Profile photo for Jessica Jennings
442 messages
active 2 days ago

Jessica Jennings

Traveling is such an incredible experience because it forces us to break away from our comfort zone and face all the wonderful and unexpected situations that come with being in an unfamiliar place. I think it is so important to be exposed to new environments and cultures as it has the power to make us feel more connected with the world we live in and more emphatic to all the people in it.

How did you get involved in travel?

"I always loved geography from a very young age so it came naturally to want to explore all those places I saw on maps. That led me to study abroad during my undergrad in Aix-en-Provence, France where I got to meet friends from all around the world and travel across Europe on the weekends. It was so incredible to be exposed to so many different cultures, places, and people that I knew I wanted to help others do the same. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"When I was 21 I took a trip to Athens to spend a few days by myself before meeting up with a friend in Santorini. As a college student on a budget, I booked a grueling trip that lasted over 24 hours on five different flights before I landed in Athens around midnight. Dazed and exhausted, I went to buy a train ticket into the city only to realize the kiosk was entirely in Greek! Being that it was so late, no attendant was there and I was about to resign to spending the night on the airport floor before a group of Greek graduate students came to my rescue. They helped buy me a ticket before we rode together into the city and proceeded to tell me all about their experience growing up in Athens. They even walked me to my hostel to make sure I got there safely.

I’ve been lucky enough to have many incredible experiences while traveling, but I’ve always been amazed by all the kind people I’ve encountered along the way. "

Biesanz Bay in Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders - 10 Days

Explore the best of Costa Rica on this exciting 10-day adventure through the country's outdoor landscapes. Get to know the capital city of San José before heading off to Arenal for several days of volcano hikes and soaking in natural hot springs. You'll explore the cloud forest, learn about coffee production in Monteverde, and then continue to Manuel Antonio National Park for boating and snorkeling in aquamarine waters.

Visit Costa Rica on your next kimkim trip
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your interests, and what to expect during your trip.

Punta Uva Beach on the Caribbean Coast
7 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Hike around active volcanoes, spot wildlife in a cloud forest, soak in natural hot springs, learn to surf, or relax on the beach: there are countless ways to spend a week in Costa Rica. Featuring activities ranging from whitewater rafting and zip-lining to cycling tours and cooking classes, these unique itineraries take you to the country's biodiverse regions for a deep dive into culture, nature, and adventure. Read on to find your perfect itinerary for seven days in Costa Rica.

Surfer in Playa Tamarindo
Arenal and the Nicoya Peninsula - 7 Days

Experience the best of Costa Rica's tropical forests and its beaches on this week-long itinerary. You'll explore the rainforest via suspension bridges and zip-line tours while spotting exotic birds, playful monkeys, and other wildlife. Then, it's on to the western Nicoya Peninsula for a few days spent snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing at the beach.

Enjoy a culinary-focused trip in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Culinary Tour - 7 Days

On this seven-day food-themed itinerary you'll explore food stalls at San José's Mercado Central, learn how to make traditional dishes during a hands-on cooking class, participate in chocolate making—one of Costa Rica's most important exports. You'll also experience the country's incredible natural surroundings with jungles, beaches, and plenty of relaxation.

Riverbank lined with untouched rainforest in Tortuguero
Wildlife & Beaches in Costa Rica - 10 Days

This 10-day adventure allows you to experience Costa Rica from both coasts. Visit San José, check out Tortuguero National Park, marvel at Arenal Volcano, and lounge on the remote beaches of Guanacaste. Enjoy plenty of activities along the way: watch sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach, sample locally produced chocolate, or take a surf lesson in the Pacific.

