Karen Kilyk

I’m a passionate traveler and specialty travel designer. Inspired from childhood by globetrotting family members, I love to explore and incorporate everything I see and learn into my guest’s experiences of a lifetime.

With over 20 years in the travel business, I’ve visited over thirty countries. That includes journeying close to home in the Caribbean and U.S., as well as to far-reaching destinations such as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Costa Rica, and Egypt. Most recently, I had the pleasure of exploring Turkey and the Maldives. I have visited most countries in Europe and enjoy creating customized itineraries or matching my guests with an escorted tour option that fits their style and interests.

“I approach trip planning as a matchmaker listening carefully to my clients’ travel history, current desires, and future dreams then we collaborate to build the perfect itinerary. It is so rewarding when everything comes together to make special memories!

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little extras. This is what I strive to deliver with every itinerary and love to help my guests develop a lifetime plan. As a member of Virtuoso, a by-invitation-only luxury travel network, I have access to the best suppliers and hoteliers, servicing all aspects of travel around the world.”

Here are my favorite adventures:

• Swimming with sea turtles in the Maldives
• Sleeping under the stars in the Kalahari Desert
• Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef at Lizard Island
• Galloping across the Atacama Desert in Chile
• Wine tasting in California, Spain, Australia, South America and beyond
• Sitting amongst a herd of elephants in the Okavango Delta
• Ziplining in Costa Rica
• Hiking in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Forest
• Bungy jumping and Zorbing in New Zealand
• Cruising the Norwegian Fjords
• Walking amongst the penguins near Cape Horn
• River Cruising along the Seine to Normandy
• Wandering along Europe’s cobbled streets
• Dining on amazing cuisine from Spain to the Outback

Botswana Safari

During my Botswana safari, I learned that the region is politically stable and one of the most prosperous countries in Africa. It’s also one of the largest conservation areas in the world and is known to safari connoisseurs as a remote and pristine wilderness with well-managed wildlife reserves. The unique Okavango Delta is a wondrous wetland in the middle of a desert. In Botswana, I inspected five safari camps and I can recommend a perfect combination of secluded yet sophisticated lodging, expertly guided game viewing activities, and highly personalized service. Learn more about Karen’s safari adventure with several great tips to help plan your safari!

My Egypt Adventure

My journey with Big Five to Egypt was also truly a wonder! I visited Cairo, the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the ancient temples of Isis, Edfu, and Karnak. Our trip along the Nile took me back to ancient times and the visits to the old markets fascinated me. The people were welcoming and asked me to encourage others to come and experience their hospitality. I look forward to going back one day.

I have earned my Tauck Certification, joining less than 1% of Tauck’s worldwide network of travel agents who have successfully completed the program. Tauck is a 90-year-old leader in premium-quality guided travel, with over 120 land journeys and cruises to more than 70 countries and all seven continents.

As a Tauck Certified Agent, I can apply this specialized knowledge and expertise when planning trips for my clients.