Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 18,735 ratings
Read 18,735 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Explored a new side of Japan!
Japan | Dec 6 - Dec 19, 2025

Howard
Howard H.
Argentina | Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025
All the members of my family have been to Japan multiple times, but this trip helped us to deepen our understanding and explore new parts of the country we'd never accessed before. Shona provided wonderful service from planning to booking to helping us to handle unexpected bumps in the road (a member of my party left their passport at a hotel early on, and she was immensely helpful in us getting it back seamlessly and stress free). A few standout guides/experiences:
Architecture Walking...
Read more

All the members of my family have been to Japan multiple times, but this trip helped us to deepen our understanding and explore new parts of the country we'd never accessed before. Shona provided wonderful service from planning to booking to helping us to handle unexpected bumps in the road (a member of my party left their passport at a hotel early on, and she was immensely helpful in us getting it back seamlessly and stress free).

A few standout guides/experiences:
Architecture Walking Tour in Omotesando - this was our first formal experience on the trip and set the tone. Yoshi was a passionate, thoughtful, and friendly guide who helped us to understand the architectural treasures hidden in plain sight in this busy neighborhood.

Hidden Gem Food & Whiskey Night Tour near Roppongi - We were staying in Roppongi and didn't realize that there was such an amazing enclave of restaurants so close by. Ellen clearly loves food and this neighborhood, and seeing it through her eyes was very fun. At the end of the night, we ate a meal at the neighborhoo Obaa-chan's restaurant. What a special experience to be in a 4 table restaurant and be served a home-cooked, custom meal from the neighborhood granny!

Full Day Mt. Fuji with Chureito Pagoda & Oishi Park - Really loved spending time with Toru. He helped provide a great background on Japanese history and geography. His enthusiasm for the towns was infectious. It was clear how excited he was to get clear views of Fuji and this made the experience special.

Takayama Full-Day Walking Tour - Miyuki has so much pride and love for Takayama. You could tell based on her description of the annual festival, and the way she would pick up any stray pieces of litter along the way during our tour. That spoke volumes to me about the values of Miyuki and the Japanese people overall. She also pointed us towards her neighborhood restaurant, which was probably the one of the best meal and dining experiences we had during the trip. Still thinking about that Omelette.

Half Day Artisan Tour in Kanazawa - Nozomi was energic, fun, and incredibly well connected in the city. I was impressed with her connection to so many of the artisans of Kanazawa. Impressively, we decided to spend the first part of the tour in the Geisha district, and Nozomi was able to provide a full history and background from memory, without planning. Additionally, she heard we were interested in seafood and pointed us to a very special restaurant to enjoy after the tour, even calling and making a reservation for us. Never would have found that place on our own and I've never seen my dad so happy at a meal.

Hotel Reviews
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Located right next to the train station, and next to some amazing restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, A Pan Pacific Partner Hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
A little dated compared to our other accommodations on this trip.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier
Tokyo

Right in the heart of Roppongi. Solid breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan
Takayama

Wonderful full service Ryokan.

Authenticity & Character
Very authentic Ryokan
Location
Staff
Kind and attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were quite large, with multiple rooms.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Hakone

A wonderful Ryokan experience. There are two different onsens, which alternate between Men and Women each day. We were left slack jawed by the outdoor waterfall and hotspring. Simply magical. Would recommend the buffet meals here - they're quite extensive and quite good.

Authenticity & Character
Top tier onsens
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazing food on site
Activity Reviews
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Chureito Pagoda & Oishi Park
Full Day Mt. Fuji with Chureito Pagoda & Oishi Park
Tokyo

Really loved spending time with Toru. He helped provide a great background on Japanese history and geography. His enthusiasm for the towns was infectious. It was clear how excited he was to get clear views of Fuji and this made the experience special.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hidden Gem Food & Whiskey Night Tour near Roppongi
Hidden Gem Food & Whiskey Night Tour near Roppongi
Tokyo

We were staying in Roppongi and didn't realize that there was such an amazing enclave of restaurants so close by. Ellen clearly loves food and this neighborhood, and seeing it through her eyes was very fun. At the end of the night, we ate a meal at the neighborhoo Obaa-chan's restaurant. What a special experience to be in a 4 table restaurant and be served a home-cooked, custom meal from the neighborhood granny!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Warm, passionate, and very personally connected to the neighborhood
Architecture Walking Tour in Omotesando
Architecture Walking Tour in Omotesando
Tokyo

This was our first formal experience on the trip and set the tone. Yoshi was a passionate, thoughtful, and friendly guide who helped us to understand the architectural treasures hidden in plain sight in this busy neighborhood. Great experience if you want to practice photography!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Shona Zhang

An Adventure to Remember in Istanbul, India and Nepal
India | Oct 29 - Dec 4, 2025

Jonathan
Jonathan K.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
Our 2025 trip was close to ten months in the planning. Working with Rajat Gupta was fantastic. Rajat was very responsive to our goals and objectives. This trip started with attending a family wedding in Lucknow and expanded to a 37-day adventure around the family function. My wife and I realized we were covering a lot of ground, but we wanted to get a sense of the places we might choose to revisit in the future for a longer period. The trip was customized for just the two of us and all our... Read more

Our 2025 trip was close to ten months in the planning. Working with Rajat Gupta was fantastic. Rajat was very responsive to our goals and objectives. This trip started with attending a family wedding in Lucknow and expanded to a 37-day adventure around the family function. My wife and I realized we were covering a lot of ground, but we wanted to get a sense of the places we might choose to revisit in the future for a longer period. The trip was customized for just the two of us and all our guides and drivers were wonderful. We felt very safe and in good hands every step of the way.

We especially want to thank our driver Rajinder, who carried us everywhere in the first half of the itinerary. He always had water for us and he was always there waiting for us at every site. We felt like rock stars finding Rajinder with the car door open ready to take us to the next location. We also want to thank Hemant, Rahul, Anu and Kumar for their insight and knowledge. We saw so much and feel fortunate to have experienced the wonders of the region. More UNESCO World Heritage sites than we could ever imagine. And we literally had a trip of trains, planes and automobiles.

The main sites like the Taj Mahal were of course great, but one of our favorite places visited was in Ranakpur. We stopped at the Kumbhalgarh Fort, built in 1443. It took 15 years to complete. This fortress is overwhelming with the second longest wall in the world. Our guide that day introduced us to custard apple fruit bought from a roadside vendor. He made sure it was safe and ripe and it was amazing. That day we also visited the Ranakpur Jain Temple with amazing carved marble throughout supported by 1444 unique pillars and a ton of peace, spirituality and tranquility. We also had one of our best meals at Harmony Restaurant on our way to the Jain Temple. And if you are so inclined, the owner of the restaurant guides nature adventure tours. We were also fortunate to attend the Pushkar Camel Festival. Here's where Rajat did wonders for us. Some friends highly recommended the festival. I chatted with Rajat and he adjusted our itinerary to make it happen.

