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Rachel Long (deactivated)

Although I have always lived in beautiful Wales, I am passionate about travel. As a child I spent family holidays in Britain, touring the west coast of Scotland and the south coast of England, walking in the Lake District, and visiting Pembrokeshire where I chose to settle after graduating. You will probably find me walking, cycling or sea kayaking in my free time. I have worked in education for over 28 years, as a teacher and then school leader. I feel fortunate, with my husband, to have brought up our two children, in Pembrokeshire, where access to such a fantastic area has been on our doorstep. Looking back, competing in the Blenheim Palace Triathlons, cycling from London to Paris and studying howler monkeys in Argentina have been enriching experiences.
I think it is fair to say I have the travel bug, and if I can help you satisfy yours, I’ll be even happier.
For me, it’s not only about seeing the next fantastic view but also about embracing new cultures and communities along the way. There is always something to take away. Travel has the knack of taking us out of our normal lives and thoughts and opening our minds to new possibilities.
I’ve travelled extensively in Europe, there’s an amazing variety of landscapes, people, and history and a million and one ways to experience them. My journeys have expanded from my first tentative forays to France, to working in Spain. Whether it’s been skiing in Norway or Italy, travelling through Turkey by bus, or cycling the Mountains of Northern Spain there has always been pleasure in experiences shared and something new learned.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We strive to provide an unmatched tailored service delivering an authentic luxury travel experience with a true sense of place in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I offer expert advice with knowledgeable insights to tailor a unique journey to remember. Whether you are looking to experience a culinary adventure along our extraordinary coastline, escape to a remote Scottish island, or learn more about these magnificent country’s long history of legends and castles, then I can arrange everything for you."

How did you get involved in travel?

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

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

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

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

Recent trip reviews for Rachel

Excellent travel specialists
England | Jun 1 - Jun 8, 2024

Christian
Christian o.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2024
Rachel booked a thoughtful itinerary and the team was helpful while we traveled Read more

Rachel booked a thoughtful itinerary and the team was helpful while we traveled

Hotel Reviews
11 Cadogan Gardens Hotel & Apartments
London

Great location, just two blocks from Sloane Square with easy Tube access and fantastic eateries nearby. Good breakfast, friendly and helpful staff, and excellent rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to Tube station, lots of restaurants and shopping nearby but still a quiet area at night
Staff
Staff helped with navigating the Tube and noticed our schedule
Cleanliness & Comfort
Henrietta Hotel
Covent Garden

Small with lots of character

Authenticity & Character
Location
This area has a vibrant night life with easy access to theatres and restaurants. The night noise could be an issue for some people.
Staff
Manager was especially understanding
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Driving Tour in London
London

The driver hadn't been advised of the suggested itinerary, the city was clogged with soccer fans, and being jet lagged, we weren't feeling great, but he adapted and showed us a few notable places.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
London

Great to have a Blue Badge Guide along to show us around and point out details. There's so much history and beauty within these walls.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Blue Badge Guides always know how best to sequence the visit to a very popular site
Transport
We took the Tube, met our guide upon exit, and walked the area
Travel by First Class Return Train from London to York
England

The National Railway is great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Guide for a York Tour
York

Nick was excellent! So fun and knowledgeable, and paced perfectly. He even made special goody bag knowing we had teenagers in our family. He arranged lunch and it was fun to dine with him and become better acquainted. And he pointed out a few things to do after our time with him ended.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
York Minster
York Minster
York

So glad we had Nick along to guide our visit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Jorvik Viking Centre, York
York

The museum staff provide enthusiastic historical site interpretations in full costume. Lots to discover here.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Canterbury Cathedral
England
Quality of Experience
Private Walking Tour of London
Private Walking Tour of London
London

Patricia definitely knew the schedule and didn't have us wasting time waiting. We saw the changing of the guard en route from St. James to Buckingham as well as the guard at the nearby barracks, traversing some lovely gardens en route.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tower of London
Tower of London
London

We would have liked to slow down a bit, but we were scheduled up to closing time. Patricia helped us see the highlights.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A Day Trip to Windsor and Oxford
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral
London

By this point in our trip, we'd seen multiple cathedrals, so we asked Patricia for the "highlights" version and she excelled

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Guide at Windsor Castle
Windsor

Debbie is a steward at Windsor and helped us avoid crowds and told wonderful personal stories.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Windsor Castle & Windsor
Windsor Castle & Windsor
England
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Walking Tour of Oxford
Private Walking Tour of Oxford
Oxford

