Profile photo for Emerson Siimer
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active 7 hours ago

Emerson Siimer

Hello, I'm Emerson, a travel specialist. Originally from Tartu, Estonia, I've had the privilege of calling Australia and New Zealand my home.

With a master's degree in nature-based tourism, I'm passionate about responsible travel. I've shared my love for nature through wild food workshops, guided hiking expeditions, and assisting fellow travelers.

My favorite part of the world is North Finland, where I've experienced the magic of snowboarding, hiking, husky sledding, reindeer encounters, and thrilling snowmobile adventures.

I'm here to craft unforgettable travel experiences that blend adventure, nature, food and culture. Let's embark on incredible journeys and create lasting memories together.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Baltic states and Finland. Food, adventure, nature and culture."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My travel journey began at the age of 17 with a thrilling hitchhiking adventure across Europe, setting the stage for a lifetime of exploration. I've since explored diverse destinations, from Europe to South Africa, Japan, Iran, and Southeast Asia, enriching my understanding of the world's cultures and landscapes.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My trip to Iran turned into an incredible adventure filled with unique experiences. Initially, I went there for a snowboarding trip and, quite unexpectedly, crossed paths with two Iranian girls. To my surprise, it turned out that these girls were living and studying in Estonia, just like me, a rare and serendipitous encounter.

Our journey in Iran went far beyond the slopes. We explored the local culture by visiting the homes of the welcoming Iranians, indulged in the extraordinary experience of diving in the Persian Sea, and embarked on a one-of-a-kind desert adventure with the locals. We also trekked through stunning mountain landscapes, savored a variety of unconventional local dishes, and discovered places that I might not have ventured to otherwise.

As fate would have it, we managed to leave Iran just a day before the onset of the global COVID-19 lockdowns, making it a remarkable and fortunate experience, filled with luck and a touch of craziness that will stay with me forever."

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Emerson

It was great to work with Emerson. He was ve...
Finland | Sep 17 - Oct 16, 2025

Ines
Ines S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2025
It was great to work with Emerson. He was very aware of our likes/dislikes and developed an amazing experience for us. We always felt that he was as available if needed, he was very responsive. We felt that there was always someone out there looking out for us during the whole trip.
Our trip was quite long (30 days), involving many hotels, tours, rental cars, and train reservations. Emerson planned everything perfectly and our trip went smoothly due to his care and thoughtfulness. ...
Read more

It was great to work with Emerson. He was very aware of our likes/dislikes and developed an amazing experience for us. We always felt that he was as available if needed, he was very responsive. We felt that there was always someone out there looking out for us during the whole trip.
Our trip was quite long (30 days), involving many hotels, tours, rental cars, and train reservations. Emerson planned everything perfectly and our trip went smoothly due to his care and thoughtfulness.
Emerson was the perfect travel planner!

Hotel Reviews
Iisakki Village
Ruka

We had a two bedroom villa and it was very spacious and comfortable. Modern decor and lots of amenities, including full kitchen and laundry machine (which was helpful as we had a long trip and it was convenient to do laundry during our stay). The villa also has a sauna which was nice to use, as it was private and convenient. The location of our villa was close to a lake. Beautiful surroundings. Breakfast was simple but adequate. The only minor negative was that we stayed outside the main season and the restaurant was not open for dinner. Because of the location, we needed to drive to find places to eat.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful woodsy location, providing an authentic forest experience.
Location
The location was beautiful if you want to be in the woods and experience the forest. We hiked from the property and it was very enjoyable.; we felt that we could get lost in the woods! The only minor negative was that because of the location and the closed restaurant during our stay (out of season in October), we needed to drive to eat dinner. But at the same time, the location offers a restful and peaceful stay.
Staff
Staff were helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa was simply decorated with all amenities needed, including separate bedroom, full kitchen, living room, sauna, and laundry facilities.
Hotel Haven
Helsinki

This was our first hotel in Finland and it was a dream. We loved the room, the breakfast, and the experiences we had at the bar. Staff were also very friendly. The view of our room was amazing and will recommend wholeheartedly for anyone who wants to have an amazing experience in Helsinki. Our room had a view of the water and the hotel was close to all the attractions. A five star experience…

Authenticity & Character
A great place to introduce us to Finland/Helsinki. The breakfast were delicious and they included many Finnish delicacies.
Location
Walking distance to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Staff
Always greeted us with a smile and always willing to help, if needed.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The suite was amazing, roomy, beautifully decorated, comfortable with a sitting area, and the best view of the water.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Rovaniemi

A unique experience with a beautiful view. It felt like we were sleeping in the forest; a truly treehouse experience. Beautiful, modern decor and amenities. This was the smallest property we stayed at, but the room included a small sitting area. Our stay here was all about the view! Sleeping among the trees was amazing! We also ate at the restaurant and the service and food were outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel delivers 100% on the treehouse xperience with luxurious surroundings and view.
Location
Located away from town, but across Santa Village. The main attraction is the experience of feeling that you are in a tree house and sleeping among the trees. A once in a lifetime experience.
Staff
Staff were responsive and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms are small, but it is all about the view!!! There is a small sitting area were we could relax. The decor was beautiful and the bed very comfortable.
Park Hotel Turku
Turku

The hotel was authentic and beautiful surroundings (across a park), but location was a bit far from the river area where most restaurants are located. Also, decor was a bit tired and the room didn’t have many amenities.