Another favorite was Nepal. The grandeur of the Himalayas was breathtaking and we were able to see the Annapurna range on a clear morning at sunrise. We also enjoyed the scenic boat ride on Phewa Lake, one of Pokhara’s most iconic attractions. We made our way across the lake to start an 1100 foot hike to the top of the hill leading to the serene Buddhist stupa, perched on high overlooking the valley. Overall, we felt we got the best of everyplace we visited. After our family event, we headed south from Lucknow. Our houseboat experience in Kerala was fantastic and one night was perfect. Finishing off our trip in Mumbai was terrific and High Tea at the Taj Hotel is worth it.

We took three cooking classes on the trip. They were all different in their own way, but we learned a lot about the techniques of Indian and Nepalese cooking. As for the food in general on the trip, we never got tired of the local cuisine...both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. We did have to convince some restaurants to prepare our meals "medium spicy." However some places still gave us mild. We enjoyed many of the curated retail stops, some benefitting local women and children...and other well established family businesses known for their quality.

For those planning to follow in our footsteps, we did learn a few things. The air quality in the big cities of India is pretty bad. My wife and I suffered from upper respiratory issues for the entire trip. Make sure you bring plenty of cold remedies on your journey and wear a mask often when air quality is bad.

Be prepared for flight changes when flying Indigo Airlines. In fact, I would not recommend Indigo. Make sure to check when sites are open. Some are closed on specific days. And ask your guides if you need walking sticks to help with some of the long walks.

Overall, this was an adventure to remember and we will choose KimKim for our future international travel.

Hotel Reviews
The Pugmark, a wildlife resort in Ranthambore
Ranthambore

Great natural setting. Not an urban hotel. Room was smaller than other accommodations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The common area was very inviting. The staff was very helpful providing us breakfast when we were venturing out before dawn.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dera Rawatsar

Amazing hotel. Historical significance. Very large accommodations. Good food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ratan Vilas
Jodhpur

Beautiful Hotel! Fantastic room! Wonderful grounds and common areas. Great outdoor dining.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
King's Abode
Ranakpur

Wish we could have stayed longer. Beautiful public areas with a long pool beautifully landscaped. A place of real serenity. The room was spacious and clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Wish they could have exchanged currency for us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kankarwa Haveli

We had an upgraded room (the honeymoon suite). We were at the top of the building up four flights of stairs including a spiral staircase. The view was tremendous.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Hotel was in the middle of everything.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brahma Horizon
Pushkar

Great hotel. They gave us a room upgrade as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Because of the Camel Festival, it was better to be a bit out off town, than in town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Haveli Hauz Khas
Delhi

The best feature of this house is meeting the owners. Photos of the family travels from their government postings adorned the walls. The room was comfortable and clean. Be aware, they do not take credit cards.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Pleasant neighborhood, but a car is required.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Rajat Gupta

I would like to thank and commend Heidi who m...
China | Nov 21 - Dec 2, 2025

M
Manjit B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
I would like to thank and commend Heidi who made my very complicated trip very seamless. I just cannot fault anything . Everything was managed professionally and allowed for flexibility when I wanted to change tickets hotels etc
This trip would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from
Heidi the best
Xi’an : Shannon she went over and above her guidelines
Chengdu: Ricky thorough entertainer
Chonging : Yudi fun
Zhanziaje : Justin hardworking and...
Read more

I would like to thank and commend Heidi who made my very complicated trip very seamless. I just cannot fault anything . Everything was managed professionally and allowed for flexibility when I wanted to change tickets hotels etc
This trip would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from
Heidi the best
Xi’an : Shannon she went over and above her guidelines
Chengdu: Ricky thorough entertainer
Chonging : Yudi fun
Zhanziaje : Justin hardworking and dedicated
Shanghai : Shiuli flexible

They ensured that everything was meticulous . This was indeed the most memorable trip made thanks to Heidi and her team
This is my 3rd time using them and I will continue to do so

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zhangjiajie Tianmenshan Wyndham Garden Hotel
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
ISEYA HOTEL (Chongqing Jiefangbei Flagship)
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hyatt Chengdu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian
Xi'an
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Old Town
Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Old Town
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Highlights of Shanghai with Yu Garden and the Bund
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Highlights in Shanghai
Visit the Highlights in Shanghai
Shanghai
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Huanglong Cave and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Including Glass Bridge)
Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Huanglong Cave and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (Including Glass Bridge)
Zhangjiajie

This can be done the same day as the cave and forest

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marvel at the Picturesque Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Marvel at the Picturesque Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tianmen Mountain – Skywalks, Cliff Roads & Heaven’s Gate
Tianmen Mountain – Skywalks, Cliff Roads & Heaven’s Gate
Zhangjiajie

Exceptional but very tiring

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Stylish Tour in Chongqing
Full-Day Stylish Tour in Chongqing
Chongqing

We didn’t get to do this

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chongqing City Highlights One-Day Tour
Chongqing City Highlights One-Day Tour
Chongqing
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera
Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy a Spicy Sichuan Hotpot Meal
Enjoy a Spicy Sichuan Hotpot Meal
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panda Encounter and People’s Park in Chengdu
Panda Encounter and People’s Park in Chengdu
Chengdu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Tour of the Treasures of Ancient China: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ancient City Wall
Half Day Tour of the Treasures of Ancient China: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Ancient City Wall
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Discover Xi'an: the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang

Between 2025 December 8th and December 13th, ...
Morocco | Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2025

G
Glorys V.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
Between 2025 December 8th and December 13th, we visited Morocco. During the trip Planning process Majid was very helpful to create a route through the imperial cities of Morocco that fitted our schedule and preferences. The experience of the trip was fantastic. We created amazing memories about Morocco, we were fascinated by their vast culture, their gentle and welcoming people and their astonishing and beautiful cities. Everything runs perfectly. Ismael, our driver during the whole trip,... Read more

Between 2025 December 8th and December 13th, we visited Morocco. During the trip Planning process Majid was very helpful to create a route through the imperial cities of Morocco that fitted our schedule and preferences. The experience of the trip was fantastic. We created amazing memories about Morocco, we were fascinated by their vast culture, their gentle and welcoming people and their astonishing and beautiful cities. Everything runs perfectly. Ismael, our driver during the whole trip, treated us as an old good friend, he filled us up with engaging talks, recommendations about food, curios facts etc. We always felt secure and comfortable. The guides in the different cities were friendly, they looked to us highly prepared for their job, they made it with grace and engaged to communicate the main highlights of each city, building or Medina in order to create an unforgettable experience. The stay on the Riad helps us to make our travel experience closer to Moroccan Culture. We loved it. Finally, we’d like to thank Majid and his team and recommend them to plan your trip to Morocco. Last cue, the weather at this time of the year is fantastic.