Recent trip reviews for Jessica

Good resource to use when planning your trip
Costa Rica | Dec 17 - Dec 28, 2022

Alexandros
Alexandros T.
Greece | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2023

- Planning with Kimkim was very easy. Jessica was great
- Days per destination and activities added were the right ones.
- Biggest miss was hotels. Arenal hotel was great (Lost Iguana). Monteverde hotel was not good (Jaguarundi lodge) as they have a bad section were you have 8 apartments next to each other with bad soundproofing, no heating, faulty windows etc. We decided to stay at another place called Green Tree B&B which was great and actually a great experience. Manuel Antonio hotel... read more

- Planning with Kimkim was very easy. Jessica was great
- Days per destination and activities added were the right ones.
- Biggest miss was hotels. Arenal hotel was great (Lost Iguana). Monteverde hotel was not good (Jaguarundi lodge) as they have a bad section were you have 8 apartments next to each other with bad soundproofing, no heating, faulty windows etc. We decided to stay at another place called Green Tree B&B which was great and actually a great experience. Manuel Antonio hotel was mediocre (Tabulia tree) as the bathroom was smelling, the beds were not great, but we were able to interact with macaws and monkeys at hotel premises. Overall the last two had some of the things mentioned in public comments and reviews so I would double-check next time public reviews.
- Activities overall were great with enough time in between, good guides, good mix etc. Some guides didn't speak as great English, and one of the activities (snorkeling) was a let down. But overall happy with that part.
- In our view Costa Rica is a very nice and safe place to visit that combines nature and wildlife with beach vacations. That said, it has become very expensive and quite touristy especially during the peak season that we visited. Not our best trip, but a good experience.

Hotel Reviews
Lost Iguana Resort and Spa
Fortuna

Great place, right next to nature.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Inn San Jose by Radisson
San José

Solid choice if you are just passing by San Jose. Not great neighbourhood, but if you are there just for a night's sleep is great (beds, staff etc)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jaguarundi Lodge
Monteverde

This place is actually a hostel (at least the room we stayed in). Wouldn't recommend

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tabulia Tree
Manuel Antonio

Ok choice but better options to look for.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
Arenal/La Fortuna

Desafio is a great company to do this experience. The river is not that scenic, but a good experience to add while at La Fortuna.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amazing guide!
Transport
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Good place to spot some nocturnal animals

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Great guide!
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk & EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

Must-see at Arenal. Hot Springs were solid.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide didn't speak great English
Transport
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

As a park is very nice, but maybe not worth spending a whole day for the experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Great food at the stop the guide made!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde

Quite touristy but other than that a good visit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
a lot of people per vehicle
100% Aventura Zip Line Monteverde
Monteverde

Great experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transport left early and we had to drive there
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

Very touristic place. You can see cappucin monkeys and some other animals we couldn't see elsewhere. We had to slide between people to make our way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Adventure from Manuel Antonio with Meal
Manuel Antonio

Great Catamaran ride but very very bad snorkeling.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Jennings

Fantastic Costa Rica experience
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Dec 26, 2022

Jaya
Jaya C.
Hermosa Beach, CA | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

We decided to use kimkim for our Costa Rica trip in December. This was our first time and we had a fantastic experience with them. Jessica planned out a wonderful trip for us based on our likings and needs. She was flexible with changes and was prompt in her responses. We visited La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde and Guanacaste region. All the hotels and activities were as described. We enjoyed the safari float, zip lining and night time sloth observation a lot. We had one hitch with our hotel... read more

We decided to use kimkim for our Costa Rica trip in December. This was our first time and we had a fantastic experience with them. Jessica planned out a wonderful trip for us based on our likings and needs. She was flexible with changes and was prompt in her responses. We visited La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde and Guanacaste region. All the hotels and activities were as described. We enjoyed the safari float, zip lining and night time sloth observation a lot. We had one hitch with our hotel reservation not paid and had to pay out of pocket. But Jessica took care of it by immediately refunding! Overall, it was a very positive experience.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
Fortuna

We got upgraded to this hotel with the views of Mount Arenal. Room was very convenient with Jacuzzi and perfect view of Arenal volcano. Staff were very courteous and helpful. Food was decent and vegetarian options were there. There is a gift shop and was quite helpful. Only issue was distance from the town. We got to use the Titoku springs for free and there was shuttle to take us and bring back. Over all a great place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was good mix of nature and modernization
Staff
Helpful staff including the housekeeping.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Property was well maintained and beds were comfortable
Senda Monteverde Boutique Hotel
Monteverde

Very nice property right next to the Aguti reserve. We could see lot of birds and Animals in the property. Food was fantastic and very accommodating to kids and vegetarians. There were daily activities for family. Our suite was far away from lobby which was little painful. Housekeeping was excellent and they even did laundry.

