Kim Hardcastle
She/Her
Based in Ojai, California
English, French
Twelve12 Travel
Ask us about
Our Story
I've always got wanderlust so my pet-sitter is on speed dial. I live in magical Ojai, CA—so, home is pretty great, but my soul lives in France.
Travel Style
I started my career with The Ritz-Carlton, so I'm a bit of a hotel snob (but in the best way). I love the beach and the mountains, Michelin-star-worthy food, and watching the world go by from sidewalk cafes.
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Reviews (69)
Alice P.
travel to New York City
6 days ago
Kim always makes everything very easy!!
Michelle Y.
travel by cruise
18 days ago
Kim is top notch. She makes the best recs and knows the travel business from top to the bottom. But the little personal touches are what truly set her apart. Sure I can plan a trip on my own, but I won't. Kim knows her stuff, cares about you having the best time, and isn't afraid to point you in a different direction you weren't thinking about, but were happy you listened! We recommend her to anyone and everyone and will always use her! She was spot on about the Explora experience. We were ready to go on our first-ever cruise because she prepared us well!
Manning F.
travel to Miami
about 1 month ago
Kim makes everything easy and seamless! She helped me last-minute this trip and everything was perfect!
Ashley T.
travel to France
about 1 month ago
Kim made everything seamless. She handled our accommodations, transfers, restaurant reservations and all the little details. She even surprised me with the sweetest birthday gift waiting in my room when we arrived. It was an unforgettable trip.
James K.
travel to Honolulu
2 months ago
Kim Hardcastle was very knowledgeable, handled all of our arrangements from getting a rental car through Sixt which was right there in the resort, to getting us the fantastic breakfasts, and setting us up in the perfect beach view room.
Alice P.
travel to New York City
6 days ago
Kim always makes everything very easy!!
Michelle Y.
travel by cruise
18 days ago
Kim is top notch. She makes the best recs and knows the travel business from top to the bottom. But the little personal touches are what truly set her apart. Sure I can plan a trip on my own, but I won't. Kim knows her stuff, cares about you having the best time, and isn't afraid to point you in a different direction you weren't thinking about, but were happy you listened! We recommend her to anyone and everyone and will always use her! She was spot on about the Explora experience. We were ready to go on our first-ever cruise because she prepared us well!
Manning F.
travel to Miami
about 1 month ago
Kim makes everything easy and seamless! She helped me last-minute this trip and everything was perfect!
Ashley T.
travel to France
about 1 month ago
Kim made everything seamless. She handled our accommodations, transfers, restaurant reservations and all the little details. She even surprised me with the sweetest birthday gift waiting in my room when we arrived. It was an unforgettable trip.
Travel ideas (2)
Paris: A Deeper Cut
Friends constantly asking me where to go and what to do in Paris is part of the reason I got into the travel advisor biz. I always had a running list of people to send my favorite spots to, but strangely no one booked a trip with me to go there until well after a year into my new business. I think everyone feels like they can do Paris on their own. And while that’s true—it’s such a vast and endless place to explore—having a friend who lived there and also happens to be a travel advisor is a better place to start. While the hits are hits for a reason (who can resist the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night?), my curated list of places to see goes a little bit deeper than the well trodden tourist path and has been honed over 30 years of living and visiting the City of Lights.
Paris: A Deeper Cut
Friends constantly asking me where to go and what to do in Paris is part of the reason I got into the travel advisor biz. I always had a running list of people to send my favorite spots to, but strangely no one booked a trip with me to go there until well after a year into my new business. I think everyone feels like they can do Paris on their own. And while that’s true—it’s such a vast and endless place to explore—having a friend who lived there and also happens to be a travel advisor is a better place to start. While the hits are hits for a reason (who can resist the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night?), my curated list of places to see goes a little bit deeper than the well trodden tourist path and has been honed over 30 years of living and visiting the City of Lights.
A Guide to California's Lesser-Known Wine Country
Most people have heard of Napa Valley and Sonoma, but a lesser-known alternative (also my favorite of the two) is the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. Accessible to all of SoCal, a short two hours from LA and in the beautiful Central Coast, the SYV offers a diverse cluster of charming small towns, amazing food and wine, relaxing vistas and world class accommodations.
A Guide to California's Lesser-Known Wine Country
Most people have heard of Napa Valley and Sonoma, but a lesser-known alternative (also my favorite of the two) is the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. Accessible to all of SoCal, a short two hours from LA and in the beautiful Central Coast, the SYV offers a diverse cluster of charming small towns, amazing food and wine, relaxing vistas and world class accommodations.
Paris: A Deeper Cut
Friends constantly asking me where to go and what to do in Paris is part of the reason I got into the travel advisor biz. I always had a running list of people to send my favorite spots to, but strangely no one booked a trip with me to go there until well after a year into my new business. I think everyone feels like they can do Paris on their own. And while that’s true—it’s such a vast and endless place to explore—having a friend who lived there and also happens to be a travel advisor is a better place to start. While the hits are hits for a reason (who can resist the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night?), my curated list of places to see goes a little bit deeper than the well trodden tourist path and has been honed over 30 years of living and visiting the City of Lights.
Paris: A Deeper Cut
Friends constantly asking me where to go and what to do in Paris is part of the reason I got into the travel advisor biz. I always had a running list of people to send my favorite spots to, but strangely no one booked a trip with me to go there until well after a year into my new business. I think everyone feels like they can do Paris on their own. And while that’s true—it’s such a vast and endless place to explore—having a friend who lived there and also happens to be a travel advisor is a better place to start. While the hits are hits for a reason (who can resist the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night?), my curated list of places to see goes a little bit deeper than the well trodden tourist path and has been honed over 30 years of living and visiting the City of Lights.
A Guide to California's Lesser-Known Wine Country
Most people have heard of Napa Valley and Sonoma, but a lesser-known alternative (also my favorite of the two) is the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. Accessible to all of SoCal, a short two hours from LA and in the beautiful Central Coast, the SYV offers a diverse cluster of charming small towns, amazing food and wine, relaxing vistas and world class accommodations.
A Guide to California's Lesser-Known Wine Country
Most people have heard of Napa Valley and Sonoma, but a lesser-known alternative (also my favorite of the two) is the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. Accessible to all of SoCal, a short two hours from LA and in the beautiful Central Coast, the SYV offers a diverse cluster of charming small towns, amazing food and wine, relaxing vistas and world class accommodations.