Profile photo for Alex Rawson
1884 messages
active 2 hours ago

Alex Rawson

My working life has been consumed with travel in the best possible way. I've come to realise that travelling - quite simply - not only makes people immensely happy but is also incredibly infectious and as such I have a desire to share this passion with friends, family and ultimately, the rest of the world.

I truly believe nowhere quite compares to the UK in its rich history, culture, natural beauty & thoughtfully prepared local cuisine. This is something I love to share with our clients when helping to curate their dream trip.

Routescape creates exceptional journeys across Great Britain and Ireland. We strive to provide an unmatched tailored service delivering an authentic luxury travel experience with a true sense of place. I look forward to creating your next adventure with you.

How did you get involved in travel?

"It may sound cliché to say that I grew up travelling; but moving from England to Hong Kong at the age of nine, that’s precisely what I did. My feet barely seemed to touch the ground: whether we were spending our vacations exploring the tropical paradises of South East Asia, speeding down the slopes of Whistler, or searching the African bush for the elusive Big 5, I was forever embracing new cultures and communities. In Hong Kong itself I thrived in a barrage of different sights, smells & sounds, with my classrooms resembling something along the lines of a United Nations assembly. I will forever count myself as incredibly lucky to have grown up in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. These seminal experiences inevitably drew me into a career in tourism, and after reading Geography & Tourism Management back home in the UK, I have spent the past decade of my life continuing to explore far flung corners of the globe. In search of authentic experiences, I have worked on a game reserve in South Africa, collected data on whalesharks in Mozambique & managed a watersports centre in both Honduras & Fiji. Despite all these exotic enterprises, I yearned once more for the beautiful British countryside. This coupled with my unwillingness to compromise on being close to the ocean led me back to the beautiful Pembrokeshire, and to find a home at Routescape."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Alex

We so enjoyed our 13 day trip to Ireland. It ...
Ireland | Sep 8 - Sep 19, 2024

Jane
Jane D.
Brookhaven, GA | Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024
We so enjoyed our 13 day trip to Ireland. It was important for us that our trip be flexible, that we could drive ourselves around, include a visit to a family castle and several other tourist stops. So we had a plan that detailed each of these with the addition of various other possibilities on route. We could choose to do these or not. One of our favorite things were the hotels we stayed in- very luxurious that included a daily amazing breakfast. They supplied addresses, tickets to events we... Read more

We so enjoyed our 13 day trip to Ireland. It was important for us that our trip be flexible, that we could drive ourselves around, include a visit to a family castle and several other tourist stops. So we had a plan that detailed each of these with the addition of various other possibilities on route. We could choose to do these or not. One of our favorite things were the hotels we stayed in- very luxurious that included a daily amazing breakfast. They supplied addresses, tickets to events we wanted to see/ some we found were sold out if not pre-purchased. They provided a zippered notebook that we took everywhere with us with our printed tickets, itenary and directions. They even helped us with what clothes to bring for the weather. They checked in with us during the trip.

It was very customized, very professional and all in all, a hit! We would 100% recommend this amazing team to help you plan your Ireland trip.

Hotel Review
Sheen Falls Lodge
Kenmare

On our recent 13 day trip to Ireland, we stayed in 8 different hotels and I say without a doubt that this place was the best. The lounge, the restaurant, the room- amazing. The staff cleaned mud off my shoes for me overnight. The golf course discount was much appreciated and it was a remarkable course. The grounds were lovely and Kenmare is so quaint. I even had a great conversation with one of the grounds keepers about their lovely plants. The best thing also happened … shows their commitment to customer service. We took a free shuttle from the hotel to the golf course and had a great chat with the driver. So impressed. While at the golf course we mentioned that “our driver” told us to do this outing, and the golf course manager smiled and said, “your driver” was the General Manager of the whole place. He drives the shuttle often just to stay in touch with the guests and keep his hands on the pulse. Being in the service industry myself, it doesn’t get any better than that. So if you’re planning on staying here for a couple of days, make your visit longer!

Authenticity & Character
Loved the local Paintings on the wall. Piano player in reataurant. Library books about Ireland available.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
100%
Activity Reviews
Trinity College Old Library and Book of Kells
Trinity College Old Library and Book of Kells
Dublin

100% worthwhile.

