Travel Insights

Australia & New Zealand Highlights - 13 Days

Take on two of the world's most naturally stunning countries on this 13-day trip across Australia and New Zealand. Start in Sydney and explore the iconic Sydney Opera House before heading north to Queensland for snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and a cable car ride through Daintree National Park. Then fly over to New Zealand for a little bit of everything the country has to offer, from the busy streets of Christchurch to the frozen landscape of Franz Josef Glacier / Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Family Adventure in Morocco: Mountains, Souks, Kasbahs & Beaches - 14 Days

Two weeks in Morocco gives enough scope to explore the country's highlights while allowing plenty of downtime with the kids. Starting in Casablanca, visit the towering Hassan II Mosque before transferring beachside to the seaside town of Essaouira. Savor sunsets, seafood, and camel rides on the beach, then spend a day in the Souss Massa National Park. Finish in style as you get ready for your close-up in the movie town of Ouarzazate before a whistlestop tour of Marrakesh's treasures.

Morocco City, Coast & Desert Adventure for Families - 10 Days

Adventurous kids will find fun at every turn on this perfectly-planned 10-day Moroccan tour. Set out from Casablanca for coastal Essaouira, where treasure hunts, horseback riding, and plenty of beach time await. Continue to Marrakesh to get lost in winding souks, cycle through lush gardens, and whip up a perfect tajine in a family cooking class. The best is saved for last as you transfer to a desert camp in Agafay for camel rides and dining around a campfire under the stars.

Morocco Family Discovery Tour - 14 Days

Discover the wonders of Morocco on this two-week family tour. Your journey begins in the port city of Tangier, where you'll ride camels on the beach and explore the mythical caves of Hercules. Then, it's off to historic Fes for cultural tours and traditional crafts workshops. Kayak on Lake Bin El Ouidane, see playful monkeys at the majestic Ouzoud Waterfalls, and finish your adventure with traditional Moroccan cooking classes and a hot-air balloon ride over Marrakesh.

Uganda in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Landing in the middle of Uganda's shorter dry season, January is a great time to explore Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks. As the main tourist season is yet to arrive, you can enjoy quieter trails and better accommodation options. However, as it's also the hottest month of the year, you'll want to stick to areas of high altitude, searching for wild mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and leopards.

Uganda in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February is one of Uganda's hottest and driest months, making it an ideal time to trek through the lush jungle in search of mountain gorillas. Stick to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Imprenable Forest National Parks to avoid the heat of the north, and be sure to book ahead for permits. In return, you'll be able to enjoy the quieter shoulder-season trails with very reasonable prices for food, flights, and accommodations.

Uganda in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

As long as you pack quality rain gear, March is a great time to visit Uganda. While some roads in the country's south become impassible, and trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has its challenges, in return, accommodation and permits will both be easier and cheaper to book. To avoid the wettest regions, stick to central and northern Uganda and embark on bird-watching excursions and visits to museums and markets.

Uganda in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April may be the wettest month in Uganda, but if you pack quality rain gear and don't mind bumpy roads, it's a good time to take advantage of the quiet national parks, cheaper accommodations, and wildlife permit deals. Plus, as mountain gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees can be seen all year round, you can still tick off most of the country's highlights.

Uganda in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is an excellent month to visit Uganda for budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a more authentic experience. While May falls in the rainy season, if you pack quality rain gear and plan accordingly, you can still experience the wildlife and landscapes Uganda is renowned for. Plus, toward the end of the month, rains begin to ease, and you can continue to take advantage of the quieter trails and cheaper accommodations.

Uganda in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Falling at the beginning of the dry season, June is one of the best months to explore Uganda. Muddy roads and trails will have dried, yet forests will be beautiful and lush, making trekking an incredible experience in June. Book ahead to avoid missing out on permits and lodging, and expect more people out on the trails compared to the previous months, but in return, you'll enjoy plenty of warm, dry days perfect for exploring.

Uganda in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Due to warm temperatures and minimal precipitation, July is one of the most popular times to visit Uganda. Book in advance, and you'll be able to embark on game drives and walking safaris, watch mountain gorillas up close, and spot magnificent birds feeding in the country's rivers and lakes. Pack layers for the cooler evenings, especially in the south, and you'll find hiking and wildlife-watching very pleasant.

