Profile photo for Emma Gerards
1090 messages
active 17 hours ago

Emma Gerards

Ever since I was a child, I was very fond of the road trips my family took within Europe. We went into nature and hiked mountains, or drove to sunny beaches by lakes and seas. When I was a student (not so long ago), I took shorter but amazing trips by train with my friends within the Netherlands and Belgium. While I keep exploring the rest of the world, the hidden gems of the Netherlands and Belgium inspire me: these small countries have a lot to offer as well!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Authentic and famous highlights of the Netherlands and Belgium that cannot be missed when visiting these countries; cycling tours; unique stories of old and modern cities, and of different regions in both countries; seaside destinations; stunning museums, art and architecture; typical cuisine; but also the extraordinary countryside away from the crowds!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I have always been very interested in other cultures and learning new languages, so I chose to study “French language and culture” at the Radboud University in Nijmegen. At the time, I already knew that I wanted to continue with the Master’s programme “Tourism and Culture” at the same university. With great interest, I delved into the theoretical side of the phenomenon of tourism and travel such as its history, types and trends of tourism and travel, cultural heritage and sustainability in this field. Having graduated in the summer of 2023, I am eager to work as a travel specialist and help travelers compose a trip they won't forget."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"During my time as a student, my friends and I visited the extraordinary town of Bruges and Ostend beach within a single day, concluding this day with a beer at the Delirium Café in Brussels. The next day, we were determined to see the francophone side of Belgium and visited Villers-la-Ville, Namur and Dinant. A couple of weeks later, back home, I visited a friend in Maastricht and in the evening I took the train to Arnhem for a birthday party.
It will always amaze me that so many places in the Netherlands and Belgium can be visited and experienced within such a short period of time."

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Emma

Thank you to Emma for an Amazing trip to the Netherlands and Belgium!
The Netherlands | Nov 22 - Nov 29, 2024

A
April I.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2024
I wish I had more than 5 stars to give! I cannot thank Emma and the team enough for the exceptional job they did planning our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. Emma listened to our preferences and crazy requests and planned experiences that were so perfect and thoughtful. Everything was taken care of and all the instructions were very detailed and clear, it could not have gone more smoothly. Such a pleasure to have spent time with Maartin, who is absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable and... Read more

I wish I had more than 5 stars to give! I cannot thank Emma and the team enough for the exceptional job they did planning our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. Emma listened to our preferences and crazy requests and planned experiences that were so perfect and thoughtful. Everything was taken care of and all the instructions were very detailed and clear, it could not have gone more smoothly. Such a pleasure to have spent time with Maartin, who is absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Having the train/tram access cards was terrific, and so easy to use. Somehow (luck or I suspect good planning) all our tickets to attractions had been booked with entry times that were less crowded; imagine having the Rijksmuseum nearly to ourselves! Food tours were exceptional, delicious stops and excellent guides. I will also give Emma credit for the beautiful sunny day (a rarity in November) that appeared the day we rode bicycles to the beach from Haarlem to Zandvoort. Everyone we met during all our experiences was so welcoming and wonderful, we thank you all so much!

Hotel Review
Hotel Park Centraal
Amsterdam

Beautiful hotel and rooms, centrally located, 6 minute walk to trams and so many attractions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Exceptionally clean and beds, pillows etc. were so comfortable.
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on Dec 02, 2024

Dear April & Jeff,
Thank you for your lovely words and review.
I'm grateful to hear that you had a wonderful time and that everything went excellently!🍂🌞
Wishing you the best (also on your next adventure),
Emma

Emma planned a great trip for us and was very...
The Netherlands | Aug 29 - Sep 3, 2024

Leigh
Leigh H.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2024
Emma planned a great trip for us and was very flexible to our asks and changes. We loved the hotels and all the perks of the notes, tee shirts, and special touches made it extra special. The differentiator with Kim Kim is the personalized service thru the trip and someone to reach out to. We recommend Kim Kim all the time. Love the ability to pull up entire trip online as well any time. Read more

Emma planned a great trip for us and was very flexible to our asks and changes. We loved the hotels and all the perks of the notes, tee shirts, and special touches made it extra special. The differentiator with Kim Kim is the personalized service thru the trip and someone to reach out to. We recommend Kim Kim all the time. Love the ability to pull up entire trip online as well any time.

Hotel Reviews
Singel hotel
Amsterdam

Great location on a quiet street but close to train and city center. Lovely amenities of the hotel and the room itself. Very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
We loved siting downstairs in common areas and outside
Location
Quiet street but a short walk to town
Staff
All
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean and spacious
Hotel Fidder
Zwolle

Loved the location and amenities. Cool to be next to a whiskey bar. Loved the breakfast and just a pretty location. Felt like a local.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to city center
Staff
All
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the robe and slippers!
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Resistance Museum
Amsterdam - Resistance Museum
The Netherlands

Super interesting and love the audio guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
The Netherlands

Can’t come to Amsterdam without visiting. Very moving exhibit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
The Netherlands

Loved walking the city and hearing the history while getting to sample different local foods and drinks. Great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Loved having this instead of buying individual tickets for each trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Nijmegen, The Netherlands | Replied on Sep 04, 2024

