Travel Insights

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

Filter by destination: Albania · Argentina · Armenia · Australia · Austria · Belgium · Belize · Bhutan · Bolivia · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Botswana · Brazil · British Columbia · Cambodia · Canada · Chile · China · Colombia · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cuba · Ecuador · Egypt · England · Estonia · Ethiopia · Fiji · Finland · France · Galapagos Islands · Gambia · Georgia · Germany · Greece · Guatemala · Hawaii · Iceland · India · Indonesia · Ireland · Israel · Italy · Japan · Jordan · Kenya · Latvia · Lithuania · Malaysia · Mexico · Mongolia · Morocco · Myanmar · Namibia · Nepal · New Zealand · Nicaragua · Norway · Panama · Patagonia · Peru · Philippines · Portugal · Romania · Russia · Rwanda · Scotland · Slovenia · South Africa · South Korea · Spain · Sri Lanka · Sweden · Switzerland · Taiwan · Tanzania · Thailand · the Azores · the Dominican Republic · the Faroe Islands · The Netherlands · the United States · Tibet · Turkey · Uganda · Ukraine · United Kingdom · Vietnam · Wales · Zambia · Zimbabwe

Check into 5-star luxury with a view of the mighty Iguazú Falls (photo courtesy of Gran Meliá Iguazú)

Luxury Tour of Argentina's Natural Wonders: Iguazú & El Calafate - 7 Days

The only way to improve on a trip to two of the globe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders is to do so while traveling in luxury. Make Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires your base, starting with sightseeing and dinners at some of the world's finest restaurants. Then, fly to the north for hikes around Iguazú, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world, before finishing in El Calafate with trips into Los Glaciares National Park and the rugged Patagonian steppe.

Spot wildlife like white-fronted parrots as you explore Belize

Best of Belize & Guatemala - 7 Days

Belize is a bucket-list traveler destination, if only because it's home to the Western Hemisphere's second-largest barrier reef. Over seven days, you'll explore this reef and Belize's white-sand coral cayes (islands) on snorkeling tours while enjoying relaxing beach time. Afterward, hop the border into Guatemala for tours of the ancient Maya ruins at Tikal before winding down on the cobbled streets of Spanish colonial Antigua.

Swim with exotic marine life, like sea turtles, in the Caribbean waters around Caye Caulker

Belize Discovery Tour: Natural Wonders & Maya Culture - 7 Days

Travelers with a taste for the Caribbean shouldn't sleep on Belize. This Central American nation packs a punch in the form of its offshore barrier reef, which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. You'll have plenty of time during this seven-day adventure for epic snorkeling tours and hops around postcard coral islands, but first up is a memorable journey deep into the jungle for nature hikes, visits to ancient Maya archaeological sites, and tours of mysterious river caves.

See big cats like jaguars at a jungle reserve near Placencia

Nature & Adventure in Belize: San Ignacio & Placencia - 7 Days

With seven days in Belize, you want an itinerary that deftly balances aquatic excursions with off-the-beaten-path jungle adventures. This active holiday delivers on both fronts, starting in the western forests where you'll embark on nature hikes, explore river caves, and visit the ruins of ancient Maya cities. Stop at a nature reserve on your way to the coast to see big cats, then spend the remainder of your time on snorkeling trips around the south-coast reefs.

Discover coral islands and white-sand beaches on this seven-day tour

Belize Beach Escape: Snorkeling, Diving & Sailing at Ambergris Caye - 7 Days

Escape to Belize for a week of island hopping and snorkeling around some of the finest dive sites in the world. Spend most of your time on the coral island of Ambergris Caye, where you'll enjoy resort-style relaxation and snorkel at famous sites like Shark Ray Alley and the Blue Hole. Cap the journey with a jungle excursion to discover the ruins at Xunantunich, an ancient Maya city dating to 300 CE.

Snorkel and kayak around the barrier reefs and nature reserves of southern Belize

Belize Off the Beaten Track: San Ignacio & Hopkins Village - 7 Days

Take the road less traveled on this weeklong journey through Belize. Each of these seven days is packed with activities and adventures that range from kayaking along tropical rivers to snorkeling around the Western Hemisphere's largest barrier reef. You'll also indulge your inner Indiana Jones on a tour of the remote Maya ruins at Xunantunich.

