Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 19,906 ratings
Read 19,906 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Christine Liu + KimKim Team = Easiest 5-Star Review Ever!
South Korea | Mar 27 - Apr 7, 2026

Deborah
Deborah Q.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026
It was a pleasure working with Christine Liu in planning our first-ever trip to South Korea. She listened to our interests and budget in planning our 12 days visiting Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. Her prompt and thoughtful responses to the numerous and myriad questions we had over the few months of planning were greatly appreciated. She was ever patient with two women who peppered her with questions and requests! Similarly our private guides in Seoul (Billy), Busan (Fred), and on Jeju... Read more

It was a pleasure working with Christine Liu in planning our first-ever trip to South Korea. She listened to our interests and budget in planning our 12 days visiting Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. Her prompt and thoughtful responses to the numerous and myriad questions we had over the few months of planning were greatly appreciated. She was ever patient with two women who peppered her with questions and requests!

Similarly our private guides in Seoul (Billy), Busan (Fred), and on Jeju (Yuna) were excellent. Of course we expected them to be knowledgeable, experienced guides as a baseline. But ALL THREE demonstrated keen interest in ensuring we enjoyed ourselves, anticipated our interests and accommodated us without disappointment. E.g. searching for the best salt bread, guiding us through markets with a "local" feel, helping us rent our hanbok, taking plenty of photos, making thoughtful suggestions on how to maximize our experiences, and more. Also a shout-out to our medical concierge (James) and translator (Clara) who were indispensable in arranging our day of K-beauty treatments. With only one-day, James helped select a very excellent medical clinic for non-invasive facial treatments and scalp treatments. BTW, all highly effective and enjoyable.

I have already recommended KimKim to friends who are interested in engaging travel planning and I will not hesitate to utilize KimKim again as well. As a retiree in my early 70's, it is comforting to know I have a trusted travel company that can help ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable trip when venturing into new countries - especially when a potential challenge with a foreign language is a factor.

Thank you KimKim! Thank you Christine! Thank you Billy, James, Clara, Fred, and Yuna! I will never forget my experiences in South Korea; in large part and thanks to your guidance!

Local specialist: Christine Liu

We had an amazing trip planned and carried ou...
Mexico | Mar 8 - Mar 14, 2026

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Wendy W.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
We had an amazing trip planned and carried out by Kimkim to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our stay included three nights each in Valladolid and Tulum. Our activities included seeing various Mayan ruins (Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum), a boat ride seeing crocodiles and flamingos (our captan Luis was the only one who went far enough out to see the flamingos while we were there, and then we had a delicious lunch at his house prepared by his wife, Malchita, got to play Uno with their... Read more

We had an amazing trip planned and carried out by Kimkim to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our stay included three nights each in Valladolid and Tulum. Our activities included seeing various Mayan ruins (Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum), a boat ride seeing crocodiles and flamingos (our captan Luis was the only one who went far enough out to see the flamingos while we were there, and then we had a delicious lunch at his house prepared by his wife, Malchita, got to play Uno with their grandson Matias), snorkling with turtles, swimming in 4 different cenotes, cooking lessons on traditional Mayan foods. The hotels we stayed in were local, we enjoyed avoiding the big name companies and got to experience more true Mexico than a room that could be anywhere in the world. The ease of the trip was a blessing, from the planning to the execution. We were met at the airport and then each morning by our driver for the day, who took us to each of our destinations, waited for us, and took us to our next and then back to our hotel. Our amazing drivers included Jesus, Carlo, Francisco, Ivan #1, Ivan #2. I got an update each evening with the next day's plans and identifiation of the driver which made it very straight forward. I would highly recommend Kimkim to anyone travelling and looking for local experiences and low stress vacations.

Hotel Reviews
Piedra Escondida
Tulum, Quintana Roo

Beautiful location with friendly, helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Mesón del Marqués
Valladolid

Great room, friendly people, excellent food. Flavor of Mexico.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cenotes of Chemuyil
Cenotes of Chemuyil
Mexico

This was by far our family's favorite activity. We were picked up by one of the founding members, Ivan, of the Cenotes of Chemuyil restoration project. We enjoyed hearing about their effort at cleaning up and protecting their community and space of their childhood memories. The bike ride was easy and pleasant, getting to see some of the town along the way. The variety of the cenotes, from cave-like to open, was cool. The water refreshing, the guides friendly. The food at the end of the day was the cherry on top. I would highly recommend this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the archaeological site of Tulum
Visit the archaeological site of Tulum
Mexico

Beautiful. Our guide was acceptable. I think the 4th ruin was a little too much for us. Kids loved seeing some of the animals before we entered the park.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
This was the only activity where we had trouble meeting up with our guide. Our driver, Ivan, was very helpful and made calls to get us in the right place.
Transport
Snorkeling and Sightseeing with Turtles in Akumal
Snorkeling and Sightseeing with Turtles in Akumal
Mexico