Dear Leigh & Wilbur, thank you for taking the time to review and give all your valuable feedback. It was a great pleasure organizing your trip and we hope to see you again on your next kimkim adventure.
Warm wishes,
Emma

Wonderful experience!
The Netherlands | Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024

Stephanie
Stephanie L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024
This is our second time using kimkim and I would not travel abroad without it in the future. This particular time we traveled to the Netherlands and the last trip was to France. We knew very little about each destination other than a few specific places we wanted to visit. Emma made our Netherlands experience flawless. She laid out a perfect schedule for us with time built in just to explore on our own but still being able to see the places we wanted. I did add a couple things at the last... Read more

This is our second time using kimkim and I would not travel abroad without it in the future. This particular time we traveled to the Netherlands and the last trip was to France. We knew very little about each destination other than a few specific places we wanted to visit. Emma made our Netherlands experience flawless. She laid out a perfect schedule for us with time built in just to explore on our own but still being able to see the places we wanted. I did add a couple things at the last minute and she performed some magic to make it happen. She was very quick to respond to any questions that we had, both before and during our vacation. I would highly recommend Emma to plan your trip to this area. And because of the ease of planning, the layout of the travel plans, and the overall experience, I highly recommend kimkim for any travel. I will not travel abroad without it in the future.

Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on May 01, 2024

Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for your lovely review!
I am very happy to hear that you had such an amazing time in the Netherlands. I really enjoyed planning this trip for you and Kevin!🌷
Wishing you all the best,
Emma

We had a wonderful time in Amsterdam. Emma co...
The Netherlands | Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024

K
Kevin L.
Clayton, NC | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024
We had a wonderful time in Amsterdam. Emma communicated well and set everything up so we didn’t have to worry at all. Our food tour was excellent and Dirk was a wonderful guide. Our boat tour was very informative and relaxing. Overall we were very pleased with our trip and the service provided by Kim Kim and Emma. Read more

We had a wonderful time in Amsterdam. Emma communicated well and set everything up so we didn’t have to worry at all. Our food tour was excellent and Dirk was a wonderful guide. Our boat tour was very informative and relaxing. Overall we were very pleased with our trip and the service provided by Kim Kim and Emma.

Hotel Review
Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel
Amsterdam

Excellent location, comfortable beds, very helpful and attentive staff. We had breakfast and dinner at the restaurant and their food is delicious. We were only mildly disappointed in the limited room service offerings, however the staff recommended and delivered to our room Uber Eats. Check in was easy and we were happy the room was ready when we arrived in the early afternoon. We would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Emma set us up with an unlimited travel pass. It worked great and we were able to go anywhere we needed to go.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Van Gogh Museum
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Daytrip to Marken, Volendam, Edam and Zaanse Schans
Daytrip to Marken, Volendam, Edam and Zaanse Schans
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on May 01, 2024

Hi Kevin,
Thank you for your amazing review.
I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with Hotel Tivoli Doelen, the food tour with Dirk, and the boat tour over the canals! It was a pleasure to organize this trip for you and Stephanie😊
Wishing you all the best,
Emma

Incredible Experience in Netherlands... All thanks to Emma!!!
The Netherlands | Mar 24 - Mar 30, 2024

O
Orlando M. R.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 01, 2024
Dear Emma, I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible experience we had during our recent trip to the Netherlands. It was truly a journey filled with unforgettable memories, and we owe it all to you. Your meticulous planning, attention to detail, and kind gestures throughout the entire preparation process made our trip seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. From the moment we began discussing our travel plans, it was evident that you were committed... Read more

Dear Emma,

I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible experience we had during our recent trip to the Netherlands. It was truly a journey filled with unforgettable memories, and we owe it all to you.

Your meticulous planning, attention to detail, and kind gestures throughout the entire preparation process made our trip seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. From the moment we began discussing our travel plans, it was evident that you were committed to ensuring that every aspect of our trip was tailored to our preferences.

Your insightful comments and thoughtful recommendations enriched our itinerary and allowed us to discover hidden gems and experience the true essence of the Netherlands. Whether it was exploring the charming streets of Amsterdam, indulging in delicious Dutch cuisine (French Fries were amazing...already missing them; also the mini pancakes), or admiring the picturesque landscapes, every moment was magical.

Your dedication to ensuring that our trip was stress-free and enjoyable did not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for all that you did to make our vacation a success. Your passion for travel and commitment to excellence are truly commendable, and we feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you.

Once again, thank you, Emma, for your exceptional service and for going above and beyond to ensure that our time in the Netherlands was nothing short of extraordinary. We look forward to planning our next adventure with you.

Warmest regards,

Hotel Reviews
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Royal Bridges
Delft
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Keukenhof & tulip experience by bus tour
Amsterdam - Keukenhof & tulip experience by bus tour
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emma Gerards
Emma
Emma Gerards
Local specialist in Huissen, The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 12, 2024

Hi Orlando,
Thank you very much for your amazing words and kind review.
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that you appreciated my help in organizing everything! We loved hosting your trip here for you.
Wishing you all the best,
Emma