Authenticity & Character
It has character but decor was outdated.
Location
Would have liked a better location closer to the river
Staff
Staff were helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room didn’t have many amenities. Furniture and decor was outdated.
Arctic Light Hotel
Rovaniemi

The hotel and our suite room were beautiful. Nice decor modern decor, friendly staff, great amenities, and great breakfasts! Location was in the center of town with access to many shops and restaurants. We ate at the hotel restaurant and the food was amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully decorated and many amenities in our suite. Comfortable surroundings and roomy, with a sitting area.
Location
Center of town, close to river, shops, and restaurants.
Staff
Very friendly and helpful. Always greeted us with smiles and helpful if we needed anything.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable suite with sitting area and many amenities. Very nice decor.
Hotel Lilla Roberts
Helsinki

Excellent location and beautiful suite with a small view of the water and park. The luxurious surroundings were comfortable and the suite was beautifully decorated with amenities. Our room had a lot of character with beautiful architectural details. We ate at the restaurant and the service and food were very good.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful architecture and character.
Location
Close to center of town, with many shops, restaurants, and sights. Close to everything.
Staff
Staff were very helpful (both hotel and restaurant).
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful room and with a sitting area and dining table. The suite included amenities like Nespresso coffeemaker.
Activity Reviews
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki

Excellent private tour to give you a sense of the city and the significance of Suomenlinna Island. Perfect tour to do at the start of the trip. The guides were excellent and covered a lot of information in relatively short amount of time (as we requested). We wanted a shorter tour for both the city and the island and this tour was perfect .

Quality of Experience
Excellent guides (Katia and Veera)
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent knowledge and interaction. This was a private tour, which allowed to ask questions and learn about the things that interested us the most. The guides were also very flexible and asked us questions to learn more about our interests.
Transport
Meeting at the hotel was very convenient.
Private Food Tour of Helsinki's Culinary Highlights
Private Food Tour of Helsinki's Culinary Highlights
Helsinki

Excellent guide (Jolentha). The private tour was perfect to experience the culinary delicacies of Finland. We learned a lot and the experience enhanced our overall culinary experiences during the rest of our trip. Very authentic and enjoyable experience. The Guide selected authentic experiences.

Quality of Experience
Authentic locations to enjoy Finnish delicacies and get to know more about the culture.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amazing guide (Jolentha) providing an authentic experience. The guide was very friendly, asked us a lot of questions to get to know us, which added to the positive experience.
Transport
It was very convenient to meet at our hotel.
Private Tour of Finland's Nuuskio National Park
Private Tour of Finland's Nuuskio National Park
Helsinki

Amazing private tour with Jeff. The guide was very personable, we got to know a lot about the forest and we interacted a lot during the hike to get to know each other. The tour included a wonderful stew prepared by Jeff, including mushrooms that we gathered during our hike.m! This is a must to do!

Quality of Experience
An authentic hike and meal prepared by the guide.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jeff was an amazing personable guide. We learned a lot about the forest, and appreciated his teachings about what to pick in the forest, especially ligonberries and bilberries. We appreciated the excellent meal he prepared for us. A memorable experience that we will never forget.
Transport
It was very convenient to meet at the hotel. Very comfortable transportation.
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki

We were very happy to add the day trip to Tallinn to our itinerary. Highly recommend to visit the beautiful old city and learn about its history. We took the ferry and had a great private tour of the city when we arrived. We were also lucky to meet our travel planner (Emerson) who lives in Estonia. After meeting with Emerson for a quick snack/lunch we had a private tour of the city. The guide (Christopher) was very knowledgeable and we learn a lot about Tallinn and its history.

Quality of Experience
It was a perfect day! Easy/convenient transport to Tallinn. We appreciated being able to meet our trip planner, Emerson. And the tour of the city was just perfect in terms of learning and allowing us some free time at the end to explore.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Christopher was very knowledgeable and we felt that we learned a lot during the half day tour.
Transport
We enjoyed taking the ferry/ cruise. The experience was unique and we enjoyed the time spent on the ship. The ship was very comfortable with plenty of areas to relax.
Private Reindeer Farm Visit
Private Reindeer Farm Visit
Rovaniemi

Enjoyed the authenticity of the tour. We learned a lot about the reindeers and the life of a reindeer farmer.

Quality of Experience
Authentic experience. Enjoyed our time learning about the reindeer farm.
Food
Great authentic snack prepared as part of the tour by the farm owner.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Juho and the farm owner were excellent in allowing us to have an authentic experience.
Transport
Excellent/comfortable transportation to the farm. The meeting location was also very convenient; across the street from our hotel. The tour guide also provided boots for us to ebable us to fully enjoy the farm without being worried about our shoes.
Private Dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights
Private Dinner in a Glass Igloo Under Northern Lights
Rovaniemi

The experience was awesome, despite the bad weather. Unfortunately we were not able to see the Northern lights, as it was cloudy and rainy. But the meal was excellent and authentic, and the tour was very enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful location for a private dinner with authentic food prepared by the hosts.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
In addition to dinner, we had a tour of the forest thank you to Vadymir and the other hosts for the amazing tour and meal. It wwould have been even more amazing if we have seen the lights, but weather can’t be controlled. We still had a great time and enjoyed the delicious authentic dining experience.
Transport
Very convenient meeting at our hotel and very comfortable transport.
Finnish Legends and Stories Around the Fire
Finnish Legends and Stories Around the Fire
Rovaniemi

This was a nice tour to learn about Finnish culture and legends. The tour met in downtown Rovaniemi, a short walk from our hotel. We were two couples in this experience. Because we were with another couple, we didn’t get to interact as much with the guides and get to know each other as with other private tours.