Combine culture with culinary experiences on this whirlwind tour through the heart of Mexico

A Luxury Journey to Mexico's Heart: Mexico City & Oaxaca - 5 Days

See the best of Mexico City and Oaxaca in a short amount of time with this luxurious trip combining 5-star hotels with private culture and food experiences. In Mexico City, you'll embark on a taco crawl, float along the canals of Xochimilco, and join a private cooking class. In Oaxaca, unravel the colorful city's charm with guided tours, market visits, and an enriching day trip to discover the region's culture and sights.

Tacos de chapulines (grasshopper tacos) are a traditional Oaxacan snack

Luxury Oaxaca Foodie Experience - 5 Days

Treat your senses to five days of Oaxaca's world-famous gastronomy with this luxury foodie fiesta. Check into your boutique hotel, then join a relaxed bike ride to sample street food with a private guide. Visit the city's top market halls and join a one-on-one cooking workshop with a local culinary master. Finally, explore ancient civilizations at Monte Albán and unleash your creativity at an alebrije workshop.

See Mexico City's origins, from Aztec ruins to Colonial palaces, in its vibrant Centro Histórico

Ultimate Mexico City Luxury - 5 Days

This five-day luxury Mexico City escape has been meticulously curated for first-time visitors. When you're not on exclusive and private tours, taking you from the floating gardens at Xochimilco to the mysterious wonders of Teotihuacán, you'll enjoy 5-star luxury at a chic design hotel. Taste your way across the city's taco stalls and favorite food market, admire the timeless beauty of Frida Kahlo's iconic Casa Azul, and tour the ancient ruins and Baroque palaces of the Centro Histórico.

Colorful paper flags over a street in San Miguel de Allende

Luxury Getaway in Mexico's Colonial Cities: Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende - 5 Days

This luxurious journey through the heart of Mexico explores the captivating colonial cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende over five days. Get swept up in the charm of these UNESCO-listed gems as you explore cobblestone streets and historic architecture with a private guide. Go deeper with a private wine tasting, tour the city of Santiago de Querétaro, join a horseback ride in the mountains of Guanajuato, and elevate your culinary skills with a hands-on Mexican cooking workshop.

You can't get much closer to the beach than at your luxury boutique hotel in Tulum (photo courtesy of La Zebra Colibri)

Authentic Luxury on Mexico's Riviera Maya - 5 Days

This five-day itinerary redefines laid-back luxury travel on the Riviera Maya, mixing the colonial charm of Valladolid with Tulum's coastal chic. Start in Valladolid with a private walking tour, then unveil the ancient secrets of Ek' Balam and cycle through the mystique of Cobá's ruins. Cruise along the Caribbean coast, snorkeling with tropical fish and giant turtles as your onboard chef prepares a fresh Mexican lunch. Finally, take home Mexico's culinary secrets with a private cooking class in a local chef's home.

Plan the perfect trip to the Whitsunday Islands, like snorkeling off of Whitehaven Beach

The 13 Best Things to Do in the Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are an idyllic gateway to the Great Barrier Reef that lie just off Australia's rainforest-covered Queensland coastline. Known for their turquoise waters and tranquil beaches, you'll find an abundance of water-based activities to dive into here. These include snorkeling, diving, swimming, kayaking, and spending a night on a chartered catamaran. Or, stick to land and enjoy hiking, golfing, cycling, and learning about the local wildlife.

Watch the Naadam Festival's opening ceremony

Experience Mongolia's Natural Landscapes & Naadam Festival - 14 Days

Spend two weeks admiring Mongolia's vibrant capital, vast landscapes, and rich culture with the opportunity to attend the annual Naadam Festival. Start in the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to visit the city's many landmarks. Then, head to Lake Khovsgol, where you can discover scenic landscapes by boat, horseback, or trekking. From here, witness traditional rituals and games during the festival before transitioning into nature to explore flaming cliffs, towering sand dunes, and lush canyons.

