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Rachel Long

Although I have always lived in beautiful Wales, I am passionate about travel. As a child I spent family holidays in Britain, touring the west coast of Scotland and the south coast of England, walking in the Lake District, and visiting Pembrokeshire where I chose to settle after graduating. Nowadays you will probably find me walking, cycling or sea kayaking in my free time. I have worked as a teacher and then school leader. I feel fortunate, with my husband, to have brought up our two children, in Pembrokeshire, where access to such a fantastic area has been on our doorstep. Looking back, competing in the Blenheim Palace Triathlons, cycling from London to Paris and studying howler monkeys in Argentina have been enriching experiences.
I think it is fair to say I have the travel bug, and if I can help you satisfy yours, I’ll be even happier.
For me, it’s not only about seeing the next fantastic view but also about embracing new cultures and communities along the way. There is always something to take away. Travel has the knack of taking us out of our normal lives and thoughts and opening our minds to new possibilities.
I’ve travelled extensively in Europe. There’s an amazing variety of landscapes, people, and history and a million and one ways to experience them. My journeys have expanded from my first tentative forays to France to working in Spain. Whether skiing in Norway or Italy, travelling through Turkey by bus or cycling the Mountains of Northern Spain, there has always been a pleasure in sharing experiences and learning something new.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"My experience hinges on showing you a true sense of place in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. I offer expert advice with knowledgeable insights to tailor a unique journey to remember. Whether you want to experience a culinary adventure along our extraordinary coastline, escape to a remote Scottish island, or learn more about a long history of legends and castles, I can arrange everything for you."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I've always loved to travel, perhaps it was coming from a small village in Wales that gave me the urge to get out and see what else was out there! Since my early journeys in Britain and Europe I've been fortunate enough to extend my adventures across the globe. There is something particularly rewarding about planning your travel experiences - this really is part of the fun of it all for me, finding the most authentic way to get under the skin of a place. I think this must be why my friends have always told me I should be doing this for a living ... and here I am!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"To experience something unique it's universally true that you can't plan it! You've just got to get out there often enough and positive things will happen! The experience I'd like to share with you is this. It was a short conversation, not one that I expected when simply buying a ferry ticket! We had spent the day on Skye and were bound for the small island community of Raasay, on my favourite method of transport in the Uk, a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry (this always means you are somewhere pretty cool!). It was a short crossing, just 20 minutes, but in that short period I learned so much from my impromptu guide, that I was on the newest most hybrid ferry in the Calmac fleet, the Clyde shipyard where it was built - the real community of Raasay and the role tourism plays in the fragile way of life on the edge, how he had returned home to raise his family. What's so amazing about this you may ask? And in that I agree this could have been one of hundreds of conversations over the years but this was with me, with the sun setting behind the Cuillin mountain range as we crossed the sound of Raasay, I didn't want to be anywhere else."

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Rachel

Rachel planned a memorable trip for us recent...
Wales | May 13 - May 26, 2025

Judy
Judy J.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2025
Rachel planned a memorable trip for us recently in Ireland and Northern Wales. One of the best parts of our trip was having a private driver while visiting Wales. Peter was professional but definitely had a fun side. He showed us places in Snowdonia that we would never have found on our own. Our next private driver, Patrick, took us from Galway to Killarney with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher! He even did a quick detour to Limerick, which was much appreciated! We had a few questions... Read more

Rachel planned a memorable trip for us recently in Ireland and Northern Wales. One of the best parts of our trip was having a private driver while visiting Wales. Peter was professional but definitely had a fun side. He showed us places in Snowdonia that we would never have found on our own.

Our next private driver, Patrick, took us from Galway to Killarney with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher! He even did a quick detour to Limerick, which was much appreciated!

We had a few questions during our trip and tour pick-up locations that needed to be clarified/confirmed, and the KimKim team was readily available to assist.