Quality of Experience
Because the weather was cloudy and rainy, we didn’t see the northern lights, but we still enjoyed the experience around the fire.
Food
Snacks (pancakes and jam) around the fire, were enjoyable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable guides.
Transport
Transport from town to tour location was good.
Korouoma Canyon Wilderness Hike
Korouoma Canyon Wilderness Hike
Rovaniemi

We love this tour as it allowed us to be active an hike in the wilderness. The guide, Juhu, was excellent. We had great conversation throughout the hike, and enjoyed sausages around the fire during the hike. Juhu, our guide communicated with us before the tour to advise us on what to wear for the hike, as weather was rainy. We were ready for the weather and thoroughly enjoyed the hike despite the weather.

Quality of Experience
Juhu was knowledgeable and gave us a lot of information about the canyon and the forest. We were never rushed and enjoyed the beautiful hike. Sharing stories with each other.
Food
We shared sausages, with Juhu around a fire. The food was great and provided an authentic experience in the forest.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Juhu was a great guide. He provided a lot of useful information, while leading us through the hike. We highly recommend Juhu as a guide for this experience.
Transport
Very comfortable transport and convenient pickup from hotel.
Private Husky Visit & Cart-Ride in Autumn
Private Husky Visit & Cart-Ride in Autumn
Rovaniemi

This was an excellent tour, filled with excitement, joy, and warmth. Instead of a cart ride we opted for a hike with the huskies. What an experience in such beautiful setting. We got to know the huskies one by one in the kennel, and then we had an exhilarating hike with four of the huskies; the two of us and the couple who owns the farm. Our hosts were Antti and Aksana. Their welcoming and warm demeanor made our tour extraordinary!

Quality of Experience
This was an amazing experience. After our hike, we had snacks around the fire (homemade mustia pie and warm tea). We were blown away by their hospitality and authenticity. Of course we also loved the dogs!!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Antii and Aksana were amazing guides/hosts and provided us with an unforgettable experience with their huskies.
Transport
Antti picked us up at the hotel to take us to the farm, which was very convenient.
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Oct 22, 2025

Thank you so much for the very detailed review - it really helps a lot! It was a real pleasure working with you and planning your 30-day adventure. I’m thrilled to hear everything went smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the journey! You are always welcome back to this corner of the world!

Active Vacation in Finland
Finland | Sep 29 - Oct 8, 2025

Larry
Larry S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2025
Lilla did a wonderful job providing guidance along the way. She was genuinely invested in making certain things went well. Some tours were beyond expectations (bog shoeing in Estonia, hiking in Pyhajarvi, rafting in Rovaniemi, sauna tour in Helsinki) others were not what we had hoped. Overall we achieved our objective, having an active vacation and getting to know Finland. Read more

Lilla did a wonderful job providing guidance along the way. She was genuinely invested in making certain things went well. Some tours were beyond expectations (bog shoeing in Estonia, hiking in Pyhajarvi, rafting in Rovaniemi, sauna tour in Helsinki) others were not what we had hoped. Overall we achieved our objective, having an active vacation and getting to know Finland.

Hotel Reviews
Arctic Light Hotel
Rovaniemi

Staff, location, room, and food were all best of your.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kurula's Resort
Pyhätunturi

Restaurant was not open. Nearest food was a two mile walk away. Unreliable taxi service.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Clerk provided us breakfast items from local store. Not great food, but we didn’t starve.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gorgeous room
Overnight Train

A wonderful experience and comfortable nights sleep.

Cleanliness & Comfort
Cru Hotel
Tallinn

Excellent location. Restaurant was wonderful and staff was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Home Hotel Jugend
Helsinki

They charged 20 Euros for early check in. Rooms were quite small for two travelers.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Korouoma Canyon & Auttiköngäs Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Auttiköngäs Waterfalls Adventure
Rovaniemi

Guides were very personable and knowledgeable of the area. It was a long drive and a relatively short hike but the nature and conversation made up for this. Cooking sausages over the fire was a bonus.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Too long
Fatbike Trip (Day or Night)
Fatbike Trip (Day or Night)
Rovaniemi

Cold, rainy weather did not stop the tour, thank goodness. Views were limited and our snack was a cold quick one, but what can you do? Guide was very patient and provided us a wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Finland

Driver did everything possible to find lights. Unfortunately they were a no show.

Quality of Experience
No lights, long night of driving
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rafting Behind the Arctic Circle
Rafting Behind the Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi

Again, weather wasn’t great, but we made the most of our experience. Guide was very knowledgeable and provided a safe, exciting experience. I would have preferred a longer run than we had(had to drag raft back up river to make additional runs) but we enjoyed the experience. The trip included lunch and a sauna experience which we declined. We expected rafting, not eating or sauna.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Authentic Sauna by the Lake and Dinner
Authentic Sauna by the Lake and Dinner
Pyhä

Nice sauna experience and good food, not great. Guide was very accommodating and provided a wonderful, personal experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
From the Deepest Gorge to the Highest Peak Hike
From the Deepest Gorge to the Highest Peak Hike
Pyhä

Amazing experience. Guide was knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy the experience. Weather wasn’t great, but it was not a problem. This was a great hike!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening Canoe Trip
Evening Canoe Trip
Pyhä