Celtic Nights Traditional Irish Show
Celtic Nights Traditional Irish Show
Dublin

It was OK. Did not compare to the Irish dance we saw later during our trip. Venue was questionable- in a low ceiling basement.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jameson Distillery Midleton
Cork

100% worth a trip

Local specialist: Alex Rawson

Fabulous tour of the west coast of Ireland
Ireland | Jun 1 - Jun 8, 2024

M
Michael R.
Passaic, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 09, 2024
Our trip was amazing great working with Alex who planned a great vacation for us. Our driver Michael was great always punctual always accommodating and a great source of information we loved all our hotels except for the Ballyseede Castle we were looking forward to staying there but their service was terrible and so was the food big disappointment on the other hand the Wilder in Dublin and Sheen Falls were amazing places to stay with amazing service and staff. The recommendation to have... Read more

Our trip was amazing great working with Alex who planned a great vacation for us. Our driver Michael was great always punctual always accommodating and a great source of information we loved all our hotels except for the Ballyseede Castle we were looking forward to staying there but their service was terrible and so was the food big disappointment on the other hand the Wilder in Dublin and Sheen Falls were amazing places to stay with amazing service and staff. The recommendation to have dinner at 35 in Kenmare should be given to all travelers it was the best dinner we had in Ireland. Good star limo service picked us up and dropped us off at the airport it was truly a good star service

Hotel Reviews
Wilder Townhouse
Dublin

Beautiful hotel fantastic service great food and drinks room was spacious comfortable and beautifully decorated

Authenticity & Character
Vibe is great
Location
Within walking distance to many sites
Staff
Everyone was friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Imperial Hotel
Cork

Very nice hotel friendly helpful staff good restaurant

Authenticity & Character
Location
Centrally located
Staff
Helpful friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was too hot couldn’t get it to cool down
Sheen Falls Lodge
Kenmare

In one word WOW!!!!! fantastic hotel beautiful place beautiful ground friendly attentive staff

Authenticity & Character
Just an amazing place
Location
Feels like you are secluded in a beautiful place yet so close to the main town
Staff
So helpful friendly making sure we had a great stay every moment
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ballyseede Castle
Tralee

The biggest disappointment of the tour we weee looking forward to staying there but other then being an old castle nothing else was good food at the restaurant was mediocre at best. Again big disappointment

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful old castle
Location
Nothing around
Staff
Nobody to greet you at the door check in is in the back of the hotel had to carry our luggage up and down stairs to get to reception. Reception person made us feel like she was doing us a favor talking to us hiw to walk to our room and turned away
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was clean
Monks
County Clare

Nice place great staff comfortable rooms great restaurant

Authenticity & Character
Location
Tiny village without much to see or do
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable clean rooms great views
Cliff at Lyons
Co. Kildare

Beautiful resort attentive staff good restaurant

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Friendly helpful great service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Alex Rawson
Alex
Alex Rawson
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on Jun 11, 2024

Thank you ever so much for your detailed feedback Michael & Jacqueline. We are delighted that you made some wonderful memories during your travels through Ireland and I hope to be able to work with you both again in the future!

Always a silver lining
Scotland | Oct 3 - Oct 14, 2023

D
Danielle P.
Hartsville, SC | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023

Had a wonderful trip despite the cold, wet weather. Alex was very helpful planning and then making sure things on our trip went as smoothly as possible. I really appreciated the fact that she kept in touch during the trip and continued to help us with reservations. Our guide Craig was amazing. He was extremely knowledgeable, flexible to meet the entire groups needs, and had a great bedside manner. Would definitely use both of these fine people again!

Local specialist: Alex Rawson

No worries vacation
Scotland | Oct 3 - Oct 14, 2023

Kathryn
Kathryn S.
Concord, NC | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023

Alex was great in planning our trip and taking care of all the details. We truly just walked off the plane and met our guide and had nothing to worry about until we were driven to the airport for our return trip.
Craig was a wonderful guide gave us many options on what we would prefer to do and shared his knowledge of his country’s history with a refreshing passion.
Our accommodations were all very good and each one was unique. Our favorite was the Broad Bay House.. Very picturesque, quiet and the food was amazing!
Overall I wouldn’t change a thing about the trip.

Local specialist: Alex Rawson

Now, that’s how you vacation!
England | Jun 3 - Jun 14, 2023

Rich
Rich Z.
Scottsdale, AZ | Reviewed on Jun 21, 2023
Now, that’s how you vacation!
Alex and the entire team were amazing to work with. In the past, my wife and I would research where to go, what to do every day and what/where to eat. Alex made it so easy to vacation.
Read more

Now, that’s how you vacation!
Alex and the entire team were amazing to work with. In the past, my wife and I would research where to go, what to do every day and what/where to eat. Alex made it so easy to vacation.

Hotel Review
Wilde Apartments Tower Bridge
London
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Alex Rawson
Alex
Alex Rawson
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on Jul 05, 2023

Thank you ever so much for your kind feedback Rich. It was truly such a pleasure working with you a Kerri to design your family vacation over to England & Scotland. I hope you made memories to last a lifetime.
With warm wishes,
Alex

It was magical
Scotland | Aug 7 - Aug 22, 2022

C
Carolyn S.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2022
We started planning this trip a few years ago in 2020. When the pandemic hit we had to pause for two years. As a result the trip had to be planned again. Kate and Alex did a remarkable job both times to create a memorable experience for my mom's 80th birthday. We flew into Edinburgh and explored that city for a few days, then travelled up into the Highlands and back down into Edinburgh. The hotels and attractions they booked were exactly what we wanted. Our trip then shifted into... Read more

We started planning this trip a few years ago in 2020. When the pandemic hit we had to pause for two years. As a result the trip had to be planned again. Kate and Alex did a remarkable job both times to create a memorable experience for my mom's 80th birthday. We flew into Edinburgh and explored that city for a few days, then travelled up into the Highlands and back down into Edinburgh. The hotels and attractions they booked were exactly what we wanted. Our trip then shifted into Ireland as we flew into Belfast and then drove around Ireland staying in a different place every night or two. Again, the hotels, restaurants and attractions were all booked for us, met the precise needs we had and were spaced very well.