Our visit was perhaps not all our guide had planned, due to testing at the various colleges.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Valuable advice from someone who knows!
England | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2024

Lora
Lora D.
Coney Island, NY | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2024
Rachel designed an incredible trip for me, my husband, and my 6 year old son. She provided great advice on what to do and what to avoid. (For example, she told us not to take the train from Edinburgh to London, as it wasn’t the experience we thought it would be.) I would certainly use her again to plan another trip. Read more

Rachel designed an incredible trip for me, my husband, and my 6 year old son. She provided great advice on what to do and what to avoid. (For example, she told us not to take the train from Edinburgh to London, as it wasn’t the experience we thought it would be.) I would certainly use her again to plan another trip.

Hotel Reviews
Cameron House
Alexandria

Absolutely perfect- sets the bar high for all other hotels. The Cameron House helped create magical Christmas memories for me and my family.

Authenticity & Character
Friendly staff, beautiful facilities.
Location
Staff
Incredibly helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh
The Hoxton, Southwark
London
Location
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

This hotel was okay, but clearly overwhelmed for the holidays. Also, the “heated” pool was not heated and was very cold. Don’t think I’d stay here again.

Activity Review
Mountain Safari
England

Didn’t love this- the guide seemed to be in a rush to be done with us. The scenery wasn’t that great and we didn’t see any animals, so we would skip this next time

Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Rachel did a terrific job!
Scotland | Jun 6 - Jun 12, 2023

Mark
Mark M.
Jefferson City, MO | Reviewed on Jun 13, 2023
Rachel did a terrific job making our trip purposeful and enjoyable! We can’t say enough about how good of a job she did! She had a few days to figure things out and did marvelous! Trip highlights include boat ride in Isle of Skye for wildlife watching, the Cameron House in Loch Lomond, The Old Mill Inn at Pitlochery and finally playing golf at Royal Troon! We’ll put together for convenience and so many personal touches. Thank you for the support and assistance! Read more

Rachel did a terrific job making our trip purposeful and enjoyable! We can’t say enough about how good of a job she did! She had a few days to figure things out and did marvelous! Trip highlights include boat ride in Isle of Skye for wildlife watching, the Cameron House in Loch Lomond, The Old Mill Inn at Pitlochery and finally playing golf at Royal Troon! We’ll put together for convenience and so many personal touches. Thank you for the support and assistance!

Hotel Reviews
Cameron House
Alexandria
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Old Mill Inn
Pitlochry
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Our flight to Ireland was delayed by a day. R...
Ireland | May 1 - May 9, 2023

K
Karen S.
Westfield, NJ | Reviewed on May 16, 2023
Our flight to Ireland was delayed by a day. Rachel rearranged everything for us so that although of course we were more rushed, we didn’t miss a thing. She was always available in country. Excellent service Read more

Our flight to Ireland was delayed by a day. Rachel rearranged everything for us so that although of course we were more rushed, we didn’t miss a thing. She was always available in country. Excellent service

Hotel Reviews
The Fleet
Dublin

very nice staff, good room, very pretty atmosphere! Breakfast was great. Good location

Authenticity & Character
Very pretty lobby and exterior
Location
Staff
Gave great recommendations and were very accomodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bayview Hotel
Bushmills

Beautiful views. Nicely appointed rooms

Authenticity & Character
Location
This is for people who want to be away with nice views. Fairly close to giants causeway
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ballyseede Castle
Tralee

I think this is a great place for a wedding or if you want to get away and do nothing and sit on the lawn but not in the best shape

Authenticity & Character
It is a castle
Location
Staff
They weren’t very visible. Food staff was nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monks Inn & Famous Restaurant

Beautiful room with lovely room. Even had a washing machine which we took advantage of

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Just a bit of confusion at check
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Imperial Hotel
Cork

Great location. Nice rooms staff couldn’t have been more helpful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was nice but I hate separate hot and cold water taps
Activity Reviews
Black Cab Tour
Belfast

Joe was friendly, charming and extremely knowledgeable. A must do

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

Sam was a great guide. Highly recommend him

Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Family friendly Ireland trip
Ireland | Apr 1 - Apr 6, 2023

Mareen
Mareen T.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2023
Rachel took the time to talk with me several times in last minute plans and accommodate several child friendly activity requests. She gave helpful advice about each location and didn’t overschedule us. We had a fantastic trip! Read more

Rachel took the time to talk with me several times in last minute plans and accommodate several child friendly activity requests. She gave helpful advice about each location and didn’t overschedule us. We had a fantastic trip!

