Given Iceland's rapidly increasing popularity as a travel destination, the question "When is the best time of year to go to Iceland?" has become as much about considering the right weather conditions as it is about avoiding the crowds and finding available accommodation at reasonable rates. Depending on how you weigh these factors and what you would like to do in Iceland, we'll help you decide which season is right for you.
This is the longest and largest river in Nepal, springing from the sacred mountain of Mount Kailash in Tibet. This trip combines 4 epic days of intense whitewater followed by a more gentle float where you can soak up all the mind-blowing scenery. Finishing at Bardia National Park, you can combine this trip with a few days in the park on safari looking for tigers.
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s indisputable hotspot, but the rest of the country is rich with wonders waiting to be discovered. Here is a glimpse of Dubrovnik, as well as lesser known but still spectacular spots beyond its medieval walls.
The Northern Lights are breathtaking…and elusive. Follow these tips to increase the chances you will see Mother Nature’s glorious display.
Dubbed the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland is a delight for all of your senses, from the deep chill of the air to the smoky smell of the volcanoes to the sights and sounds of the country’s most famous tourist attraction, the Northern Lights. Iceland is a bucket list destination for travelers from all around the world. Here are some Icelandic experiences you won’t want to miss.
Taking you through the heart of Nepal, this river trip is rated one of the top ten river journeys in the world by National Geographic. Well off the beaten track, you'll spend your days enjoying great whitewater, warm weather and the evenings camping on pristine, white sandy beaches.
Southern Dalmatia is a sailor's paradise, starting in Dubrovnik sailing past miles of secluded coastlines and several don’t-miss islands. Korčula, Mljet, Lopud, Hvar, Brač, and Vis just to name a few of the islands. You'll find some of the best kayaking and windsurfing in this region. We put together a list of Southern Dalmatia's most popular areas to sail to on your next trip.
Croatia’s coastline runs more than 1,100 miles. Add the shorelines of 1,185 islands, plus its inland lakes, rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls, and it’s clear that the country is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. You can sail among the islands, kayak the inland rivers and lakes, snorkel or scuba off the Adriatic coastline or kitesurf, fish, or even bungee jump during a vacation in Croatia.
Korcula is known for its white wine. Grk wine is a white wine grape variety found in the village of Lumbarda. To take in the Korcula scenery and drink some wine at the same time, join John (who moved to Korcula with his wife Rachael 6 years ago from the UK) on a 4-5 hour tour cycling through Lumbarda. Taste the different wines while getting the local intimate experience which you will not find anywhere else.
Tucked between eight of the world’s highest mountains, Nepal is a mecca for extreme adventure. You can climb up, zip down, trek across and soar by some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
From Dubrovnik's city walls and limestone-paved streets to the ancient Roman city of Split, this 7-day itinerary features the highlights of Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast. Enjoy three nights in the "Adriatic Pearl" discovering baroque buildings and medieval fortresses, savor Dalmatian cuisine in Marco Polo's hometown of Korčula, and explore the 14 wooded and rocky islets of the Pakleni archipelago on a guided kayak tour.
Nepal offers a wide variety of trekking trails. For travelers who are short on time, here are some of the best short treks Nepal has to offer ranging from 3 to 10 days. Each of these treks can be extended; the number of days listed here represents the minimum number of days you need to complete these trails.
One of Nepal's most classic short treks, this route takes you to the foot of some of the tallest mountains in the world. Along the way, you'll spend the night in two famous base camps with close-up views of Annapurna I and Machapuchare.
When you think of Nepal, the first thing that probably springs to mind is Mt. Everest, the Himalaya, and trekking. Well, have you ever thought about it as a rafting destination?
To visit Croatia is to become part of its landscape of natural wonders. Its national parks may be the country’s best known conservation areas, but even in the nation’s capital, Zagreb, visitors are surrounded by protected regional parks, forests and even a mountain.
One of the classic treks in Nepal, this popular route takes you all the way from subtropical jungle to high-altitude plateau, culminating in Thorung La at 5,419 m.
While the fall season may have the clearest skies, trekking during the monsoon (from mid-June, through July, August, to early September) has its own advantages. Some treks should be avoided, but for certain regions, it's a great time to visit Nepal: the trails are less crowded, the villages are full of life and the valleys are in bloom.
