Botswana When Botswana first gained independence in 1966, it was one of the world’s poorest countries, with only 7.5 miles of paved roads and 22 citizens with degrees. Amazingly, Botswana has [...]

Several years back, Bev and I made the 33-mile Milford Track, considered by many to be the world’s greatest wilderness walk. Limited to groups of 40 every departure date, we found this 4-day/3 [...]

Naoshima represents nothing less than aesthetic perfection. The island’s relatively remote, picturesque location, coupled with its array of world-class contemporary art and architecture makes for [...]

By Zen Lynch Aman is a Lynch family favorite and well-known by many of our clients and friends! Originally founded in Singapore, Aman represents the pinnacle of world-class luxury [...]

Bali is one of our favorite island destinations in the Pacific Rim. The beaches here are nice, though not nearly as impressive as the beaches in Hawaii, or many other places. We do not recommend [...]

Despite our several travels over the years, Bev, Zen, and I never tire of this amazing area. When looking back at the many things we love about Tuscany, parts of rural Japan, and northern [...]

Overview Based on our most recent family gorilla trekking trip in 2024, we consider the time with a gorilla family to be the most intimate, emotional wildlife experience anywhere in the world. [...]

Machu Picchu and Its Environmental Impact Being Peru’s most visited attraction and the most famous ruins in South America, Machu Picchu is traipsed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. [...]

By Zen Lynch During this past decade, anime and manga have started to rise in popularity here in the United States. For those of you who are unaware, anime is an animated style of Japanese film [...]

By: Zen Lynch While anime was once considered a niche in the Western entertainment world, it has successfully breached the mainstream. According to the Association of Japanese Animations, global [...]

By: Zen Lynch While anime in the Western world has been seen as a small part of entertainment, in Japan it has a massive amount of followers which is now breaching Western entertainment. Some [...]

Zen, Annalise, Marshall, Noah, and Randy (the honorary Gen Z member) at Wazuka Tea Plantation, July 2024 Located in the isolated mountains of Wazuka, the sprawling grounds of the Wazuka tea [...]

A big part of our Lynch family’s fascination with Japan is its unique Shinto and Buddhist-based culture. Despite our many travels to this wonderful land, we are always amazed by the reverence and [...]

Our Galápagos vessel survey includes an assessment of the various vessels plying the Galápagos seas. The quality luxury ships reviewed below range from only 16-20 passenger capacity. [...]

Perhaps the most culturally compelling country in all of Europe, France brings together natural beauty, culture and among the most notable museums/art attractions in the world. Louis XIV wished [...]

Perhaps the most culturally compelling country in all of Europe, France brings together natural beauty, culture, and some of the most notable museums and art attractions in the world. Louis XIV [...]

Please see the following Machu Picchu guidelines below: Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu Mountain

Regardless of where you travel in Japan, the natives are well-groomed, neat, and fastidiously clean. This extends to streets, homes, office buildings, and wherever, from garbage men with [...]

As an office full of hiking fanatics (having hiked in Patagonia, Atacama, Bhutan, Iceland (Laugavegur Trail), the Dolomites, Nakasendo Trail in Japan, and the strenuous Gorilla Trek in Rwanda!), [...]

The Japanese concept of “Shinrin-Yoku” or “forest bathing” originated in Japan in the early 1980s as a natural therapy to alleviate the pervasive stress of Japan’s growing urban office culture. [...]

Hope you find our Lunch Family's Favorite things about our beloved Japan informative/entertaining!

Despite the 3 ½ hour travel time from Kyoto (Shinkansen-subway-train-cable car), we thoroughly enjoyed our brief stay in Koyasan. Founded in the 9th century, Koyasan is home to  Shingon [...]

We consider a ryokan stay (a traditional Japanese inn) to be the quintessential cultural immersion experience and essential activity on any Japan private tour!  Originally dating back [...]

*As a Hubei province native and dear friend of the Lynch family, I was happy to write about some of the most amazing parts of my beloved home in China. Please read below for sightseeing [...]

Among our favorite stopovers in Morocco, this artsy, blue-washed mountain village of 45,000 is uniquely beautiful, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen medina is [...]

Derived from ancient Shinto rites celebrating a good harvest, Sumo is Japan’s truly unique national sport. The tournament’s lively pageantry is as exciting as the matches themselves, which can [...]

Originally inhabited by indigenous Australians and later settled by sailors and whalers in the early 1800s, Kangaroo Island is a mere 30-minute flight (70 miles) from Adelaide. Only 93 miles long [...]

Japanese sweets “wagashi” have a long tradition in ancient Japan. Established in 1803, Kyoto-based Kameya Yoshinaga is among the most noteworthy practitioner of this unique Japanese culinary [...]

Amenities Similar to Chief’s and Vumbura Camp in Botswana during the year-end and summer seasons, availability at the luxury seven-suite Hoanib Camp on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia is limited [...]

By: Beatrice, Lily, and Randy The Nakasendo Trail, also known as the Nakasendo Way, is an ancient and historic pilgrimage trail in Japan that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It was [...]