Uganda in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is one of the best times to visit Uganda, thanks to its warm temperatures and lack of precipitation. Once deep in forests and savannas, wildlife will be easy to spot congregating at watering holes, and trails and roads will be in good condition. Book accommodation and permits early to avoid missing out and pack layers for the cooler evenings, and you'll find August a superb time to visit Uganda.

Uganda in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September is a great time to visit Uganda to enjoy quieter trails, cheaper accommodations, and plentiful wildlife. You'll want to be prepared for the occasional rain shower, especially in the northern national parks. However, with warm temperatures in the 70s (Fahrenheit) and plenty of sunshine, it's still an enjoyable time to visit. As the rains haven't reached Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, early September is one of the best times to trek in search of mountain gorillas.

Uganda in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Falling at the beginning of Uganda's second rainy season, October is a great time to visit for those who enjoy quieter trails. You'll want to pack along good quality rain gear and be prepared for the unexpected, but in return, you'll enjoy intimate moments with Uganda's incredible wildlife and get to know a more authentic side of the country. Accommodations, flights, and permits will also be less expensive than during the dry season months, making it an ideal time for budget travelers to explore.

Uganda in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

With flower-filled savannas and lush jungles, November is the best month for nature lovers to visit Uganda. Expect the occasional rain shower and pack good quality rain gear, as November is the last month of the country's shorter rainy season. Yet in return, you can take advantage of great deals on accommodations and less expensive permits. Stick to the north to avoid heavy rain, or head down to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to spot mountain gorillas in their wet but stunning natural habitat.

Uganda in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

At the beginning of one of Uganda's dry seasons, December is a great month to visit Uganda. National parks will be lush from recent rains while roads and trails are dry and easy to hike, making game drives and walking safaris enjoyable. Be sure to plan ahead, as late December can become busy with tourists, but in return, you can look forward to sunny and warm days perfect for exploring.

Morocco Grand Tour for Families - 14 Days

See the top highlights of Morocco on this immersive 14-day family tour. Start in historic Casablanca to explore the twisting alleys of its medina alongside fresh sea air. Then, it's off to Fes for dinner with a local family, henna parties, and mosaic workshops. Hunt for fossils in Midelt, ride camels across desert landscapes and learn to surf the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. Your trip concludes in Marrakesh, where you'll learn about (and taste!) Moroccan cuisine with family cooking classes and a fun foodie tour.

Northern Vietnam Adventure - 9 Days

See the awe-inspiring natural wonders and incredible landmarks Vietnam is famous for, with a special focus on the north. After arriving in Hanoi, you'll travel to the highlands for mountain hikes and riverboat excursions. Then, enjoy some fun road trips on your way south down to the coast, where you'll finish the adventure in style with a cruise along the jade waters of the legendary Ha Long Bay.

Belize for Nature Lovers - 5 Days

This quick five-day escape to Belize delivers some major highlights of this gem of Caribbean Central America. Upon arrival in Belize City, you'll transfer inland for nature excursions in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. After enjoying some cave tubing, you'll fly high over Belize's famous Blue Hole dive site, followed by lunch on the windswept tropical isle of Ambergris Caye.

Insider's Guatemala: Guatemala City, Lake Atitlán & Quetzaltenango - 7 Days

Get to know the real Guatemala on this seven-day guided tour. Starting in the capital, Guatemala City, you'll set off on an adventure that reveals Indigenous Maya ways of life. Meet the traditional communities around sacred Lake Atitlán, see artisans at work, and relax in a herb-infused Maya sauna. Then, move on to Quetzaltenango to learn about the area's evolution, go horseback riding in the highlands, and take part in a spiritual fire ceremony.

Essential Guatemala: Volcanoes, Ruins & Waterfalls - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure will take you from Guatemala's southern and central highlands to the northern rainforests and the Caribbean coast. In the south, you'll walk the cobbled streets of Antigua, camp out on volcanoes, and take a boat tour of Lake Atitlán. After touring ancient Maya ruins at Tikal and Yaxhá, you'll ride the famous Río Dulce to the coast before finishing the trip in historic Guatemala City.