Again, not a lot to do at 6:00 when it is dark at 7:30. Weather wasn’t great, but that wasn’t the issue. We should have gone at 4:00 and perhaps canoed on a river or something more fun than a lake.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Culture of Eastern Lapland Tour
Culture of Eastern Lapland Tour
Pyhä

Not much to hear about. Guide was informative but we wasted our time on this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour
Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour
Tallinn

Guide was ok. Seemed he was reading from a script. His mind was elsewhere.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bogshoe Hiking Tour
Bogshoe Hiking Tour
Tallinn

Amazing. Wonderful experience and knowledgeable guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki

Guide was knowledgeable and quite entertaining. I felt we got a good exposure of the Helsinki City Center and history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided Hike in the Archipelago Sea
Guided Hike in the Archipelago Sea
Helsinki

Not much of a hike. (Less than 2 miles). Guide was knowledgeable and provided as much information as possible. Just not much there to see.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki Sauna Tour
Helsinki Sauna Tour
Helsinki

Guide was informative, and fun to be with. Good balance of cycling and sauna time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Oct 09, 2025

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Lilla’s guidance made your trip smooth and enjoyable, and that several of the experiences - like bog shoeing, hiking, rafting, and the sauna tour - went beyond expectations. We also appreciate your honesty about the tours that didn’t quite meet your hopes; this helps us continue refining our itineraries. Most importantly, we’re glad your journey gave you an active and authentic introduction to Finland.

We had to cut short our trip for health reaso...
Estonia | Sep 26 - Oct 4, 2025

S
Steve T.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2025
We had to cut short our trip for health reasons, and never expected or sought a refund for the unused portions. So it was a pleasant shock when Emerson contacted us to say that he had recovered more than $2,000. We are immensely grateful to Emerson and KimKim. It is a wise company that would do this, instead of just keeping the money. And Emerson is a first-class representative of KimKim. We'd recommend the company, and him, to anyone. Read more

We had to cut short our trip for health reasons, and never expected or sought a refund for the unused portions. So it was a pleasant shock when Emerson contacted us to say that he had recovered more than $2,000. We are immensely grateful to Emerson and KimKim. It is a wise company that would do this, instead of just keeping the money. And Emerson is a first-class representative of KimKim. We'd recommend the company, and him, to anyone.

Hotel Review
Schlössle Hotel
Tallinn

They treated us just right.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Oct 07, 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I’m really happy I could assist and that we were able to recover some of your costs. It was a pleasure working with you, and I truly appreciate your kind recommendation!

Finland: The happiest place on earth
Finland | Sep 13 - Sep 22, 2025

R
Richard R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 04, 2025
Our ten day trip to Finland was amazing. We had several discussions with Emerson, He took our goals, budget, interests, and physical abilities into consideration as he selected activities for us to complete on this trip. He did a terrific job! The attention to detail and personal service made this trip very special. We will give you feedback about the highlights in Helsinki’s, Levi, and Rovaniemi in terms of our transfers, hotels, and activities. We spent four nights in Helsinki at the... Read more

Our ten day trip to Finland was amazing. We had several discussions with Emerson, He took our goals, budget, interests, and physical abilities into consideration as he selected activities for us to complete on this trip. He did a terrific job! The attention to detail and personal service made this trip very special. We will give you feedback about the highlights in Helsinki’s, Levi, and Rovaniemi in terms of our transfers, hotels, and activities.

We spent four nights in Helsinki at the beginning of our trip. The transfers throughout Helsinki were outstanding. The vehicles were beautiful and comfortable and the drivers combined professionalism and friendliness. Hotel Kamp was also outstanding. The room was spacious, comfortable, and quiet. The staff were helpful and friendly, and the included breakfasts were delicious. While we enjoyed all of our city tours, our favorites were in Tallin (Christopher) and Porvoo. When talking to friends, we might suggest they skip the Soumenlinna trip. The trip to the Archipelago Sea (Alex) was a great way to get out of the city and see the beauty of nature close by.

The overnight train to Kolari was interesting. As described, we had our own cabin with two berths and a private bathroom. The cabin was quite small, with a very small window and little stool. We struggled getting into the top berth, but once we were each in our berths, we slept fine. Since we didn’t have seats in the regular compartment and there was no observation car, we spent a lot of time in the dining car when we were not sleeping.

Our transfer to Levi was great and the accommodations there were fantastic - probably our favorite of the entire trip. The Levin Iglut glass igloo was beautifully appointed and had a breathtaking view. The restaurant had a great breakfast, and we enjoyed delicious meals both nights at the hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful. It was a joy to be there. While the conditions were not ideal to see the Nothern Lights, our guide, Jukka, was knowledgeable and worked very hard to find a place where we could experience them through photography.

Our transfer to Rovaniemi was great and our suite at the Arctic Treehouse was beautiful. The restaurant at the hotel was good and the staff were all very helpful. All of our Lapland hikes were outstanding. The guides (Heli, Juno, Suka, and Ustav) were knowledgeable, interesting, and flexible while adjusting to our hiking needs and speeds. The sauna experience was one we will always remember, because we got to authentically experience a Finnish tradition in nature.

The advice to fly back to Helsinki was great. We enjoyed staying at the Hotel Haven. It was not as lavish as Hotel Kamp, but did the trick for our one night stay before heading home. Again, our transfer was on time and incredibly professional.

