Travelkunst LLC

10/04/2026

Save the date! Our Founder & CEO Nora Sommerkamp is hosting an exclusive group next year, and she would love for you to join her.

December 6 - 18, 2027: Vietnam and Cambodia with Collette, sailing the Mekong with a group of no more than twenty-four travelers. Nora rarely hosts groups, and she will be there for the entire journey.

Save $400 per person until November 7.

Join Collette and Nora for the webinar this Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM ET to learn more. COMMENT “Treasures” and we’ll send you all the tour details and the webinar link.

10/04/2026

Save the date. A rare opportunity to travel with our Founder and CEO Nora Sommerkamp.

From December 6 - 18, 2027, Nora will travel through Vietnam and Cambodia with a small group to experience the Treasures of the Mekong, and she would love for you to join her. Nora hosts groups rarely, and she will be part of the entire journey.

Join Collette and Nora for a webinar this Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM ET. They will walk through the itinerary and answer your questions.

Register for the webinar and see the full trip details: https://travelkunstmekong.netlify.app/

Here is what the journey looks like:

• Thirteen days with our trusted partner Collette, round trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with airfare from the US
• Seven days sailing the Mekong aboard the award-winning Mekong Princess, with only fourteen suites
• Dates chosen carefully, so you have time to enjoy Thanksgiving and be home well before the holidays
• First come, first served through Travelkunst: save $400 per person until November 7. A per-person deposit of $898 secures your suite.

Included:
Round-trip air from LAX or your preferred gateway (pricing varies by gateway)
Internal flight from Siem Reap, Cambodia
Air taxes, fees & surcharges
3 nights at Caravelle Saigon 5*
7 nights aboard the Mekong Princess
2 nights at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra 5*
29 meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
All sightseeing, excursions & entrance fees
Professional Collette Tour Manager throughout
Airport-to-hotel transfers
Baggage handling

If this is not the right fit for you, please share it with anyone who has Vietnam and Cambodia on their bucket list.

COMMENT "Treasures" if you would like the webinar recording, in case you cannot attend.

An intimate 13-day river journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap aboard the 14-suite Mekong Princess. Hosted by Nora Sommerkamp of Travelkunst. Only 24 travelers.

09/19/2026

Day 5 with started peacefully aboard the , watching the sunrise on the top deck, coffee and rusks in hand. A few fishermen already out on the water and one enormous crocodile floating past so still it looked like driftwood. I was too immersed in the moment, so you just have to take my word for it.

After breakfast, we were in the tender heading to a small fishing village along the lake for a village tour, home to 45 fishermen.

We spent the morning learning about Tonga traditions, how the homes are built, where community matters are discussed, how meals are prepared, and watching the women weave baskets and other pieces by hand.

We were encouraged to bring USD cash so we could purchase directly from the women, with the money going straight back into the community. We also made a separate contribution to the fishermen.

One of the things we learned during the visit was that fishing activity changes around the full moon, when the community pauses fishing for a period to protect breeding fish.

We were sent off with chanting and singing as we left, which was one of those moments that stayed with me long after we got back on the boat.

Back onboard, it was time to enjoy lunch and high tea.

Later in the afternoon, we embarked on a sunset tender cruise with more crocodiles than I could count.
That evening, dinner moved ashore for a Beach Braai with a bonfire set up right on the river bank.

A very different day from the game drives and bush flights before it, but one of the most memorable of the trip.

09/19/2026

Day 4 took us from Hwange to our next home for two nights: the .

After breakfast and checkout, we headed back to the airstrip for another short Mack Air flight, this time to Deka. The aircraft was similar in size to the previous day’s, but this one came with plush leather seating — a small detail, but definitely appreciated.

From Deka, we transferred by safari vehicle to the water and boarded a tender for the final approach to the Zambezi Trader.

We were hosted onboard by , General Manager of Sales & Marketing, who gave us a full tour and a much better understanding of this unique cruise experience for our clients. Our stay felt even more special, as our small group were the only guests onboard for those two nights. and of Amazing Africa, joined us as well. I’ve known them for years, so it was especially nice to share this part of the journey with them.

The Zambezi Trader is a 29-cabin vessel offering safari-style cruises of two to four nights from Msuna Island into Lake Kariba with optional Pre and/or Post-Stay on the island. Aside from local fishermen, they are the only cruise operator in the area, making being out there feel remarkably exclusive.

