Travel Insights

Family-Friendly Tour of Japan's Cities: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka - 11 Days

Japan is a wonderland for families, with cultural, natural, and modern attractions that will appeal to all ages. This 11-day trip visits three of the country's most significant cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—with an itinerary chock-full of kid-friendly outings and excursions. Broaden little ones' minds as they explore colorful temples and shrines, meet the local wildlife, and sample exotic new foods—then reward their patience with visits to Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

Best of Mérida: Off the Beaten Path in Mexico's Yucatán - 7 Days

See another side of Mexico's gorgeous Yucatán Peninsula as you venture beyond Cancún to the region's heart: Mérida. Over seven days, you'll explore this Spanish-colonial gem of a city (the capital of the province), plus embark on day trips to beaches and the famous cenotes in the area. For a bonus, take a day trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the most impressive ancient Maya ruins in the Yucatán.

Discover Oaxaca: Mexico's Cultural & Culinary Gem - 4 Days

If there's one region of Mexico perfect for a quick getaway, it's the southwestern state of Oaxaca. Here you'll get a lot of bang for your buck as you spend four days enjoying excellent street food, touring pre-Columbian archaeological sites, and visiting local artisan towns. Cap the trip with a stop at Hierve el Agua, one of the most incredible waterfalls in Mexico.

India's Tigers & Taj Mahal - 8 Days

Visit the world-famous Taj Mahal and spot wild Bengal tigers on this eight-day tour of India. Touch down in the buzzing capital, New Delhi, where you'll explore grand mosques and maze-like markets before venturing deep into Rajasthan to tour UNESCO-listed Amer Palace Fort. Next, you'll escape into the wilds of Ranthambore National Park for tiger-spotting safaris amid "Jungle Book" scenery. The adventure ends in Agra, where you'll witness the wonder of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

A Glimpse of Mexico City - 6 Days

In less than a week, you'll tour the highlight landmarks of Mexico's dynamic capital city, plus dive deep into its history and culture. This includes food tours, stops at historic sites like Frida Kahlo's house, mariachi performances, and much more. As a bonus, you'll hop in the basket of a hot-air balloon and soar high over the pyramids at Teotihuacán, one of the most incredible ancient cities in Mexico.

Thailand Nature & Wildlife Tour - 7 Days

This seven-day wildlife-filled itinerary delves into some of Thailand's most spectacular nature and national parks. After touching down in Bangkok, you'll transfer to Kaeng Krachan to spot macaques, leopards, and mongooses. Then it's on to Kui Buri, where you'll see elephants roaming in the wild and take an atmospheric night safari. Ko Thalu is next, for unspoiled island relaxation, before traveling to the marine park of Khao Sam Roi Yot and its lush mangrove forests and caves.

Thailand Active Adventure: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket- 7 Days

Satisfy your tastes for exciting flavors and outdoor adventure on this week-long trip that covers Thailand from north to south. Start in Bangkok, where you'll embark on a foodie tour of Chinatown and jet through its canals by rocket boat. Head for the hills in Chiang Mai to discover its nightlife from the back of a Vespa, then slow down with a hands-on visit to an elephant sanctuary. Finish in Phuket, where you'll go whitewater rafting, off-roading, and ziplining against a backdrop of jungles and beaches.

12 Days in Spain - 4 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

Twelve days in Spain is a perfect time frame for a road trip, as it gives you plenty of days to see major cities and sites while enjoying the countryside. Popular itineraries for a 12-day adventure start in Madrid and fan out into the country from there, whether to explore northern Spain's incredible scenery and gastronomy, discover Andalusia's unique history and culture, or get off the beaten path in regions like La Mancha and Extremadura.