Our kimkim contact in Finland, Lilla Patricia, did a great job monitoring things while we were there. She checked in with us to see how things were going, served to reschedule a hike, and managed the situation when a tour was cancelled. We would definitely recommend kimkim to friends and will use you in the future. Thank you for a great trip.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Kamp
Helsinki
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Levin Iglut Glass Igloos
Kitilä
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overnight Train
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Rovaniemi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Haven
Helsinki
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Korouoma Canyon Wilderness Hike
Korouoma Canyon Wilderness Hike
Rovaniemi

It was so fun to see this part of Finland. The hike had a few places that were a little steep, but most of those spots had a rope or something to hold on to. We had a dry, beautiful day. If it was wet or snowy, this could have been slippery, but it was perfect for us. Our guide took many pictures of us along the hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki

Our Helsinki city tour was great. Our guide, Jolantha, gave us a great overview of the city and good suggestions of places to see on our own. The library was a great place to see on our own. The Suomenlinna part of the tour was just OK. We walked through the island but didn’t see anything up close. The cobblestones were hard to walk on.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki

We enjoyed the ferry ride. Our guide, Christopher, gave us great insight into the history and current state of Estonia.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Helsinki

Our guide gave us great information both on the ride to Porvoo and during our walking tour. He pointed out historic places and suggested places to shop. The town was charming.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hike in the Archipelago Sea
Guided Hike in the Archipelago Sea
Helsinki

The hike was a comfortable speed, and our guide, Alex, taught us about the biology and geology of the location. The view was outstanding. We had our first sea buckthorn juice on this hike. So fun making a fire and having sausages, potato salad, and a pastry .

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Forest Adventure And Cooking In The Nature
Private Forest Adventure And Cooking In The Nature
Levi

It was our first time foraging, which was delightful. We learned a lot about mushrooms, blueberries, and lingonberries. Cooking the mushrooms on fire by a beautiful river was amazing. The meal our guide prepared was delicious. Definitely one of our favorite experiences.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Tour by Van
Aurora Tour by Van
Levi

Our driver did a great job finding a place where we could see the Northing Lights on a night with low activity and clouds. He found a spot with a break in the clouds where we could photograph the Northern Lights and enjoy seeing amazing stars.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pallas National Park Wilderness Adventure
Pallas National Park Wilderness Adventure
Levi

The hike gave us an opportunity to get above the tree line and enjoy a gorgeous view. The guides took great pictures of us.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Finnish Sauna Experience
Finnish Sauna Experience
Rovaniemi

This was worth the drive. We got to experience a Finnish cabin and wood fired sauna on a lake. The blueberry juice and snacks were appreciated.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Oct 07, 2025
Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time in Finland and that the trip met your expectations from start to finish. It was truly a pleasure working with you to design this adventure, and we’re delighted that you enjoyed the experiences, guides, and accommodations along the way. Lilla and I both appreciate your kind words and the trust you placed in us. We’re so glad the itinerary came together so smoothly and that... Read more

Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time in Finland and that the trip met your expectations from start to finish. It was truly a pleasure working with you to design this adventure, and we’re delighted that you enjoyed the experiences, guides, and accommodations along the way.

Lilla and I both appreciate your kind words and the trust you placed in us. We’re so glad the itinerary came together so smoothly and that you could experience so much of Finland’s beauty and culture. We look forward to helping you plan your next journey!

An Amazing Experience for Anyone and Everyone...
Finland | Sep 3 - Sep 9, 2025

Austin
Austin J.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025
An Amazing Experience for Anyone and Everyone
We had such an amazing time taking in the culture around Finland. The entire trip was like a fantasy that I wish did not have to come to an end. Some of the major highlights were the attentiveness and service that were provided by Emerson and the tour guides. I loved learning about the culture, and everything was always within walking distance. My top favorites would have had to have been the Helsinki Nature Escape: National Park & Smoke Sauna....
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An Amazing Experience for Anyone and Everyone
We had such an amazing time taking in the culture around Finland. The entire trip was like a fantasy that I wish did not have to come to an end. Some of the major highlights were the attentiveness and service that were provided by Emerson and the tour guides. I loved learning about the culture, and everything was always within walking distance. My top favorites would have had to have been the Helsinki Nature Escape: National Park & Smoke Sauna. This was like escaping to a magical forest and living amongst the trees, and experiencing traditional saunas was something that even locals are jealous of, and you feel excitement experiencing the culture. Another highlight was the Unveiling Turku: History, Culture, and Culinary Gems. Another whimsical moment, but walking around the castle ruins and having afternoon tea was such a treat, and everyone we talked to was such a pleasant person who was very friendly and approachable. Highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a whimsical experience and something a tad different.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fabian
Helsinki

This hotel provided amazing quality and service, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Very contemporary and clean.
Location
It was close to a lot of the Helsinki hot spots and easy to navigate to and from.
Staff
Super helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean and nice.
Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
Turku

This hotel provided amazing quality and service, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Sep 15, 2025

I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the trip—it was a pleasure organizing it for you! We’d be happy to help you plan another adventure whenever you’re ready.

Our First Visit to the Baltics
Latvia | Sep 4 - Sep 11, 2025

Monica
Monica B.
Brazil | Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025
This was our first experience with KimKim and visiting the Baltic.s. Everything was perfectly planned with Emerson’s help and advice and our three guides, Victoria, Ilsa and Nela who were very professional, knew a lot and were good companions. A special mention to Kaskas our driver in Vilna who was excellent too. Read more

This was our first experience with KimKim and visiting the Baltic.s. Everything was perfectly planned with Emerson’s help and advice and our three guides, Victoria, Ilsa and Nela who were very professional, knew a lot and were good companions. A special mention to Kaskas our driver in Vilna who was excellent too.

