More About Karen Kilyk – Vacation Travel Advisor
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Tauck Certified Specialist
- Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC)
- Virtuoso Specialist
- Australia Specialist
- ScotsMaster
- Spain Specialist
DESTINATION FAVORITES:
- Botswana
- South Africa
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Italy
- Greece
- Scotland
- Spain
- Ireland
- South America
SPECIALTIES:
- Tauck Touring and Cruising
- African Safaris
- River and Ocean Cruises
- Small Ship Luxury
- Escorted and Independent Tours
- Private Jet Touring
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Europe
- South America
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Faith-Based Travel
My Travel Highlights
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.
With 26 years in the travel business, I’ve visited over thirty countries. That includes journeying close to home in the Caribbean and U.S., many European countries as well as to far-reaching destinations such as Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Costa Rica, Istanbul, the Maldives, Egypt and more.
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little extras. This is what I strive to deliver with every itinerary as I listen to and collaborate with my guests to develop a special trip and a lifetime travel 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. It is so rewarding when everything comes together to make unique and special memories!
Here are my favorite adventures:
- Swimming with sea turtles in the Maldives
- Hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara in Kenya
- 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. I’d love to share more about my safari adventure, along with several great tips to help you 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 were fascinating. The people were welcoming and requested I 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.
Travel is my passion and I would love to apply my expertise to your dream.
Thanks again for all of your help and guidance throughout our amazing African Safari!! I can’t think of any other vacation that was so enlightening and immersive as the Micato experience! Our guide, Phillip, was extraordinary and able to answer any and all questions from our group. His organizational skills, patience, kindness and knowledge of everything Africa were exceptional. Our lodging and meals were all perfectly wonderful, as was their staff.
We feel so fortunate to know you as a friend and our travel agent. We always feel so confident in everything you recommend and plan for us.
Thanks again for all of your help and guidance throughout our amazing African Safari!! I can’t think of any other vacation that was so enlightening and immersive as the Micato experience! Our guide, Phillip, was extraordinary and able to answer any and all questions from our group. His organizational skills, patience, kindness and knowledge of everything Africa were exceptional. Our lodging and meals were all perfectly wonderful, as was their staff.
We feel so fortunate to know you as a friend and our travel agent. We always feel so confident in everything you recommend and plan for us. Over the Top Experience
Karen Kilyk was referred to us by family and we were so impressed! She planned our 2-week trip to Greece and was tremendous! Everything was planned and executed perfectly! Karen dotted every I and crossed every T and was personable as well! She’s a delightful and experienced agent! We are talking Mallorca in 2025 and Karen will be our agent! Our experience was over the top!
Karen Kilyk was referred to us by family and we were so impressed! She planned our 2-week trip to Greece and was tremendous! Everything was planned and executed perfectly! Karen dotted every I and crossed every T and was personable as well! She’s a delightful and experienced agent! We are talking Mallorca in 2025 and Karen will be our agent! Our experience was over the top!
Karen Planned Another Wonderful Trip!
Hi Karen – I just wanted to say thank you for planning a beautiful trip! We had AMAZING weather for the entire week and everything went smoothly. We loved our food tour in Prague and we are so glad we didn’t cancel it. It was a wonderful experience overall!
A few highlights that we loved:
• The food tour in Prague with family
• Experiencing the enchanting medieval city of Cesky Krumlov
• Enjoying the amazing views at Schloss Monstein
• Recreating the Do-Re-Mi scene in the gardens in Salzburg
• Alpina Dolomites was EXCEPTIONAL
We had a wonderful time and cannot thank you enough for planning another beautiful and enjoyable trip!
Karen Planned Another Wonderful Trip!
Hi Karen – I just wanted to say thank you for planning a beautiful trip! We had AMAZING weather for the entire week and everything went smoothly. We loved our food tour in Prague and we are so glad we didn’t cancel it. It was a wonderful experience overall!
A few highlights that we loved:
• The food tour in Prague with family
• Experiencing the enchanting medieval city of Cesky Krumlov
• Enjoying the amazing views at Schloss Monstein
• Recreating the Do-Re-Mi scene in the gardens in Salzburg
• Alpina Dolomites was EXCEPTIONAL
We had a wonderful time and cannot thank you enough for planning another beautiful and enjoyable trip!
3-Week Australia/New Zealand Adventure
You planned a great trip to Australia and New Zealand for us! Great outdoor experiences and scenery. We loved it. Thanks.
3-Week Australia/New Zealand Adventure
You planned a great trip to Australia and New Zealand for us! Great outdoor experiences and scenery. We loved it. Thanks. Thanks for Organizing the Honeymoon of our Dreams!
Where should we begin?! Ever since our return, my husband and I have been homesick for Namibia. From the dunes of Sossusvlei to the revered white elephants of Etosha, every minute of our Namibia trip was filled with adventure, beauty and fun. Namibia is incredibly unique. The terrain is vast and changes dramatically. The local people are incredibly warm and friendly. The wildlife is bountiful. It is quite easy to spot rhino, elephant, giraffe, and lion just on your drive to each lodge!