Southern Thailand Island Escape: Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Krabi & Bangkok - 7 Days

See the most beautiful spots in southern Thailand and settle into the rhythms of island life on this laid-back, week-long vacation. Kick off your adventure in Phuket to discover colonial architecture and white sandy beaches, before being whisked away by speedboat to explore Phang Nga Bay's small islands and caves. Visit hidden coves as you island hop around Ko Phi Phi and snorkel in crystal-clear water, then end with a dose of culture in Bangkok with a tour of the capital's key temples and palaces.

Thailand's Temples & Palaces: Bangkok, Ayutthaya & Chiang Mai -7 Days

Combine the highlights of Bangkok with the wonders of northern Thailand as you discover the country's most intriguing temples and palaces. Land in the capital to enjoy its street food stalls and vibrant nightlife, then it's temples galore as you spend the day in Ayutthaya, exploring its historical park with over 300 sites. Fly north for a change of scene in mountainous Chiang Mai, where you'll see more memorable temples and set off on day trips into the famed Golden Triangle and the ancient city of Lamphun.

5 Days in South Korea - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days in South Korea, you can split your time between Seoul and Gyeongju and get to know the country's traditions and temples on a cultural tour, or head to Sokcho and explore Seoraksan National Park on a nature-focused itinerary. If you're curious to see South Korea's highlights in a unique way, consider a foodie tour filled with markets and street food or a K-drama itinerary of famous film sights while snow enthusiasts shouldn't miss time in Yong Pyong Ski Resort on a winter adventure.

Kenya or Tanzania Safari

Choosing between a safari in Kenya or Tanzania can be challenging, as both countries offer unique experiences and incredible wildlife diversity. To help you make the best decision, we've gathered insights from kimkim's local specialists in Kenya and Tanzania, who share their knowledge on activities, wildlife diversity, accessibility, travel safety, and accommodations in both countries.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Portugal & Southern Spain - 14 Days

Delve deeper into Portugal and southern Spain as you visit iconic cities and explore lesser-known towns and villages over two epic weeks. Tick off Porto and Lisbon, stopping at the Templar city of Tomar and a charming village en route. Journey deep into the Alentejo countryside where ancient Évora and fortified Monsaraz await, then continue to Spain, where you'll stop at small Andalusian towns on the way to Seville and Granada.

5 Days in Belize - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Belize is a small country, about the size of Massachusetts, so in five days, you can hit all the highlights: the beach, Maya ruins, and jungle. Mix it up with time at the Maya Lamanai ruins, zipline through the jungle, and relax on Southwest Caye, or spend more time discovering Maya ruins, exploring the jungle, and checking out underground cave systems. Alternatively, you could spend most of your time on an island like Tobacco Caye or Southwest Caye, snorkeling and diving the Belizean Barrier Reef and lying out under the sun.

Active Family Peru Adventure: Ica, Cusco & Machu Picchu - 10 Days

If you and your family prefer to get active on your vacations rather than sit at the beach, this 10-day tour of Peru is designed for you. Starting in Lima, you'll begin with sandboarding in a desert oasis before heading to the high-altitude Andes (with time to acclimate). Then dive right into the Sacred Valley with standup paddleboarding, ziplining, riding ATVs to remote Inca villages, exploring the unmissable Machu Picchu, and ending with a hike to a lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains.

Trek Torres del Paine & Explore Los Glaciares National Parks - 12 Days

Explore Patagonia's outdoor wonderland in two national parks—Torres del Paine in Chile and Los Glaciares in Argentina—on this active 12-day trip. You'll begin on the Chilean side, hiking the W Trek and sleeping in shelters along the trail. Then, cross the border to El Calafate and El Chaltén to hike through mountainous landscapes, kayak on remote glacial lakes, and boat to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

Active Patagonia: Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares National Parks - 12 Days

Boat past glaciers, kayak on a windswept lake, trek in one of South America's finest national parks—all of these outdoor adventures await you on this action-packed 12-day journey around Patagonia. Explore the region's epic landscapes with active excursions on both sides of the border, beginning with Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, then crossing over to Argentina to discover Los Glaciares National Park.