Hotel Review
Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Riga

Our room for 3 people was perfect, we had lots of space for us and a kitchentte which was handy. Breakfast was excellent, the location of the hotel was just perfect and it was also an historic site which was just awesome. We would return and recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 Flavors of Vilnius
Flavors of Vilnius
Vilnius

Excellent introduction into local customs. Would definitely recommend this!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga

A very pleasant and interesting experience with our guide who told us lots of local customs and history

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our driver in Vilna was highly professional and added lots of tips to us
Tallinn Highlights Tour
Tallinn Highlights Tour
Tallinn

This tour included both walking and also a part in the car which made it possible to get to know sites which otherwise would have been impossible to discover. Our guide knew lots of history and was full of interesting facts to inform us about

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Sep 12, 2025

I’m so glad everything worked out well and you enjoyed the Baltics. Thanks for trusting me with your first trip there — I know it’s a long way to come, so it makes me happy that the planning paid off. Hopefully, the region left you with plenty of good memories (and maybe a reason to come back one day).

FinEst Trip with Kim Kim & Emerson Siimer - an A+ experience ...
Finland | Jul 3 - Jul 13, 2025

A
Amar A.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025
To Kim Kim & Emerson Siimer
Thank you for your assistance with making our trip memorable and fun, we appreciate from the bottom of our hearts. Overall, we are happy we chose to work with you, especially Emerson. All 11 days of our trip, all planned events, all transfers (except for some hiccups with one or two), all day trips, all the guides we had, all transportation arrangements were top class, that ensured we had a relaxed, stress-free trip. We thoroughly enjoyed every...
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To Kim Kim & Emerson Siimer
Thank you for your assistance with making our trip memorable and fun, we appreciate from the bottom of our hearts. Overall, we are happy we chose to work with you, especially Emerson. All 11 days of our trip, all planned events, all transfers (except for some hiccups with one or two), all day trips, all the guides we had, all transportation arrangements were top class, that ensured we had a relaxed, stress-free trip. We thoroughly enjoyed every place we visited, every tour we did and every guide we got for the tours. Yana, Camille, Martin, Lena, Nadia, Moonika, Jorge, Stassi (I am forgetting the Guide we had for Porvoo, apologies) and above all, Emerson who stayed on top of all the activities, always be there for us, patiently answering all our questions and concerns and together, you all have made it a wonderful trip and we appreciate all of you.

All our guides are super knowledgeable, very friendly, greatly accommodating and very cooperating – we loved them all. Please give our gratitude and love to all. Some of the adjustments/changes you had to make to meet our needs & wants are simply outstanding, like taking us to several lighthouses in Tallinn and for arranging an internal tour of the lighthouse was amazing. We truly appreciate it.

We loved Tallinn, Rovaniemi, Porvoo, Helsinki & Turku (in that order), every food we tried and every day of our 11-day trip and all the new experiences during this trip and the fond memories we created. We simply wish it lasted longer. We can’t wait to work with you on our next trip in 2026.

Take care.

Truly

APMN
September 10, 2025

Hotel Reviews
Arctic Light Hotel
Rovaniemi

Excellent hotel with truly amazing morning breakfast and out of the world dinner menu, loved the stay and the food. Staff is very courteous and helpful

Authenticity & Character
beautiful interior, good lobby, great dining options
Location
Perfectly located, walkable to the center and across from our travel agency. good restaurants a few feet away.
Staff
Thank you for a great service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and decent and well decorated
Overnight Train

A first-of-a-kind experience for us. The train ride with glowing sun along for the ride throught the night was so much fun. Dining car provided excellent food options. Rooms are small but very aptly set up especially the shower, wow.

Authenticity & Character
A fun train ride
Location
NA
Staff
The conductor was so nice and helped us catch the train when we arrived late, sincerely appreciate it.
Cleanliness & Comfort
beautiful
Home Hotel Jugend
Helsinki

A fortress like look and feel but offered plenty of modern features and comfort. Breakfast was amazing. proximity to major attractions was a big plus.

Authenticity & Character
A fortress like look and feel but offered plenty of modern features and comfort.
Location
right in the center with major attractions within walkable distance.
Staff
very helpful and courteous staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
perfectly arranged, neat, clean and amazing hotel.
Cru Hotel
Tallinn

Oh My God, the ups and downs, narrow walkways, twists and turns - an unbelievable experience. This place is a 'Character' and we loved the hotel and the experience it offered.