See the ancient theater at Hierapolis, perched atop the terraced pools of Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey

16 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 16 days in Turkey, you can visit at least six regions—from cities to sea. History buffs will appreciate touring Pergamon's Greco-Roman ruins, the partially submerged town of Old Halfeti, and the ancient city of Ephesus. Those interested in culture can join a cooking class, meet traditional carpet weavers, and attend a whirling dervish performance. Active travelers will enjoy sea kayaking at Kekova Island and hiking the Lycian Way, while sunseekers can tour the Turquoise Coast on a scenic sailing cruise.

Get off the beaten path and see the villages and countryside around northern Vietnam's Mount Fansipan

3 Weeks in Vietnam & Thailand - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With three weeks to spend in Vietnam and Thailand, you can explore the highlights of Hanoi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Khao Lak on a well-rounded tour. Or, narrow your focus to the country's culture and cuisine while enjoying extended stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Other options include an off-the-beaten-path tour featuring market visits and cooking classes and a nature-filled adventure with abundant beach time in Krabi and Phuket.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of rainforest with hiking, canoeing, and fishing excursions at an Amazon lodge

Family Expedition to Iguaçu Falls & the Brazilian Amazon - 7 Days

Grab your camera, hiking boots, and insect repellent—you're about to become adventurers! Perfect for families with older kids and teens, this seven-day Brazil itinerary begins at the base of the Iguaçu Falls, where you'll take a powerful shower as a speedboat zooms around the canyons. Venture deep into the rainforest of the Amazon for the second half of your trip, where you'll hike through the undergrowth to an Indigenous compound, canoe through flooded forests, and spot nocturnal wildlife.

Sip the freshest coconut water at on the famous beach at Copacabana

Brazil Family Getaway: Rio de Janeiro & Salvador - 7 Days

For a family getaway combining the best of city and surf, this weeklong trip to Brazil is hard to beat. Kick off in Rio de Janeiro and see the iconic sights. Relax in legendary spots like Ipanema and Copacabana before flying to Salvador to immerse yourselves in Brazilian culture, cuisine, and history. Before you leave, squeeze in a day trip to the beautiful Praia do Forte coastline to round off this perfect blend of nature and city fun.

Discover the waterways and wildlife of the Pantanal with your family

Brazil Family Discovery Tour: Culture & Nature in Salvador & Pantanal - 7 Days

Looking for a taste of Brazil's rich cultural heritage and pristine wilderness? This weeklong trip to Salvador and North Pantanal provides a kid-friendly getaway with plenty of excitement. Soak up Bahia's vibrant music and cuisine scene in Salvador before flying to North Pantanal for some of Brazil's best wildlife viewing, from chatty macaws to mysterious jaguars. Go hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding before rounding your trip off back in colorful Salvador.

Spend a relaxed week with the little ones on this laid-back Rio de Janeiro tour

Relaxed Family Vacation in Rio de Janeiro - 7 Days

Create lasting family memories with your little ones during this stress-free vacation in Brazil's favorite beach city. Sip on caipirinhas and top up your tans in Copacabana as the kids play in dedicated children's areas. Tick off Rio de Janeiro's must-visit sites via cable cars and old-fashioned trams and spend ample time in the fresh air at some of the city's tropical parks and gardens. End your trip with a child-friendly cooking workshop where you'll indulge in a traditional Brazilian feast.

The Pantanal is one of the best places on Earth to spot the adorable capybara

Active Family Adventure in Brazil: Wildlife, Caves & Forests - 7 Days

Pack your snorkels, headlamps, and cameras for this seven-day family expedition into Brazil's wilderness. Perfect for active and adventurous kids, it starts with three nights in the world's largest wetlands, hiking through South Pantanal's wooded savannas, fishing for piranhas, and searching for elusive big cats on a nighttime drive through the forest. You'll also get to explore the realm beneath your feet at Bonito as you descend into caves filled with fascinating rock formations and turquoise lakes.

Sample the sacred Aztec drink of pulque (fermented agave juice) in an atmospheric cave dining experience at Teotihuacán

Sacred Mexico: Culture, History & Cuisine in Mexico City & Cholula - 10 Days

Seek out the rich flavors and sacred traditions of central Mexico with this 10-day itinerary. Snack on Mexico City's spiced street corn and cruise down its pre-Columbian waterways, then learn about Aztec history and Indigenous customs with a spiritual cave ceremony in Teotihuacán. Continue to the "Magical Town" of Cholula to dive into its culinary traditions with a market tour and tortilla-making workshop, then end back in the capital at the pilgrimage site of the Basilica of Santa Virgin of Guadalupe.