Hotel Reviews
Riad Fes Nass Zmane
Fes
Authenticity & Character
I higly recomend to live the experience.
Location
Staff
The staff is gentle, helpful, friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Touda
Marrakech
Authenticity & Character
Exceptiopnal.
Staff
Very gentle and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Majid Mrabti
Majid
Majid Mrabti
Local specialist in Morocco & France | Replied on Dec 26, 2025
Hi Glorys,
Thank you so much for your excellent review! I am delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience exploring Morocco with us. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey through the imperial cities and ensuring the itinerary matched your preferences.
I’m thrilled that Ismael, our driver, made you feel like old friends and provided engaging conversations, helpful recommendations, and interesting insights throughout your trip. Our local guides also appreciate your kind...
Read more

Hi Glorys,
Thank you so much for your excellent review! I am delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience exploring Morocco with us. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey through the imperial cities and ensuring the itinerary matched your preferences.
I’m thrilled that Ismael, our driver, made you feel like old friends and provided engaging conversations, helpful recommendations, and interesting insights throughout your trip. Our local guides also appreciate your kind words,they always aim to make each city come alive with their knowledge and passion.
I’m glad your stay in the riad brought you closer to Moroccan culture and that you enjoyed the warm hospitality, vibrant cities, and beautiful weather. Thank you for trusting me to create unforgettable memories for you. I truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Morocco!
Majid

An amazing trip to Florence and Rome
Italy | Nov 29 - Dec 7, 2025

Meredith
Meredith D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
We had such an amazing time in Florence and Rome thanks to all the planning that Guilia provided for us. I know that people plan trips themselves, but I am not one of those people. I do not have time or or the patience to book everything separately and thanks to Guilia, I did not have to. I loved having the itinerary right in the app with all the tickets and I love the experiences that she picked out and our private guides in Florence and Rome were so nice and knowledgeable. It was also very... Read more

We had such an amazing time in Florence and Rome thanks to all the planning that Guilia provided for us. I know that people plan trips themselves, but I am not one of those people. I do not have time or or the patience to book everything separately and thanks to Guilia, I did not have to. I loved having the itinerary right in the app with all the tickets and I love the experiences that she picked out and our private guides in Florence and Rome were so nice and knowledgeable. It was also very reassuring to be able to have someone to message in case there were any issues. For us there were only a few times where I wanted to just check in or ask about something and Guilia and Andrea got back to us right away. As someone with a demanding job and a busy family, I loved this trip because it was so full of activities and free time and recommendations and everything went so smoothly and I didn’t have to plan a thing myself.

Local specialist: Giulia Carucci

Our first trip to Iceland was amazing.
Iceland | Dec 19 - Dec 25, 2025

M
Mary S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
Our first trip to Iceland was amazing. Poor Eric, our intrepid kimkim specialist, had to put up with a lot of back-and-forth from us. We travel a lot, so we had plenty of ideas on how we wanted the trip to go. But Eric knew exactly what he was doing and planned an excellent week for us. Every day had a great selection of self-guided tours, and we also added several guided tours (the glacier hike was a highlight). The weather was good for driving, as it mostly rained. We would have had a... Read more

Our first trip to Iceland was amazing. Poor Eric, our intrepid kimkim specialist, had to put up with a lot of back-and-forth from us. We travel a lot, so we had plenty of ideas on how we wanted the trip to go. But Eric knew exactly what he was doing and planned an excellent week for us. Every day had a great selection of self-guided tours, and we also added several guided tours (the glacier hike was a highlight). The weather was good for driving, as it mostly rained. We would have had a much harder time if it was snowing or icy. But even with the rain, with proper clothing, it didn't matter (if you ski, you know). Iceland is spectacularly beautiful. Sitting in our home in New York we weren't prepared for how much all the stunning natural beauty would negate the weather and the limited daylight. It honestly didn't matter once we got started on our trip, whether it was raining, freezing, or the wind was howling.

As mentioned, Eric was a great trip planner. He is super responsive and so patient (thank you, Eric!). The only reason I took a star from the overall planning and booking is that the itinerary on the kimkim platform is tricky. The default itin is an overall daily summary, but in order to access information like your car rental, tickets to paid activities, etc, you have to go to a detailed itinerary which all three of us, including our tech savvy 18 year old daughter, found very difficult to access. It is buried in a small tab on the platform's landing page. When we landed in Reykjavik at 6AM and couldn't find our car rental info after an hour, it was hard not to be a little grumpy. But the accommodations were good, especially ending in Reykjavik. Highly recommend taking advantage of the many lagoons after long days of hiking and driving.

Activity Reviews
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon
Iceland

All the lagoons were amazing, and very different. Sky Lagoon is luxurious. The evening we went the wind was howling, the rain was coming down in sheets, and somehow, we still enjoyed the experience. It's a gorgeous setting, and after driving over 5 hours that day, it felt so good to emerge in a hot thermal bath, even with our heads getting beaten by rain.

Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Iceland

Unfortunately, we found out that ice caves are dependent on the weather. When we went there was only one cave open, and about twenty tour groups waiting to have a turn inside. Once we finally had out turn, our group was allotted ten minutes. BUT, afterwards, we walked the black beach to see the ice flows for an hour and had one of our favorite outings the entire trip.

Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Iceland

We hiked a glacier! Enough said.

The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon
Iceland

We felt like Icelanders here. Very few tourists. Perfect way to end a long day of hiking and driving.

Local specialist: Èric D

Hien was amazingly patient with me as we plan...
Vietnam | Dec 17 - Dec 25, 2025

C
Cat T.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
Hien was amazingly patient with me as we planned the iteniary and I made many changes, and each time she made the changes. In the end, the iteniary was perfect for our group. Read more

Hien was amazingly patient with me as we planned the iteniary and I made many changes, and each time she made the changes. In the end, the iteniary was perfect for our group.

Hotel Reviews
Wyndham Hoi An Royal Beachfront Resort & Villas
Hoi An

The hotel resort was wonderful, but our hotel room was not great. Compared to our other places, this was more like a three star hotel room. Hot water sometimes didn't work. There were no decorations, and the floors were not comfortable. But the resort and big pool, and location were all great. Breakfast was great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
not the friendliest
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lyra Grandeur Cruise

great hotel. Wonderful food and service (Teddy was great!) and wonderful amenities. I wish our stay was longer! We only had one problem: one morning the water didn't work. But it was only for 30 minutes.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Hanoi

This hotel was really great. I think I wish I had asked for a higher room, but other than that, it was perfect. Service was wonderful, beautiful hotel, amazing daily breakfast, perfect locaton.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Evening Teh Dar Show  with Dinner
Evening Teh Dar Show with Dinner
Hoi An

Our least favorite dinner. staff was unfriendly and the food wasn't great. it was the only meal we did not enjoy. The show was just okay. Huan was great, but the dinner and show were only okay.

Hoi An Half-Day  Sightseeing
Hoi An Half-Day Sightseeing
Hoi An
Cam Thanh Cycling & Thanh Dong Organic Farm ( HUT)
Cam Thanh Cycling & Thanh Dong Organic Farm ( HUT)
Hoi An

the bike ride was really great, but the road she took us on was pretty scary through car traffic with children on bikes.