Authenticity & Character
Oh My God, the ups and downs, narrow walkways, twists and turns - an unbelievable experience. This place is a 'Character' and we loved the hotel and the experience it offered.
Location
perfectly located right in the middle of activities, attractions, restaurants, shops - we loved coming in and going out even at nights.
Staff
Friendly staff, the breakfast options were underwhelming. Could have been better. Actually, we skipped breakfast and had outside for a change and better options, to be honest
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very neatly arranged, well maintinaied, pleasant
Activity Reviews
Reindeer Farm and Ranua Wildlife Park Visit
Reindeer Farm and Ranua Wildlife Park Visit
Rovaniemi

A thrilling, dream-come-true experience meeting the reindeers, so many of them, Again, it was raining. The experience could have been a lot better if it was a sunny day, we wish. We still enjoyed the trip

Quality of Experience
Visiting Reindeers, feeding them was a great experience., hearing about Reindeers, their behavior, farming, etc. was like listening to a cool story. Thanks to all.
Food
The buffer was yummy, unexpected and enjoyable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Camille was very knowledgeable and friendly. She helped make the rainy day experience a better-than expected experience. The way she was explaining made it a cool experience, thanks Camille
Transport
Rainy day made it a little dampening but Camille helped make it a better experience.
Midnight Sun Photography Tour
Midnight Sun Photography Tour
Rovaniemi

Thrilling experience, fun hike and a very active and cool guide Yana. It was a cloudy day and so we missed the 'sun' but the experience was still worth it. To be on top of the hill at midnight was fun, could have been a lot more thrilling with the sun setting and rising. But, we still loved it. Yana made it so much more fun.

Quality of Experience
Thrilling hike and an unusual experience, especially on our first night in Rovaniemi
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Yana was very friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating and she with her camera was a big bonus since I am a photographer too. Thanks Yana
Transport
Good ride
Finnish Sauna Experience
Finnish Sauna Experience
Rovaniemi

I was afraid of Hot Sauna, sweating, etc. So skeptical about this but Emerson convinced me to give it a try and I did and totally blown away by the experience. Thanks to Emerson and the amazing guide Martin, I truly enjoyed this unique Sauna experience in a natural surrounding for a truly Finnish Sauna Experience. Totally awesome.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Martin was a cool and energetic guide who made the whole experience amazing.
Transport
the ride, the cabins, the surrounding, the lake and Sauna - a nice thrilling package
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Sep 11, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind words. It was a real pleasure to plan and follow your trip, and I’m glad you enjoyed the guides, places, and experiences. I also appreciate your adventurous spirit and not minding the few hiccups along the way. Looking forward to working with you again in 2026!

Our kimkim trip to Finland and Estonia was a lifteime highlight.
Finland | Aug 9 - Aug 18, 2025

D
David E.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025
We had a great trip. My granddaughters and I were constantly amazed by the first class hotels and the outstanding guides. We enjoyed all the activities, from learning about the history and culture to the hike and bike ride in Lapland. The guides were uniformly well informed, personable, spoke excellent English, willing to answer any question. Finland and Estonia are beautiful countries with impressive infrastructure and good examples of well-functioning democracies. The sauna in the... Read more

We had a great trip. My granddaughters and I were constantly amazed by the first class hotels and the outstanding guides. We enjoyed all the activities, from learning about the history and culture to the hike and bike ride in Lapland. The guides were uniformly well informed, personable, spoke excellent English, willing to answer any question. Finland and Estonia are beautiful countries with impressive infrastructure and good examples of well-functioning democracies. The sauna in the country and campfire with Sami and Finish legends was a great capstone for a superb trip. Lilla was very responsive and helpful as our overall trip guide. Thank you. David Entin

Hotel Reviews
Hobo Hotel
Helsinki

Hobo Hotel in Helsinki exceeded our expectations and was one of the best hotels we've ever stayed in. Everything about it was top-notch, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. The breakfast offered was particularly incredible, with a wide range of healthy options that my granddaughters loved.

Cru Hotel
Tallinn

The hotel in Old Town, Tallinn was quite unique. The building had historical charm, and our room was surprisingly spacious. An unexpected perk was having a sauna in the bathroom, which was a delightful surprise. The overall experience at this hotel was pleasant, despite its older feel.

Activity Review
Cultural e-fatbike Tour
Cultural e-fatbike Tour
Rovaniemi

The Cultural e-fatbike Tour in Lapland was a bit underwhelming. While the concept of riding fat-tire electric bikes was exciting, the guide's English was not as strong as others we experienced. Also, since it's harder to communicate during a bike ride, we couldn't engage as much as we'd like. Nevertheless, the guide proved to be wonderful during a subsequent hiking tour, which reassured us of his abilities.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Aug 21, 2025

Dear David,

Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re thrilled to hear you and your granddaughters had such a memorable trip, and it was a pleasure for Lilla and the whole team to support you along the way. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!

Warm regards,
Emerson

Disc Golf Tour of Finland
Finland | Jul 26 - Aug 10, 2025

Kathleen
Kathleen W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025
I reached out to Kimkim to get assistance with designing a disc-golf focused trip to Finland in the Summer of 2025. I had the pleasure or working with Emerson, who was able to take my idea (start with the Professional Disc Golf World Championships in Tampere/Nokia, then travel Southern Finland playing the best courses in the world) and turn it into a reality. He took the time to understand what exactly it was I wanted to see and do, where and how I wanted to travel, and he put it all... Read more

I reached out to Kimkim to get assistance with designing a disc-golf focused trip to Finland in the Summer of 2025. I had the pleasure or working with Emerson, who was able to take my idea (start with the Professional Disc Golf World Championships in Tampere/Nokia, then travel Southern Finland playing the best courses in the world) and turn it into a reality. He took the time to understand what exactly it was I wanted to see and do, where and how I wanted to travel, and he put it all together so perfectly! It was the easiest trip I've ever had to plan. Emerson took care of everything, so that all I had to do was step off the plane and follow the itinerary. The accommodations were great and well-located so we had easy access to saunas, nature and local sites, we had good food all along the way, the rental car was perfect, and the recommended (non-disc golf) excursions were always well-worth it. Professional drivers showed up in very nice cars when expected, even a little early. Emerson kept in contact with me by e-mail before and several times during my trip to assure things were going smoothly. I felt extra safe and secure in the knowledge there was someone I could call any time of the day or night during my trip. Thank you Kimkim and Emerson for making this trip a dream-come-true!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Kakola
Turku

Unique, lovely hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to restaurants; a little bit of a walk to other historical sites
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Kamp
Helsinki

Comfortable, friendly, excellent breakfast, central location.