Overview Based on our most recent family gorilla trekking trip in 2024, we consider the time with a gorilla family to be the most intimate, emotional wildlife experience anywhere in the world. [...]

As a Chicago company, we here at Kipling & Clark know a little something about love for baseball, but, remarkably, not even our beloved city can compare to Japan’s obsession with [...]

The Expanded Protected Area of the Galapagos We were excited to see that the Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso recently announced plans for a large new section of the protected area to be [...]

For the many of us who have enjoyed past early morning visits through the fishy stench of the tuna auction at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, we are saddened to see the Market’s final move to the new [...]

By Zen Lynch Dating back to about 3100 B.C., ancient Egypt’s ability to create architectural feats of epic magnitude, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is unparalleled. Egypt’s cultural [...]

By Toni Xu My family and I had such a great time traveling with Randy, Bev and Zen, who I hadn’t seen for 15 years! Of all the places to have a grand reunion, Egypt was an incredible one. There [...]

Our dear friend, Jay Xu, Director of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, his wife Jennifer, and their lovely daughter Toni have traveled with Bev, Zen, and I to various parts of Asia, [...]

Our dear friend, Jay Xu, Director of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, affirms that knowing the Hindu deities is essential to fully understanding and appreciating the temples of Angkor Wat. [...]

We love this most-unique passageway! Only 1 kilometer (or 0.62 miles) long, the corridor connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace, over the Arno River. Originally conceived by the banker, [...]

As the hub for luxury vacations in Italy, the Amalfi Coast is the epicenter of spectacular views, outstanding service, and high-quality accommodations.  Made up of the major [...]

Among Mark Twain’s many compelling quotes from his traveling the world in the late 19th-century, one of our favorites is his description of Italy: “The Creator made Italy from the design of [...]

Botswana When Botswana first gained independence in 1966, it was one of the world’s poorest countries, with only 7.5 miles of paved roads and 22 citizens with degrees. Amazingly, Botswana has [...]

Though we enjoy the picturesque vistas of the Amalfi Coast, we freely admit that we feel the Italian Lake District to be the most idyllic, beautiful area within Italy. Ringed by [...]

We fully agree with Trinity College professor Shane O’Mara’s observation of the remarkable benefits of walking: “Walking improves our moods, our clarity of thought, our creativity, as well as our [...]

Overview Opened with much fortune in 2009, the modernist Acropolis Museum was designed by U.S. based architect, Bernard Tschumi, and Greek architect, Michael Photiadis. Next to the Louvre in [...]

In continuation of our staff’s scouting trips to the Galapagos Vessels in 2016 and 2018, we would like to inform you about the updates made to the Integrity luxury yacht during the unprecedented [...]

By: Beatrice, Lily, and Randy The Nakasendo Trail, also known as the Nakasendo Way, is an ancient and historic pilgrimage trail in Japan that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It was one [...]

Overview Based on our most recent family gorilla trekking trip in 2024, we consider the time with a gorilla family to be the most intimate, emotional wildlife experience anywhere in the world. [...]

Machu Picchu and Its Environmental Impact Being Peru’s most visited attraction and the most famous ruins in South America, Machu Picchu is traipsed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. [...]

Fes Evidence of Morocco’s 3,000-year-old Jewish heritage can also be found in the 2014-reopened Slat al Fassayine Synagogue in Fes. The newly restored 17th-century synagogue, the oldest [...]

Rudyard Kipling aptly expressed the beauty of this place as “the embodiment of all things pure.”—we fully agree! The Taj Mahal is truly one of the iconic sights of the world and is [...]

We read, with great interest, the March 19, 2018, New Yorker article, profiling the enchanting centifolia roses used to create the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume. Bev and I experienced a [...]

Overview & History Despite experiencing some of the most putrid and indescribable odors we have ever experienced anywhere in the world, we believe a visit to spellbinding and colorful [...]

Known as the best hike in Iceland, and one of National Geographic’s “Top 20 Dream Trails”, this trek stretches from the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar and the southern highlands, south to [...]

Originally inhabited by Australia Aborigines and later settled by sailors and whalers in the early 1800’s, Kangaroo Island is a mere 30-minute flight (70 miles) from Adelaide. Only 93 miles [...]

Considered the most remote and isolated inhabited island in the world, we feel the five to six-hour flight from Santiago to Rapa Nui to be well worth the effort. Easter Island is 3,512 km away [...]

By Zen Lynch Dating back to about 3100 B.C., ancient Egypt’s ability to create architectural feats of epic magnitude, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is unparalleled. Egypt’s cultural [...]

By Toni Xu My family and I had such a great time traveling with Randy, Bev and Zen, who I hadn’t seen for 15 years! Of all the places to have a grand reunion, Egypt was an incredible one. There [...]

With an incredible 6,000 islands and 227 inhabited, it can be hard to determine which of the islands are worth a visit when traveling to Greece. We’ve selected six of our favorites, that we [...]