VIP Fast Track Service
VIP Fast Track Service
Vietnam
Dark & Bright Cave - Lan Ha Bay - Tuan Chau - Disembarking Lyra Grandeur Cruise
Dark & Bright Cave - Lan Ha Bay - Tuan Chau - Disembarking Lyra Grandeur Cruise
Vietnam
Lan Ha Bay - Frog Lagoon - Onboarding Lyra Grandeur Cruise (D1)
Lan Ha Bay - Frog Lagoon - Onboarding Lyra Grandeur Cruise (D1)
Vietnam
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Around the Old Quater by Walking - Afternoon food tour
Around the Old Quater by Walking - Afternoon food tour
Hanoi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
VIP Fast Track Service
VIP Fast Track Service
Vietnam
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Hien Do

Our guide in Thailand, Mal-ed, was excellent ...
Thailand | Dec 14 - Dec 22, 2025

R
Roger M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
Our guide in Thailand, Mal-ed, was excellent in all aspects of his work. He was thorough in his explanation of history, culture, religion, sites, events, and even understood the nuanced nature of a U.S. sense of humor. On days we had that were not heavily packed with activity, he provided a list of suggestions for things we could see or do including places to eat. Read more

Our guide in Thailand, Mal-ed, was excellent in all aspects of his work. He was thorough in his explanation of history, culture, religion, sites, events, and even understood the nuanced nature of a U.S. sense of humor. On days we had that were not heavily packed with activity, he provided a list of suggestions for things we could see or do including places to eat.

Hotel Review
Theatre Residence
Bangkok

The room was well appointed and clean, the bed very comfortable, and the water hot. The breakfast buffet was extensive and very good with the morning breaking on the River making a pleasant dining experience. It was near to enjoy walking distance to a huge local market, a temple, and plenty of good restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
An unhurried place with ease of access and moving around. It could have been anywhere.
Location
See previous post.
Staff
The staff were all helpful and eager to help and all very professional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Plenty of towels and easy to navigate the room.
Local specialist: George Game

Costa Rice group tour
Costa Rica | Dec 16 - Dec 23, 2025

S
SANTHI S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2025
We had a great time in Costa Rica.The Hotels that were booked were great and we had a great time at the hotels.The drivers for the first two legs of the journey were good drivers and the third one-Driver+Guide,Mr.Sergei was a wealth of information and very nice-much appreciated by the group.Adrian,our local contact was awesome with his quick responses and we felt comfortable kowing that some one was available for contact and information locally.I did not think that I would be conatcting him... Read more

We had a great time in Costa Rica.The Hotels that were booked were great and we had a great time at the hotels.The drivers for the first two legs of the journey were good drivers and the third one-Driver+Guide,Mr.Sergei was a wealth of information and very nice-much appreciated by the group.Adrian,our local contact was awesome with his quick responses and we felt comfortable kowing that some one was available for contact and information locally.I did not think that I would be conatcting him but I did have to do it a couple of times.It worked out perfect-Kusod to him.

I would like to mention a couple of things:
1.The itenerary needed a little more detail in term of description of activity or Hotels and duration of activity with actual times.For eg.The Selvatura tour is a whole day trip that can started anywhere between 8-12:30pm.
2.The Damas island boat tour started at 1:30pm and said Lunch was included but in practice the lunch was not served till after the tour at 5 pm.If we had details,we could have had lunch on our own and skipped their meal which was very very POOR.
3.We are new to rhe country,so exact times of pick up and drop off would have been helpful.

On the whole except for a few little twiks,the trip went well and we felt comfortable and safe with the drivers.Thanks,Elena for planning teh trip.

Hotel Reviews
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
San José

Beautiful Premises-wished we had stayed longer

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ecotica
Manuel Antonio

Beautiful location and nice utilization of landscape

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde

Beautiful location in Monte Verde

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport
Liberia

Conveinent for an overnight stay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Springs Resort
La Fortuna

The OT springs at the Hotel was nice added Bonus!We took full advantage of the spring

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful view of Arenal
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private San José City Tour
Private San José City Tour
San José

I would have liked a planned tour of the most important places to see.He did a good job but it was a little chaotic as he requested what we wanted to see and took us around.However I think he did a great job given the traffic in San Jose!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Damas Island Boat Tour
Damas Island Boat Tour
Manuel Antonio

The tour was called Lunch tour but they did not Provide any food till after teh trip at %pm-food was cold and very poor quality-fish and chicken were dry and rubbery

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica

The safest Ziplining so far and the team of six who were with were awesome in watching for safety and helping the group move safely across teh 16 platforms.Wasa great Experience as I felt safe.

Quality of Experience
Food
We had a choice of the Menu and teh staff were curteous and attentive!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Zipling was the safest
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora

Amazing 4 day family vacation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Dec 23, 2025

R
Roo P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was incredible. We were only there for 4 days between Monteverde & Manuel Antonio but our travel agent Elena did a wonderful job making sure those 4 days were memorable. The two hotels she picked were beautiful, clean, and with lovely views. The guides for our activities were all friendly and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed visiting the cloud forest, doing a nighttime wildlife walk, our boat tour, and the trip to Manuel Antonio park. All transportation arrangements... Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was incredible. We were only there for 4 days between Monteverde & Manuel Antonio but our travel agent Elena did a wonderful job making sure those 4 days were memorable. The two hotels she picked were beautiful, clean, and with lovely views. The guides for our activities were all friendly and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed visiting the cloud forest, doing a nighttime wildlife walk, our boat tour, and the trip to Manuel Antonio park. All transportation arrangements were entirely seamless and pickups were timely. I will definitely use KimKim again for future travel needs.

Activity Review
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

The crew on our boat were super friendly and ensured it was a great experience. The boat was spacious and there were only 15 people on board so things didn’t feel crowded. We got a great tour of the western coastline and then enjoyed an hour in the ocean diving, swimming, and snorkeling. The lunch provided was delicious, as were the drinks. I would highly recommend this guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora

A great choice
Thailand | Dec 1 - Dec 15, 2025

L
Lars K.
France | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2025
Chosing Kimkim was a leap of faith for us. It was our first time using a travel agent. It turned out to be a good decision. Kimkim put us in contact with Minah from Prestigo Asia. Minah's initial proposal was almost ideal. She proposed some destinations that we didn't know about that we decided to include in our itinerary, like Khao Sok National Park and Koh Yao Noi. After giving our feedback we ended up with a great plan. Once the trip started we were very happy with the hotel selections... Read more

Chosing Kimkim was a leap of faith for us. It was our first time using a travel agent. It turned out to be a good decision. Kimkim put us in contact with Minah from Prestigo Asia. Minah's initial proposal was almost ideal. She proposed some destinations that we didn't know about that we decided to include in our itinerary, like Khao Sok National Park and Koh Yao Noi. After giving our feedback we ended up with a great plan.

Once the trip started we were very happy with the hotel selections and the organisation of the guides and transport connections. We were also very happy with the contact number that we could call any time in case of issues. We used it once for a minor issue which was reolved immediately.

We are very happy with Minah's service. We had a great trip and additionally it was good value for money.
Thanks Minah !