Australia's East Coast Road Trip & Great Barrier Reef Tour - 11 Days

This tour of Australia's east coast is ideal for travelers drawn to the sun and sea. You'll start with a few days in Sydney cruising around the harbor and tasting wines in the nearby Hunter Valley. Then pick up your rental car and drive north along the Legendary Pacific Coast—a 621-mile (1,000 km) route from Sydney to Brisbane—with overnight stops in cool surf towns like Byron Bay. Catch a flight to Cairns, where you'll snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef to finish the adventure.

Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley & Great Barrier Reef - 9 Days

See the best of Australia in just nine days with this itinerary that ticks off nature, wine tasting, Sydney's icons, and the Great Barrier Reef. Start in the big city, venture out to the lush and otherworldly Blue Mountains, continue to Australia's oldest wine region, and finish in tropical Palm Cove at the edge of the world-famous reef.

Highlights of Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 9 Days

On this nine-day adventure, you'll fly into Quito, tour the city, then head to Isla Santa Cruz for your first look at Galápagos giant tortoises. Hike to Tortuga Bay Beach for wildlife spotting and visit an interpretation center to learn more about Galápagos National Park, then fly to Isla Isabela. You'll tour natural rock formations, see spectacular marine life, visit a tortoise breeding center, and hike up Sierra Negra volcano before returning to Isla Santa Cruz for more exciting excursions.

Ultimate Family Trip to Vietnam & Thailand - 15 Days

Cover parts of Vietnam and Thailand on this 15-day tour designed with kids in mind. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City and traveling north to Hanoi, indulge in family-friendly activities, from leisurely cruises on the Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay to cultural activities in the capital, such as a water puppet show. Then fly across the border to Bangkok, the buzzing capital of Thailand. After as many temples and palaces as you and your kids can handle, head to Chiang Mai for a few days in the mountains before ending with quality family time on the beaches of Phuket.

Family Vietnam Discovery from North to South - 10 Days

Experience Vietnam's cultural and geographical diversity as you and the family travel from north to south. Starting in the capital, Hanoi, be immersed in the landscapes of the dramatic northern region at UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. Head south to Da Nang and Hoi An, which offer many family-friendly activities, from bamboo boat riding to amusement parks in the hills. End in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, a watery wonderland where kids can experience authentic Vietnamese life up close.

Ultimate Melbourne, Sydney & Queenstown Tour - 12 Days

This moderately active multicountry tour covers three fantastic cities Down Under and their scenic outskirts: Melbourne, Sydney, and Queenstown. Kick off in Australia's capital of culture, Melbourne, with guided excursions to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. Then jet off to Sydney and take in the sights by bike, bridge climb, and harbor cruise. Finish in New Zealand's South Island with a luxury tour to Milford Sound to round out this world-class adventure.

Ecuadorian Andes on Horseback: Machachi Valley to Quilotoa & Back - 9 Days

Get to know the Ecuadorian highlands on this nine-day horseback riding adventure. Start in the verdant Machachi Valley and acclimate to the elevation before taking on longer rides up the Corazón volcano in Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. Learn about "chagras," Ecuadorian cowboys, and follow the same paths used by the Inca and countless hikers as you approach Quilotoa Lagoon via the Quilotoa Loop.

How to Choose the Best Museums to Visit in Madrid

With over 40 museums in Madrid—including the world-famous El Prado Museum—you might not know where to start when it comes to choosing what's right for you. Should you follow the crowds to the Prado, indulge your sports interest at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, or try something new at CaixaForum Madrid? Though there are many more to consider, we've broken down our picks for the top museums in Madrid to help you decide which experience is best for you.

How to Choose the Best Flamenco Show in Seville

Seville has a rich cultural heritage, and flamenco is one of its most beloved traditions, a passionate and exhilarating art form that combines music, singing, and dance. With so many flamenco shows, deciding which is best for you can be challenging. Read on for tips on choosing the best flamenco show in Seville that suits your particular interests, whether combining the experience with dinner or enjoying a more intimate venue.

How to Choose the Best Night Walk in Monteverde

The lush landscapes and brightly-colored birds Monteverde is known for are undoubtedly worth seeing during the day. However, with 80 percent of the area's wildlife active after dark, a night walk affords the opportunity to experience all that the region truly has to offer.