Hotel Review
Bushmills Inn
Bushmills
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Watch a Sheep Dog Demonstration at Glenshane Country Park
Ireland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
National Trust Causeway Coast Visitor Experience
National Trust Causeway Coast Visitor Experience
Ireland
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

An amazing experience from beginning to end. ...
Ireland | Dec 31 - Jan 8, 2023

Quoc-Dien
Quoc-Dien T.
Brookline, MA | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2023
An amazing experience from beginning to end. Rachel put together a perfect itinerary adapted to our needs in a very short period of time. Read more

An amazing experience from beginning to end. Rachel put together a perfect itinerary adapted to our needs in a very short period of time.

Hotel Reviews
Cliff at Lyons
Co. Kildare
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bushmills Inn
Bushmills
The Ardilaun Hotel
Galway

Very good value for the money

Clontarf Castle Hotel
Dublin
Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Adventures in London and Paris
United Kingdom | Oct 27 - Nov 10, 2022

Joan
Joan D.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2022
I chose to work with KimKim travel based on a recommendation from my sister-in-law. Rachel and her team have been wonderful to work with, and helped me to plan a fantastic holiday for my son and mom, who was celebrating her 80th birthday. We loved the choices and locations of our accommodations - it was so easy to get around and explore the various areas in each city we visited. The attention to detail and quick response to our questions and last minute change of plans were handled so... Read more

I chose to work with KimKim travel based on a recommendation from my sister-in-law. Rachel and her team have been wonderful to work with, and helped me to plan a fantastic holiday for my son and mom, who was celebrating her 80th birthday. We loved the choices and locations of our accommodations - it was so easy to get around and explore the various areas in each city we visited. The attention to detail and quick response to our questions and last minute change of plans were handled so smoothly! Thank you, Rachel, for making our first trip to London and Paris unforgettable! We will definitely use KimKim again!

Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Trip of a Lifetime
Scotland | Sep 21 - Oct 5, 2022

CIndy
CIndy B.
Pinehurst, NC | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2022
Our trip to Scotland planned by Rachel exceeded our expectations and became the trip of a lifetime for us! With very little lead time, she planned a two week trip filled with wonderful experiences and excellent accommodations. We were fortunate to have excellent guides to drive us from one location to another. Their commentary and insights helped us to appreciate what we were seeing. We especially enjoyed Neil McLeod, who did a fantastic job of finding interesting sights and stops for us, and... Read more

Our trip to Scotland planned by Rachel exceeded our expectations and became the trip of a lifetime for us! With very little lead time, she planned a two week trip filled with wonderful experiences and excellent accommodations. We were fortunate to have excellent guides to drive us from one location to another. Their commentary and insights helped us to appreciate what we were seeing. We especially enjoyed Neil McLeod, who did a fantastic job of finding interesting sights and stops for us, and we loved his stories! We had such a good time together and he made our trip filled with special moments.

We asked Rachel for some quiet times to sit by the fire or read, and we loved being able to do that at The Haven Guest House and Monachle Mohr. The DunstaneHouse was also memorable and in a great location.

Hotel Reviews
The Roseate
Edinburgh

We had a comfortable room and loved the location. The food was amazing and the staff went out of their way to be friendly and provide excellent service.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
the biscuits provided, modern luxurious bathrooms
Monachyle Mhor
Lochearnhead

This is a dream come true kind of place! In a gorgeous setting. Our room was super clean and comfortable. The staff was outstanding and the food was the best we had on our trip. Don't miss staying is this unique and wonderful place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
Edinburgh

This was not the ordinary walking tour! Our private guide took us to several places in the city that were off the beaten path and so interesting! She had a wonderful presentation!

Quality of Experience
Visit Inverarary Castle
Visit Inverarary Castle
Scotland
Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Best Anniversary Trip Ever.
United Kingdom | Sep 11 - Sep 19, 2022

C
Christy L.
Indian Trail, NC | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2022
This was a last minute decision made for us to go to the UK for the first time. Rachel put together an amazing 9 day trip for us. Especially on such short notice. Then HM the Queen died and Rachel was on vacation. Emily had to reschedule so many of our activities. While we were on our trip Rachel was able to fix a couple of snafus we had. We did not have to stress about anything. They treated us like royalty. We loved every place we went. We cannot thank Rachel and Emily enough for the... Read more

This was a last minute decision made for us to go to the UK for the first time. Rachel put together an amazing 9 day trip for us. Especially on such short notice. Then HM the Queen died and Rachel was on vacation. Emily had to reschedule so many of our activities. While we were on our trip Rachel was able to fix a couple of snafus we had. We did not have to stress about anything. They treated us like royalty. We loved every place we went. We cannot thank Rachel and Emily enough for the wonderful 30th anniversary. Absolutely will use again.