Local specialist: Minah Trinh
Minah
Minah Trinh
Local specialist in Bangkok | Replied on Dec 26, 2025

Dear Lars
Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary, the hotel selections, and the overall organization of your trip. It was a pleasure helping you discover places like Khao Sok National Park and Koh Yao Noi. Thank you for your trust, and I hope to help you plan another amazing journey in the future.

Warm regards,
Minah

Very well organized trip
Finland | Dec 18 - Dec 24, 2025

A
Anurag S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2025

My trip was very well organized. Everything like taxi, outdoor activities and hotel was planned perfectly. Lilla was very responsive and flexible to my requests. I am very happy with the trip and would like to reach out again for my next trip.

Local specialist: Lilla Patrícia Walter

Another great trip!
Italy | Dec 13 - Dec 23, 2025

Jennifer
Jennifer M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 24, 2025
We had a great trip, my third this year with KimKim. My ONLY feedback is about Naples. Having never been to the area, I did not know how crazy it is!!! I wish we had some advice from our agent to explain what it was like. We might have been better suited closer to Sorento or the coast. Our apartment was amazing, we had a great time and Pompeii was unbelievable, but it was so loud in the City center!! Maybe if our advisor had mentioned this we would have made a different choice BUT, don’t get... Read more

We had a great trip, my third this year with KimKim. My ONLY feedback is about Naples. Having never been to the area, I did not know how crazy it is!!! I wish we had some advice from our agent to explain what it was like. We might have been better suited closer to Sorento or the coast. Our apartment was amazing, we had a great time and Pompeii was unbelievable, but it was so loud in the City center!! Maybe if our advisor had mentioned this we would have made a different choice BUT, don’t get me wrong we had fun - it just was CRAZY in Naples and our apartment faced the street and it was so loud all night!

Thanks again, KimKim travel!! I recommend you often and you know I’ll be back!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments
Naples

Beautiful hotel and apartment!! We loved that - the location was brutal. It was SO loud, the city center stays awake all night and our apartment faced the street. No sleep in Naples for us!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Loud!!!!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Glam
Rome

Amazing! Clean, roof top bar, everything is in walking distance!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walked everywhere after an amazing hotel breakfast!!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Antiche Figure
Venice

Amazing, great location and included a trip to Murano!! We loved Venice!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right on the Grand Canal!!! Perfect!
Staff
They were all so nice and helpful!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great hotel and breakfast!
Activity Reviews
Get Inside the Colosseum with Arena Access
Get Inside the Colosseum with Arena Access
Italy

This was amazing - being in the first group in made the day amazing!!!! The sun rose above the colosseum and it was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Testaccio Market: A Local Food Experience
Testaccio Market: A Local Food Experience
Rome

OMG so delicious and what a great exposure to the food of the area. Amazing day!!!!

Quality of Experience
Food
The food at the market and the lunch - UNREAL!!!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover Venice: From St. Mark's Basilica to the Doge’s Palace
Discover Venice: From St. Mark's Basilica to the Doge’s Palace
Venice

We were lucky to be with just us and the guide - amazing!!! We loved our guide, the tour and the history!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Well we didn’t have any!
Venice after Dark: A Cicchetti & Wine Experience
Venice after Dark: A Cicchetti & Wine Experience
Venice

This was so fun - we were exhausted from traveling but this tour showed us the side of Venice we wanted to see!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Rita Pagano

Overall excellent trip Nara did an excellen...
Chile | Dec 15 - Dec 23, 2025

A
Arun C.
Gainesville, FL | Reviewed on Dec 24, 2025
Overall excellent trip Nara did an excellent job and was always present and very responsive. The staff at the hotel patagonia pristine was excellent the guide Armand and driver. Juan in Patagonia were excellent too. Read more

Overall excellent trip

Nara did an excellent job and was always present and very responsive.

The staff at the hotel patagonia pristine was excellent

the guide Armand and driver. Juan in Patagonia were excellent too.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Almasur Providencia
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pampa Lodge Quincho y Caballos
Torres Del Paine
Pristine Patagonia Hotel
Puerto Natales

All the staff were amazing – kind and helpful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nara Matos
Nara
Nara Matos
Local specialist in Puerto Natales | Replied on Dec 24, 2025

Arun & Priya,

Thank you! It was very easy to work with you; you're part of the success of this trip too. The people who work on Pristine are super nice. I knew you would feel great with them. =)

All the best to the two of you!

Solo Trip to Japan with Support
Japan | Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2025

Rodney
Rodney K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
Instead of booking a large, generic group tour with fixed dates, rushed schedules, and little flexibility, I wanted something more personal for my first solo trip to Japan—and Kimkim delivered exactly that. Being able to choose my own dates and have a completely customized itinerary was exactly what I was looking for. My local specialist, Leny, really took the time to understand who I am and what I wanted out of this trip. Over several weeks, we worked together to create a thoughtful,... Read more

Instead of booking a large, generic group tour with fixed dates, rushed schedules, and little flexibility, I wanted something more personal for my first solo trip to Japan—and Kimkim delivered exactly that. Being able to choose my own dates and have a completely customized itinerary was exactly what I was looking for.

My local specialist, Leny, really took the time to understand who I am and what I wanted out of this trip. Over several weeks, we worked together to create a thoughtful, well-paced daily itinerary. I could choose from hotels that matched my style and budget, a mix of private and small-group tours in areas I wanted to explore, the foods I was excited to eat, and the sights I didn’t want to miss. Everything was well organized, including realistic travel time between locations, which made the trip feel smooth and stress-free.

Leny’s expertise, planning, recommendations, and patience made this trip truly exceptional and memorable. Every tour she arranged was fantastic—none were canceled, and all of the guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic. Some personal highlights included the 5-hour Tsukiji, Akihabara & Asakusa Highlights Tour, Best of Shibuya Food Tour, Dinner with a Maiko in Kyoto (which unexpectedly turned into a private dinner with a Geisha!), the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden walking tour, Kyoto’s Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace tour, and the All-Star Food Tour in Ginza.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was knowing that Leny or someone on her team was always available if I needed help. I received daily reminders of the next day’s plans along with any tickets or vouchers, which was reassuring. Her real-time communication and spot-on recommendations for restaurants, shops, souvenirs, and museums were invaluable. Even when something didn’t go as planned, Leny and her team jumped into action, kept me informed, and resolved the issue with a solution that ended up being even better than the original plan. And when I got lost in Japan’s train stations many times, her team’s patience and guidance made all the difference.

Even though this was a solo trip, I felt like I had a supportive team behind me. Next time, I plan to bring my two teenage daughters to Japan, and I will absolutely be using Kimkim again to plan that trip.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Dec 24, 2025

Welcome back home, Rodney. I hope you’re settling in nicely.

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with my team and me. I’m delighted to hear that the trip turned out perfectly, as you mentioned, and that you enjoyed all of the experiences. It was also a pleasure working with you during the trip-planning process.