Hotel Reviews
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Belfast

The Maldron Hotel Belfast City was located in a great location for restaurants and catching our day tour to the Giants Causeway. The bed was comfortable and the breakfast was good. We would stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
I would consider this more of a business hotel.
Location
Close to restaurants and the Crown Liquor Saloon (1820's pub) was a hoot!
Staff
Polite and helpful with a city map
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was comfortable and their scone with clotted cream and jam in the bar was heaven!!
Belmont Llandudno
Llandudno

This was probably the least liked hotel of our trip. Our room was toward the back of the hotel and was very small. It also had no ceiling fan or window that one could open wide so the room was uncomfortably warm. Thoughtfully the hotel provides a small fan (which should have been a clue) which helped a little, but not enough. There was a tiny space in which to put our small suit cases, with one being on the floor, The hotel was close to restaurants and the boardwalk. On the plus side, the breakfast was delicious and they had menu items you could order freshly made (i.e., avocado toast, Irish breakfast).

Authenticity & Character
It's an old building, so probably not much can be done.
Location
Close to restaurants and the boardwalk
Staff
The staff was pleasant and we felt welcomed.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A ceiling fan and/or air conditioner would be helpful.
Castle Hotel
Dublin

The Castle Hotel is set within nine elegantly restored Georgian townhouses with rooms full of period pieces. We had a fairly large room with a four poster bed and a nice sized bathroom. We had a choice between the full Irish breakfast or a ala carte selection.

Authenticity & Character
Size of the bedroom and that it was a 4 poster bed!!
Location
Depending on your interests, the location was fine for some cultural sites, but almost a 30 minute walk to Christ Church orTrinity College.
Staff
Front desk staff was pleasant and helpful with a city map
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable bed, clean room
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Galway

Business class hotel with nice sized room and comfortable bed. Delicious breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Nice business hotel
Location
The location was excellent - short walking distance to Eyre Square and the Quay pedestrian street.
Staff
Staff was pleasant and provided city map
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Killarney Plaza Hotel (O‘Donaghue Group)
Killarney

One of our favorite hotels on our trip Comfortable quiet room with enough room for side chairs and small table. Breakfast was delicious with good selection. The location was central for walking around town, the Jaunting cars and good restaurants!

Authenticity & Character
Well maintained older hotel.
Location
Perfect location for walking around town, the Jaunting cars and good restaurants!
Staff
Very helpful in storing our bags and providing directions to the train station (very walkable!)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable bed/room
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City
Cork Co. Cork

Business class hotel with attached restaurant (which was actually good) and typical ala carte breakfast. The room was comfortable but not outstanding. Location was walking distance from the train station and central shopping area.

Authenticity & Character
Typical business hotel
Location
It was walking distance from the train station and central shopping area
Staff
it was fine for a typical business type hotel.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was comfortable and room was clean
The Fleet
Dublin

Quirky hotel in the central part of Dublin. Room was mid-sized but comfortable. The breakfast was typical ala carte fare.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel was long and narrow, with the rooms extending back from the main street. You could take the elevator up to what you thought was your floor, only to find that you needed to carry your bags up and down a few more steps to get to your room.
Location
Loved the location - this hotel was close to Trinity College, Christ Church, the Dublinia, Viking and Medieval Dublin museum as well as Temple Bar and restaurants.
Staff
They were pleasant but we didn't interact with them other than checking in/out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was comfortable and clean room.
Activity Reviews
Private transfer
Private transfer
Wales

So nice to have a driver ready and on-time to take us from the hotel to the airport!

Belfast Political Taxi Tour
Belfast Political Taxi Tour
Belfast

We weren't really sure what to expect on this tour, but came away with a much clearer picture of "The Troubles" from 1968-1998. We made several short stops around both the Protestant and Catholic sections of Belfast with our guide explaining the significance of each location - often with graphic photos. Our guide, Paul, was passionate about the conflict that is still going on today, and that I don't think people outside Belfast are aware.

Quality of Experience
This was a very moving tour and not for everyone.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Paul, our guide was very passionate about "The Troubles" He had friends who were killed and to this day, there are bars in the areas we drove through, where he would not enter for fear he would be beaten.
Transport
Comfortable van for this tour.
Giants Causeway Day tour (small group)
Giants Causeway Day tour (small group)
Belfast

This was a small group (~30) tour to the Giant's Causeway. The driver/guide was personable and pointed out many sights along the way!