It was really amazing to see the turtles. Unfortunately, the seaweed came in a couple days before we got there, so visibility and enjoyment were not as good as they could have been.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Cobá!
Explore Cobá!
Mexico

Our guide, Sebastian, was friendly and very informative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Lol Ha cenote in Yaxunah
Visit to Lol Ha cenote in Yaxunah
Mexico

This was our first cenote experience and we really enjoyed it. Fun to explore, cool off, experience something new.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking Cochinita Pib with locals at Yaxunáh
Cooking Cochinita Pib with locals at Yaxunáh
Mexico

The food that was cooked was amazing. The experience was brief but enjoyable. The kids enjoyed the "hands on" aspect.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Chichén Itzá, Wonder of the Maya World
Visit Chichén Itzá, Wonder of the Maya World
Mexico

Amazing experience. Enjoyed the knowledge of our guide, Ricardo.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Carlo was an amazing driver and guide. He taught us about the Mayan culture, including helping us learn some basic words.
A pink-ish day at Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas
A pink-ish day at Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas
Mexico

Our captain Luis (Baba) was amazing, took us further out than any of the other boats in order to find the flamingos, then went back to his house for an amazing lunch prepared by his wife Malchita.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided tour to the AS of Ek Balam
Guided tour to the AS of Ek Balam
Valladolid

Baltazar was an excellent guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jesus was amazing
Local specialist: Hugo Romero

The KimKim team created a thoughtful trip tha...
Greece | Apr 3 - Apr 11, 2026

K
Krista J.
Cincinnati, OH | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

The KimKim team created a thoughtful trip that made us want to go again. They were always available for questions and adjustments to the plan. Thank you for an amazing experience!

Local specialist: Siena Mueller

Kim Kim has been great from start to finish!
Peru | Apr 2 - Apr 10, 2026

Neelam
Neelam P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

Kim Kim has been great from start to finish. They payed attention to the key places we wanted to see and activities we were interested in. All the guides were so nice. Shout out to Valeria and the food/market tour. Blanca did amazing job taking us around Lima for a 1 day city tour and Martin was really that cherry on top! Martin completed our experience of Peru and we couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable and kind guide. He looked after us all so well.

Local specialist: Anne Godoy

Two weeks in Japan with two small kids
Japan | Mar 29 - Apr 10, 2026

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Lauren P.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Adeline was the absolute best travel agent for our family! She was so easy to work with and always very responsive. Our trip was the perfect mix of having things planned while leaving time and space to explore and discover things on our own. Everything that Adeline planned for us went smoothly. All of our hotels, transfers, museum tickets were perfectly executed. We love all our hotels (we stayed in four separate locations over 2 weeks) and especially enjoyed the Japanese onsen culture. ... Read more

Adeline was the absolute best travel agent for our family! She was so easy to work with and always very responsive. Our trip was the perfect mix of having things planned while leaving time and space to explore and discover things on our own. Everything that Adeline planned for us went smoothly. All of our hotels, transfers, museum tickets were perfectly executed. We love all our hotels (we stayed in four separate locations over 2 weeks) and especially enjoyed the Japanese onsen culture. Having the KimKim app on our phones with our itinerary loaded for each day was so helpful. We could click through links to google maps or to our museum tickets for that day. We had a smooth experience from start to finish and loved Adeline and loved our trip!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Koo OotsuHyakucho
Otsu

This hotel was above and beyond! We had our own two story condo that was a converted tea house on a market street in Otsu. We were just a 15 min train ride away from Kyoto making it a great home base for exploring in and around Kyoto. The amenities at this hotel were incredible: we had locally made toiletries, pajamas, sweets every night, and a fridge stocked with drinks. There was a delicious breakfast included as well as a lounge for snacks, coffees and happy hour just down the street. We loved this town and this unit!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Forêt de Repos

This was a peaceful and quirky place in the forest. We had a room with our own private soaking bath and I recommend you get that as well. There is also a public bath that is immersed in the forest. The dinner and breakfast included were delicious! Lovely place to recharge and a good home base to explore the countryside and some seaside villages.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga
Kaga

What a treat! The room was peaceful and spacious. The onsen was gorgeous and relaxing. The food was out of this world! Our family of 4 felt pampered and relaxed. The little village is delightful to walk through as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
&Here TOKYO UENO
Tokyo

Best hotel for families! We had a super fun bunk style room with kitchenette. We were near various train stations. We could go for runs and walks in the nearby park. There were plenty of food options nearby. And, a gorgeous onsen on the top floor!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ninja Experience in Kyoto (Family & Kid Friendly)
Ninja Experience in Kyoto (Family & Kid Friendly)
Japan

Our kids loved this! We learned alot about ninja and samarai culture and had fun! Definitely touristy, but so is most of this part of Kyoto.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rental Car
Kaga

Easy! Small car made it easy to navigate the narrow roads. Pick and and drop off were simple.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adeline Kuroki
Adeline
Adeline Kuroki
Local specialist in Denver, CO & Fukuoka, JP | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

Hi Lauren, thanks so much for the lovely review! I'm THRILLED that you guys enjoyed the onsen culture so much, and I'm really glad that Otsu ended up being a nice, relaxing alternative to staying in central Kyoto.