I look forward to helping you plan your next Japan adventure—perhaps with your teenagers this time. I will be sharing your feedback with my team and our partner teams as well.

Thank you again, and wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Warm regards,
Leny

A full and fantastic Brazil trip: Glad I used Kim Kim & local guides!
Brazil | Oct 10 - Oct 18, 2025

Wendy
Wendy B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
As someone who usually researches and plans their own trips and sets up all the things (hotels, day trip passes, transportation, sightseeing itinerary), this was a different approach for me but one for which I am very thankful. Brazil is an incredible country, but as a tourist, there are safety issues to be aware of in some places and the language barrier is real (Google translate helps, sure, but there is nothing like an actual local guide who doubles as a translator). I went "hybrid"... Read more

As someone who usually researches and plans their own trips and sets up all the things (hotels, day trip passes, transportation, sightseeing itinerary), this was a different approach for me but one for which I am very thankful. Brazil is an incredible country, but as a tourist, there are safety issues to be aware of in some places and the language barrier is real (Google translate helps, sure, but there is nothing like an actual local guide who doubles as a translator).

I went "hybrid" with this Kim Kim experience: I researched what we wanted to see, then handed it off to Federico to bring it to fruition. He did all the itinerary plans and reservations, including setting up the day trips we wanted - some of a quality we could not have set up on our own (historic coffee farm tour, for one - which you can do through day trip companies but are better with genuine local connections). We still got to weigh in on what we wanted to do, but not getting in the weeds with reservations and the itinerary was heaven for a busy professional (or others short on time) and was very reasonable for the level of care and service provided.

We had a local guide with us every day (Alberto was amazing in Rio and Joao Luiz in Foz was great!), along with reliable drivers and a couple of other guides who were all wonderful. Kim Kim works with a local tour agency there, and they were always a text away if we had questions. The only snafu we had was a driver who was late picking us up for dinner and a show, but the local tour company owner showed up in person to apologize and bring us some bubbly to make good :) Noting, it was great to not be with a large tour group the whole trip; the only time we were with others was on a boat excursion, which made it fun in that case.

Going back to Alberto, what a fascinating, knowledgeable man! We loved his level of historical and local knowledge - made the trip so educational - and he has the patience of Job when you are out with him. Appreciated his being attentive to our needs and safety but allowing us to meander around shopping and seeing the sites at our own speed. Top notch! Likewise, Joao Luiz is so kind and attentive - he's a speed warrior, so we had to slow him down at times, but thanks to him we saw more of Iguazu Falls than we would have ever seen otherwise, and we loved that he pointed out all the birds, animals, and best views! He made going from Brazil to Argentina and back so easy - even walked us up to the counter at the airport on the way back to Rio - and was very accomodating in moving activities around to maximize the weather (as were Alberto and Benni in Rio!).

That is another win for KimKim, by the way. Rio's weather is fickle, but because the guides have vouchers rather than hard tickets like we would have purchased for specific times/dates, we were able to flex days around the best times to see Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, the Bird Park in Foz, etc. and go to the Botanical Gardens and other activities the days when it was overcast, foggy or drizzly. HUGE perk and one that allowed us to see everything we wanted!

Federico was good to work with me on hotels. He provided suggestions, some of which we took, but also booked the other hotels we requested. Same with working around a couple of other activities we booked directly (like a cooking class and beach day). Again, Kim Kim is good to accomodate and work with you, and I found it very reasonable for the service and level of attention you receive. Our many thanks to Federico and Kim Kim, their local partner tour company in Brazil, and our wonderful drivers (we loved Ricardo!) and outstanding tour guides (Alberto, Joao Luiz, Benni!) for making the trip such a terrific experience! I will definitely use KimKim again!

Local specialist: Federico Alessandri
Federico
Federico Alessandri
Local specialist in Rio de Janeiro | Replied on Dec 24, 2025

Dearest Wendy,
thank you so much for your detailed and honest review. It was truly a pleasure working with you and creating a tailor-made journey that lived up to your expectations.
On behalf of the entire team and everyone who contributed to making this experience possible, thank you sincerely.
I hope to see you again in Brazil one day. We’ll always be here waiting for you.
Thank you once again, and see you soon.
Federico

Morocco 2025
Morocco | Nov 4 - Nov 12, 2025

Joseph
Joseph P.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
Our bucket list trip to Morocco ranks as one of our best vacations ever,
thanks in large part to kimkim’s impeccable planning and attention to detail.
After choosing kimkim from a wide field based on their highly favorable
reviews and reasonable rates, we exchanged several messages that
culminated in a Zoom call to discuss our interests and personalize our
travel plans. Our expert travel consultants Maryem and Habiba drafted and
then modified our Imperial City tour several times to meet...
Read more

Our bucket list trip to Morocco ranks as one of our best vacations ever,
thanks in large part to kimkim’s impeccable planning and attention to detail.
After choosing kimkim from a wide field based on their highly favorable
reviews and reasonable rates, we exchanged several messages that
culminated in a Zoom call to discuss our interests and personalize our
travel plans. Our expert travel consultants Maryem and Habiba drafted and
then modified our Imperial City tour several times to meet our specific
desires. The entire trip went off smoothly, starting from our pickup at the
airport to the dropoff at our final hotel nine days later. Our driver Omar
exceeded our expectations. We spent a week with him traversing Morocco
and parted as good friends by the trip’s end. Omar was an excellent guide,
as well as an experienced driver. He was very knowledgeable about the
history of his country and great at taking us to many of the under-the-radar
spots that were not overrun with tour buses. Omar was very polite and
gracious and attentive to our needs. He is a great conversationalist but
would also allow us quiet time to relax and nap, as we spent many hours in
the van with him. The hotels we stayed in were top end, some oozing old
world-charm and others worthy of a spread in Architectural Digest. Our
local guides in Fes, Rabat, and Marrakech provided excellent insider tours
both within and outside of Morocco’s ancient medinas.

Local specialist: Sharon Louthian

A great introduction to a wonderful country
Mexico | Nov 28 - Dec 8, 2025

Shay
Shay J.
Bellingham, WA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
This was a fantastic trip and a great introduction to Mexico. Our initial trip plan from Charlotte was full of great activities and suggestions as a way to get to know Mexico City and Oaxaca and every activity built on the other to learn the culture and history. Each day had a thoughtful activity or plan, but it was never overwhelming. The walking tours with private guides helped illuminate more of the history and gave us a different perspective on the rich culture of Mexico City and... Read more

This was a fantastic trip and a great introduction to Mexico. Our initial trip plan from Charlotte was full of great activities and suggestions as a way to get to know Mexico City and Oaxaca and every activity built on the other to learn the culture and history.

Each day had a thoughtful activity or plan, but it was never overwhelming. The walking tours with private guides helped illuminate more of the history and gave us a different perspective on the rich culture of Mexico City and Oaxaca. Our Mexico City driver, Sr. Roberto, had a great sense of humor and patience as he helped get us around a large and overwhelming city. Some other highlights of our tour were our bicycle ride through Mexico City with our guide Raul, tasting different foods and seeing new neighborhoods on two wheels; visiting the Museum of Archaeology; the hot air balloon ride and visiting the pyramids of Teotihuacan; kayaking the canals in Xochimilco; and this was just in Mexico City!