Fairytale like, Dubrovnik is a charming coastal city known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most photographed cities in Croatia. With its ideal location (in southern Croatia) overlooking the clear blue Adriatic, with unspoiled beaches, casual bistros serving top notch seafood, it makes Dubrovnik one of the most unique walled cities worth visiting in Croatia.
With the highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a diverse country that rises from dense jungle to snow-clad peaks in just over 100 miles. Its capital and largest city, Kathmandu, is a bustling metropolis with deep ties to history, culture and ancient religion. Its religions - Hinduism and Buddhism - melt together and lure Western travelers. With unparalleled terrain and adventure, Nepal never fails to deliver an unforgettable experience.
The Ghandruk Trek (sometimes also referred to as the Ghandrung Trek) is a great trekking option for those who are in Nepal for a shorter time or want to combine a relatively short trek with other activities in Nepal. The trek is typically done in 3 or 4 days.
Most treks in Nepal are 'teahouse' treks, which means every night you end up at a simple lodge with basic rooms and a meal. The best thing about teahouse trekking - you only have to carry very minimal gear.
This scenic twenty-minute flight takes you over the Kali Gandaki Gorge to the town Jomsom at the southern edge of the Mustang region. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of Dhaulagiri (26,795 ft), Nilgiri (23,166 ft), and the entire Annapurna Himal.
The Upper Mustang trek is the ultimate gateway to the mysterious world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Once forbidden and isolated from the rest of the world for decades, the area was able to evolve within its own distinctive culture and rich traditions closely tied to Tibet. This moderate, lesser-known trek passes through one of the driest regions of Nepal and provides spectacular mountain scenery.
Nepal’s mountains are formidable, but Raj Gyawali says they can be accessible to almost anyone. Whether he’s leading a family tour, a special needs tour, or a niche tour, Raj says his trekkers will have the experience of a lifetime and leave Nepal with a sense of accomplishment.
This short trek gives you access to one of Nepal's classic viewpoints of the Annapurna range. You'll follow ancient trails that connect local communities, pass through blooming rhododendron forests and rice paddies, and enjoy views of snow-covered mountains. At night, sleep in comfortable teahouses located in small villages along the route.
Offering epic Himalayan views, Poon Hill (3210m / 10,532 ft) is a popular destination for trekkers in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Most people arrive here in the early morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise views.
This high-altitude trek through Sherpa country brings you to the base of the world's tallest peak. You'll pass hilltop monasteries, Himalayan market towns, and craggy peaks as you follow in the footsteps of famous mountaineers—eventually making your way to the iconic starting point for all Everest expeditions.
Known for beautiful year-round weather, crisp white and robust red wines, summer nightlife, clear turquoise waters—and active outdoor excursions like kayaking, cycling, and rock climbing, Hvar has become one of the most visited islands in Dalmatia. It's surrounded by stunning scenery and is rich in culture (it is the only island in the world with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites) where one can easily escape and find the perfect relaxation they need.
Stroll around the medieval town centers of Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zadar (especially after midnight). Travel like a local by hitting the hippest spots in Croatia. These are some of the best places to see and be seen--by day or after dark--in cities across Croatia.
I started kimkim with Benoit and Alex based on the belief that the way we all travel has enormous opportunities for improvement. We believe that connecting travelers directly with local experts & operators, and enabling a productive conversation between them is a vastly better way to plan and book travel than the typical search & filter approach that is commonly used by travel companies today.
Nepal is home to 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world. One of the key attractions of traveling to Nepal is to take in stunning views of these Himalayan giants. Here are some of the top viewpoints, with instructions on how to visit them.
Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest region offers up some of the highest treks in the world. To help decide which trek is best for you, here's a list of the main trekking routes with the duration and highlights for each route. Each route has great views, so which one you choose largely depends on your time frame, budget, and appetite for adventure.
Are you into water sports? Visit Croatia from June to September when the Adriatic Sea is warm. Do you want to hire a guide and his dog to go truffle-hunting or join a grape harvest in Istria? The season for that is autumn. Whether you’re itching to hike up Istria’s Mount Ucka or just inhale the intoxicating scents emanating from the budding birches, shrubs, and flowers that line Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe in Zagreb, in Croatia, there’s a season for that.
