Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 17,287 ratings
Read 17,287 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.

Perfect trip!
Japan | Aug 9 - Aug 20, 2025

G
geraldine c.
France | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025
Leny was very helpful to customize and make MANY changes to our trip based on our requests.
Her team was also there during the actual trip to check up on us and help with any last minute needs.
I highly recommend her!
Read more

Leny was very helpful to customize and make MANY changes to our trip based on our requests.
Her team was also there during the actual trip to check up on us and help with any last minute needs.
I highly recommend her!

Hotel Reviews
hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Kyoto-Shijo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vista Tokyo Tsukiji

Good location Rooms are quite small.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sushi Making Experience: Craft Authentic Sushi
Sushi Making Experience: Craft Authentic Sushi
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Half Day Tokyo Tour with English Speaking Guide (Private)
Half Day Tokyo Tour with English Speaking Guide (Private)
Tokyo

Very nice and knowledgeable guide, but his accent in English made it a bit hard to understand him sometime

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Aug 23, 2025

Hi Geraldine, welcome back home!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I’m happy to hear that the adjustments we made helped shape the trip to fit your requests. My team and I always want to make sure you feel supported, not just during the planning, but also throughout your travels, so it means a lot that you noticed. I appreciate your recommendation and would be delighted to help again whenever you plan your next adventure.

Sincerely,
Leny

We had the most incredible trip to Greece, al...
Greece | Jul 21 - Jul 27, 2025

Wendy
Wendy D.
Kansas City, MO | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025
We had the most incredible trip to Greece, all thanks to kimkim. Every detail was thoughtfully planned — from stunning boutique hotels to unforgettable boating experiences that really made the trip special. Communication was excellent throughout the process, and their easy-to-use app made our itinerary seamless to follow. We truly felt cared for every step of the way. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a perfectly curated and stress-free travel experience! Highly highly recommend staying... Read more

We had the most incredible trip to Greece, all thanks to kimkim. Every detail was thoughtfully planned — from stunning boutique hotels to unforgettable boating experiences that really made the trip special. Communication was excellent throughout the process, and their easy-to-use app made our itinerary seamless to follow. We truly felt cared for every step of the way. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a perfectly curated and stress-free travel experience! Highly highly recommend staying off the beaten path in Paros.

Hotel Reviews
Galaxy Hotel Naxos
Naxos

Fantastic!!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Philippos Hotel Athens
Athens

Can't beat the location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Saint George Hotel
Paros

Sitting at this pool that overlooks the ocean with nonstop amazing watersports was a feast for our eyes. So relaxing and entertaining. Would choose to do it all over again!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Off the beaten path which WE LOVED!!!!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Aug 21, 2025

Wendy, thank you so much for your review! The Greece team and I loved creating this trip so that you and your family could enjoy Greece to the fullest without any worries! 🇬🇷✨ I hope we can assist you in planning a return trip to Greece in the future!

This was one our best trips!
Greece | Aug 4 - Aug 12, 2025

J
jo d.
Lexington, MA | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025
This was one our best trips and the third we’ve booked with KimKim. We started after a one week cruise around the Greek islands, and continued on with 10 days in Greece. This trip was well planned, with a variety of places, activities, and methods of arrival (planes, ferries, car services). Gustavo is based in KimKim HQ and I was worried about local Greek knowledge and access to him. No problem! He was highly responsive, walked through the trip plan via a video (his idea), and when we had... Read more

This was one our best trips and the third we’ve booked with KimKim. We started after a one week cruise around the Greek islands, and continued on with 10 days in Greece. This trip was well planned, with a variety of places, activities, and methods of arrival (planes, ferries, car services). Gustavo is based in KimKim HQ and I was worried about local Greek knowledge and access to him. No problem! He was highly responsive, walked through the trip plan via a video (his idea), and when we had immediate issues to be solved, someone from KimKim jumped into the What’s App chat. Problems solved.

In Santorini we did the Fira Food and Views Walking Tour, the Jeep 4x4 off-road experience, and the Sunset Caldera Catamaran trip. All were small groups and personal, where we got new views of the island and Greece overall. Very high quality vendors were chosen.

In Paros, our snorkeling adventure was cancelled due to high winds, so we just rented a car and drove around. Pretty easy. There are less “experience” options on Paros (vs Santorini or Crete, for example), and we were ok with the vacation being more low key.

Hotel Reviews
Sofitel Athens Airport
Athens

Good airport hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cove Paros
Paros

This is such a pretty property! It’s a big place with lots of variety, but still personal in its service. Shout out to the front desk team including Kristina who welcomed and oriented us to Paros. The room was looking out at the pool, clean, on the small side, but with good amenities including a fabulous heavy duty clothing steamer which we loved for our linen! We used the pool and the beach, both with comfortable lounge chairs that are light enough to move around. The sea is warm this time of year) so swimming was nice, and there was beverage/food service at both. Yamis and his team at both restaurants made us feel at home, starting with our welcome drink. Breakfast was absolutely amazing - you order small plates off a huge menu, and get as many items as you want. Terrific coffee. Dinner at their restaurant called Rada exceeded our expectations. Our two servers, both named Katarina, took great care of us. The food was outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
Comfy and elegant.
Location
Has its own private beach.
Staff
Yamas, Kristine, Catarina x2.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nespresso coffee machines, nice hair products. Great clothes steamer!
Kasimatis by La Perla
Santorini