10 out of 5 stars!
Croatia | Apr 3 - Apr 10, 2026

Melissa
Melissa S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Oh my word, if I could give Nicola a 10 out of 5 stars I would! We loved this trip so much, it was so detailed and perfect- we had drivers in the busy areas, had our own car for the easy driving places- so perfectly planned. The parks were FANTASTIC, do NOT miss! Loved the cities and excursions and I don't really like cities much- there was so much to do, so much to see, every day was SO good! Croatia was my husband's idea, he heard it was great- wasn't even on my bucket list but I'm always... Read more

Oh my word, if I could give Nicola a 10 out of 5 stars I would! We loved this trip so much, it was so detailed and perfect- we had drivers in the busy areas, had our own car for the easy driving places- so perfectly planned. The parks were FANTASTIC, do NOT miss! Loved the cities and excursions and I don't really like cities much- there was so much to do, so much to see, every day was SO good! Croatia was my husband's idea, he heard it was great- wasn't even on my bucket list but I'm always up for new places- and it was one of our best trips ever. Highly recommend without reserve. More expensive than planning my own trip (which I do often) but I feel we saw much more, did much more than we ever could have if I planned it, bc of the details and itinerary he put together.

Hotel Reviews
Royal Ariston Hotel
Dubrovnik

we got an upgrade and had the MOST FANTASTIC ocean view, with a private balcony, this was one of my top 5 favorite views from a hotel and we have been all over the world. The buffet was the best one of all of them on this trip. It was a taxi ride from Old Town but the taxi is only 8E so worth it for the amazing view, multiple swimming pools and decadent room. Love, love love!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
Split

LOVE LOVE LOVE this hotel! Right in the middle of everything, throw open the windows and look down on the cafe and gelato shops in the plaza! There is no parking allowed in this pedestrian area so you do have to park in a designated spot a 5-10 min walk away, the staff meets you there, but it is SO WORTH IT because the location is amazing! We are not city people but we loved walking around here at night, finding a restaurant, gelato, stores, etc. can walk to ferry. The buffet in the morning is great too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel
Zadar

love the location of this, we walked to so many things! loved to walk by the water and see the sea organ. we did not have much time here but would have liked to see sunset on the ocean (we arrived too late) with the sundial only thing my husband did not love was parallel parking into the small parking spot they gave us- but parking is tight in Croatia we realized!

Authenticity & Character
Location
so good! walk to everything!
Staff
front desk guy very nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manda Heritage Hotel
Zagreb

close to walk to everything, they bring your breakfast to your room which was nice!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
front desk very friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nikola Vojvodić

Incredible Japan Trip
Japan | Apr 5 - Apr 12, 2026

Liz
Liz B.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
We just got home from the most incredible trip to Japan, meticulously planned by Cannon. Every detail was thoughtfully handled—from seamless transportation to and from every destination to perfectly curated excursions. The tours were not only fun, but genuinely interesting and informative, making the entire experience feel effortless and immersive. Midway through the trip, we decided to head back to Tokyo from Kyoto early, and Cannon handled all the changes—bullet train tickets,... Read more

We just got home from the most incredible trip to Japan, meticulously planned by Cannon. Every detail was thoughtfully handled—from seamless transportation to and from every destination to perfectly curated excursions.

The tours were not only fun, but genuinely interesting and informative, making the entire experience feel effortless and immersive.

Midway through the trip, we decided to head back to Tokyo from Kyoto early, and Cannon handled all the changes—bullet train tickets, transportation, everything—completely seamlessly.

We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and are so grateful for the care and attention that went into every part of our trip.

Local specialist: Cannon Xiao

Great trip. Thanks for being flexible when w...
South Korea | Mar 29 - Apr 5, 2026

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Mitch S.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

Great trip. Thanks for being flexible when we needed to change things because of my mom's medical emergency.

Our two guides were great. Sebastian, in particular, was one of our favorite guides of all time.