Explore the Coastlines & Beaches of Portugal & Spain: 10 Days

Eat your way around colorful Lisbon, admire the stunning natural coastline of the Algarve, and soak up the sunshine on the beaches of Mallorca with this relaxed 10-day coastal itinerary. As you hop between Portugal and Spain, balance slow beach days and relaxation with adventure and fun activities, such as sailing to the world-famous Benagil Cave, wine tasting at a traditional quinta estate, cycling through the lagoons of Ria Formosa, and paddleboarding on the bays of Mallorca.

Spain & Portugal Road Trip: Porto to Madrid - 10 Days

Combine historic cities with off-the-beaten-path treasures on this 10-day, self-drive journey through Portugal and Spain. Start by enjoying the food and historical landmarks of Porto, then drive to the León region of Spain to marvel at the ancient sandstone buildings in Salamanca. Take a hot-air balloon over the countryside of Ávila, hike through the pine forests of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, tour the medieval walls of Segovia, and finish the trip exploring the parks, plazas, and markets of Madrid.

11 Days in Spain - 4 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

Take advantage of your 11 days in Spain with a road trip through numerous cultures, regions, and landscapes. Options include driving along the scenic Basque coastline, exploring the historic towns of La Mancha and Extremadura, and combining buzzy Madrid with laid-back Andalusia. Regardless of your choice, these itineraries allow you to dive into Spain's rich history while experiencing its natural beauty.

16 Days in Spain - 3 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

With 16 days in Spain, you can cover a lot of ground, combining the capital city of Madrid with exploring historic sites in Andalusia, traversing the stunning countryside of La Mancha, or cruising along the rugged Basque coastline. These road trip options take you through different regions of Spain, including lesser-known areas like Extremadura, to experience authentic Spanish culture, gastronomy, and history.

Iberian Adventure: Spain, Portugal & the Azores - 21 Days

Experience the wonders of Iberia on this 21-day adventure in Spain and Portugal. Lap up culture on walking tours in Madrid and Granada, then tackle the steep streets of Porto and Lisbon by e-bike and e-tuk-tuk. You'll hike among beauty spots like Cascais Natural Park and the Caminito del Rey, then finish by exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, where crater lakes, thermal pools, and whale watching tours await.

Peru Amazon Cruise & Sacred Valley Family Adventure - 10 Days

Family adventures don't get more exciting than this fast-paced, 10-day tour of Peru, which is best suited for older kids. After arriving in Lima, head deep into the Peruvian Amazon for a three-day cruise in the rainforest. Next, change things up in the high-altitude Peruvian Andes, where you'll stay in exclusive mountainside accommodations that can only be reached by zipline or via ferrata. Finish the trip with a tour of Machu Picchu and free time to explore Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas.

Belize Adventure: From Reefs to Maya Ruins - 10 Days

With some of the world's best snorkeling spots, rich Maya history, and endless cayes to explore, Belize is a paradise waiting to be discovered on this 10-day adventure. Journey by land and sea as you swim with sharks in the Hol Chan marine reserve, step into the world of Actun Tunichil Mukna's sacrificial burials, and explore the archaeological site at Caracol. Hop over to the islands to end your trip dancing, savoring fresh fish, and snorkeling on Ambergris Caye.

Family-Friendly Peru Adventure: Lima, Sacred Valley & Cusco - 10 Days

Embark on an active adventure in Peru without sacrificing comfort on this 10-day, family-themed tour. Start from Lima to explore the coastal city's kid-friendly parks and squares, then set off by boat to swim with sea lions. It's off to the Andes next to tour the most impressive sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley with modified activities that are perfect for kids. Meet friendly llamas, hike a portion of the Inca Trail, take a private tour of Machu Picchu, and scale the colorful slopes of "Rainbow Mountain."