Oaxaca was also a gem and one of the highlights was the day spent doing a cooking class with our chef Gerardo. He picked us up, took us to a local market, where we learned about the food and bought what was needed to cook a delicious authentic meal, and then spent the afternoon at his kitchen preparing and eating a delicious meal. We also enjoyed the two days of historical tours with our drivers and guide Ede, where we saw other historical and archaeological treasures of the Oaxaca region. We enjoyed visiting the various artisans, including the painters, the potters, and weavers who all used unique methods to make beautiful treasures.

KimKim and Charlotte did a great job of selecting hotels that were unique (especially the Sauve Casa Boutique in Oaxaca--what a great place!) and putting us in locations where we could also go on walks without needing to get in a car. We got good recommendations for meals and food, things to do, and the whole trip was seamless. We felt completely safe and taken care of and had such a good time. Thank you for a memorable vacation!

Hotel Reviews
Sauvé Casa Boutique
Oaxaca

Great central location; amazingly clean; unique room; lovely central courtyard; delicious complementary breakfast. It was also very loud at this hotel, but no surprise given the central location. They did acknowledge the noise with the included ear plugs. :)

Authenticity & Character
Historical and lovely representation of Oaxacan architecture.
Location
Central and easy to get everywhere.
Staff
Super helpful, friendly, went out of their way to help us feel welcome.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, lovely, smelled fresh and so beautiful
Casa Decu
Mexico City

Convenient and lovely location in the historic Condesa neighborhood. The bathroom was a bit small, and the hotel was on a noisy street, but that seems to be an unavoidable part of Mexico City. We loved the Art Deco neighborhood and style of the hotel. It was very comfortable and we would stay there again!

Authenticity & Character
Art deco style and rooftop terrace that felt tucked away yet in the middle of everything
Location
So convenient and easy to just go outside and walk around.
Staff
The front desk folks were amazing and the doorman was so congenial.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was a little uncomfortable and the bathroom sink was so small! Otherwise, clean and lovely.
Activity Reviews
Hierve el Agua – Mitla – Teotitlán del Valle - Tule Tree - Mezcal Testing
Hierve el Agua – Mitla – Teotitlán del Valle - Tule Tree - Mezcal Testing
Oaxaca

Guide Ede was fantastic. Seeing the different locations on this day was a great way to end the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monte Alban - San Antonio Arrazola - Cuilapam de Guerrero - San Bartolo Coyotepec
Monte Alban - San Antonio Arrazola - Cuilapam de Guerrero - San Bartolo Coyotepec
Oaxaca

Monte Alban was a complete surprise and lovely. Not a site we knew we would visit, but even more meaningful after seeing the other ruins and sites. Our driver was awesome, and our guide Ede was captivating and engaging.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking Class - Oaxaca
Cooking Class - Oaxaca
Oaxaca

Absolutely a highlight. The market was a unique experience that would have been very intimidating without a guide. We tried and made foods that were authentic and delicious. Chef Gerardo's house/kitchen was so inviting and lovely. We really enjoyed our day!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Oaxaca (city tour)
Explore Oaxaca (city tour)
Oaxaca

The tour guide gave us so much insight into the history of the area. He was energetic and a lot of fun. We liked learning about the ancient water systems, the cathedrals and history of the Catholic church in Mexico, and trying Oaxacan ice creams/ices.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Tacos & Cantinas
Tour Tacos & Cantinas
Mexico City

Tried a variety of different tacos in places we would have never experienced.

Quality of Experience
Food
Trying things we would have never thought to try (tripe, cheek, ear!, those fried cheese tacos that were awesome)
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Teotihuacan site with and English speaking guide
Teotihuacan site with and English speaking guide
Mexico

Our guide Isabel was so knowledgeable and helpful and really brought the site to life. The pyramids and ruins were overwhelming, but we got a history that made it attainable. Definitely bring a hat! I forgot to do that and it was very bright.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan
Hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan
Mexico City

Magical and such a unique experience. Yes, it was touristy, but I can see why. Our balloon pilot was so skilled and it felt like we were in great hands.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lucha libre in Mexico city
Lucha libre in Mexico city
Mexico City

Super fun, great seats, and a really unique experience. I would have never picked this activity but am so glad we got to go! What a spectacle!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bike Tour : Mexico Is Not Only Tacos
Bike Tour : Mexico Is Not Only Tacos
Mexico City

Our guide Raul was amazing! He was everybody's friend and knew the side streets, street vendors, and best places to try different food. We covered a ton of ground and got to see so much of the Condesa and Roma North neighborhoods. This day was definitely a highlight!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayak tour in the canals of Xochimilco (Sunrise or Sunset)
Kayak tour in the canals of Xochimilco (Sunrise or Sunset)
Mexico

Magical experience. Our driver/kayak guide was fantastic and so energetic. We got to see things I would have never seen on this trip. What a surprising experience, delicious breakfast, and really interesting.

Quality of Experience
Absolutely the guide. He was awesome. So fun, great information, and a real sense of adventure.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private car with driver (Spanish speaking ) and english speaking guide
Private car with driver (Spanish speaking ) and english speaking guide
Mexico City

The driver and the guide were both fantastic! The driver knew Mexico City well and made it a real adventure getting around. Our guide had so much knowledge and information.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
City walking tour and National Museum of Anthropology
City walking tour and National Museum of Anthropology
Mexico City

Our guide was amazing. He was so knowledgeable! My only complaint was that it just wasn't enough time to see the whole Museum. We need five days to really see everything, and so much would have been good to revisit after the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver was patient, skilled, and really got us around!
Transport
Local specialist: Charlotte Melun
Charlotte
Charlotte Melun
Local specialist in Mérida, Yucata, Mexico | Replied on Dec 23, 2025
Thank you so much, Shay, for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review ⭐️ I’m truly delighted to read how much you enjoyed your first experience in Mexico, and it means a lot to know that the itinerary, pace, and activities resonated with you. Creating a journey that feels enriching without being overwhelming is always my goal, so I’m very happy to hear that this balance worked well for you. I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Sr. Roberto, Raul, Gerardo, Ede,... Read more

Thank you so much, Shay, for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review ⭐️

I’m truly delighted to read how much you enjoyed your first experience in Mexico, and it means a lot to know that the itinerary, pace, and activities resonated with you. Creating a journey that feels enriching without being overwhelming is always my goal, so I’m very happy to hear that this balance worked well for you.

I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Sr. Roberto, Raul, Gerardo, Ede, and the rest of the team. They will be thrilled to know they helped make your trip so special. Mexico City and Oaxaca are both incredibly rich destinations, and I’m glad you were able to experience their culture, history, food, and creativity in such a hands-on way.

Thank you as well for highlighting the hotels and locations, I’m especially happy you loved Sauve Casa Boutique in Oaxaca, it really is a gem.

