“The travel impulse is mental and physical curiosity. It’s a passion. And I can’t understand people who don’t want to travel.”

— Paul Theroux

Mission Statement

VIAKU’s mission is to curate one-of-a-kind travel experiences that exceed client expectations by distilling a vast array of travel options down to those destinations and experiences that perfectly match the client’s unique travel INTERESTS (hobbies & activities) and travel STYLE (personal preferences & budget).

Our travel philosophy is “See less, experience more.” We believe that the quality of the experiences you have while traveling is more important than the quantity of experiences. And each of those experiences should be as individual and unique you are.  

Karen Listgarten - owner | traveler

Karen Listgarten started VIAKU in 2017 following a 20+ year long career in international marketing and retail operations with the Estee Lauder Companies. Karen received her MBA in International Management and Strategic Studies from the Lauder Institute of the Wharton School of Business and her BA and MA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

Travel is not just her job, it's her passion. Her mission is to share the local and authentic flavor of each country with her clients as a local might experience it. Karen has visited more than 60 countries from Peru to Bhutan to Tanzania. Recent travel destinations have included Portugal, Peru, Denmark and Iceland.

In addition to travel Karen enjoys pickleball, cooking, hiking and long walks with her 2 Brittanys.

 
 
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