10 Days in Argentina - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Argentina, you can easily cover three destinations with kids in tow. Start in the capital of Buenos Aires before going on a family marine-life safari in Puerto Madryn or up to the majestic Iguazú Falls. Travel to Bariloche or Calafate's Los Glaciares National Park for some Patagonia. Farther south, kids will love visiting a penguin colony island from Ushuaia. If your family is more nature and wildlife-oriented, add in Bahía Bustamante, and for more wildlife, head to Salta's salt-crusted plains.

Family-Friendly Argentina: Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Iguazú Falls - 14 Days

Experience the best of Argentina on this safe and adventurous family tour. Kick off the two-week trip in Buenos Aires to walk through historic neighborhoods and ride horses like a gaucho on a working ranch. Then, head south to Patagonia for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife cruises near the "end of the world." If that's not enough, finish in the far north to see tropical rainforests and waterfalls at Iguazú Falls, meet toucans, and spend time in a native Guarani community.

Explore Thailand & Cambodia: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Siem Reap & Phnom Penh - 14 Days

Experience the highlights of two Southeast Asian countries whose shared history has produced some of the most awe-inspiring landmarks in the world. The two-week adventure begins in Thailand, where you'll relax on Phuket's beaches and boat to stunning islands. Then spend a few days each in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, seeing the iconic temples and night markets. Finish in Cambodia to discover the ruins of Angkor Wat, followed by a tour of its lively capital, Phnom Penh, on a bicycle taxi.

Chilean Patagonia for Kayakers - 12 Days

Lovers of the great outdoors will appreciate this inspiring 12-day journey through Patagonia's spectacular nature. Begin in lakeside Puerto Varas, then kayak through Reloncaví Fjord and savor a traditional lunch with a local family. Move on to Punta Arenas to explore the Strait of Magellan, visiting an island of Magellanic penguins. Finally, head to Puerto Natales to check out the famous Torres del Paine National Park and enjoy several more days of kayaking among glaciers and icebergs.

15 Days in Spain - 3 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

Grab a rental car and hit the road through Spain, the ideal destination for a road trip, especially when you have over two weeks to explore the country. The three itineraries below feature different regions, so you can choose the iconic sites of Andalusia or head north and savor the beauty of Galicia and the Basque Country. Or, if you'd rather get off the beaten path, stick to central Spain by visiting regions like La Mancha and Extremadura.

Explore the Beauty of Spain & Portugal: Culture, History & Architecure - 21 Days

Discover Spain and Portugal's beauty on this well-balanced 21-day cultural tour. You'll explore world-famous cities' cuisine, history, and architecture, from Barcelona and Madrid to Lisbon and Porto. Highlights include wine tasting in the lush Douro Valley and day trips to UNESCO-listed gems like hilltop fort city Toledo and Sintra, home of fairy-tale castles and palaces. The trip ends with sun-drenched beach time on the golden sands of the Algarve.

Explore Peru's Epic Landscapes: Jungle, Mountains, Desert & Ocean - 14 Days

For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Peru, you'll want to see it all—and this two-week itinerary comes close. After an exciting food tour in Lima, set off for the epic landscapes, starting with a remote lodge in the lush Amazon. Next, fly to the high-altitude Andes for hikes and cultural activities—including time in Machu Picchu—before ending at a Sahara-like desert next to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you'll meet local artisans, llama herders, and even marine life in the "Peruvian Galápagos."

Peru Family Expedition: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley - 7 Days

Log off and escape to Peru with this seven-day family adventure that starts in ancient Cusco and follows the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley to ancient Machu Picchu. Explore the stunning Maras salt mines and Rainbow Mountain as the kids ditch their devices, and you spend quality time together—discovering Peru's culture, colors, and cuisine against a backdrop of towering Andean peaks.

Coastal Peru for Families: Lima, Paracas & Máncora - 7 Days

Leave the crowds behind with this week-long family trip that combines the lesser-visited gems of Peru's beautiful northern coast with the culture, food, and ruins of cosmopolitan Lima. Soak up the sights and sounds in the country's capital, earn major brownie points with the kids as you surf dunes and meet penguins in Paracas, and swim with giant sea turtles in the turquoise waters of Máncora.