Our safari tour of central and Northern Namibia with Big Five tours was impeccable. Our guide was top notch and the lodges were simply outstanding. We especially loved Camp Kipwe in Damaraland. The sundowners on top of the lodge took our breath away. We were treated to a new adventure every day and I would highly recommend Namibia to anyone looking for a unique, safe and adventurous safari experience. Nothing compares! Thank you, Karen, for organizing the honeymoon of our dreams. We will be back for sure!
Where should we begin?! Ever since our return, my husband and I have been homesick for Namibia. From the dunes of Sossusvlei to the revered white elephants of Etosha, every minute of our Namibia trip was filled with adventure, beauty and fun. Namibia is incredibly unique. The terrain is vast and changes dramatically. The local people are incredibly warm and friendly. The wildlife is bountiful. It is quite easy to spot rhino, elephant, giraffe, and lion just on your drive to each lodge!
Our safari tour of central and Northern Namibia with Big Five tours was impeccable. Our guide was top notch and the lodges were simply outstanding. We especially loved Camp Kipwe in Damaraland. The sundowners on top of the lodge took our breath away. We were treated to a new adventure every day and I would highly recommend Namibia to anyone looking for a unique, safe and adventurous safari experience. Nothing compares! Thank you, Karen, for organizing the honeymoon of our dreams. We will be back for sure! Thanks for Arranging the Trip of a Lifetime!
Karen – We want to thank you for arranging the trip of a lifetime for Lynn and me! From the moment we arrived in Tahiti after 20+ hours of flying and were greeted at the airport for the short trip to our overwater bungalow at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, the trip kept exceeding our expectations at each turn. Read More
Karen – We want to thank you for arranging the trip of a lifetime for Lynn and me! From the moment we arrived in Tahiti after 20+ hours of flying and were greeted at the airport for the short trip to our overwater bungalow at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, the trip kept exceeding our expectations at each turn. Read More
Family Celebration at Half Moon
Good morning Karen,
Thank you so much for all of your work in putting together our trip to Half Moon.I just can’t express how perfect it was. What an amazing resort!! And very accommodating staff.
For our anniversary, they made an anniversary sign, strung lights on the pool patio where we were having dinner and brought in small palm trees to add to the ambiance. A memorable and romantic setting! Read More about their family trip to Jamaica and view photos of Half Moon resort.
Thanks again,
Family Celebration at Half Moon
Good morning Karen,
Thank you so much for all of your work in putting together our trip to Half Moon.I just can’t express how perfect it was. What an amazing resort!! And very accommodating staff.
For our anniversary, they made an anniversary sign, strung lights on the pool patio where we were having dinner and brought in small palm trees to add to the ambiance. A memorable and romantic setting! Read More about their family trip to Jamaica and view photos of Half Moon resort.
Thanks again, Cruising Croatia on a Private Yacht Charter
From the moment we boarded, the Ottawa IV’s crew went above and beyond our expectations. They were friendly, warm, fun and bent over backward to make our Croatian cruise an amazing experience. We have never experienced service like this before. The head stewardess was an expert at crafting unique cocktails and could also make any coffee order! She and her fellow stewards were magical. They would pop up to deliver the best food and beverage surprises! The food….where do we begin; we wanted all of the cook’s recipes. There was so much variety and everything was fresh and delicious. We don’t know how she did it! The Captain was always accommodating and was not bothered by any change in the schedule. If anything, he added more special places or hidden gems to our itinerary! We were so thankful for his insight. The rest of the vessel’s crew were incredibly professional, helpful, and just plain fun! Every day, they would bring a fun new activity out for us to enjoy. We were beyond spoiled! The vessel itself is stunning and is in tip-top shape. I cannot recommend the Ottawa IV more. This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime made possible by Karen Kilyk of Covington Travel and the Ottawa IV crew. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
It’s a Boy!
After a long 18 months of isolation and family illness, my husband and I were able to stretch our legs and refresh our perspectives during a 10 day trip to Iceland. The trip was exactly what we hoped for and gave us an opportunity to celebrate our growing family – as we found out the gender of our firstborn (a boy!) while we were in the most picturesque setting imaginable. Every detail from the excursions to the hotels to our incredible guide was absolutely perfect and we are so thankful to our Travel Advisor, Karen, and Covington Travel for making our daydreams a reality.
After a long 18 months of isolation and family illness, my husband and I were able to stretch our legs and refresh our perspectives during a 10 day trip to Iceland. The trip was exactly what we hoped for and gave us an opportunity to celebrate our growing family – as we found out the gender of our firstborn (a boy!) while we were in the most picturesque setting imaginable. Every detail from the excursions to the hotels to our incredible guide was absolutely perfect and we are so thankful to our Travel Advisor, Karen, and Covington Travel for making our daydreams a reality. We will never plan a trip without using you.
Karen, We had an amazing trip to Italy. All of the hotel selections were amazing – especially the one in Florence. The tour guides were so knowledgeable and nice. And that Michelin star restaurant- wow, just wow!! It was so comforting to not have to worry about a thing. We will never plan a trip without using you. Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience.