Delve into colorful colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende on this 10-day tour of Mexico City and its surroundings

Best of Mexico City & the Bajío: Culture, Cuisine & Pueblos Mágicos - 10 Days

Experience the highlights of Mexico City, then strike out into the surrounding Bajío region to hop between colorful colonial towns steeped in history. Over 10 days, you'll sample street tacos in the capital, bike through the pyramids of Teotihuacán, sip wine at ancient vineyards in Bernal, and soar over Tequisquiapan by hot-air balloon. Soak in hot springs near San Miguel de Allende, see the underground mines of Guanajuato, and end back in Mexico City with a lucho libre show and a cooking class.

Experience one of Mongolia's most famous festivals on this five-day tour

Experience Mongolia's Danshig Naadam Festival - 5 Days

Take a quick deep-dive into Mongolian culture with this five-day trip that showcases the annual Danshig Naadam Festival. Begin with a tour of the National Museum in Ulaanbaatar to gain an overview of Mongolian history, then continue to the festival's opening ceremonies and spend two days enjoying the archery matches, horse races, and traditional monk dancing. Cap the adventure off in Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire, and stay in a traditional yurt in a nomadic village nearby.

Spend a day trekking up the limestone cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga

Active Adventure Across Mongolia's Epic Landscapes - 14 Days

Pack your hiking shoes, as this 14-day highlights tour takes you to some of Mongolia's best landscapes. Start with two days in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar before heading into the countryside to traverse the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes atop a camel. Take a city break in Kharkhorin, then hike up a mountain to admire the Tuvkhun Monastery. You'll also discover the unique rock formations of Tsagaan Suvarga and Baga Gazariin Chuluu on foot and horseback before ending back in the capital.

The historic center of Mexico is a bustling area full of gorgeous colonial buildings and Aztec ruins

Highlights of Mexico City & Tepoztlán - 10 Days

Focus on the highlights and hidden corners of Mexico City with this immersive 10-day tour. Explore ancient Aztec ruins and colonial churches, then sample exotic treats at the gourmet Mercado de San Juan, walk through the opulent rooms of Chapultepec Castle, and marvel at the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Escape the city for a quick getaway to the mystical mountain town of Tepoztlán for two nights, and end your trip in style with a night of contemporary Mexican gastronomy back in the capital.

Discover hidden gems in Mexico City and beyond on this 10-day tour

Off the Beaten Path in Mexico City, Puebla & Cuetzalan - 10 Days

Revel in Mexico's hidden corners with this 10-day insider's tour. In Mexico City, hunt down the best murals, cruise down ancient canals, and learn to cook traditional food. Bike through the Teotihuacán pyramids on your way to colorful Puebla, where you'll walk its historic streets and visit nearby Cholula. Transfer to the remote Cuetzalan to explore the mountainous nature and surrounding coffee plantations, then return to the capital for the Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexican wrestling, and a mezcal tasting.

Explore the incredible volcanoes around Mexico City on this 10-day tour

Hiking, Biking & Volcano Adventures Around Mexico City - 10 Days

Explore volcanoes, pyramids, and the colorful neighborhoods of Mexico City during this active 10-day adventure. Float down the ancient Aztec canals of the capital before heading to the nearby Teotihuacán pyramids for a biking tour. Hike around the famous "Smoking Lady" of Popocatépetl volcano, sweat out your impurities at a traditional temazcal in Amanalco, and spend a night at the base of Nevado de Toluca in a cozy mountain cabin.

Sleep out on the Mongolian steppe in traditional ger camps

Hiking Adventure in Central Mongolia - 7 Days

Experience the best of central Mongolia's rich natural and cultural heritage on this seven-day guided hiking adventure that takes you from the museums of Ulaanbaatar, across the vast Mongolian steppe grasslands, up sacred mountains, through pristine national parks, into the great Orkhon Valley, and over the dunes of Bayan Gobi. Meet nomadic families, spot wild horses, explore ancient monasteries, and savor the local cuisine, all while overnighting in traditional ger (yurt) camps.