Romantic Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Ko Samui - 14 Days

Enjoy a romantic two-week honeymoon in Thailand, complete with spa sessions and tropical island escapes. Begin in the capital, Bangkok, where you and your beloved will tour glittering palaces, savor a couples' massage, and take a lavish dinner cruise before flying to Chiang Mai for elephant encounters and northern-Thai cultural experiences. The adventure ends in the sun-soaked south, where Ko Samui's white-sand beaches and the emerald lagoons of Angthong Marine Park await.

Family Fun in Peru's Sacred Valley - 7 Days

This weeklong, family-friendly itinerary focuses on the many wonders of Peru's Sacred Valley. Starting in Cusco, acclimate to the altitude in Pisac before spending a day learning about Indigenous customs and making new friends in a local village. Ramp up the adventure with a thrilling family bike ride back down to the valley, then hop on a scenic train to chug your way up to the mighty Machu Picchu. The trip winds down with more incredible Inca sites like Moray and Chinchero before circling back to Cusco.

Peruvian Amazon & Sacred Valley Family Adventure - 7 Days

Struggling to decide between the Peruvian Amazon and the Sacred Valley of the Inca for your family trip to Peru? There's no need because this week-long itinerary fits in both amazing destinations. Starting in Lima, your family will travel into the heart of the Amazon rainforest for a couple of days of choose-your-own-adventure activities. Continue to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu to enjoy some of the South American country's most iconic sights with kid-friendly tours and excursions.

Trek Torres del Paine & Explore Los Glaciares National Park - 9 Days

Discover two of Patagonia's top highlights—Torres del Paine, often considered South America's finest national park, and Perito Moreno, one of the most famous glaciers in the world—on this thrilling nine-day trip. You'll spend the first week on the Chilean side, tackling the W Trek in Torres del Paine and embarking on an ice-hiking excursion. Then, cross the border to Argentina for a boat ride and tour in Los Glaciares National Park.

Spain & Portugal Adventure: Lisbon, Algarve, Seville, Granada & Madrid - 14 Days

Soak up the sun as you explore the highlights of Portugal and Spain on this two-week adventure. Start in Lisbon, where you'll discover the city's historical attractions, markets, and fairs. Go hiking in Sintra and the Algarve, enjoy a catamaran cruise, and see the Ria Formosa Lagoon by bike. Then head to Spain for more city tours and cycling as you explore Seville, Carmona, and Granada. Finally, savor some tapas in Madrid, go ziplining in Toledo, and see Segovia by hot-air balloon.

Classic Peru for Families: Urubamba, Cusco & Lima - 7 Days

Travel back to the time of the Inca with this week-long family trip that draws you into the heart of Peru's ancient history and natural wonders. Amid the lofty peaks of the Andes, adventurous kids can uncover temples and traditional life in the Sacred Valley, wander through the clouds in Machu Picchu, whitewater raft down the Río Urubamba, and fill hungry bellies in the foodie capital of Lima.

10 Days in Sweden - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Sweden, winter enthusiasts will look to head north and explore the Lappland region on an ultimate aurora borealis adventure, while those who prefer the summer months can choose between adventure trips and foodie tours. Or, if you're ready to hit the open road, opt for a road trip adventure and uncover the picturesque countryside, charming towns, and hidden gems of Sweden at your own pace.

Family Adventure in India’s Golden Triangle - 7 Days

For a week-long family holiday you'll never forget, try India's Golden Triangle—a region jam-packed with ancient sites and natural wonders. As you hop between Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, you'll see magnificent monuments like the Taj Mahal with your own eyes, explore wild nature reserves, and experience India's vibrant cultures and cuisines. Travel by car, tuk-tuk, rickshaw, and even elephant as you make memories that will become family legends.