Culinary Adventure Through Ireland - 15 Days

Spend 15 days discovering Ireland through your taste buds on this food-themed road trip. Driving clockwise from Dublin, you'll stop at culinary hotspots focused along the south and west coast, where dramatic landscapes lie around every bend. The produce couldn't be more local, from County Kerry beef to seafood on the Aran Islands and edible seaweed you'll forage for yourself. A series of small-group tours means you'll likely meet other keen foodies along the way.

South to North Food Tour of Vietnam - 8 Days

Besides its natural beauty and thousands of years of history, Vietnam ranks as one of the globe's great food destinations. You'll experience all the culture and cuisine you can handle as you make your way from Ho Chi Minh City up the central coast to the capital of Hanoi. Throughout, you'll mix street food tours with fun activities like basket boat rides and a cruise on Ha Long Bay.

10 Days in Ireland - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Ten days is enough time to experience five to six destinations in Ireland. With popular stops like Dublin and Killarney, the Family Adventure is great for first-timers. The West Coast Road Trip's treasure hunts and farm visits are a hit with young ones and animal lovers, while the abundance of sports, such as surfing, on the South and West Road Trip makes it ideal for older kids and active families. The variety of the Outdoor Adventure, including toy-making and Celtic hurling, fits families of diverse ages and interests.

Wildlife, Jungle & Maya Ruins in Guatemala & Belize - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure takes you to two countries offering some of the most incredible nature, culture, and activities in Central America. In Belize, hit the Caribbean and snorkel along its famous Barrier Reef, followed by cave tubing in the jungle. Then hop over to Guatemala to explore ancient Maya ruins and hidden waterfalls, go paragliding and horseback riding, and camp out near the top of an active volcano.

Highlights of Guatemala & Belize: Adventure & Culture - 15 Days

Combine the best of Guatemala with the most exciting adventures in Belize on this unforgettable 15-day escape. In Guatemala, you'll mix tours of historic cities with excursions to lakes, mountain retreats, and hikes up volcanoes. After visiting ancient Maya ruins, you'll cross the border into Belize for rides down jungle rivers, snorkeling in pristine marine reserves, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

Guatemala & Beyond: Ruins to Reefs & Cobblestone Streets - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure through Guatemala will take you to its most heralded wonders, both man-made and natural. It begins deep within coffee country as you visit nature reserves, waterfalls, and Maya ruins, then continues to the colonial towns and volcanoes around sacred Lake Atitlán. As an added bonus, you'll hop the border into Belize to visit coral islands and snorkel along one of the world's largest barrier reefs.

1 Week in Ireland - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

In seven days, you can see three to four areas and many of Ireland's highlights. Consider a road trip, as this makes exploring much easier with kids. Sightsee in Dublin and then enjoy activities beyond the city, like kid-friendly hikes, beach time in the Connemara region, learning about history through castles and museums, a "magical" fairy trail walk in County Offaly, a ghost tour in colorful Kinsale, wandering by old stone structures on the Aran Islands, and taking a less-traveled route to the Cliffs of Moher.

10 Days in Norway - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Ten days with the family in Norway is enough time to visit four to five destinations. With a mix of nature and urban adventures, the Bergen, Balestrand, Aurland & Oslo trip is perfect for first-timers and families with young children. The Winter Adventure's skiing and snowshoeing activities and the Summer Adventure's zipline excursion make those two itineraries best suited to active families with older children. Animal lovers and culture seekers will appreciate the wildlife safaris and museums on the Cultural and Wildlife trip.

6 Days in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

You can see Antigua's historical and cultural highlights in six days and one additional destination, like Lake Atitlán. Consider adding a visit to the Maya ruins at Iximché archaeological site or yoga sessions at San Marcos La Laguna for a more relaxed itinerary. Or, opt for additional outdoor experiences with a volcano hike in the central highlands or an overnight camping experience at Acatenango Volcano.

Self-Drive Costa Brava & Pyrenees Mountains - 10 Days

This 10-day road trip takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Costa Brava and the Spanish Pyrenees, offering plenty of chances to explore the region's diverse cultural and natural wonders. From vibrant cities like Barcelona and Girona to the rugged coastline of Costa Brava and scenic Val d'Aran, you'll enjoy Northern Spain's history, cultural heritage, and gastronomy.