Location is in Imerovigli which is a good alternative to Oia. You can cab or bus to Oia for one day, but here you can walk to 2 villages. The front desk was always available and helpful. We had the Cave Suite with hot tub, used the tub once. This room doesn’t overlook the caldera, so upgrade if you want that. The room is clean, there’s a good size refrigerator and hot water kettle.. The bed was comfortable, A/C strong, shower good, robes and slippers provided - which is nice. There is no separate hair conditioner, so bring your own if you use it. They only provide 2 water bottles when you check in, and it would be great if they provided 2 per-day. The pool is decent size and right next to the bar. Breakfast was terrific, and we had dinner in the hotel restaurant which was quite good with fabulous sunset views.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to get to - as long as someone else takes your luggage up and down the stairs!
Staff
Front desk (manager and her team) were very helpful. Housekeeping was really sweet and efficient.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos

Outstanding Service and Unforgettable Experience
Colombia | Jul 31 - Aug 8, 2025

Z
Zhenya S.
Bulgaria | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025
We would like to sincerely thank Wendy for organizing the trip to Colombia for my mother and father-in-law. From start to finish, everything was perfectly arranged — the hotels were excellent, the guides were knowledgeable and caring, and the whole itinerary was thoughtfully planned to make the journey smooth and memorable. Wendy’s professionalism, attention to detail, and warm approach gave us peace of mind, knowing that they were in the best hands. She went above and beyond to make sure... Read more

We would like to sincerely thank Wendy for organizing the trip to Colombia for my mother and father-in-law. From start to finish, everything was perfectly arranged — the hotels were excellent, the guides were knowledgeable and caring, and the whole itinerary was thoughtfully planned to make the journey smooth and memorable.

Wendy’s professionalism, attention to detail, and warm approach gave us peace of mind, knowing that they were in the best hands. She went above and beyond to make sure every detail was taken care of, and it truly made a difference.

I cannot recommend Wendy highly enough — if you are planning a trip, she is the person to trust. We are deeply grateful for her efforts and will gladly work with her again in the future :)

Local specialist: Wendy Romero

Best experience ever :) Incredible service :)
Ecuador | Aug 8 - Aug 13, 2025

Z
Zhenya S.
Bulgaria | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

We need to express our deep thankfulness about your great job. Amazing organisation, logistics and of course the brilliant tour guide- Havier. Thanks to him we learned so much of your beautiful country. All of you guys are excellent. It is a great pleasure to communicate with Havier knowing so exhaustive information about your country. We’ve been to 85 countries globally and can confirm you do the job very well and professionally. Tourism in Ecuador must soar due to people like you. We wish you health and good luck
Thank you

Georgi and Mariana
BULGARIA

Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano
Anthony
Anthony Zambrano
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Aug 21, 2025
Dear Zhenya, Mariana, and Georgi! Reading your message truly made my day. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I’m so happy to know that everything went smoothly and that you felt well taken care of throughout your trip. Your kind words about Javier mean a lot. He loves what he does, and I know he’ll be touched to hear how much you appreciated his knowledge and company. Travelers like you make his work so meaningful. Hearing this from such experienced travelers, who have... Read more

Dear Zhenya, Mariana, and Georgi!

Reading your message truly made my day. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I’m so happy to know that everything went smoothly and that you felt well taken care of throughout your trip.

Your kind words about Javier mean a lot. He loves what he does, and I know he’ll be touched to hear how much you appreciated his knowledge and company. Travelers like you make his work so meaningful.

Hearing this from such experienced travelers, who have explored more than 85 countries, is special for us. It’s an honor that you chose Ecuador, and that we could help you discover a bit of its magic.

From all of us here: thank you again for trusting us with your journey. We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime for more adventures in Ecuador.

Wishing you both health, happiness, and many more amazing travels!

Warmly,
Anthony & the Link Experiences Team

We had such a wonderful experience working wi...
Iceland | Aug 8 - Aug 12, 2025

Lisa
Lisa A.
Blacksburg, VA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
We had such a wonderful experience working with Alisha on our Iceland trip! Everything was so thoughtfully planned, and we especially appreciated the clear driving directions that made exploring on our own easy and stress-free. The premium puffin tour was absolutely incredible, and the kayak on the glacier lagoon was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also loved the hiking spots she recommended—especially Mulagljúfur Canyon, with its breathtaking views of waterfalls. The hotels she selected... Read more

We had such a wonderful experience working with Alisha on our Iceland trip! Everything was so thoughtfully planned, and we especially appreciated the clear driving directions that made exploring on our own easy and stress-free. The premium puffin tour was absolutely incredible, and the kayak on the glacier lagoon was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also loved the hiking spots she recommended—especially Mulagljúfur Canyon, with its breathtaking views of waterfalls. The hotels she selected were top-notch and perfectly located, which made each stop along the way even more enjoyable. Alisha made the whole process smooth and enjoyable, and we’re so grateful for her expertise in creating such a memorable adventure!