It's important to pack the right items for your trek. Don't forget important things, and definitely don't bring too much as you and/or your porter won't be happy with a load that's too heavy. Here is a list of what you need for a comfortable trekking adventure.
Famous for its mountain airports, Nepal offers a number of domestic flights that give you access to all parts of the country. Often, it’s best to take a local flight to save yourself long drives when you only have a short amount of time in Nepal. Given that mountain weather is often unpredictable, however, it's best to add one or two buffer days before and after your trek to account for flight delays.
Here are 5 places for WiFi in Pokhara, Nepal’s second biggest city and major traveler hub, based on our experience being here with the kimkim team on a quick business trip.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek features everything you'd want from a classic trek in Nepal: Epic scenery, intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture, and a 17,000-foot (5,100 m) Himalayan pass crossing. Kimkim's trusted partners in Nepal organize weekly group departures during the spring and fall trekking seasons, as well as private treks that can run on any date from February to June and September through November.
The Annapurna foothills make for some of the best short treks in Nepal: classic views of Nepal's famous snow-capped peaks, a variety of routes ranging from 3-10 days, and relatively easy trekking given the altitude and local village teahouses.
Trekking through the Himalayas is Nepal’s key attraction, and is a life-changing experience for many travelers, regardless of whether they are experienced hikers, or novices. This article is a primer to trekking in Nepal and answers frequently asked questions.
A dynamic port city with a medieval Old Town grown out of the 1,700-year-old Diocletian's Palace, Split bustles with modern life amid its ancient Roman setting. Cafés, restaurants, and galleries cram the cobblestone alleyways, the waterfront and Marjan peninsula teem with outdoor activity, claiming Croatia's second-largest city as one of the Mediterranean's most compelling. Read on and discover the unique ways in which to spend your time in exuberant Split.
Out of the many lodging options in Kathmandu, we have handpicked half a dozen authentic hotels we love. These hotels range from affordable to luxurious, and they all have a unique character.
Korčula is an island favorite, in part for Korčula Town, a less-crowded miniature version of Dubrovnik, but also for its wealth of outdoor activities and cultural pursuits on offer. Whether you are cycling around the island, or prefer swimming at hidden-away beaches, taking a windsurfing lesson, or spending the day sampling the local Pošip and Grk wine, you’ll likely wish you had more time to spend here. Find out how to make your trip to Korčula worth your while.
Influenced by both Indian and Tibetan cuisine, Nepalese food has its own rich flavors and aromas. Here's a selection of dishes you shouldn't miss during your trip to Nepal.
Mads Mathiasen has been trekking through Nepal for 20 years. These days, he does everything from short, child-friendly treks with his young son to rugged wilderness adventures with friends. And he is an expert who plans treks for visitors to Nepal, from first-timers to regular returners.
Heading to Nepal? Everyone needs a visa (except Indian nationals), but luckily it’s an easy process. Here’s the latest information on obtaining a tourist visa and how it works for visa-on-arrival (the easiest way to get your tourist visa).
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique natural wonder with its 16 terraced crystal clear lakes and 90 waterfalls. In the summer months the park and its trails can get busy, but with the tips in this article you can avoid most of the crowds.
“The Heart of Hawaii” may be best known for the urban chic attitude of Honolulu and Waikiki, but it’s also home to quaint towns and rural roots in the interior and along the Windward Coast. And then there’s the legendary North Shore, synonymous with hot wave action and a cool surfer vibe.
Hawaii’s Grande Dame, the “Island of Discovery” is graced by bold precipices, sundrenched beaches, tumbling waterfalls and verdant rainforests that create a dream for snorkeling, hiking and boating. Splurge with a helicopter tour or Port Allen boat excursion cruising the breathtaking Napali Coast.
Youngest and southernmost in the chain, “The Big Island” is the creation of five volcanoes – with Kilauea the youngest and still very active. Recreation abounds on the big island, with deep sea fishing, hiking and scuba diving among top picks.
This is the place for hiking, snorkeling and windsurfing. Diversity rules on the 734-square-mile “Valley Isle,” from powdery beaches and lush rainforests to eclectic Upcountry towns and upscale resorts. From December through April, this humpback whale playground often delivers close encounters during whale watching excursions.