I couldn't have built a better trip myself! They customized it for us and it fit us like a glove. There is no question that I would use KimKim again to plan a trip. They saved me so much planning time before the trip and during the trip I didn't have to worry about anything because they had given us such detailed plans. Also, we were able to reach out for support if we needed them.

Alex proactively checked in with us a few times to make sure all was going according to plan. The personal touch was so appreciated.

Local specialist: Alex Rawson
Alex
Alex Rawson
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on Nov 08, 2022

Thank you for your feedback Carolyn. It was such a delight working with yourself to plan such a memorable and special birthday trip for your mother! We are so pleased you enjoyed the special experiences from private bagpiping to a pony trap tour on the Aran Islands.

I hope to be able to work with you again to plan another trip to these fair isles.

With warm wishes,
Alex

Our trip was lovely
England | Jun 17 - Jun 26, 2022

Ann
Ann T.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jun 28, 2022
We had the pleasure of booking our trip with KimKim/Alex for our recent 10 day trip to England. She was very helpful and patient with all my questions and helped organize our trip in such a short notice. Everything was so easy, from pickups to tours to last day drop off at the airport. Read more

We had the pleasure of booking our trip with KimKim/Alex for our recent 10 day trip to England. She was very helpful and patient with all my questions and helped organize our trip in such a short notice. Everything was so easy, from pickups to tours to last day drop off at the airport.

Hotel Reviews
Georgian House Hotel
Pimlico
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Plaza London Riverbank
London
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Broadway to Bath, via Cotswold Villages
Broadway to Bath, via Cotswold Villages
England
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Bath and Stonehenge
Day Trip to Bath and Stonehenge
England
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Warner Bros Studio Tour with Coach Transfer
Warner Bros Studio Tour with Coach Transfer
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exploring London on a Hop On Hop Off Bus
Exploring London on a Hop On Hop Off Bus
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alex Rawson
Alex
Alex Rawson
Local specialist in Wales | Replied on Jul 07, 2022

It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to assist you Ann with your family trip to London. I'm delighted you enjoyed your stay and thank you kindly for your feedback. Should you ever wish to travel to the UK again, to Ireland, or France, please don't hesitate to let us know, I'm always here and happy to help.
Warmest wishes,
Alex

Kim-Kim evaluation
United Kingdom | Sep 27 - Oct 2, 2021

Judy
Judy B.
Carrollton, GA | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2021
Kate was wonderful. Having her a text or call away averted lots of averted frustration. The emergency number was appreciated, as well. I knew that no matter when it was, she knew I was traveling and was there to assist. Have had great service from Greece, as well. However, the young couple I have been working with on a trip to Europe in May for my family is not giving me much confidence. Their service doesn’t appear to be up to your standards. They have made it very plan that they are... Read more

Kate was wonderful. Having her a text or call away averted lots of averted frustration. The emergency number was appreciated, as well. I knew that no matter when it was, she knew I was traveling and was there to assist.

Have had great service from Greece, as well.

However, the young couple I have been working with on a trip to Europe in May for my family is not giving me much confidence. Their service doesn’t appear to be up to your standards. They have made it very plan that they are unavailable on weekends and outside of regular weekdays working hours. I will be traveling over three weekends and trouble seems to always strike after 5.

They have a language barrier. I have lots of experience with English as a Second Language folks but I am struggling. I fear I am going to be on my own in Europe in three countries for almost a month with no safety net or the kind of backup and preparatory support Kate provided.

They are in Slovenia. I am going to France, Germany, and Prague. I only speak English and my arrogant American (I try not to be that way! Ask Kate.) ways expect service for the money I invest. I recognize their background in a different culture and hope that my years of teaching cross cultural awareness pay off when I travel. However, if their future business aspirations include service to Americans, they need to soften their touch a bit and plan ahead using their knowledge to benefit travelers who will benefit from that.

For example, they have not mentioned COVID. We will need tests before flying to Europe. More critically, we will need PCR tests in Prague before flying to Bordeaux where we will board a riverboat cruise which they are aware we are booked on. I have no confidence that they have even thought of that. Who knows.. It may not be required by then. However, the cruise line has already asked us to upload vaccine records and forewarned us about the COVID test requirement prior to boarding.

Local specialist: Alex Rawson