Local specialist: Alicia Jean-Talon
Alicia
Alicia Jean-Talon
Local specialist in France/Iceland | Replied on Aug 21, 2025

Thank you, Lisa and Guy, for this feedback.
I'm so glad you had a great trip in Iceland!
Wish you a lot of great travels in the future and all the best.
Warm regards,
Alicia

- How did you feel while planning the trip w...
Italy | Jun 6 - Jun 29, 2025

C
Christina C.
West Palm Beach, FL | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

- How did you feel while planning the trip with me? Did you feel well-assisted?
You were very helpful and made me feel well assisted.
Were my answers punctual and clear? yes
Did I succeed in making you feel I was the right person to plan your trip?
yes, you were very helpful and kind
- How would you rate the quality of the services we provided (drivers, guides, concierge, etc.)?
excellent drivers and I loved the transport with the suv's-clean
- What was the best moment of your trip?
Seeing the pope after our tour on our last day prior to leaving Rome and Capri boat ride

Local specialist: Sonia Vanzin
Sonia
Sonia Vanzin
Local specialist in Venice | Replied on Aug 21, 2025

Thanks, Cristina, for your nice words. It was a pleasure planning your trip.
We look forward to welcoming you to Italy again!

Michael planned a great trip for us. It was p...
Colombia | Aug 8 - Aug 19, 2025

Nancy
Nancy S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
Michael planned a great trip for us. It was pretty complicated, with intra-country flights, and a lot of driving. All the guides were prompt, kind, and informative (and English-speaking, which we needed). In Bogota, Michael arranged a dinner with a private chef, with a host who was very friendly and so knowledgeable about native foods and sustainability. In Pereira, we had an amazing trip/hike to the Cocura Valley and the Santa Rosa hot springs. Our guide in Guatape was flexible when we asked... Read more

Michael planned a great trip for us. It was pretty complicated, with intra-country flights, and a lot of driving. All the guides were prompt, kind, and informative (and English-speaking, which we needed). In Bogota, Michael arranged a dinner with a private chef, with a host who was very friendly and so knowledgeable about native foods and sustainability. In Pereira, we had an amazing trip/hike to the Cocura Valley and the Santa Rosa hot springs. Our guide in Guatape was flexible when we asked to re-arrange the tour a bit, and then actually climbed all 750 steps with us so she could take our picture and make sure we were all comfortable. And in Tayrona, our guide took us to some amazing local restaurants and guided us on a great hike. He also got up early and arranged our park entrance in advance so we could save time and not wait in line. And finally, in Cartagena, our guide took us to some great street food places (including a top-notch ceviche stand). We also learned about George Washington's older half-brother's role in Cartagena -- which was fascinating. Overall, we highly recommend working with Chaska.

Activity Reviews
Walking Tour & Street Food
Walking Tour & Street Food
Cartagena

Our guide was very knowledgeable on history, and took us to some great local stands.

Nueva Venecia and the stilt villages of the Ciénaga Grande (On the Way to Cartagena)
Nueva Venecia and the stilt villages of the Ciénaga Grande (On the Way to Cartagena)
Colombia

What's great about this trip is the history and current situation in this area. It's a great cultural experience, especially with the guide we had, who was thoughtful and informative.

Hike Tayrona National Park
Hike Tayrona National Park
Colombia

The guide took time to get our wristbands for entry in advance, which gave us more time to hike. He took us on a good trail, and spotted some wildlife that we would have missed.

Tubing on Don Diego River
Tubing on Don Diego River
Colombia

We loved our lunch before the tubing. Our guide was excellent, and the local tubing person helped keep us on track.

Guatapé Day-Trip
Guatapé Day-Trip
Colombia
Filandia, Salento and Valle del Cocora
Filandia, Salento and Valle del Cocora
Colombia

Valle Del Cocora was outsanding - probably only needed to see one town since we weren't into shopping, but if you like shopping, doing both would be good.

Santa Rosa Hot Springs
Santa Rosa Hot Springs
Colombia

It was nice that the guide watched our bags while we soaked and hiked.

Tejo Game in Bogotá
Tejo Game in Bogotá
Bogotá

We asked for this and weren't disappointed. If you like to play cornhole, this is the sport for you!

Bogota's Essentials (City Tour & Monserrate)
Bogota's Essentials (City Tour & Monserrate)
Bogotá

The guide was great and knowledgeable

Traditional Dinner - Top Chef Private Dining
Traditional Dinner - Top Chef Private Dining
Bogotá

Level of knowledge of the host and quality of the food.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Aug 20, 2025
Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was a real pleasure helping you plan this adventure through Colombia, and I’m so glad to hear that everything came together smoothly.
I especially enjoyed arranging those little special touches, like the private dinner in Bogotá and making sure your experiences like Tejo were memorable.
Your kind words and recommendation mean the world to us at Chaska. Colombia has so many layers of history, culture, and natural beauty, and I’m...
Read more

Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was a real pleasure helping you plan this adventure through Colombia, and I’m so glad to hear that everything came together smoothly.
I especially enjoyed arranging those little special touches, like the private dinner in Bogotá and making sure your experiences like Tejo were memorable.
Your kind words and recommendation mean the world to us at Chaska. Colombia has so many layers of history, culture, and natural beauty, and I’m grateful that I could be part of your journey to discover it.
Wishing you all the best - and I’d love to help you plan another Colombian adventure whenever the travel bug bites again!
Warm regards,
Michael

South Africa, Victoria Falls and Botswana
South Africa | Jul 20 - Aug 6, 2025

D
Darshan P.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
We travelled to South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Botswana for 19 days, and Anna-Marie and her team did an excellent job in planning our itinerary. Anna-Marie was our lead planner along with her colleague, Janneke, and others. We provided Anna-Marie with our wishlist, our requirements for accommodation, and how we like to travel in a day, and she made sure each day was planned accordingly. We were celebrating our 20th anniversary of marriage anniversary and she had made... Read more

We travelled to South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Botswana for 19 days, and Anna-Marie and her team did an excellent job in planning our itinerary.

Anna-Marie was our lead planner along with her colleague, Janneke, and others.

We provided Anna-Marie with our wishlist, our requirements for accommodation, and how we like to travel in a day, and she made sure each day was planned accordingly. We were celebrating our 20th anniversary of marriage anniversary and she had made sure to convey that throughout, so we were surprised by the celebrations at all our accommodations. All our accommodations, our rides, were exceptionally well thought keeping our family's requirements in mind.

We met Anna-Marie and her family while in Cape Town for dinner, and it was great to connect with her personally. My daughter and her daughter are now friends. She was very helpful and patiently answered all the questions I had before the trip. And during the trip, she checked in with us every day to make sure everything was as planned and also gave a heads-up for the next day. Constant communication with her on the trip was very comforting. We also got the opportunity to meet Janneke for lunch one day, who was a pleasure to meet with.

We had a great trip, and a well-planned itinerary plays a big role in making it a success. We planned to go back to South Africa and will definitely reach out to Anna-Marie for that. She is great with communication and understands your requirements very well, and is always ready to work around that. Got back with us amazing experiences and a lifetime of memories, and thanks to Anna-Marie for this. Couldn't have done it any other way.

Hotel Reviews
The Winchester Hotel
Western Cape

Great location, very comfortable stay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chobe Game Lodge
Serondela

What a great place, very comfortable, great location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
58 On Hume
Randburg

They gave us an upgrade to their most amazing rooms, and they had the smallest details to make it super comfortable. Food and staff were amazing. Beautiful place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Schoone Oordt Country House
Swellendam

It is such a cozy place to be run by a family. Small details during the stay were very comforting. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Rooms were sooo big and very comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Hoedspruit

Such a cozy place, the staff is exceptional and took care of our smallest requirements. My 10-year-old did not want to leave the place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Classic Air Balloon Flight
Classic Air Balloon Flight
Johannesburg

It was our first time doing an air balloon ride, the pilot was a very young lady, but very confident and knew what she was doing. We got to see Rino, and the whole experience was very smooth and comfortable.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Aug 21, 2025

Hello Darshan & Jaina

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful review. We are super happy that you had such an amazing holiday.

You are really like friends to us, and we would love to welcome you back one day!

Warm greetings
Anna-marie

Athens was not overcrowded in August so we re...
Greece | Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2025

J
Justine K.
Spain | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
Athens was not overcrowded in August so we really enjoyed the historical sights and wandering around the streets.
Nafplio was charming and a beautiful surprise to us, I would highly recommend a visit there.
Our sailing day was amazing and our skipper Nadine was wonderful.
The transfer driver from Athens to Nafplio and back to Athens was grumpy and rude but all other drivers and guides were great.
Our cooking experience with Savor was fabulous, we made some great food and enjoyed eating...
Read more

Athens was not overcrowded in August so we really enjoyed the historical sights and wandering around the streets.
Nafplio was charming and a beautiful surprise to us, I would highly recommend a visit there.
Our sailing day was amazing and our skipper Nadine was wonderful.
The transfer driver from Athens to Nafplio and back to Athens was grumpy and rude but all other drivers and guides were great.
Our cooking experience with Savor was fabulous, we made some great food and enjoyed eating it too, the wine pairing was enjoyed too.

Hotel Reviews
Glyfada Riviera Hotel
Glyfada
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Epoch House & The Orange Shop
Nafplio Greece
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Modernist Athens
Athens
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Cooking Class in Nafplio
Private Cooking Class in Nafplio
Nafplio
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sailing Adventure in Argolis Gulf with Snorkeling & Paddleboarding
Sailing Adventure in Argolis Gulf with Snorkeling & Paddleboarding
Nafplio

The boat was great and the skipper Nadine was charming, very experienced and friendly

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Sounio & Temple of Poseidon Day Trip
Private Sounio & Temple of Poseidon Day Trip
Athens

excellent driver and guide made this a memorable day

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Siena Mueller
Siena
Siena Mueller
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Aug 20, 2025
Thank you, Justine, for sharing such a thoughtful review! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed Athens in August, discovered the charm of Nafplio, and had such a memorable day sailing with Nadine. It’s also wonderful to know you loved the cooking class with Savor—both the food and the wine pairing sound like highlights! I’m sorry to hear, though, about the driver experience between Athens and Nafplio, and I’ll be sure to follow up with our local partners to prevent this from happening again.... Read more