Authenticity & Character
Setting was beautiful and property was very beautiful
Location
Quick walk to town though uphill on the way back
Staff
Staff was quite friendly especially at the restaurant. Front desk was fine but seemed not so accommodating with checking out an hour late due to our morning activity
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping was excellent and very warm. Nightly warm hot bags, chocolates!!
Hotel Bosque del Mar Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa

More like 3.5 stars. Hotel is set right by the beach and very convenient to hang out. Staff was very friendly. Food was average. They did try to accommodate vegetarian food for Christmas dinner. We had ocean suite but jacuzzi didn’t really work well but since was close to beach we didn’t bother complaining. Pool was average. Loved the sounds of ocean, birds, monkeys

Authenticity & Character
Casual vibes
Location
Close to beach but far from anything else
Staff
Accommodating and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
The jacuzzi was dirty and shower setting was very low
Activity Reviews
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He took us around a private farm and we got to see two toed sloths, toads, bull frogs, red eye tree frog, sleeping toucans and more. He took great pictures and shared with us.

Quality of Experience
Knowledgeable and friendly
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
On time
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

It was a small group hike. Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Hiking was not very hard except for few areas. La Fortuna falls was 500 steps down and little challenging on the way back. Lunch afterwards was fantastic at the farm.

Quality of Experience
Food
Fresh and vegetarian friendly. Quite tasty
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve
Monteverde

Felt like a small reserve compared to sky. We didn’t really see much more wildlife. It was raining quite a bit so that didn’t help. We saw a male quetzal, humming birds, few other birds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff could be more engaging
Transport
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

Wonderful experience doing slow raft on the penas blancas river. We could see monkeys, toucans and few other birds. Carlos, our guide was fun and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos was fantastic
Transport
On time and comfortable
Sky Adventures: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

It was our first time zip lining and with a kid. Crew was very supportive and gave all safety instructions. They repeated every time and encouraged us. Views were amazing and needed for true cloud forest view. Main lobby staff was little rude and not accommodating. Our zip lining ended late and so we were late for hanging bridges guided tour but they had us wait an hour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Costa Rica

Catamaran sailing adventure was good. Boat was clean and crew was quite friendly. Bar served drinks all the time. We got to see couple whales and sting ray but not much other wild life. It was more of party boat with music and alcohol. Would not recommend highly for kids. Snorkeling was ok. Was hoping to get some help from crew but there were lot of people on the boat so guess not possible. Food was basic but tasty. Sunset was very beautiful. It’s worth for a relaxed sailing and drinks and views.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience (Seasonal)
Costa Rica

We really wanted to do this adventure and we’re lucky to see a few turtles coming offshore. Couple didn’t nest but one did and we saw it digging in sand and laying eggs. It was surreal experience. You’re involved a car drive to a place and then a van drive with a group to a beach. Guide at the beach was knowledgeable but little rude. He was watching out for wild life which is very admirable but would have helped to know some of the rules/things before hand.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Jennings

The best decision I made before leaving for a solo trip
Costa Rica | Dec 24 - Dec 30, 2022

Tiphanny
Tiphanny C.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

I am the type of traveller who hates pre-organized group travelling (cruise type).

Kimkim was amazing because it allowed me to safely plan a trip in a country I didn't know (it was a nightmare to try to plan for ground transportation remotely on my own) without feeling stuck in a pre-organized trip. I really designed my own journey, on my budget, at my pace.

Their agents were super communicative prior to the departure to make sure all of my questions were answered and everything ran... read more

I am the type of traveller who hates pre-organized group travelling (cruise type).

Kimkim was amazing because it allowed me to safely plan a trip in a country I didn't know (it was a nightmare to try to plan for ground transportation remotely on my own) without feeling stuck in a pre-organized trip. I really designed my own journey, on my budget, at my pace.