Local specialist: Jessica Wang

Amazing Iceland!
Iceland | Mar 28 - Apr 5, 2026

Nive
Nive D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Iceland was my bucket list destination and I was super excited from the moment I booked this trip and it turned out to be just what I expected, absolutely amazing! It wouldn't have been such a great trip, if not for Gummi! He made sure to include every single experience/attraction that I had asked for, in our itinerary. His meticulous and detailed planning was one of the reasons we were able to cover at least 90% of what we wanted to do! And he was extremely responsive via chats/calls,... Read more

Iceland was my bucket list destination and I was super excited from the moment I booked this trip and it turned out to be just what I expected, absolutely amazing! It wouldn't have been such a great trip, if not for Gummi! He made sure to include every single experience/attraction that I had asked for, in our itinerary. His meticulous and detailed planning was one of the reasons we were able to cover at least 90% of what we wanted to do! And he was extremely responsive via chats/calls, despite the time of the day! One specific thing I wanted to specifically thank him is for the Aurora sighting alerts he sent me! I was able to experience them 3 out of the 8 days I was there! This was a bucket list dream for me and thanks to Gummi, I was able to realize it! Considering the fact that it was not even super peak Aurora viewing season and that it rained/snowed/hailed almost every single day I was there, the fact that I was able to experience it was an added bonus! Special shoutout to Gummi for that!

There is a recommendation/suggestion that I want to make. Please note that, this is a generic suggestion and not targeted to Gummi....he was awesome and he gets five stars!

Recommendation/suggestion:

For people like us, who don't live anywhere near the Artic circle, Spring begins after March 15th! Which means we start seeing warmer weather! I expected the same in Iceland, which was one of the primary reasons I booked this trip after March 15th...Unfortunately it was a totally different scenario! The temparatures were still freezing and some of the parking lots that were listed in our itinerary were closed because of the snow! Same with a couple of the attractions/experiences...we had to skip them completely because of the severe weather. Also we experienced very heavy snow, hail,and very strong winds throughout our trip...and twice or thrice, we had very poor visibility during certain portions of the drive and we thought we were going to be in trouble!

So if you could tell your prospective clients that Mid March/Early April is still winter in Iceland, and that they should expect extreme weather...that would be great!

I know that it is on us to check/ be aware of the weather, but if you could advise too, when planning the trip, that will be great! I was expecting greenery everywhere and it definitely was not the case!

But overall, we had a fantastic time and looking forward to coming back and exploring the rest of iceland!

Hotel Review
Fosshotel Baron
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Right in the heart of the city!
Activity Reviews
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Breiðamerkurjökull Ice Cave Small Group Adventure
Breiðamerkurjökull Ice Cave Small Group Adventure
Iceland

Our guide was super awesome and we had a great experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Apr 13, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Nive.
I am so happy that your trip was such a success, despite the weather, as you mentioned.
True, spring in Iceland doesn't really arrive until late April, and it's a good point that you raise that we should be clearer on that to our travellers. I have on quite a few occasions pointed this out to would-be travellers, but I have to admit it does sometimes slip my mind. I guess I'm just so used to the unpredictable arctic weather here haha.
I'm so happy you...
Read more

Thank you for the kind review Nive.
I am so happy that your trip was such a success, despite the weather, as you mentioned.
True, spring in Iceland doesn't really arrive until late April, and it's a good point that you raise that we should be clearer on that to our travellers. I have on quite a few occasions pointed this out to would-be travellers, but I have to admit it does sometimes slip my mind. I guess I'm just so used to the unpredictable arctic weather here haha.
I'm so happy you got to experience the northern lights! Nature is the best artist!
I hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again - there's no snowstorms in summer - hint hint haha!
All the best
Gummi

We take the trip and leave the planning to Cory.
Japan | Mar 27 - Apr 12, 2026

B
Bill K.
Columbia, MO | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

Working with Cory was a pleasure for planning and booking our trip. Cory was able to integrate our ideas with her expertise of Japan to give us the style of trip we preferred. From setting us up with local and inter city transportation to helping us experience the cultural elements of Ikebana, lacquerware, cooking, dining, tea ceremony, confection production, and sumo, Cory laid it all out. While traveling through Japan can be tricky and challenging we found Cory's directions, advice, and the trip planning notes and links made our 17 day, 5 city trip very enjoyable.

Local specialist: Cory Varga

Seamless, luxury trip to France!
France | Apr 3 - Apr 10, 2026

Felicia
Felicia H.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Lucie planned an incredible and unforgettable trip to France for my family: 2 adults and 2 children, 11 and 9. She listened to what we were looking for and took time to find the right accommodations to make us most comfortable abroad. The best part of this trip were the outstanding guides and tours that were private/small group allowing easy travel through the sights. What stands out most: Sidecar tour in Paris! Must do! Amazing way to see the sights. Normandy American Cemetery and tour and... Read more

Lucie planned an incredible and unforgettable trip to France for my family: 2 adults and 2 children, 11 and 9. She listened to what we were looking for and took time to find the right accommodations to make us most comfortable abroad. The best part of this trip were the outstanding guides and tours that were private/small group allowing easy travel through the sights. What stands out most: Sidecar tour in Paris! Must do! Amazing way to see the sights. Normandy American Cemetery and tour and visiting and biking through Honfluer. Scavenger hunt in the Louvre was a great way to avoid lines and crowds and engage young children. Loved working with Lucie as she was local and able to communicate in real time while we were there.