It was a real pleasure planning this journey for you, and I’m so grateful for your trust. I hope Mexico stays with you for a long time, and I would be thrilled to help you plan another adventure whenever the travel bug strikes again.

Warmest thanks,
Charlotte

TLDR: Cory is a master class in crafting an amazing experience in Japan
Japan | Dec 5 - Dec 15, 2025

Suzanne
Suzanne P.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
I am a planner at my core and it was a huge leap of faith to trust someone else to plan the details of my solo trip. Cory exceeded my expectations and delivered an amazing experience in Japan. Cory optimized my long wish list of to dos with enough structure and flexibility to accommodate the unexpected. It was in that flexibility that provide me the opportunity to linger in a bookstore just a little bit longer, or pop into a small local coffee roaster and chat with the owner and learn about... Read more

I am a planner at my core and it was a huge leap of faith to trust someone else to plan the details of my solo trip. Cory exceeded my expectations and delivered an amazing experience in Japan. Cory optimized my long wish list of to dos with enough structure and flexibility to accommodate the unexpected. It was in that flexibility that provide me the opportunity to linger in a bookstore just a little bit longer, or pop into a small local coffee roaster and chat with the owner and learn about the beans he roasted on site and even met his mother who popped in - magic truly occurs in the moments between breaths. And the guides Cory partners with are such amazing people, each of them made the trip so special.

Cory’s in country support continued to provide the level of attention and care that she is known for. No trip or event is flawless but knowing that Cory was there to help solve for those unplanned situations made the trip so much better. I ended up having a few questions and a late train change request that Cory quickly responded to and managed for me - allowing for a seamless experience.

I absolutely cannot wait to go back with my family and work with Cory again. I recommend Cory, with absolute confidence, to partner with you on your trip to Japan.

Local specialist: Cory Varga

Costa Rica: a mixed experience
Costa Rica | Nov 30 - Dec 8, 2025

Susan
Susan W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025
Costa Rica is an interesting country. We stayed in Nayara, Hotel Belmar and Cala Luna resorts so we experienced rainforests, cloud forests and the Pacific. Kat organized a trip around our interests, but driving from point A to point B was only for locals - the roads were typically in poor shape, two lanes and lots of ruts, so we were glad we had a driver instead of our own car. We also enjoyed the transfer time by observing the countryside that we wouldn't normally have seen. Miguel drove us... Read more

Costa Rica is an interesting country. We stayed in Nayara, Hotel Belmar and Cala Luna resorts so we experienced rainforests, cloud forests and the Pacific. Kat organized a trip around our interests, but driving from point A to point B was only for locals - the roads were typically in poor shape, two lanes and lots of ruts, so we were glad we had a driver instead of our own car. We also enjoyed the transfer time by observing the countryside that we wouldn't normally have seen. Miguel drove us to Nayara, a 3 hr + ride and he handled a detour skillfully while answering the many questions I had about the country. Nayara is so verdant and brimming with natural elements_ pools, natural springs and wildlife. A coati visited us on our patio one afternoon! First-class rooms, amenities and food. Every restaurant showed careful consideration of my food allergies. Massages by Alejandra and Erika were excellent. We would return to Nayara!
Hotel Belmont in the cloud forest (ironically, sunny every day!). The main part of the hotel was old but updated. We had a great view of the Pacific nearly 40 miles away. We enjoyed the cuisine at their restaurant and ate every meal there to be assured we had potable food and water. We shopped at many quaint shops in the town area with regional handmade items. At night we chose the guided Children's Eternal Rainforest walk. Our guide, Alum pointed out many nocturnal animals, birds and insects. Cala Luna resort in Tamarindo was next. While we were very near the Pacific we couldn't see it. The beach was full of enormous, slippery rocks making walking impossible. The nearby public beach (a drive) was crowded, so we stayed away. A shout out to Harvey and Carla at the restaurant, and the masseuses Caroleena and Silbeea, although the spa was near the road, so we heard traffic. The pool was lovely and void of guests, although my chair broke and fell to the ground and no employee noticed. Since we booked late, Kat was told the only room available was a three-bedroom home which was very expensive and it wasn't special at all. Tamarindo is very hot and humid. Kat only contacted us once during the trip...we've had Kim Kim guides text daily. Costa Rica is a mixed bag, but the people we encountered were lovely and appreciated us trying our very limited Spanish.

Activity Reviews
Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience
Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience
Costa Rica

We have seen baby turtles leave their nests to travel to the ocean before, but never seen the mothers come directly to the beach to dig a hole and make a nest in the sand. This time, in total darkness, we saw several mothers come to the beach ready to lay their eggs. While exciting, Christian used red light for us to watch the mothers dig for over 45 minutes before they decided the sand was too wet and marched back into the sea to look for more favorable conditions. Again, it's nature so Christian could not have predicted it, but we were all disappointed. We had ample time to view the vast sky with stars, which was peaceful.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mangrove & Estuary Safari by Boat
Mangrove & Estuary Safari by Boat
Tamarindo

Aside from getting up very early, this experience was very interesting. Our guide Juan Carlos was excellent and gave us a "lecture" about the importance of the estuary and what we might see. We did, in fact see crocodiles, monkeys and many birds. Our promised "snack" was a large piece of very fresh pineapple that Juan Carlos sliced perfectly with his machete!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Eternal Rainforest Night Walk
Eternal Rainforest Night Walk
Monteverde

Our guide, Alum was very helpful in pointing out nightlife, when possible. There were only four in our group that night. We saw several birds but mostly insects....the finale was a tarantula that lives in a hollow log. I can't blame the guide for not seeing more wildlife and he did his best to find what he could. I love the story of how the Eternal Rainforest was initiated, but I'll leave that story for the next visitor to hear.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Kat Johnson
Kat
Kat Johnson
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on Dec 23, 2025
Thank you, Susan, for the review! I’m so glad you enjoyed experiencing Costa Rica’s rainforests, cloud forest, and Pacific coast, and that Miguel made the long drives smooth, informative, and stress-free. You're absolutely right about the road conditions, so having a driver is often the best call. It’s wonderful to hear how much you loved Nayara; between the lush setting, local wildlife (a coati visit!), and thoughtful hospitality, it really is a special gem. I’m also happy Hotel Belmar was a... Read more

Thank you, Susan, for the review! I’m so glad you enjoyed experiencing Costa Rica’s rainforests, cloud forest, and Pacific coast, and that Miguel made the long drives smooth, informative, and stress-free. You're absolutely right about the road conditions, so having a driver is often the best call. It’s wonderful to hear how much you loved Nayara; between the lush setting, local wildlife (a coati visit!), and thoughtful hospitality, it really is a special gem. I’m also happy Hotel Belmar was a highlight with its beautiful views, excellent dining, and the memorable night walk. Thank you as well for the candid feedback on Cala Luna/Tamarindo, the late-booking lodging limitations, and your note about trip check-ins, I truly appreciate it and will take it to heart. Pura vida, and thank you again for traveling with kimkim! 🇨🇷🌸

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