Authenticity & Character
Classy and upscale atmosphere
Location
Within easy walking distance of the harbor, esplanade, shopping, restaurants.
Staff
Exceptionally friendly, welcoming and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lapland Hotels Tampere
Tampere

Rooms are adequate, breakfasts were great

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kuru Resort
Rantasalmi

incredible location, access to multiple activities, superior accommodations

Authenticity & Character
Location
set in a gorgeous area, rooms with spectacular views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lilla Roberts
Helsinki

Nice, quiet hotel with historical, artsy feel

Authenticity & Character
Location
easy walk to shopping, esplanade, restaurants and the harbor
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spa Hotel Kunnonpaikka
Vuorela

Access to activities on land and water - mini golf, frisbee golf, boating, family activities. Lively place, good breakfasts. A really nice room with Sauna and Patio overlooking the lake

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Astor
Vaasa

very nice accommodations

Authenticity & Character
Classy with an upscale feeling
Location
good location, easy to walk to sites
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Aug 12, 2025

Thank you for the kind words! It was a real pleasure working with you to bring your Finland disc golf trip to life, and I’m so glad you had such a great experience. I look forward to helping you plan your next adventure!

Phenomenal Trip to the Baltics and Nordic Countries
Lithuania | Jun 27 - Jul 27, 2025

Laura
Laura W.
Los Gatos, CA | Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025
Our trip was generally flawless, and full of fun surprises and adventures. We particularly loved the accommodations (w/fantastic views and close or accessible to hiking trails). The boutique hotels all had fantastic locations, either in historic centers which made it easy to access cultural/historic sites & great restaurants, and/or with phenomenal views of our surroundings (particulary in Pyha, Levi and Kispiljarvi). Our connections vis a vis the drivers were always on time (or early!), and... Read more

Our trip was generally flawless, and full of fun surprises and adventures. We particularly loved the accommodations (w/fantastic views and close or accessible to hiking trails). The boutique hotels all had fantastic locations, either in historic centers which made it easy to access cultural/historic sites & great restaurants, and/or with phenomenal views of our surroundings (particulary in Pyha, Levi and Kispiljarvi). Our connections vis a vis the drivers were always on time (or early!), and very friendly/warm and willing to share tips, experiences and recommendations for what to do, where to go/what to see and where to eat. We loved the kayaking and mountain biking! Our "private" guide hikes were terrific, as the guides adjusted to our quick pace, and were both fun and information..loved the forest picnics w/the guides, as well as foraging for wild berries and mushrooms.

Hotel Review
Kurula's Resort
Pyhätunturi

This hotel was possibly our biggest surprise, as we had an entire "condiminimum" size room (and the entire resort) to ourselves. The room overlooked the beautiful lake and was equipped with a full kitchen, living area and sauna. The staff were amazing (even though we were the only ones there) and could not do enough for us! The views from our bedroom/unit were spectacular, and the resort was an easy walk to some gorgeous hiking.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
we were the only ones at the hotel, yet they could not do enough for us, as if we were queens and kings! Their attention to detail was flawless.
Cleanliness & Comfort
THis is more of a winter resort, so it's very quiet in the summer, but super clean and comfortable..everything you need to prepare meals in your unit, and very new!
Activity Reviews
Old Võromaa Smoke Sauna Ritual
Old Võromaa Smoke Sauna Ritual
Lithuania

Very interesting...a once in a lifetime experience, and WONDERFUL on the skin. Etta was informative and gentle with our inexperience in Sauna's. We had a lovely time.

Gauja National Park's Hike
Gauja National Park's Hike
Cēsis

we had a fantastic guide who kept us on our toes with a wonderfully fast paced hike. We enjoyed a picnic aside the river, and then hiked a route on our own back to meet her at the car (alongside the river). Enjoyed seeing caves and a few small waterfalls, and despite a little light rain in the beginning of the day, the sun came out and the hikes were stunningly beautiful.

Private Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
Private Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
Lithuania

Loved the bog walk and the trip to the fishing village, but likely would have passed on some of the other stops (e.g. botanical gardens).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wilderness Day
Wilderness Day
Helsinki

Best part of this hike was the berry picking and the picnic at the lake. The pace (given group dynamics) was slower and shorter than we would have preferred given the distance we traveled from Helsinki to the hike location. The guide however was FANTASTIC and did a great job despite the slowness of some of the hikers....we enjoyed her immensely, and the company of the other hikers. Just a little too short and slow for our liking.

Quality of Experience
Food
Loved our guides recipe for salmon soup that we enjoyed during our lake picnic.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fantastic guide!!! (she was also our driver).
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jul 30, 2025

Hi Laura and Scott

Thank you so much for the wonderful review—it really means a lot! I’m so happy to hear that everything flowed so smoothly and that you enjoyed the accommodations, activities, and those special moments with the guides.

It was a real pleasure meeting you in person—and I have to say, I admire your courage for trying the smoke sauna ritual! Not everyone is up for that!

Looking forward to staying in touch and hopefully planning another great adventure down the line.

Warm regards,
Emerson