Jane Davey

Jane was incredible! Kim Kim team worked extremely hard for us as we had a unforeseen issues such as canceled flights, lost luggage, etc. They were able to reschedule much of our daily activities. Also, I left my cell phone in one of the tour guides car and we were able to get that back. We appreciate your tireless efforts to see that we still were scheduled and rescheduled where needed. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!

Our trip initially was going to be a short excursion to England to watch a soccer match of my son's favorite team. In starting to plan for the trip my wife decided it would become a full family affair. Having no idea where to start we contacted Kim Kim and were delighted to have Jane become our agent.

Ours was not an easy trip to manage, I am sure. We were flying into Manchester, going to London, returning to Manchester...with 8 people whose ages ranged from 73 to 3. In addition to having a pretty wide age range, we had no idea what we needed to see. Fortunately, Jane did an excellent job of communicating with us. In just a short period of time we were able to develop an outline of our itinerary that we constantly revised and improved upon.

In the end, we have just returned from England and what was absolutely one of the best trips our family has ever had. With so many moving parts, so many transportation and ticketing requirements, having Jane and the team organize everything made it a seamless and wonderful experience. The locations for our lodging could not have been better suited for what we wanted and had asked to have.

Thank you to Jane and the entire Kim Kim team. We will certainly be in touch for our next overseas adventure. I recommend Jane and Kim Kim to anyone looking to travel to Europe, but not having a solid idea of what they want to do.

I recently finished The Trip of A Lifetime. It could not have gone any better!
It began with an Orientation Call from Jonathan . He explained how traveling and planning with KIMKIM works, asked questions regarding things I did and didn’t want to do, other personalization goals and budget.
I soon heard from my personal agent, Jane. We had great text conversations. Jane was patient with my endless questions and concerns; I was traveling alone for the first time, my first time international, and my first plane ride in nearly 20 years.
I proudly labeled myself as the anti-tourist, lol. I didn’t want to go near any trite locations that many tourists flock to just because everyone else does.
I wanted Ancient History, I wanted Ancient Religions, I wanted Archeology. Don’t send me to churches, don’t send me to rote performances. I wanted my own desires, not be a stereotype American Tourist.

Jane went to work straight away.

I had one location and specific dates that were mandatory: The British National Dressage Championship, September 14-17. I didn’t care when I went to nor left the UK. Everything built around that event.

Jane would send me ideas, questions, clarifications and I would send her ideas, questions, locations that looked to hold/meet my desires.
Jane was quick to learn me and my tastes, I’m an “odd bird”, lol, and very much an anti-tourist with different goals and expectations.
We clicked very well and spent six months planning my trip.

This was a TRUE bucket list trip.
I have an incurable blood cancer. It is dormant, yet it can become active at any time. This was my one and only time to physically navigate such a trip. I had been tested and scanned and was given the ok by my doctor to make this trip.

I had given Jane a rundown of my medical conditions and the limitations they impose on my strength, stamina, functions, etc..
She seamlessly worked assistance and help into every movement, hotel, travel and train.

The end result was a magnificent trip! Eleven cities in 30 days. Plus two days, one each way, of long distance travel.
I was supported, pampered and celebrated everywhere I went.
Jane, and her co-worker Flore were with me daily while I was actively traveling. We texted at least twice a day and I reported in daily to keep Jane and Flore apprised of my health(cancer).
They were on top of everything behind the scenes as well - there was a particular chain of hotels that my body found uncomfortable. Jane found an alternative option and we made the change. Flore discovered there was going to be a Train Strike that was going to impact my plans, so they found out more, made plan changes, asked me if I wanted to go with the pivot and we pivoted. Seamlessly. The whole trip was that simple; they handled every little detail and it put NO stress on me.
Jane, and Flore, also went above and beyond!
In one city I got digestively sick. I let Jane know I was cancelling an outing bc I was just too sick to leave the hotel. She checked in with me a number of times. There was once when I didn’t reply back in my normally swift manner, so Jane called the Reception/front desk and ask them to come to my room and check on me. Awww.
I wanted Ancient History - I got Roman, Celt, Pict, and more. I wanted Ancient Religion - Jane found a very Ancient Druid Worship site that dated back to 4,000 bc.
Yes. You read that correctly. That site was approximately 6,023 years only when I experienced it. It doesn’t get much older than that!
More Ancient History: I got to spend one night in a Castle, turned boutique hotel, built in 1380 ad.
Ancient archeology - one location had an active archeological dig site going on!
I even got to experience an archeological find I had seen discovered on The tv show called Time Team. All I knew of the day was I would be having a Private Guided Tour of an Ancient Roman city.
It was in the car ride over that the guides and I realized the destination was That One. I was fan-girling the entire drive over and the hours we were there. Other than a group of school children, I had the whole location to myself. BLISS. One of the guides even carried my phone and took candids as I walked along with the other guide. It turned out, as we said our goodbyes at my hotel, that they really enjoyed the day as well. They loved that I was so engaged, knew so many (few, really ) things, and wanted to learn so very much more.
And just how did it come about that I had such a glorious day? Jane. Jane found it - based on her knowledge of the UK and her knowledge about me.
I saw so many exciting things and places in 30 days, this day still shines brighter than the rest.
So
If you are of a mind to travel, KIMKIM is the only way to go.
Jane, and Flore, took my ideas and wants and needs, plugged in my sizable budget (see True Bucket List) and aligned them together for a breathtakingly beautiful and fantasmagorical experience.
I’d share more pictures here, yet I’ve 2,000 photos to search through - each a memory to delight in over and over.
Point being - I was listened to and made plans with a True Professional Travel Planner.
If I get to travel again, no matter the destination, I will always and only plan via KIMKIM.