Hotel Reviews
Renaissance Paris Nobel Tour Eiffel Hotel
Paris

Beautiful hotel in a great neighborhood! Very spacious rooms for Europe!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Le Castel & Au Loup
Bayeux
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador
75009

Fabulous hotel in beautiful neighborhood! Quick walk to Eiffel Tower. Many room options for families and great breakfat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Self-Guided Visit of the Eiffel Tower with Access to the Summit (Entrance Tickets included)
Self-Guided Visit of the Eiffel Tower with Access to the Summit (Entrance Tickets included)
Paris

Very easy to navigate into the tower and a great experience!

Quality of Experience
A day at the Mont Saint Michel with a small group
A day at the Mont Saint Michel with a small group
Bayeux
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day excursion to Honfleur and Deauville, from Bayeux
Day excursion to Honfleur and Deauville, from Bayeux
Bayeux

Beautifully and personally tailored excursion day!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jeremy was an amazing guide!
Transport
Half-day visit of D-day beaches afternoon - U.S. sector (group tour)
Half-day visit of D-day beaches afternoon - U.S. sector (group tour)
Bayeux
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lucie was an incredible guide!
Transport
Half-day trip to Giverny and Monet’s Garden
Half-day trip to Giverny and Monet’s Garden
France
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
French Croissant Baking Class
French Croissant Baking Class
Paris
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Louvre Treasure Hunt
Louvre Treasure Hunt
Paris

Amazingly engaging for children. Great to be able to skip line to the museum and get right in!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Adventure aboard an authentic sidecar to uncover Paris
Adventure aboard an authentic sidecar to uncover Paris
Paris

Best experience ever! Perfect tour for anyone!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lucie Rousseau

Unforgettable Trip to Japan
Japan | Apr 2 - Apr 11, 2026

Janel
Janel M.
Borough Park, NY | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Adeline created a comprehensive itinerary for our recent Japan trip that included everything we wanted to see and do, including the famous Guitar Street in Tokyo, temples/shrines in Kyoto and beautiful cherry blossoms in Kanazawa. Adeline's insight and guidance has been invaluable to us. She prepped us on how to navigate the complexities of the metro system in Tokyo, organized our bullet train tickets for Kanazawa and Kyoto and even booked us a seat on the side of the train for one of our... Read more

Adeline created a comprehensive itinerary for our recent Japan trip that included everything we wanted to see and do, including the famous Guitar Street in Tokyo, temples/shrines in Kyoto and beautiful cherry blossoms in Kanazawa. Adeline's insight and guidance has been invaluable to us. She prepped us on how to navigate the complexities of the metro system in Tokyo, organized our bullet train tickets for Kanazawa and Kyoto and even booked us a seat on the side of the train for one of our train trips that allowed us to luckily see Mount Fuji! Our guides Carol (in Tokyo) and Nao (in Kyoto) were wonderful - so incredibly knowledgeable and kind! Our private tour with Nao was particularly memorable as he took us the outskirts of Kyoto to the lesser known temples and shrines where there were no crowds and we were able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of being in those religious spaces. He also expounded on the philosophical and religious traditions (namely Shintoism, Taoism and Zen Buddhism) that impact Japanese culture and practices. It was a very eye-opening and informative tour! We are already excited to book another trip to Japan in the future!

Hotel Review
Sora Niwa Terrace

Centrally-located and accessible thanks to the nearby train station! We enjoyed evenings overlooking the Kyoto skyline from the rooftop and early mornings at the public onsen. The staff was courteous and responsive. The amenities were top-notch. We would definitely love to stay at Sora Niwa Terrace again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right across the street from malls and many small markets which feature amazing vintage stores!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Adeline Kuroki
Adeline
Adeline Kuroki
Local specialist in Denver, CO & Fukuoka, JP | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

Hi Janel, thank you so much for the thoughtful review! I'm so glad that you guys had a great time in Japan, and that you were able to explore some quieter spots with your guides and get more insight into Japanese culture.

Ashley was amazing! Great trip to Vietnam
Vietnam | Apr 4 - Apr 11, 2026

Vicky
Vicky C.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

Ashley was amazing! Always quick to communicate with us, very clear on everything, and went the extra step to make sure we were okay throughout our trip. We felt that if anything came up, we could reach out to her and get quick advice or suggestions on where to go in every city we visited. If any friends/family visit Vietnam, I would definitely recommend Kimkim to them to book the whole trip - we had an amazing, easy, stress-free time and could focus on enjoying ourselves!