Full day Exploring Castles with a Driver Guide
Llandudno

We were so fortunate to have Peter Vale as our driver for our time in Wales! After stopping at Caernarfon Castle, Peter took us to see Plas Mawr - one of the finest examples of an Elizabethan town house from the late 1500. Along the way, Peter stopped at several sights we would never have know about unless we were shown!

Quality of Experience
Northern Wales is so beautiful - more so when you have someone who knows the area as in depth as Peter does, to guide you!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Peter is the perfect guide and travel companion! He took into consideration what we might like to see and sprinkled in must see areas!
Transport
We were driven around in a Mercedes luxury van that was perfect for these day trips!
Private transfer
Private transfer
Liverpool

Our driver/guide, Peter Vale, picked us up from the airport when we arrived in Liverpool. We made stops to see Penney Lane and the club where the Beatles played. On the way to Llandudno, we stopped at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which was impressive! The view was incredible and walking across the bridge gave us a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenary! Peter also transported us back to the Liverpool airport.

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Wales

We were picked up in Galway by a private driver, Patrick, to take us to Killarney via Cliffs of Moher. Patrick was very informative and told us a lot about the area we were traveling through. At the Cliff's of Moher, we spent a good hour hiking up to the different vantage points. Afterwards, Patrick dropped us off at our hotel in Killarney.

Quality of Experience
The countryside around the Cliff's of Moher are beautiful!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Patrick was personable and very knowledgeable!
Transport
Patrick picked us up in a comfortable car.
Entry into Caernarfon Castle
Entry into Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon

Caernarfon Castle is a very impressive structure to explore. It's worth a visit.

Galway Food Tour
Galway Food Tour
Galway

We've been on many food tours across Europe and we wanted to like this one, but it fell a bit short. Our first stop was a bar where we were served what the guide said was a dish that everyone eats in Galway - white bread with potato chips made into a sandwich. I could have done without this. None of the other stops to me really showcased the food of Galway.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was nice but this tour just missed the mark
Ring of Kerry  (small group day tour)
Ring of Kerry (small group day tour)
Killarney

We took a small group tour of Ring of Kerry. The countryside along the Ring is beautiful and our guide/driver was very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Always good to see more of the beautiful countryside!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide/driver was full of information!
Transport
The mid-sized van/bus was comfortable.
Full day Exploring in Snowdonia with a Driver Guide
Full day Exploring in Snowdonia with a Driver Guide
Wales

Our guide/driver, Peter Vale, was fantastic! He has intimate knowledge of the Snowdonia area in Northern Wales, and took us to his favorite sights, some of which aren't even in the guide book!!

Quality of Experience
I didn't know or realize how beautiful this part of Wales is!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
As always, Peter was the best companion/guide/driver for this day trip!
Transport
Mercedes luxury van - need I say more?
Killarney Combination Tour - Boat + Jaunting Car
Killarney Combination Tour - Boat + Jaunting Car
Wales

We took the Jaunting car from right outside our hotel to Ross Castle. We didn't realize, but each Jaunting car is for just your group (in our case, just the two of us!). The driver was knowledgeable about the route and pointed out deer in the fields. The boat part of the tour took us out around the lake where we could view a former monastery and enjoy the view of the countryside from the lake!

Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Trinity College Library : The Book of Kells Experience
Dublin

The Book of Kells is a one of a kind experience! We could easily have spent half a day just soaking up the information that was presented on the Book of Kells as well as the Trinity Library.

Free time in Dublin
Free time in Dublin
Dublin

Nice to have free time to wander down the side streets of Dublin!