Thank you, Justine, for sharing such a thoughtful review! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed Athens in August, discovered the charm of Nafplio, and had such a memorable day sailing with Nadine. It’s also wonderful to know you loved the cooking class with Savor—both the food and the wine pairing sound like highlights! I’m sorry to hear, though, about the driver experience between Athens and Nafplio, and I’ll be sure to follow up with our local partners to prevent this from happening again. Overall, I’m delighted that your hotels, guides, and activities came together to create a trip you enjoyed, and I’d be thrilled to help plan your next adventure in Greece or beyond!

Amazing family trip to Japan with teen boys
Japan | Aug 6 - Aug 19, 2025

Tara
Tara S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
We had an amazing family trip to Japan. Leny and her team were wonderful to work with from beginning to end. We asked for her to cut the original cost in half, which she managed to do and still secure us a very nice itinerary and accommodations. All of our planned activities as well as our self guided day suggestions were a great fit for our family. It was the best vacation we have ever had with our two teenagers, who are not always an easy age to travel with or keep engaged. The... Read more

We had an amazing family trip to Japan. Leny and her team were wonderful to work with from beginning to end. We asked for her to cut the original cost in half, which she managed to do and still secure us a very nice itinerary and accommodations.

All of our planned activities as well as our self guided day suggestions were a great fit for our family. It was the best vacation we have ever had with our two teenagers, who are not always an easy age to travel with or keep engaged.

The night at the ryokan in Hokone was an unforgettable traditional Japanese experience. We also loved Hotel Brighton in Kyoto as we were able to rent bicycles from the hotel and enjoy Kyoto on bike.
We especially loved all of the animals we got to encounter while in Japan. The deer in Nara, the Monkeys at Arashiyama (Kyoto) and the Otters/owls/kapibara/meerkat at the “Cute otter cafe” in Tokyo. We also really enjoyed our ramen making class in Osaka as a family and our visit to TeamLabs in Tokyo.
A couple of items that weren’t on the itinerary that we loved was going to a Giants game in Tokyo, the Kyoto Railroad Museum, and visiting the Aquarium in Osaka.
Truly a trip of a lifetime. We will certainly be using KimKim and Leny’s services for traveling again in the future. It was our first time using a service like this and I can’t even begin to thank Leny and her team enough. They made our 2 weeks in Japan together go so smoothly. They were regularly checking in and reminding us of any updates and itinerary items. All of our documents were arranged and ready for us ahead of time and all worked as expected. This experience has changed how I will travel from now on.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Aug 21, 2025
Thank you so much, Tara, for sharing such a thoughtful review. I’m delighted to hear your family’s trip to Japan went so smoothly and that the mix of guided tours and self-guided days was the right balance. It makes me especially happy that the ryokan stay in Hakone was such a highlight, and that your teenagers enjoyed the experiences as well—it’s not always easy to keep them engaged on a long trip, so that’s wonderful to hear. I also enjoyed reading about the extra places you discovered on... Read more

Thank you so much, Tara, for sharing such a thoughtful review. I’m delighted to hear your family’s trip to Japan went so smoothly and that the mix of guided tours and self-guided days was the right balance. It makes me especially happy that the ryokan stay in Hakone was such a highlight, and that your teenagers enjoyed the experiences as well—it’s not always easy to keep them engaged on a long trip, so that’s wonderful to hear.

I also enjoyed reading about the extra places you discovered on your own, like the Giants game, Kyoto Railroad Museum, and Osaka Aquarium. Those kinds of spontaneous finds are what make a trip feel truly personal, and it’s great that you embraced them.

It was a pleasure putting this journey together for you and staying connected throughout to ensure everything went as planned. I’m glad the arrangements helped keep things stress-free so you could simply enjoy your time together. Thank you again for trusting me with such a meaningful family adventure—I’d love to help plan another unforgettable trip for you in the future.

Warm regards,
Leny

Great trip, fun had by all....
Ireland | Aug 9 - Aug 19, 2025

Kathleen
Kathleen L.
Rutherford, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
Well, I have to say your team at KimKim is by far the absolute best!!!!You were there for us 24/7 . I only needed you a couple of times, but you were only a call away and never left me waiting. Thank you from all of us for that. Our seats at the tattoo were awesome, as were the dinner show tickets at the Merry Ploughboy. Our tour guide, Robert , on the walking tour of Edinburgh Was informative and entertaining. Our stay at The Fraser House in Inverness was by far the favorite of everyone in... Read more

Well, I have to say your team at KimKim is by far the absolute best!!!!You were there for us 24/7 . I only needed you a couple of times, but you were only a call away and never left me waiting. Thank you from all of us for that. Our seats at the tattoo were awesome, as were the dinner show tickets at the Merry Ploughboy. Our tour guide, Robert , on the walking tour of Edinburgh Was informative and entertaining. Our stay at The Fraser House in Inverness was by far the favorite of everyone in my group. The rooms all faced the river, so we all had a view, at the cost of our hostess, Leah giving up her own room. She was absolutely amazing, and went far above her duties by even giving some of us a ride to the train station in lieu of ordering another taxi. She prepared a delicious breakfast each morning, even on a day we had to leave super early. So very friendly and accommodating. we would recommend her Fraser House 200%.