Hotel Reviews
Linthwaite House
Windermere

The hotel was clean and nice. The staff was not friendly or welcoming. It was hard to find. Just not a good experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Georgian House Hotel
Pimlico

This hotel was spectacular from the food, staff and room!! Location was fantastic. Room was spacious and luxurious. The staff was so helpful and nice. We arrive at the hotel about 10 AM after flying all night. The staff was amazing and got us to a room after we had breakfast. They will never know how much that meant to us. They were helpful with activities and reservations. So friendly and welcoming.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location was perfect to walk to almost everywhere you needed to go.
Staff
See above they were amazing!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was so perfect. I hated to leave.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Great location. Room was amazing and comfortable. Staff was really nice

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was friendly but not really above and beyond.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cameron House
Alexandria

Cannot say enough wonderful things about this place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect in every way.
Staff
Very welcoming, friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was so comfortable and beautiful
Lygon Arms
Broadway

What a unique experience to stay here. Such a historic place. I would absolutely come and stay here again for a length of time next time.

Authenticity & Character
So much history and well preserved place.
Location
Such a great location to so many different sites and hikes.
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel du Vin Henley-Upon-Thames
Henley-on-Thames

This is a unique place. It was built as a brewery 300 years ago. Staff was not very knowledgeable or organized. They seemed new and not well trained.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not really close to anything. Everything closes down on Sunday evening early.
Staff
Everyone was nice, just new and unorganized. Amanda was really amazing and the gentleman working the restaurant was very personable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Glengoyne Distillery
United Kingdom

We learned a lot and it was a really great experience.

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

It was ok. We really did not learn a lot. So many of the stops were closed due to the Queens death.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shard Viewing Platform
Shard Viewing Platform
London

I was not sure how I would like this, but it turned out to be really fun. The drinks are amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
London

Unable to view because closed. It was beautiful from the outside.

London Eye Fast Track Tickets
London Eye Fast Track Tickets
London

This was fun. I thought it might be scary but it was air conditioned, thank goodness!! We could see all over London.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private tour of The Trossachs National Park
Private tour of The Trossachs National Park
Edinburgh

He was darling.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lake Windermere Scenic Cruise
Lake Windermere Scenic Cruise
Lake District National Park

I would have like to have more time to explore the docking points. The boat ride was great. Sit inside.

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

George was knowledgeable and engaging. He had so much to tell us about Oxford. We could have probably had a longer tour and not have noticed how fast the time went.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)

Despite a very short notice we managed to org...
Scotland | Jul 8 - Jul 19, 2022

A
Alexandre G.
Hong Kong SAR China | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2022
Despite a very short notice we managed to organise our tour to Scotland in the best conditions. Rachel has been very helpful and professional. Thank you! Read more

Despite a very short notice we managed to organise our tour to Scotland in the best conditions. Rachel has been very helpful and professional. Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Beadnell Towers
Chathill
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Marmalade Hotel
Portree

Staff rude and not respectful of the clients.

Authenticity & Character
Impersonal. It could be in any city in the world. Skye deserves better.
Location
Staff
Service is rude and absolutely non professional. I have been called after 10 PM when sleeping for asking me what time I wanted to have breakfast. Staff is not trained and disfunctional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dream Variations
Edinburgh
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The owner is very kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

Very nice restaurant and food

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
One Devonshire Gardens - Hotel du Vin
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fonab Castle
Pitlochry

Good hotel but the service at the breakfast was disfunctional and not very professional.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cameron House
Alexandria

Wonderful location but a little artificial.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
Sightseeing Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
Edinburgh
Portree Boat Trip
Portree Boat Trip
Scotland

Amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick
Edinburgh Castle Entry
Edinburgh Castle Entry
Edinburgh
The Potter Trail Private Tour
Edinburgh
Visit Scone Palace
Visit Scone Palace
Scotland
Sheep Dog Demonstration
Inverness

Very interesting for kids and adults

Loch Ness Freedom Cruise
Loch Ness Freedom Cruise
Scotland
Local specialist: Rachel Long (deactivated)