Local specialist: Rachel Long
Rachel
Rachel Long
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on Jun 11, 2025

Dear Judy and Steve,
I am delighted that your trip to North Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland was memorable! We appreciate your very detailed feedback. Planning your journey with you both was so enjoyable. I am so pleased that our local guide Peter provided such an outstanding experience and that Patrick, added positive experiences for you both too. Reading about your activities and hotel experiences was interesting.
Thank you for travelling with us again, we would love to welcome you back in the future!
All the best.
Rachel, Salome, Flore & The Team at High Point Holidays

Scottish Highlands May 2025
Scotland | May 10 - May 18, 2025

Katherine
Katherine W.
Westminster, MD | Reviewed on May 28, 2025
Rachel was so helpful in curating our Scottish Highlands tour! She was very responsive and addressed all concerns we had. From transportation and hotel check-in as well as local guides, logistics went smoothly and we had some excellent guides explaining the history and landscapes. Will definitely use KimKim again in future trip planning and High Point Holidays for UK travel. Read more

Rachel was so helpful in curating our Scottish Highlands tour! She was very responsive and addressed all concerns we had. From transportation and hotel check-in as well as local guides, logistics went smoothly and we had some excellent guides explaining the history and landscapes. Will definitely use KimKim again in future trip planning and High Point Holidays for UK travel.

Hotel Reviews
House Of Juniper
Broadford

Cabins were perfect for an extended stay. Bed wasn't the most comfortable but cabin was clean and kitchen had all appliances that were needed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
More outside of center of Portree but worth the trek to be in a location that is more peaceful with better views.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

In an older building but has lots of character and unique decor in each room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Market Street Hotel
Edinburgh

Very clean and spacious room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa
Oban

Great location right in the midst of all activity in Oban. Rooms are smaller but clean. Good view of the harbor.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Transfer
Private Transfer
Scotland

Seamless airport pick-up and friendly driver.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Scotland

Keith was a very knowledgable driver and friendly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Scotland

We missed the ferry from Mull to Iona and Staffa as directions were not clear on what bus to get onto when we got off the ferry at Mull. We ended up on the opposite side of Mull in Tobermoray but it was a pleasant day regardless.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rachel Long
Rachel
Rachel Long
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on Jun 03, 2025

Dear Katherine and Oriana,
Thank you so much for reviewing your trip to Scotland! It was a pleasure working with you both and I am delighted that you had a great trip to the Scottish Highlands. Reading that everything went smoothly and that your guides were excellent, is wonderful news. I am so pleased that your will definitely use our services again!
I look forward to the opportunity to work with you both again in the future!
All the best,
Rachel

Great trip itinerary developed and implemented flawlessly.
Wales | May 8 - May 15, 2025

Patsy
Patsy S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 18, 2025
We had a fantastic trip on our first visit to Wales! Rachel and High Point Holidays took our preferences for sites, transportation, and accommodations and put together a travel plan that was exceptional. We never imagined we would see so many of the sites we were interested in during this trip. The itinerary was implemented flawlessly by accommodation hosts, guides and transportation services which were arranged for by Rachel. We enjoyed the opportunities to speak to Rachel by phone, and... Read more

We had a fantastic trip on our first visit to Wales! Rachel and High Point Holidays took our preferences for sites, transportation, and accommodations and put together a travel plan that was exceptional. We never imagined we would see so many of the sites we were interested in during this trip. The itinerary was implemented flawlessly by accommodation hosts, guides and transportation services which were arranged for by Rachel. We enjoyed the opportunities to speak to Rachel by phone, and appreciated the value of traveling with an agency located where we were going to visit in Wales. Had it not been for Rachel's willingness to help us on somewhat short notice, we would not have been able to go on this trip at this time. Rachel convinced us our trip was doable. We are so grateful. Also thanks to the beautiful Ivy Bank Guest house in Tenby, Tenby Taxis, Sarah of Stephen Griffin's team for guiding around St. David's, and Andrew with Chauffeur North Wales around Llandudno and Snowdonia.