Best of Guatemala with Kids: Antigua & Lake Atitlán - 7 Days

With one week in Guatemala, families can enjoy a range of cultural and natural attractions that will appeal to both older and younger members. This relaxed tour is split between Antigua and Lake Atitlán and takes easy trips from both places, so you and your kids won't feel rushed. Learn about Guatemala's fascinating history in the colonial-era city of Antigua and the Iximché ruins, be amazed by lake and volcano views, as well as local handicrafts at Lake Atitlán, and much more.

Guatemala Volcano Hiking Adventure: Pacaya, Acatenango, Zunil, Santa María & San Pedro – 12 Days

Summit five of Guatemala's volcanic peaks on this 12-day hiking adventure, starting in the colorful, UNESCO-listed city of Antigua before embarking on epic hikes ascending: Pacaya, Acatenango, Zunil, Santa María, and San Pedro. Along the way, you'll camp atop mountains, relax on the shores of Lake Atitlán, and explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal National Park.

Hike Guatemala: From Antigua to the Maya Highlands - 12 Days

Discover Guatemala's volcanoes and lakes on this 12-day hiking holiday. The adventure begins in the UNESCO-listed city of Antigua and continues to the lush Maya highlands, where you'll summit three fiery volcanic peaks: Pacaya, Acatenango, and Fuego, and camp on the mountains as you go. Finish with a three-day trek through the countryside via coffee farms and Maya shrines to sparkling Lake Atitlán.

Ecuadorian Amazon Adventure & Galápagos Cruise - 13 Days

Experience two of Ecuador's most remarkable ecosystems on this diverse 13-day itinerary. Set out from Quito for Yasuní National Park, where a thrilling rainforest adventure awaits. Explore the Amazon by canoe, spot tropical birds and playful monkeys, and meet local Indigenous communities. Then it's time to switch gears and fly to the Galápagos for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise. Spend a week exploring remote and uninhabited islands—where you'll see giant tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, and more.

Explore Ecuador's Highlands & the Galápagos - 13 Days

See the many faces of Ecuador on this 13-day journey from the Andean highlands to the Galápagos Islands. Starting in vibrant Quito, strike out through Cotopaxi National Park to reach the cities of Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil—taking in the sights of waterfalls, volcanoes, forests, and pre-Inca ruins along the way. Then it's time to leave the mainland behind as you hop over to the Galápagos for swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting on the islands of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz.

Best of Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredón & Lake Atitlán - 13 Days

This 13-day adventure starts in historic Antigua, where you'll take a cooking class, tour local villages and farms, and visit ancient Maya ruins. Then transfer to El Paredon, where you can surf, relax on the beach, go whitewater rafting, or spot sea turtles. In scenic Lake Atitlán, learn about goat cheese production and traditional carpet-making. Finally, head to Guatemala City to visit a chocolate museum, learn about colorful "chicken buses," and hike Pacaya volcano.

Guatemala Culture & Active Adventure: From Antigua to Lake Atitlán - 10 Days

Discover Guatemala's culture and Maya roots on this active tour from Antigua to Lake Atitlán. Bike through macadamia nut and coffee farms, visit artists' workshops, and sleep aside the peak of the Acatenango volcano. Kayak along the shores of famous Lake Atitlán and visit one of Central America's largest markets in busy Chichicastenango. End your tour with a step back in time as you wander the archaeological site at Iximché and see how Maya culture courses through present-day Guatemala.

Ecuador Wildlife & Bird-Watching Adventure: Cloud Forest, Rainforest & Andes - 15 Days

Pack your binoculars and your sense of wonder for this 15-day journey from the Ecuadorian Andes to the Amazon rainforest and back. Start in Quito to discover its rich history and culture, then head to Yasuní National Park to observe biodiverse jungle life at a rainforest lodge. Continue to the cloud forests of Mindo, where avid bird-watchers can spot some of its 550 species alongside monkeys, butterflies, and waterfalls, then return to the capital to wind down with some relaxed city sightseeing.

Guatemala Culture & Nature: Antigua to Lake Atitlán - 11 Days

Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. Follow your guide through Antigua's main square to learn about its colonial architecture and sleep under the shadow of Pacaya Volcano in its national park of the same name. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitlán, and visit one of Central America's largest markets in Chichicastenango.