Learn how to make a traditional mare's milk drink with a nomad family

Central Mongolia Explorer: National Parks, Sand Dunes & Nomadic Culture - 5 Days

In just five days, you can discover some of central Mongolia's best natural landscapes and get a glimpse of its traditional nomadic culture. Start with a city tour in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, then continue to Hustai National Park to watch endangered horses roam freely and sandboard down the golden dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai. Meet a nomad family and learn how to make airag, Mongolia's national drink, then wake up at dawn to chant with the monks at Erdene Zuu Monastery before ending back in Ulaanbaatar.

Meet a nomadic horse-breeding family and learn about their day-to-day life

Experience Mongolia's Nomadic Culture - 5 Days

This quick, five-day itinerary immerses you in Mongolia's rich nomadic culture as you go from the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to the remote steppe. Watch Przewalski's horses roam free in Hustai National Park, enjoy a cultural performance at the Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center, and meet a nomadic horse breeding family to learn about their day-to-day life. End back in Ulaanbaatar, exploring the city's landmarks and watching a folk performance by the Tumen-Ekh ensemble.

A mother lion and her cub share a moment

South Africa Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari - 14 Days

Safari game drives are just one of the many memorable adventures and activities you'll experience on this two-week road trip through South Africa. Get off the beaten track and escape the mass crowds as you explore lesser-visited game reserves and national parks which abound with Big Five safari animals like elephants, rhinos, and lions. Complementing the wildlife tours are cultural excursions, like bike rides through local townships, meeting Indigenous tribespeople, museum visits, and more.

See the Art Nouveau island city of Ålesund on a Scandinavian summer adventure

10 Days in Scandinavia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Scandinavia, you can embark on a highlights tour featuring Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Bergen. Or, swap in Helsinki, Luleå, and Tromsø if you'd prefer to focus your time on the region's fjords, islands, and mountains. Hiking enthusiasts will find the Oslofjord Islands, Ålesund, and Geiranger the perfect destinations, while winter lovers can choose between a festive Christmas markets trip and a northern lights-chasing itinerary in the Arctic Circle.

Introduce your little ones to Japanese culture with an epic two-week family tour

2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks to explore Japan as a family, you can embark on a fun-filled highlights tour complete with theme park visits in Tokyo and Osaka and cultural interactions in Kyoto. Or, speed things up with an active trip that pairs time in the main cities with visits to the remote villages of Magome and Kiso-Fukushima. Other options include an off-the-beaten-path adventure for families seeking a deep cultural connection and a well-rounded itinerary featuring time on the idyllic island of Okinawa.

Patagonia Escape in Chile & Argentina - 14 Days

A life of adventure isn't complete without making the great pilgrimage to Patagonia. This two-week escape begins in Chile's capital, Santiago, and continues south for trekking and outdoor excursions in Torres del Paine—one of the most famous national parks in the world. Then head north to Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, where you'll marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier, hike around the granite pillars of Mount Fitz Roy, and finish the journey with city tours and cowboy experiences in Buenos Aires.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from Ponta da Sapata

Discover Brazil's Jungles, Coasts & Wetlands - 16 Days

Spend 16 days in the great outdoors as you explore Brazil's lush jungles and pristine coastline. From Sao Paulo and Manaus, head into the Amazon, where you can go bird-watching at sunrise, paddle down the Amazon River, and fish for piranhas. Enjoy a day in the" Venice of Brazil," then set off for the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha to discover the tropical area from boats, trails, and 4WD vehicles. End the adventure searching for North Pantanal's wildlife, such as the giant river otter and elusive jaguar.

Dig deeper into the Scottish landscape with a 12 day trip, including islands like Skye alongside the mainland highlights

12 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 12 days in Scotland, you can experience the welcoming cities of Edinburgh and Inverness, the historic castles of Aberdeenshire, and the forested Cairngorms National Park on a well-rounded highlights tour. Or, focus your time on the dreamy islands of Arran, Mull, and Skye with a culture-infused itinerary. Other options include an active adventure featuring hikes in the Isle of Skye, Fort William, and Glen Coe, and a self-drive trip focused on Scotland's famed and lesser-visited whisky distilleries.