Explore Portugal & Southern Spain - 10 Days

On this 10-day adventure, you'll soak up the best of Portugal's two biggest cities and explore the beautiful countryside in Andalusia and the heritage highlights of Southern Spain. Start in Porto with a foodie experience, and venture south to colorful Lisbon via Coimbra, Portugal's medieval capital. Then journey from Lisbon to Seville and Granada, two Spanish cities renowned for Gothic architecture and Moorish connections.

Nature & Culture in Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 10 Days

Sample Ecuador's natural and cultural wonders on this 10-day trip. Begin in the capital, Quito, where you'll tour UNESCO-listed landmarks and take a cooking class with a local chef before fly to the world-famous Galápagos Islands. Here you'll spot iconic wildlife, from giant tortoises to sharks and albatross, as you hop from Isla San Cristóbal to Santa Cruz. Enjoy snorkeling, hikes, and standup paddleboarding along the way, and finish by touring a traditional coffee plantation.

Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo

Costa Rica is blessed with countless beautiful beaches, but two destinations that consistently top the list are Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo. Both offer stunning coastlines, abundant activities, and unique experiences, but each has its own distinct charm. In this guide, our local specialists, Randall Jiménez, Sergio Bolaños , Yuliana Valverde and Olman Romero help you decide which beach destination is the perfect fit for your Costa Rican adventure, covering aspects like activities, wildlife, accessibility, nightlife, and accommodation.

Explore Thailand's Canals, Lakes & Beaches - 11 Days

Blend city life with unspoiled nature and plenty of beaches on this 11-day Thailand adventure. Start in Bangkok to see its temples and palaces, then browse vibrant markets as you sample the best local street food. Switch gears and fly south to Khao Sok National Park to stay in a floating raft house, and get farther off the tourist trail as you hit the secluded shores of Khao Lak. End in Phuket, where you'll balance beach time with biking excursions and a speedboat trip to the Phi Phi Islands.

Luxury Active Chilean Patagonia: Lakes & Volcanoes - 7 Days

Snowcapped volcanoes, pristine mountain lakes, and quiet hiking trails await you on this active weeklong adventure around northern Chilean Patagonia. After city sightseeing, haute cuisine, and 5-star luxury in Santiago, spend the rest of the trip exploring the great outdoors from your base at a Lake District lodge in Puerto Varas. You'll trek through ancient alerce forests, kayak on tranquil lagoons, spot rare birds, explore the colorful island towns of Chiloé, and much more.

Bangkok, Northern Thailand & Ko Samui - 14 Days

Hop from one end of Thailand to the other on this two-week adventure that covers a little bit of everything that makes this country unique. Start in the capital of Bangkok to experience street food and floating markets. Then drive to the northernmost city in Thailand, with various stops, where you'll explore Karen villages and hiking trails in Doi Inthanon National Park. Finish by flying to the tropical south to spend a few days relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches of Ko Samui.

Discover Thailand's Cuisine: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket—11 Days

From the mountains of Chiang Mai to the beaches of Phuket, discover the many flavors of regional Thai cuisine on this food-focused 11-day itinerary. Touch down in Bangkok and sample classic street food as you stroll its busy night markets, then head north to Chiang Mai to learn about Lanna cuisine from a local family (and spend some peaceful downtime at an elephant sanctuary). Then it's off to Phuket to learn about the diverse influences of southern Thai food against a backdrop of white-sand beaches.

2 Weeks in India - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

You take the kids to explore six to seven destinations in two weeks in India. Since the country is expansive, it's best to focus on one region, such as the famous Golden Triangle route through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Adventurous families will love the off-the-beaten-path thrills of monasteries in the far north. Meanwhile, South India is more relaxed with Munar's tea history trail and cruises on Kerala's backwaters. Kids will love sampling India's cities, jungles, and beaches on a trip that involves exploring caves and animal safaris.