

Multi-Adventure in the Ecuadorian Highlands - 3 Days

This multi-activity 3-day trip in the Ecuador Highlands offers adventure by day and high comfort by night. During this trip, you'll hike up a volcano, do a high ropes course, go horseback riding and enjoy a cooking class. Nights will be spent at a cozy and historic hacienda, a short drive from the capital Quito.