End your trip in Istria, exploring medieval hill towns and tasting the local truffles

Highlights of Slovenia & Croatia: Culture, Countryside & Coast - 7 Days

See the best of Slovenia and Croatia with this seven-day trip that blends cultural highlights with the great outdoors. Kick off in Ljubljana with a food tour, glide across Lake Bled in a traditional boat, and see more of the Slovenian countryside at cliffside castles and underground caves. Continue to Croatia's Istrian peninsula to base yourself in coastal Rovinj, where day trips take you cycling in Brijuni National Park, exploring Roman ruins in Pula, and tasting truffles in medieval hill towns.

Meet the Kazakh eagle hunters and their majestic golden eagles

Experience Mongolia's Capital & the Golden Eagle Festival - 7 Days

Get an insider's look at Mongolia through one of the country's most anticipated annual events—October's Golden Eagle Festival. Start in Ulaanbaatar to sample local delights at Narantuul Market and delve into local history at the National Museum of Mongolia, then fly to Ölgii to meet the Kazakh eagle hunters. Spend the next two days watching the hunters and their birds of prey compete, then end back in the capital to shop for cashmere and watch a performance from the Tumen-Ekh ensemble.

See nomadic herds roam the Mongolian steppe as you travel from city to national park

Best of Mongolia's Natural Landscapes & Rich Culture - 7 Days

Adventurous types can experience the highlights of Mongolia's natural landscapes and rich culture on this fast-paced guided tour. Starting with a restful night in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, you'll head to three national parks to hit the trails, visit monasteries, see the endangered tahki horses, and sleep in a traditional Mongolian yurt known as a ger. You'll also discover the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes with a camel ride and watch the Tumen-Ekh ensemble perform to end your whirlwind week.

Spot the intricate carvings that adorn the fourth-century Diocletian's Palace in Split

Balkan Cultural Discovery Tour: Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina & Croatia - 7 Days

This fast-paced trip ticks off the cultural highlights of three Balkan countries in just one week. Starting in Slovenia, you'll explore the capital of Ljubljana and take a day trip to the famous Lake Bled before crossing into Croatia. Wander around the incredible Plitvice Lakes National Park en route to coastal Split, and explore Diocletian's Palace before crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Sarajevo and a culture shift await.

Just 30 minutes up the coast from Dubrovnik, Trogir is an island city rich in history

Balkan Coastal Adventure: Split, Dubrovnik & Kotor - 7 Days

Spend a sun-soaked week pairing the best of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast with Montenegro's undiscovered Adriatic gems. Start with a history lesson in Split at Diocletian's Palace, then head down the coast to Dubrovnik— pausing en route for a wine tasting on the Pelješac peninsula. After a spin around the city walls and golden beaches of the "Pearl of the Adriatic," cross the border into Montenegro to skirt the famous Bay of Kotor and venture inland to Cetinje and Mount Lovcen.

End your weeklong tour on the Adriatic in the walled city of Dubrovnik

Balkan Highlights Tour: East Meets West in Sarajevo, Mostar & Dubrovnik - 7 Days

Crossing from Bosnia and Herzegovina into Croatia, this tightly curated highlights itinerary weaves stories of the East and West into a weeklong exploration of the Balkans. Experience the culture and food of Sarajevo, unearth the historic charm of Mostar, and soak up the coastal allure of Dubrovnik. In between the three cities, you'll detour to the sacred pilgrimage site at Medugorje, see the natural beauty of Blagaj, and take a scenic day trip into Montenegro.

Experience the Gobi Desert like the local nomads with a guided camel ride across the dunes

Experience Mongolia’s Gobi Desert & Naadam Festival - 10 Days

Get to the heart of Mongolia's nomadic culture and desert landscape on this exciting 10-day tour. It starts in Ulaanbaatar, where you'll see the giant Buddha statue at Gandan Monastery and visit the imposing monument of Genghis Khan. Then, you're off to the Gobi Desert for hiking, followed by a day trip to the Naadam Festival—the country's ultimate nomad celebration. From here, you'll trek through the Khongor Dunes, meet (and ride!) camels, and observe endangered horses at a national park.