On the downside, the Jacobite train ride was not worth the trip. It took too long to get there for a 2 hour ride in a train that was way too hot( unseasonably arm weather) no air conditioning and no open windows. The attendants went up and down the isles wit a hand held fan with water spray. But we still had fun. We also did not get to do the afternoon tea at Edinburgh castle. They claim they sent an email, however, I did not receive it. It wouldn't have mattered, we were still in flight, and trying to get to the hotel. They said last seating was 12noon due to the tattoo, we were there about 12:05, but they wouldn't seat us. They said she would check to see if anyone read the email, and if not they, would issue a refund. I would appreciate if you would follow up on that, please.

Hotel Reviews
Castle Hotel
Dublin

Staff was very helpful, but the elevator was out of service when we checked in, but the staff carried our luggage up for us. Rooms were good, plenty of room, but the tub was very high to get into and out of (no separate shower) Maybe take age into consideration when assigning rooms. The elevator was working when we left. Breakfast was great, and they offered a buffet other than full Irish breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Dublin 3

We were impressed with this hotel. Was not what we expected as a haunted hotel, but, it had air conditioning, still gave a castle feel, and the food was delicious. Other than it's location to city center, we loved this hotel, and would have stayed the entire time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fraser House Inverness
Inverness

AMAZING!!!!!!!! Location was perfect. Leah, the owner was extraordinary. She accommodated our schedule, even though it was earlier than her normal hours, she helped us with reservations, recommended laces to eat and see, and even used her own vehicle to get some of us to the train station. If there is a higher than 5 * rating she deserves it....

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Royal Scots Club
Edinburgh
Authenticity & Character
Gave us a feel of history.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Dublin

Amazing views. Quite windy.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel & Cork Tour from Dublin
Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel & Cork Tour from Dublin
Dublin

I've been to Blarney before, but the Rock of Cashel and Cork were new to me and I absolutely loved it. Lunch in Cork was coordinated perfectly which gave us ample time to return to the bus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gerry with a G was a fun driver, intent on getting everyone to the bus on time.
Transport
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Dublin

Tour and tasting was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night out at the Merry Ploughboy + Transport, show and a meal
Night out at the Merry Ploughboy + Transport, show and a meal
Dublin

Show was awesome, and everyone in the group loved it. Food was good and a great ending to a great trip.Great transportation, even dropped us off at our hotel, saving us a walk.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
Dublin

So much fun, we all enjoyed the food and ride. Reese, Adam, Nicole and Pat were at our beck and call.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dublin Private Walking Tour
Dublin Private Walking Tour
Dublin

Ian our guide was informative and friendly

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
Scotland

Too long a drive to get to for a 2 hour train ride with no air conditioning and no open windows. Mallaig would have been fun if we had more time there.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tourkl was fun and gave us a good ride.
Transport
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
Inverness

The Isle of Skye was beautiful, and we got to see the fairy pool, also stopped at Talisker distillery, where we had a drink and purchased some whiskey..we stopped at Dunvegan castle instead of Eileen Donan although I don't remember why. and I think another stop was changed, one of my passengers mentioned disappointment.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour
Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour
Edinburgh

Loved the Kelpies and Sterling Castle, and Loch Lomond. Full day, lots to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Edinburgh

Robert was great, dressed in authentic kilt, made him super easy to find at the meeting point. Very informative and entertaining. Loved him.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jane Davey

Fantastic Iceland Adventure! The trip was very well planned with all the i...
Iceland | Aug 6 - Aug 13, 2025

Lauren
Lauren P.
| Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

The trip was very well planned with all the important Iceland highlights captured. The hotels chosen for us were wonderful and well located. Our local specialist, Gummi, was so responsive at all hours and was always available when we needed him. When our whale watching trip was canceled due to weather, he replanned the day and scheduled another whale watching trip for us on another day. I would highly recommend Gummi for assistance with your Iceland adventures! And I would use Kim Kim again for locations where I wanted to explore thoroughly. Well done!

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 20, 2025

Thank you so much for the kind review Lauren!
I am so happy everything turned out so well.
If the weather on an arctic island has taught us anything, it's that we need to be flexible, even in summer, but I believe it was for the best, as you got to see the whales eventually :)
I do hope we´ll see you in Iceland soon again :)

Lovely trip to Spain!
Spain | Aug 10 - Aug 19, 2025

Brenda
Brenda P.
West Bend, WI | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
There are no words to describe the perfection of how well this trip was planned by the Kim Kim team! Summer and Coriama were beyond helpful every step of the way! Every detail was thoughtfully curated for our family and could not be more thankful for the work you all put in!
Our tour and guides were amazing! Christina in Seville, Caesar and Marga in Mallorca- wonderful, knowledgeable, special people!!! They were all very kind and had fun with our family!
All the accommodations were...
Read more

There are no words to describe the perfection of how well this trip was planned by the Kim Kim team! Summer and Coriama were beyond helpful every step of the way! Every detail was thoughtfully curated for our family and could not be more thankful for the work you all put in!
Our tour and guides were amazing! Christina in Seville, Caesar and Marga in Mallorca- wonderful, knowledgeable, special people!!! They were all very kind and had fun with our family!
All the accommodations were excellent. The staff at the Madrid Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá hotel were especially impressive. Thank you so much. We look forward to our next adventure through Kim Kim!