Their agents were super communicative prior to the departure to make sure all of my questions were answered and everything ran super smoothly during the trip, I was able to get so much done in such a short period thanks to them.

Will use them again in the future 100%

Hotel Reviews
Selina San Jose
San Jose

I was upgraded last minute, and it was the best way to finish the trip

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Selina Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

I booked a teepee, and as nice and cleaned it was, it was also not sound proof at all, which was really the only bad thing. The location and staff was great :D

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mar Inn Costa Rica
Monteverde Costa Rica

Nice little hotel, clean and 5min away from the main area of Monteverde. I know the view is advertised in the description, I wasn't mind blown, but the hotel is worth its value for the cost. Would stay again Note: I had a bit of an issue checking out early, I had to wait until 7 for somebody to open the reception. If you need to check out early, make sure you arrange it prior to the day

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Monteverde

OK.. this was honestly beyond my expectation. I was picked up at my hotel by the coffee farmer, his wife and his daughter. This experience felt super authentic ( I think most other coffee tours and night walks in Monteverde are more touristy). We saw a tarantula, a toucan sleeping and got a full intro to how coffee is made and how it is supposed to be consumed

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Adventures: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

This was fun and it felt very safe. Lots of zip lines and high sensations. Downsize: the shuttle was late to pick me up, and once down with the activity I had to wait 45 min at the zip line office to get a ride back (they only have shuttles every hour, so if you miss one, you have to wait for 1h)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Costa Rica

I cannot stress enough how amazing this was. I almost cancelled this activity because it was a 5 am pickup, but I am so glad I didn't. This day was the highlight of my journey in Costa Rica. Beyond the adrenaline of rafting through the rapids, the scenery of the river Pacuare is fantastic. You feel like you are in a movie. Plus breakfast and Lunch were included

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Jennings

Fun-filled family vacation in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Dec 23 - Dec 30, 2022

Veronika
Veronika S.
Merrick, NY | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2023

KimKim helped us plan a fun-filled family vacation in Costa Rica at the last minute! We went on beautiful nature hikes, saw sloths, monkeys and other animals and got to try new things like white-water rafting. We had a fantastic time the entire trip and made so many great memories. read more

KimKim helped us plan a fun-filled family vacation in Costa Rica at the last minute! We went on beautiful nature hikes, saw sloths, monkeys and other animals and got to try new things like white-water rafting. We had a fantastic time the entire trip and made so many great memories.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
La Fortuna

The location of the hotel was good, but the property was a little older and wasn't maintained super well. It's clean and has potential.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery
Jacó

Great place with a convenient location and a nice pool. The kitchen and laundry are super convenient. My only complaint is the sofa bed in the living room is not comfortable at all (thin mattress). If you're four people, I would consider a double room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Jessica Jennings

6 day vacation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Dec 22 - Dec 27, 2022

Ram
Ram R.
Conyers, GA | Reviewed on Dec 28, 2022

Landed in San Jose airport after a 3 hr delay in flight. Drove to Kokoro Resort at La Fortunat. Our overnight stay in Kokoro resort was good.Hiked the base of Arenal Volcano about to for about 3.5 hrs on lava rocks to top of volcano base and elevation of 3500ft.. Saw some venomous viper snakes in the parking lot curled up on the tree.
Melanie, our guide was very helpful since we were slower than rest of the young group Melanie walked with us. Was a beautiful hike, thoroughly enjoyed and... read more