There is arguably no better way to experience Cyclades than by boat. Whether you travel via a luxury yacht, racing speedboat, or classic sailboat, every member of the family is promised a great [...]

The Eiffel Tower has reopened as of June 25, 2020, after three months of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some new guidelines have been implemented for visitors to ensure a safe and [...]

Perhaps the most culturally compelling country in all of Europe, France brings together natural beauty, culture, and some of the most notable museums and art attractions in the world. Louis XIV [...]

Perhaps the most culturally compelling country in all of Europe, France brings together natural beauty, culture, and some of the most notable museums and art attractions in the world. Louis XIV [...]

Perhaps the most culturally compelling country in all of Europe, France brings together natural beauty, culture, and some of the most notable museums and art attractions in the world. Louis XIV [...]

By Zen Lynch The Colosseum In 2013, the Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism partnered with luxury leather goods manufacturer, Tod’s, to fund a major $35 million renovation of the Colosseum. [...]

Iceland Summer 2018 I will never forget Iceland. It is officially my second favorite place of all time (sorry but Japan is still always first). Aside from the adorable puffins on Drangey Island, [...]

Though skipped by many visitors to Greece, we feel Peloponnese to be a must-see destination, particularly for those interested in the myths and temples of the many Greek gods, as well as the [...]

Overview Running since the 1930’s, the Glacier Express passes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels with the highest point of the route being the Oberlap Pass. A ride on the Glacier Express Train [...]

The ancient Greeks chose Delphi (from delphis, meaning womb) as their navel of the Earth and built the Sanctuary of Apollo here. Despite the continuous influx of tourists and blatant [...]

The Newly Expanded Protected Area of the Galapagos (January 2022)! We were excited to see that on January 14, 2022, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso announced plans for a large new section of [...]

Amenities Similar to Chief’s and Vumbura Camp in Botswana during the year-end and summer seasons, availability at the luxury seven-suite Hoanib Camp on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia is limited [...]

I was introduced to carbon offsetting through my conversations with the notable Dr. Amy Lehman, innovative surgeon, humanitarian, and ecologist. Though based in Chicago, Amy has spent the last [...]

Mt. Kilimanjaro As the highest mountain in Africa, with its summit being approximately 16,100 feet from its base and 19,341 feet above sea level, it is no wonder why bucket lists [...]

Aboard the M/V Ventus or Stella Australis We feel there is no better way to experience the fjords of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost part of South America than aboard an Australis [...]

Overview Though our past hikes on the Milford Track (New Zealand), Inca Trail (Machu Picchu), Glacier (U.S.), and various areas of Switzerland and Austria were particularly memorable, we must [...]

The nine-island Archipelago of Azores is situated half-way between the U.S. and Europe, a remote destination that is not easily accessible. The population of the island is small, only 250,000 [...]

For the many of us who have enjoyed past early morning visits through the fishy stench of the tuna auction at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, we are saddened to see the Market’s final move to the new [...]

The M/C Endemic is the Galápagos Islands’ newest luxury catamaran, just launched July 8, 2018. The week of August 26, 2018, I was able to scout the Endemic while it was docked at Puerto [...]

According to NGO World Animal Protection, most tourists go on elephant rides because they truly love these giant mammals and wish to have a physical touch experience with them. Our [...]

What They Are Also known as the Aurora borealis in the north, the Northern Lights are bright, dancing displays of light in the night sky. This enchanting display is actually caused by [...]

Located about a one-hour drive from Paris, The Palace of Versailles is considered one of the greatest achievements of 17th-century French art. The palace was once Louis XIII’s old hunting [...]

Please note our Lynch Family abbreviated 2018 Kiattua Camp snapshot extension from our Iceland Nature Immersion Private Tour. Overview Being only 890 miles from nearby Iceland, [...]

Based on the comfortable life that many of us live in the advanced, first-world countries, it is easy to forget that we are part of a greater world where many are not as fortunate. Regardless of [...]

The nine-island Archipelago of Azores is situated half-way between the U.S. and Europe, a remote destination that is not easily accessible. With a limited number of flights, the big plus of the [...]

In Sri Lanka, tea is not just central to life in the Hill Country, it is a vital part of the entire nation’s culture. From its role as the hot beverage of choice to its place in the economy, [...]

Although we admit that the Okavango Delta in Botswana is our favorite wildlife safari destination, we also consider the spectacular landscapes (including the world’s oldest desert!), to be the [...]

Our intrepid clients, The McGaan Family, recently returned from our Kipling & Clark private trek throughout Iceland with an insightful review. We would like to share Andy [...]

Kipling & Clark is proud to announce the unleashing of its entirely redeveloped website and explore the brand new functions allowing for a user-friendly experience. In partnership with [...]

Corsica, France  (population 326,898) Oblivious to many tourists, Corsicans go about their daily lives fully unaware they live in one of the most beautiful and untouched islands in the [...]

Conception Perhaps our favorite Athenian statesman/orator/general, Pericles commissioned the construction of the Parthenon and other buildings in 447 B.C. The temple was inaugurated in 432 B.C. [...]