Hotel Reviews
Ivy Bank Guest House
Tenby

Great location and beautiful accommodations. Quiet and comfortable within a short walking distance to restaurants, shops, and local sites. Would definitely stay here in the futureQ

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Belmont Llandudno
Llandudno

Lovely accommodation with beautiful views to the bay and boardwalk. Very nice staff implementing services. Beautiful breakfast. Walking distance to many restaurants, sites and shops.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Travel from  South Wales to North Wales
Travel from South Wales to North Wales
Wales
Private transfer to or from the airport
Dublin

Knowledgeable driver who got us to the hotel quickly and safely.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Exploring in Snowdonia with a Driver Guide
Full day Exploring in Snowdonia with a Driver Guide
Wales

We loved working with Andrew as our guide for two days during our trip. He is a safe driver, very knowledgeable, and he seeks travelers preferences frequently while providing options

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transfer
Private transfer
Wales

Andrew our guide for the prior two days of our visit also provided transportation to Liverpool airport where our departure was scheduled. Nice to have a mini-tour along the route and have the opportunity to say goodbye.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rachel Long
Rachel
Rachel Long
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on Jun 03, 2025

Dear Patsy and Ed,
Thank you so much for reviewing your trip to Wales, it is lovely to read that you had an exceptional trip! In the short turnaround period, we worked well together to tailor the trip to include South and North Wales with the experiences that you were both looking for. I am delighted that the itinerary was implemented flawlessly by accommodation hosts, guides and transportation services.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with you both again in the future!
All the best,
Rachel

Wonderfully Planned Trip
England | Apr 19 - Apr 26, 2025

G
Gillian D.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025
Rachel did an amazing job planning our trip to Scotland and London. We had the best time and it was great not to have to worry about booking our accommodations or must haves. She went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful time and got to see everything we wanted. Our accommodations were in excellent locations and days were thoughtfully scheduled. Read more

Rachel did an amazing job planning our trip to Scotland and London. We had the best time and it was great not to have to worry about booking our accommodations or must haves. She went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful time and got to see everything we wanted. Our accommodations were in excellent locations and days were thoughtfully scheduled.

Hotel Reviews
Westlands of Pitlochry Bed & Breakfast
Pitlpochry

This B&B was outstanding. The rooms were new builds and thoughtfully done. They staff was incredibly nice. The breakfast spread was huge and had tons of options. We wish we could have stayed more nights.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
London

Great hotel in an excellent location. It was so easy to walk out to the sights and Underground from here. We loved being on Tower Hill so close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Everything was very clean. The staff was nice and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right on Tower Hill. 2 minutes walk to the Underground, 5-7 minutes to Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Wonderful views of landmarks and the Thames.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel was super clean and maintained. We adored staying here. Our only exception was the main hotel spaces were over heated, the hallways and elevator caused a sweat.
Activity Reviews
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
England

This was fantastic. We had the most wonderful time riding the train, seeing the Harry Potter sights and visiting the town of Mallaig.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Harry Potter Studio Tour from London (with transport)
Harry Potter Studio Tour from London (with transport)
London

This is a MUST SEE for any Harry Potter fan. We had a blast checking out all the studio insights and exhibits. We loved that you could walk thru a bunch of the actual sets and props.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tower of London Timed Entry Tickets
Tower of London Timed Entry Tickets
London

We had such a good time at the Tower or London. The Yeoman Warder tour was very informative and interesting for the whole family. We enjoyed learning the history, seeing the Crown Jewels and the Ravens.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rachel Long
Rachel
Rachel Long
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on May 01, 2025
Hi Gillian,
Working with you to design your family vacation over to Scotland and England was a pleasure. Thank you so much for your feedback. I am so pleased that we were able to purchase the last magical ticket to board the Harry Potter train and I am so pleased that you all had a wonderful time on your Family adventure! Hearing that you enjoyed the accommodation locations and that the schedule was planned excellently is fabulous! I hope your memories will last a lifetime.
We would love to...
Read more

Hi Gillian,
Working with you to design your family vacation over to Scotland and England was a pleasure. Thank you so much for your feedback. I am so pleased that we were able to purchase the last magical ticket to board the Harry Potter train and I am so pleased that you all had a wonderful time on your Family adventure! Hearing that you enjoyed the accommodation locations and that the schedule was planned excellently is fabulous! I hope your memories will last a lifetime.
We would love to assist you in the future with any trips you have planned. Until then, all the best.
Rachel, Marine-Héloise & The Team at High Point Holidays