Landed in San Jose airport after a 3 hr delay in flight. Drove to Kokoro Resort at La Fortunat. Our overnight stay in Kokoro resort was good.Hiked the base of Arenal Volcano about to for about 3.5 hrs on lava rocks to top of volcano base and elevation of 3500ft.. Saw some venomous viper snakes in the parking lot curled up on the tree.
Melanie, our guide was very helpful since we were slower than rest of the young group Melanie walked with us. Was a beautiful hike, thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to those who are interested in nature.
Lunch ar Indian restaurant was pretty good, especially after the challenging hike. In the evening the hot springs bath was relaxing. The Kokoro staff was helpful. Would recommend this resort.
We were transported by private bus, boat and car from Arenal to Monteverde. Very windy and cold place. We had a great time at Aventura park zip lining the 7 legs. It was an exhilarating experience for both of us since this was our first time. The town is hilly, and after a good meal it is good workout after a walk up and down the hills.
We had night hike in the rain forest of about 2 hrs The knowledgeable guide explained the flora and fauna that we spotted during the night. This is a recommended hike.
We were disappointed with Mar-Inn hotel. They wanted us to put the used toilet paper after defecation in the trash can in the restroom instead of flushing down the toilet.
The next day we were driven to Manuel Antonio. Nice drive from top of the hill to sea level becoming progressively warmer.
We had good 4 hr walk thru the National park Rain forest. We saw a variety of flora and fauna which the guide was explaining in detail, We spent some time on the beautiful Espedillo beach. We then went to Quepos for lunch and got back to the hotel.
The hotel Tibulia Tree was ok, like cabin on the hill nestled among tall trees, but is too far from the beach. Would have wanted it to be closer to the beach.
On the whole we had a good time. Kimkkim had made good arrangements for the trip except for those noted above(. I would recommend Kimkim for for trip planning.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs
La Fortuna

Our overnight tay in Kokoro resort was good. In the evening the hot springs bath was relaxing. The Kokoro staff was helpful. Would recommend this resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
hotsprings but there was no coffee in the room.
Staff
Very courteous and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mar Inn Costa Rica
Monteverde Costa Rica

Good location. We were disappointmented the Mar-Inn hotel. They wanted us to put the used toilet paper after defecation in the trash can in the restroom instead of flushing down the toilet.

Authenticity & Character
Like any other motel
Location
Good location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We were disappointmented the Mar-Inn hotel. They wanted us to put the used toilet paper after defecation in the trash can in the restroom instead of flushing down the toilet.
Tabulia Tree
Manuel Antonio

All good. but no coffee in the room. There was coffee maker but no coffee powder.

Authenticity & Character
Location
too far from the beach. Had to take the bus everywhere
Staff
Very courteous.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Guided Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides were very helpful. Since we were slower than rest of the group, Melanie, was with us all the time while the rest of the group went much faster.
Transport
100% Aventura Zip Line Monteverde
Monteverde

Awesome experience if you are not scared of heights.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

Excellent hike trhu the rainforest. Very educational. Adrian is an excellent guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Jennings

Our phenomenal experience in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Dec 6 - Dec 12, 2022

Nicholas
Nicholas S.
Coney Island, NY | Reviewed on Dec 19, 2022

Our time in Costa Rica was phenomenal. All of it was facilitated directly by KimKim and its outstanding specialist, Jessica. Each event we partook in was exactly as described, from the excitement of the hanging bridges tour’s animal sightings to the beauty of the sunset cruise along Lake Arenal. My fiancée and I felt so encouraged by the passion all of our tour guides showed for Costa Rica and specifically La Fortuna. Jacamar Tours ensured that we received the best service possible throughout... read more

Our time in Costa Rica was phenomenal. All of it was facilitated directly by KimKim and its outstanding specialist, Jessica. Each event we partook in was exactly as described, from the excitement of the hanging bridges tour’s animal sightings to the beauty of the sunset cruise along Lake Arenal. My fiancée and I felt so encouraged by the passion all of our tour guides showed for Costa Rica and specifically La Fortuna. Jacamar Tours ensured that we received the best service possible throughout our treks through the rainforest to Arenal Waterfall and the hike around Arenal Volcano.

One tour guide in particular, Victor, who guided us through the Night Walk, provided us with an unforgettable experience. He knew every route perfectly and tailored the walk toward the animals we wanted to see most. We got closer views of sloths and even a caiman than I ever imagined we would. He was also so remarkably knowledgeable and kind, something we found with each of the guides KimKim recommended.

Activity Reviews
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs & Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Jennings