Activity Reviews

London Globe Theatre Tour

London

To be in a small group of 8 gave lots of time to really hear and understand, ask questions and still absorb the ambiance.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

London Globe Theatre Performance

London

It was so fun! The play, by William Shakespeare , is titled “As You Like It”. Upon knowing this I researched it and watched a few different movie versions. This allowed me to enjoy what was happening without wondering what the plot was; this turned out to be ideal.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer to your accommodation. Then check-in or bag-drop

Stoke on trent

My Travel Planner, Jane, made plans for this amenity at every location and stop for all 30 days of my trip. I have a medical need that this planning assisted.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Three hour Tour around the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness with Urquhart Castle included

Inverness

Well, when this close to Loch Ness, you really must go for your trip to be complete, eh? It was a nice, though cold, ride over calm waters and properly narrated by the Captain. Once there, the Castle Ruin is lackluster. Though fully paved, the walkway is nothing BUT steep. I skipped walking the (very small) ruin and instead began the LONG STEEP walkway to the face/shop. I enjoyed the variety and bought some very functional cashmere socks and a very warm hat, both served me well during the remaining weeks of my trip. HOWEVER There is an EVEN STEEPER AND LONGER ascent to climb up to the parking lot and our tour bus. It was beyond exhausting, even for the Healthy people in our group. Yet, I’d have regretted not going - you only get one chance to be there.

Quality of Experience

Better walking path - handrails. Warning the it’s not so much a Castle Ruin as it is a glob of stones.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer in town

United Kingdom

It’s always nice to have transport that has had their assignment given in advance.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer

Hexham

I enjoyed both the luxury of being cared for as well as the personal interaction with a local person.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vindolanda

Hexham

My childlike wonder was alight. Seeing the last day of the active archeological site for the season was so cool. My geek flag flew high!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer to your destination

United Kingdom

It is so nice to relax and enjoy the ride and the conversation with your knowledgable and professional driver!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer

Cardiff

I can’t say enough about having a caring and professional driver!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tickets to Cardiff Castle

Cardiff

My only regret was my inability to climb 170 steps (each way up to and down from) to actually get to the ancient Keep. There is no alternative to the stairs.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer from {{start_location}}{{end_location}}

Shrewsbury

I like the pampered feel of someone else getting me to my destination - no stress and the driver is always personable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Stonehenge, Cotswold villages, Avebury stone circles & Film Locations (from Bath)

Bath

This was a small group tour (maybe a dozen people) The driver was fantastic, personable, knowledgable and fun.

Quality of Experience

The Avery stone circle.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

He was kind to me - I am extra slow due to a bad knee. His narration was fun and geared well to his audience.

Transport

Smooth driving. Clean bus. Well appointed seating.

Our trip was positively flawless, and the service while we were "en route" on our trip was responsive and helpful. The locations and activities that Jane recommended and help to orchestrate were spot on, and enabled us to feel far more like "travelers" than tourists. We enjoyed every aspect of our Wales vacation!

Hotel Reviews

Grove of Narberth

Narberth

This is one of the most beautiful and memorable hotels of our trip, set on a lush landscape reminiscent of a time gone by. The accommodations are beautiful and luxurious, and make you feel as if you are living as a Welsh royal. The furnishings are beautifully restored, and the main house fireplaces and lounging areas make you feel as if you are at home. The restaurant chef makes incredible, sustainable meals with produce grown in their garden. It is a special place, and we'll definitely be back!

Authenticity & Character

Location

While this hotel is tucked away, isolated and very private, you are still within easy driving distance of the Brecon Beacons and numerous castles, walking trails and the seaside.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tyr Winch

Cardiff

The owners were friendly and the location was great for our needs, however, the rooms were small. The breakfast was not particularly impressive but served our needs as we were on the road early.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Saracens Head

Beddgelert

The Saracens Head offered an extraordinary experience, especially when we had a power outage. The owners looked after us as if we were their own family. The breakfast here was to die for.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

State Room at Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guards (during summertime only)

London

Having been to the changing of the guards many times as a child, youth, etc., i was looking for a better experience to share with my husband for his first time to London, and this does not disappoint! The guide was amazingly knowledgeable and enabled us to enjoy the ceremonial aspects of the changing of the guards, rather than just stand in front of the gates and "wait" for the guards to change locations. We enjoyed the music, the array of different guards and their various roles/dress, etc.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Thank you Jane for an amazing trip to Scotland. We had a few days and Jane made every one of them special. Her detailed planning and communication was perfect. We felt that "Jane knew us like a friend" as she picked the perfect hotels, activities and food recommendations. We would definitely recommend KimKim for people who are ok executing their own plans with the help of a great planner like Jane.

This is great way to travel in an unfamiliar location, streamlining travel and transfers and using local agents to select lodging and activities