Local specialist: Ashley Nguyen

Excellent tour of Andalusia with one glitch
Spain | Apr 7 - Apr 11, 2026

Andrew
Andrew F.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
With one exception, everything ran very smoothly. All the guides were highly knowledgeable, and we enjoyed each of the hotels. I was amazed at the size of the Mezquita in Cordoba, and we got to the Generalife in the Alhambra right when it opened, so I have numerous pictures without any other people in them! Special kudos to our driver/guide Carlos of Not Just A Tourist on the Ronda day trip. He was informed, solicitous, and funny. The glitch: the train you reserved for the Cordoba-Granada leg... Read more

With one exception, everything ran very smoothly. All the guides were highly knowledgeable, and we enjoyed each of the hotels. I was amazed at the size of the Mezquita in Cordoba, and we got to the Generalife in the Alhambra right when it opened, so I have numerous pictures without any other people in them! Special kudos to our driver/guide Carlos of Not Just A Tourist on the Ronda day trip. He was informed, solicitous, and funny. The glitch: the train you reserved for the Cordoba-Granada leg did not run the day we planned, so I had to book one leaving three hours later and tell our afternoon guide we wouldn’t be there for the tour. Be sure to recheck shortly before. But again,, overall it was well organized by kimkim.

Local specialist: Coraima Yañez

Our 12 days in Morocco were fantastic, well-p...
Morocco | Apr 1 - Apr 12, 2026

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Lisa B.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Our 12 days in Morocco were fantastic, well-planned and worry-free. Much of the credit goes to Said, whose communication was prompt and helpful, and to our driver, Oussama, with whom we spent many hours on the road. I cannot say enough good things about Oussama! His driving skills were impeccable: he navigated us expertly throughout the trip. He was never late, always reliable, always considerate. His calm and cheerful personality — and his selection of Moroccan music— made the trip so... Read more

Our 12 days in Morocco were fantastic, well-planned and worry-free. Much of the credit goes to Said, whose communication was prompt and helpful, and to our driver, Oussama, with whom we spent many hours on the road. I cannot say enough good things about Oussama! His driving skills were impeccable: he navigated us expertly throughout the trip. He was never late, always reliable, always considerate. His calm and cheerful personality — and his selection of Moroccan music— made the trip so much more fun. A huge thank you to him for keeping us safe and happy! Highlights of the trip: hearing the call to prayer throughout the incredible, blue city of Chefchaouen; riding a camel at sunrise in the Sahara; touring the exotic and ancient markets in Fez; lunch and mint tea with the gracious local family in Skoura; and having one of the best massages ever at the Hassam in Marrakech . Favorite hotel by far was the Palais Amani, a beautiful 17th century riad with opulent rooms and excellent customer service. Overall, we were very pleased with our Kimkim experience and would not hesitate to recommend it.

Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Apr 13, 2026
Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We’re truly delighted to hear that your journey through Morocco was such a memorable and enjoyable one. It’s wonderful to know that the experiences, accommodations, and special moments along the way left such a strong impression on you. We especially appreciate your kind words about the support throughout your trip. It means a lot to the whole team to know that everything contributed to a smooth and enjoyable experience. We’re... Read more

Hi Lisa,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

We’re truly delighted to hear that your journey through Morocco was such a memorable and enjoyable one. It’s wonderful to know that the experiences, accommodations, and special moments along the way left such a strong impression on you.

We especially appreciate your kind words about the support throughout your trip. It means a lot to the whole team to know that everything contributed to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

We’re grateful for your recommendation and would be very happy to welcome you again for another adventure in Morocco anytime.

Warm regards,
Abdel

Some parts were good and others not so good. ...
Philippines | Apr 1 - Apr 11, 2026

G
Gavin m.
Australia | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Some parts were good and others not so good. I would skip some parts knowing what i know now. We got to see a lot of the country but it became a little too much of the same thing. Would have liked some advice on what to do and not to do and why. The transit in country was ok but had some issues like waiting at a airport 5 hours before boarding because they were worried about traffic. Killed an entire day to avoid traffic that was never there. Read more

Some parts were good and others not so good. I would skip some parts knowing what i know now. We got to see a lot of the country but it became a little too much of the same thing. Would have liked some advice on what to do and not to do and why.

The transit in country was ok but had some issues like waiting at a airport 5 hours before boarding because they were worried about traffic. Killed an entire day to avoid traffic that was never there.