Hike to the Orkhon waterfall in central Mongolia while looking for wildlife

Active Tour in Central Mongolia: Ancient Cities, Nomadic Farms & Mountain Hikes - 10 Days

This adventure-filled tour of central Mongolia starts in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where you'll visit historic museums and the impressive Gandan Monastery. Then, it's off to Terelj and Hustai National Parks for hiking, horseback riding, and "glamping" in luxurious yurt campsites. Next, take in expansive mountain views from Tuvkun Monastery, explore the ancient capital city of Kharkhorin, and return to Ulaanbaatar for a trek up Zaisan Memorial Hill and a traditional folklore dinner show.

See a range of landscapes from limestone rock formations to desert sand dunes in the Middle Gobi

Highlights of Mongolia: Desert, Mountains, History & Culture - 10 Days

Follow the nomadic paths of the ancient Mongols on this active and cultural 10-day tour. The adventure starts in Ulaanbaatar, where you can learn about the country's history at the National Museum of Mongolia. Then, you're off to hike the limestone formations of Tsagaan Suvarga and ride horses through the incredible Yolyn Am Gorge. From here, you'll trek the shifting sands of Khongor Dunes, see ancient relics in Kharkhorin, and finish in Ulaanbaatar with a traditional Mongolian folklore show.

Stand at the edge of Iguaçu Falls, then take a boat trip to its base

Brazil's Diverse Highlights: Cities, Waterfalls, Rainforest, Wetlands & Coast - 16 Days

Discover Brazil's varied landscapes and vibrant cities on this far-reaching 16-day tour. Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and sip caipirinhas on a neighborhood tour of Rio de Janeiro, then fly north to Iguaçu Falls to see the natural wonder by boat and helicopter. Continue to the wetlands of South Pantanal and on to the Amazon to spot exotic wildlife and connect with nature. Return to urban life in Salvador, learning about the local Bahian culture and ending on the nearby beaches of Praia do Forte.

Active Highlights of New Zealand's South Island - 14 Days

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, this two-week New Zealand trip embraces the wild beauty of the South Island. Start in the adventure capital of Christchurch and catch a ride on the TranzAlpine Train across the island. Then, it's time for a road trip, as you collect a rental car to reach Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and Aoraki / Mount Cook. Along the way, you'll kayak, jet boat, hike, cruise, and helicopter your way through ever-shifting landscapes.

Spot sheep in the snow-covered farmland of New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand Winter Discovery - 14 Days

If you plan to visit New Zealand in June, July, or August, this two-week winter trip includes the best of the North and South islands, with seasonal adventures like skiing and whale watching adding a layer of richness. Your self-drive journey begins in Queenstown with a snow day and a Milford Sound / Piopiotahi tour. Journey north to Picton via Aoraki / Mount Cook, Christchurch, and Kaikoura, then cross between the islands by ferry to see the best of temperate Wellington, Rotorua, and Auckland.

Pause in Dunedin for spectacular coastal scenery and a castle and cruise tour

New Zealand South Island Explorer: Southern Alps, Glaciers, Lakes & Fjords - 14 Days

Buckle up for an epic 14-day self-drive adventure through New Zealand's South Island. Cruise Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, spot fur seals in Otago Harbor, and land on a snow-covered glacier. You'll also ride a jet boat on the Shotover River, meet penguins, explore glowworm caves in Te Anau, and paddle a Maori canoe. But it's not all nature and aquatics. There's also time for a wineries tour, food safari, and the historic Larnach Castle before ending with a world-class train trip over the Southern Alps.

See Milford Sound / Piopiotah by boat and plane on a scenic, all-day adventure

New Zealand North to South Highlights - 14 Days

Eager to explore the vast beauty of New Zealand without driving? This two-week itinerary uses convenient transfers, buses, and flights to ensure you experience the country's top highlights, from cities to countryside. Start in Auckland and travel south to the wonders of Rotorua before flying to the South Island. Take a dramatic bus trip from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, then continue to Queenstown and Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier. Finally, ride the TranzAlpine Scenic Train back to the city.

Get Started

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.