Hotel Reviews
Melia Palma Bay
Palma de Mallorca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Romana Hotel Boutique
Sevilla
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá
Madrid

Fabulous hotel! Lovely accommodations! Extraordinary staff!! Thank you all so much!

Authenticity & Character
The staff are lovely and kind. I didn’t want to leave! From the check in process, concierge assistance, restaurant staff, the food, the room service, and turn down service details- all amazing! And extra shout out to the staff that helped my daughter with translation assistance to the train station due to a lost item. I could not be more thankful. Thank you all so much!
Location
Perfect location in Madrid- walkable to various restaurants and shops. Beautiful rooftop view!
Staff
Wonderful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wonderful!
Activity Reviews
Self-Guided Tapas Walk in Malasaña
Self-Guided Tapas Walk in Malasaña
Madrid
Quality of Experience
Private Valldemossa & Sóller Excursion
Private Valldemossa & Sóller Excursion
Spain
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-Guided Beach Day in Mallorca
Self-Guided Beach Day in Mallorca
Mallorca
Quality of Experience
Family-Friendly Palma de Mallorca City Walk
Family-Friendly Palma de Mallorca City Walk
Mallorca
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Flamenco, City & Tapas Experience
Private Flamenco, City & Tapas Experience
Seville
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-Guided Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville
Self-Guided Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville
Seville
Quality of Experience
Self-Guided Local Market Trip
Self-Guided Local Market Trip
Seville
Quality of Experience
Private History & Culture Walk
Private History & Culture Walk
Seville
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-Guided Walk around the Historic Center
Self-Guided Walk around the Historic Center
Madrid
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Coraima Yañez

Outstanding trip to northern Argentina
Argentina | Aug 13 - Aug 19, 2025

Cecilia
Cecilia R.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

We loved the trip from start to finish. Matias was very helpful during the planning process. Available to answer questions and steer us towards activities we sought. Jorge, our guide on site, was wonderful. Smart, kind, patient. The landscapes were out of this world. We loved all.

Local specialist: Matias Alemani
Matias
Matias Alemani
Local specialist in Buenos Aires | Replied on Aug 20, 2025

Dear Cecilia and Sascha,

Thank you so much for your lovely words! I’m really happy to hear you had such a great time and that everything worked out just the way you hoped. I’ll definitely pass your message on to Jorge — he’ll be so glad to know you enjoyed exploring with him.

Northern Argentina is such a special place, and it makes me very happy that it touched you the way it did. Hope we can dream up another trip together sometime soon!

Best,
Matias

We LOVED our experience with KimKim!
Ecuador | Aug 8 - Aug 18, 2025

P
Penelope S.
Salt Lake City, UT | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
We LOVED our experience with KimKim!
Paul made the planning process very easy and catered to all of our very specific requests. Our tour guide Robert was so personable and very knowledgable, which made our tours educational and fun. We felt like it was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, sight-seeing, and experiencing new things. There were also some surprises included that made our trip even more special. We would definitely recommend traveling through kimkim!
Read more

We LOVED our experience with KimKim!
Paul made the planning process very easy and catered to all of our very specific requests. Our tour guide Robert was so personable and very knowledgable, which made our tours educational and fun. We felt like it was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, sight-seeing, and experiencing new things. There were also some surprises included that made our trip even more special. We would definitely recommend traveling through kimkim!

Hotel Reviews
Napo Cultural Center
Quito

We loved staying here! It was such an incredible experience to be able to stay with members of the Kichwa community. We felt very well taken care of during our stay.

Holiday Inn Express Quito
Quito

This hotel was perfect for us! It was clean, safe, and comfortable.

Activity Reviews
Day trip to Mindo
Day trip to Mindo
Quito

Feeding the hummingbirds and holding the butterflies was beautiful!

Wayusada - Transfer to Coca - Flight to Quito
Wayusada - Transfer to Coca - Flight to Quito
Ecuador
Indigenous community - Canoe ride - Night walk
Indigenous community - Canoe ride - Night walk
Yasuni National Park

The canoe ride was incredible!! We saw so much wildlife and had so much fun.

Parrot clay lick - Indigenous community - Observation Tower
Parrot clay lick - Indigenous community - Observation Tower
Yasuni National Park
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador
Hot Springs of Papallacta
Hot Springs of Papallacta
Ecuador

Very relaxing, we really liked spending time here.

Visit the "Middle of the World"
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Ecuador

I loved how interactive this was. We learned a lot!

Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador

So fun to learn about the history of Quito and to get to experience the food and culture!

Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake
Quito

Amazing!

Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Aug 20, 2025
Dear Penny, I’m so happy to read your review and learn that you and your family had such a wonderful time exploring Ecuador! Thank you for your kind words about our services; they truly mean a lot. 🤗 Your love for our country made it easy to plan your family adventure and include all the special places you wanted to see. Knowing that you enjoyed the activities in both the Andes and the Amazon rainforest makes it even more meaningful for us. I’ll be sure to share your lovely feedback with... Read more

Dear Penny,

I’m so happy to read your review and learn that you and your family had such a wonderful time exploring Ecuador! Thank you for your kind words about our services; they truly mean a lot. 🤗

Your love for our country made it easy to plan your family adventure and include all the special places you wanted to see. Knowing that you enjoyed the activities in both the Andes and the Amazon rainforest makes it even more meaningful for us. I’ll be sure to share your lovely feedback with our team, especially with Robert, who was happy to accompany you and show you Ecuador’s beauty.

I wish you and your family all the best. Hopefully, you’ll visit us again in the future. We’d be more than happy to help you plan your next adventure! 😉

Warm greetings from your friends in Ecuador,
Paul

The trip was wonderful. Full marks to Liz, De...
Botswana | Aug 5 - Aug 15, 2025

R
Rangarajan V.
Austin, TX | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025
The trip was wonderful. Full marks to Liz, Desert & Delta and all the guides. Very well planned, executed, luxury service that at world standards. Read more

The trip was wonderful. Full marks to Liz, Desert & Delta and all the guides. Very well planned, executed, luxury service that at world standards.

Hotel Reviews
Chobe Game Lodge
Serondela
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Moremi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Okavango
Okavango Delta
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Savuti Safari Lodge

The best game lodge of out trip

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Okavango Game Drive (Private)
Okavango Game Drive (Private)
Okavango Delta
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Aug 20, 2025

Hi Rangarajan,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m delighted to hear that your trip was such a wonderful experience and that everything met your expectations. It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your journey.

I’ll be sure to share your feedback with Desert & Delta and the guides in Botswana and Victoria Falls — they will be so pleased to hear it.

I look forward to assisting you again whenever you are ready for your next adventure!

Best regards,
Lize

A life time joy experience
France | Aug 4 - Aug 17, 2025

F
Fred Y.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025
We were self-guided TMB. We are grateful with private rooms along the trip. The booklet is helpful. The off line navigation works most of time. Overall we really, really enjoyed the trip. we definitely will do more trips in the future with Kimkim. Read more

We were self-guided TMB. We are grateful with private rooms along the trip. The booklet is helpful. The off line navigation works most of time. Overall we really, really enjoyed the trip. we definitely will do more trips in the future with Kimkim.

Activity Review
Walking day : Champex - Bovine/Fenêtre d’Arpette - Trient
Walking day : Champex - Bovine/Fenêtre d’Arpette - Trient
Champex

The hut we stayed, Redais d’Arpelle, located about 1.4 miles outside Champex-Lac town. It added additional uphill hike. It is too far away.

Quality of Experience
we are very fortunately to have best weather we could ask for.
Local specialist: Rashi Jakhete

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

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

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

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

Dear David,

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

Warm regards,
Emerson

We really enjoyed the trip. All the hotels w...
Spain | Jul 24 - Aug 7, 2025

N
Nicholas G.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025
We really enjoyed the trip. All the hotels were lovely and quite nice for our family. The locations in the cities were central and we had no trouble getting around. Parking is a bit tough in spain for a "big" car and quite pricey sometimes.
The car we had was limit in trunk size (BMW X2 coupe with 4 medium luggage). We managed to fit everything with a bit of a puzzle.
The guides in Barcelona were great. We really enjoyed the cooking class (paella). The city tour in Bilbao was... Read more

We really enjoyed the trip. All the hotels were lovely and quite nice for our family. The locations in the cities were central and we had no trouble getting around. Parking is a bit tough in spain for a "big" car and quite pricey sometimes.
The car we had was limit in trunk size (BMW X2 coupe with 4 medium luggage). We managed to fit everything with a bit of a puzzle.

The guides in Barcelona were great. We really enjoyed the cooking class (paella). The city tour in Bilbao was good and the bike tour in San Sebastian was perfect to appreciate the city.

The Andorra hotel was great but a bit out of the way. It was very calm. We went to Ordino Arcalis for a hike and it was spectacular. We also took the train to Vall de Nuria which was also memorable.

Thanks for your help in planning this trip. We did things we wouldn't have thought without you.

Hotel Reviews
Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Vía Bilbao
Bilbao
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Astoria
Barcelona
Authenticity & Character
Location
10 minute walk to subway or bus. Then anything from 10 to 30 minutes to get to central barcelona.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ciutat de Girona
Girona

Central location. Parking is a bit far from the hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zinema7
San Sebastian (Guipuzcoa)

Beautiful rooms. Good breakfast. 15-20 minutes walk to beach and old town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Maisonnave
Pamplona

Central location. Nice rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Xalet Bringue Hotel & Spa
El Serrat

Spa is 22 euro per person. The food in the restaurant is extremely good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Out of the way but very calm.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Manuela Cardillo

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.