Hotel Reviews
Bluewater Panglao
Panglao
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Turtle Bay Dive Resort
Moalboal

Nicle and dime you for everything. You want to use googles 100 pesos, you want a ride (2min) into town - 100 pesos. Only 2 coffees at breakfast then you have to pay for the 3rd. you want a refill on your juice at breakfast it is not free. You get the picture, everything is extra. Diving in front of hotel is great. Amazing fish and turtles.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Panorama Boutique Hotel & Beach Club
Corong Corong

nice hotel with character.

Authenticity & Character
Location
there is no beach or ocean swimming there. Just a nice view.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
City Garden Grand Hotel
Manila

Not really anything special. Window overlooks a brick wall - literally a wall so it was dark and cold. Food was ok.

Authenticity & Character
no real character. Like a motel 6
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sarah Lindsay

Noga was great! Plus, Nick was fantastic whil...
Iceland | Apr 6 - Apr 12, 2026

MARY
MARY C.
Ireland | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026
Noga was great! Plus, Nick was fantastic while we were on the trip. He responded so quickly, and made everything very easy Read more

Noga was great! Plus, Nick was fantastic while we were on the trip. He responded so quickly, and made everything very easy

Hotel Reviews
Hótel Grímsborgir by Keahotels
Ásborgir

It was pretty tight, and there was no lounge so you were stuck in the room. The room also wasn’t as clean as the previous two hotels, and it had an odd smell. The restaurant was good, but I wouldn’t stay there again.

Authenticity & Character
The rooms weren’t very clean, and they were really tight. It would be nice if they had a lounge to escape the room
Location
Nice location
Staff
They were very nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Too tight and not clean. There was blood on the lamp by the bed, and the windows were really dirty. I’d have booked a second room here, but I don’t think I’d stay there again
Hótel Búðir
Búðir

What an experience! Incredible remote location that was so beautiful. The lounges and staff were a real highlight, and the rooms were beautiful and so clean.

Authenticity & Character
The location! There’s nothing for miles, but it’s like being on another planet. Incredibly beautiful
Location
Remote, but stunning.
Staff
Friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
So great on both. Not a speck of dirt to be found, and the lounge was so comfortable with great views
Hotel Odinsve
Reykjavik

Great location, room was perfect.

Authenticity & Character
Great rooms and restaurant
Location
Very central, tons of shops and restaurants nearby.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
SO CLEAN!!
Activity Review
Borgarnes Settlement Center
Borgarnes Settlement Center
Iceland

This wasn’t the best tour, and the building is under construction

Quality of Experience
It was just sort of meh. The building is also under construction. But the staff was very nice
Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

Thank you for your kind words, Mary! I loved working with you and am glad you had a wonderful trip in Iceland. I really appreciate your feedback on the hotels and activities, since we take these into account for our future travelers. I hope you'll consider kimkim for your next adventure!

My guide felt with my changes of plans and in...
Iceland | Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2026

Laurel
Laurel W.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026

My guide felt with my changes of plans and internet surfing. He was amazing and made my trip better than imagined.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

You're too sweet Laurel! :)
I'm so glad that you were happy with the whole trip!
We're waiting for you to come back!
Gummi

Well planned family trip to Laos
Cambodia | Apr 4 - Apr 10, 2026

Christopher
Christopher S.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026
Our family trip to Laos was great. Our guides, Mr Viengkhaam and Mr Khaansoum, were kind and knowledgeable. All of the activities that Steve had planned were perfect for us as a family, especially the village visits on our last day. We plan to return asap. Thanks you! Read more

Our family trip to Laos was great. Our guides, Mr Viengkhaam and Mr Khaansoum, were kind and knowledgeable. All of the activities that Steve had planned were perfect for us as a family, especially the village visits on our last day.

We plan to return asap.

Thanks you!

Hotel Reviews
Riverside Boutique Resort
Vang Vieng

Lovely old hotel with great views

Authenticity & Character
Nice old hotel that has been well maintained
Location
Right in the middle of vang vieng but set back from the road so a little quieter than other places
Staff
Very professional. Many of the staff trained at the hospitality school in vang vieng and it shows.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Extremely clean
My Dream Boutique Resort

Unique hotel a little outside of the town centre

Authenticity & Character
Very unique and prettybhotel
Location
Nicely located just a short walk outside of the town centre so quiet and peaceful
Staff
Very friendly and always available
Cleanliness & Comfort
Extremely clean. The paths between buildings were constantly maintained
Mintra Hotel
Vientiane

Very comfortable and well placed in a quiet part of town.

Authenticity & Character
Older building that has been updated and refurbished
Location
Right on the banks of the Mekong
Staff
Courteous and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Activity Reviews
Kuang Si Waterfall with zipline experience  & Laos Buffalo Dairy
Kuang Si Waterfall with zipline experience & Laos Buffalo Dairy
Luang Prabang

My children enjoyed the zip line whilst I was terrified. The buffalo centre was delightful. They are very friendly and cuddly.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ock Pop Tock with lunch
Ock Pop Tock with lunch
Luang Prabang

The Ock Pop Tock weaving centre was beautiful and interesting. The guide let my daughter play with the silkworms for as long as she wanted to keep her interested. She found it fascinating. The food was delicious. The shop was quite expensive but everything there was very high quality.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Living Lands Organic Farm
Living Lands Organic Farm
Luang Prabang

Lots of fun planting, harvesting and preparing g sticky rice with our guide Sai.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Garavek Theatre
Garavek Theatre
Luang Prabang

Lovely evening. The stories were fascinating, the storyteller was extremely engaging and the Khene player was incredibly talented.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening tuk tuk Night Market Tour
Evening tuk tuk Night Market Tour
Vientiane

The night market was a lot of fun with delicious food and unique experiences.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half day afternoon city tour
Half day afternoon city tour
Vientiane

Lots of temples and fascinating history about Laos and Buddhism

Quality of Experience
The visit to Patuxay just as the sun was beginning to set was really enjoyable. The COPE centre was very affecting and my daughter and I spent a lot of time reading about Laos' recent history.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Khmu Culture Unraveled
Khmu Culture Unraveled
Vang Vieng

Best day of our trip. Loved visiting the villages and meeting local people.

Quality of Experience
The interaction with local people was fascinating
Food
Lovely home cooked meal
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide for the day is a fascinating and admirable guy. He helped us to understand the culture and challenges of the Hmong and Khmuu ethnic minorities in Laos.
Transport
Comfortable and air conditioned
Local specialist: Steve Lidgey
Steve
Steve Lidgey
Local specialist in Cambodia | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

Hi Chris,
Thank you for the wonderful feedback. I can tell that all members of the family really embraced local culture. Family travel can be tricky to plan but you shared plenty of information during the planning stage that helped to ensure we got things right.
I will pass on the kind words to the guides and drivers, and also the local suppliers in Laos.
For sure I can help you with the next visit to Laos, or to Cambodia where you are also interested to discover.
Thanks for travelling with Kimkim/Travel Asia a la carte!

We spent two dreamy weeks in Portugal and are...
Portugal | Mar 15 - Mar 28, 2026

Anne
Anne M.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026
We spent two dreamy weeks in Portugal and are thrilled with our kimkim experience! Marisa, our travel specialist, listened closely to our interests and crafted a base itinerary, which we finalized after a helpful phone call to ask questions and get her advice. Leading up to the trip, she was communicative and proactive, and we knew we were in good hands. Once in the country, we had phenomenal knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous guides who were proud to share their culture with us. Ricardo... Read more

We spent two dreamy weeks in Portugal and are thrilled with our kimkim experience! Marisa, our travel specialist, listened closely to our interests and crafted a base itinerary, which we finalized after a helpful phone call to ask questions and get her advice. Leading up to the trip, she was communicative and proactive, and we knew we were in good hands. Once in the country, we had phenomenal knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous guides who were proud to share their culture with us. Ricardo in Porto, the Douro Valley, and our driver from Porto to Lisbon was like having an old friend take you around their hometown. Andre delivered a very interesting walking tour in Porto, showing us hidden gems and sharing suggestions for things to see and do when we had time on our own. Lastly, Claudia in Lisbon helped us get our bearings, told us jokes, and answered our many questions! In the early afternoon each day, we received a Whatsapp message from Marisa checking in and explaining what to expect for the following day so we always felt prepared for each activity. We would absolutely recommend kimkim for your next adventure.

Activity Reviews
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

Claudia was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed learning so much from her, she is truly and expert on her city (and very funny to boot). And the wine and cheese tasting at the end was delicious!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Essence of Douro - A River, Wine, and Gastronomy Experience with a Private Driver
The Essence of Douro - A River, Wine, and Gastronomy Experience with a Private Driver
Portugal

We lucked out with a beautiful day and had a marvelous time in the Douro Valley - from the picturesque drive, relaxing boat trip, and delicious lunch and winery tour at Quinta da Pacheca, it was a travel day we will remember for years to come. Ricardo was a wonderful driver who shared interesting facts along the way, and he felt like an old friend by the time he dropped us at our hotel in the evening. Antonio was our boat guide who was funny, personable, and knowledgeable about the wine industry and landscape of the Douro Valley.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto

Andre took us all around Porto and shared hidden gems along the way. He even added an extra stop at a church I wanted to see and then gave us suggestions on how to spend the rest of our afternoon.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Marisa Agulhas
Marisa
Marisa Agulhas
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

Hello Anne,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, this truly means the world to us!

I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a memorable and seamless experience in Portugal. It was a real pleasure working with you and bring your vision to life.

Thank you again for your trust and I hope we can welcome you back to Portugal in the future!
Your Friend in Portugal - Marisa

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.