The ship is beautiful and continues to evolve. Several cabins are currently being refurbished, and construction of a new spa is underway.

One detail I especially loved throughout the ship was the artwork by a local artist, made from recycled espresso pods and shaped into different animals displayed around the vessel.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon cruising Lake Kariba and simply watched the sun set from the ship as we continued along the water.

After dinner, and once the sun had set, we were invited to the top deck for stargazing with one of our guides explaining us the constellations overhead.

Night fishing (for tiger fish) was offered afterward, and a few of the group stayed up for catch-and-release under the stars.

I passed this time. Client work was waiting.

There was something very special about cruising Lake Kariba and quite literally having the lake to ourselves.

09/18/2026

Day 3 with Amazing Africa took us from Victoria Falls into Hwange NP — and from site inspection straight into our first proper safari.

We started the morning with a look at Insika Lodge’s second property next door to the one we had stayed in. One of the most useful parts of a FAM is seeing these differences firsthand, because two properties that look similar online can feel very different once you’re actually there.

Then it was off to Victoria Falls Airport for our short bush flight to Hwange. Our pilot Jeremy would fly us twice more during our trip we would later find out.

We had some time in the Mack Air lounge before boarding, with Wi-Fi, snacks and just enough time to get a little work done.

And yes, after the passport incident the day before, Bheky’s new rule was firmly in place, before he sent us off:

“Nora, do you have your passport?”

By early afternoon we were checked into Hwange Safari Lodge, had lunch, and by 3pm we were out on our first game drive of the trip.

Hwange had several surprises in store.

First a male elephant that suddenly appeared between the trees after we made a turn and wasn’t too happy to have his lunch accidentally interrupted.

Then we found a male cheetah, clearly very full from a recent meal, resting before slowly walking off. His catch would sustain him for 4-5 days.

And later came the moment of the afternoon.

A large male lion observing a watering hole from one side, while across the water were three other younger lions — a male and his two sisters. The brother had been injured recently we were told, and the sisters were staying close to keep him out of a potential territorial confrontation.

We had our sundowner right there, watching the stare-down as the sun dropped over the bush.

Not a bad first day of Safari.

We were only there for one night, and by dinner I already knew I would have happily stayed longer.

09/16/2026

Day 2 in Zimbabwe started with the bravest activity I’ve done on a trip so far.

Devil’s Pool.

And yes, you really do get that close to the edge of Vic Falls.

We crossed into Zambia early that morning and traveled by speedboat to Livingstone Island before making our way through the Zambezi with our guides.

A certain level of fitness is required. You need to get in and out of the speedboat independently, and while you don’t need to be a strong swimmer, there are moments when your feet are off the riverbed and you need to hold yourself above water.

One guide stays with you in the water while another takes the photos. And yes, the fish nibbles are real.

We were also incredibly lucky with the light. A rainbow appeared through the mist at exactly the right angle while we were at the edge.

Before heading into the water, we placed our breakfast orders, and when we finished, breakfast was waiting under a tent on Livingstone Island.

Devil’s Pool is seasonal and only possible when water levels are lower. During higher-water months, Angel’s Pool is the alternative and offers a different experience.

Lower water levels also meant we stayed relatively dry during our Zambia-side Falls tour. In high-water season, expect to get soaked even with a poncho. Waterproof shoes and a phone case are useful either way.

One small scare: after crossing the border back into Zimbabwe, I realized I couldn’t find my passport. It had slipped between the seats of our van. Thankfully, our guide and driver Bheky found it and kept it safe. For the rest of the trip, “Nora, where is your passport?” became a running joke.

Later, we headed back onto the Zambezi aboard Insika Lodge’s own boat to compare it with the Wild Horizons dinner cruise from the night before.

We ended the day at The Boma with dinner, drumming, performances, face painting, and one persistent reminder to try a mopane worm.

I respectfully declined. This time.

Would I recommend Devil’s Pool to everyone? No.

Would I recommend it to an active traveler who is comfortable in the water? Absolutely.

Would you do it?

09/12/2026

Day 1 in Zimbabwe started long before I reached Victoria Falls.

Nearly two days after leaving New York, via Dubai and Johannesburg, I finally arrived for my third familiarization trip with Amazing Africa, following Tanzania in 2024 and South Africa in 2025.

These trips are an important part of how we continue building Travelkunst’s firsthand Africa knowledge. Seeing a destination firsthand changes the way you advise a client. It’s one thing to know which lodge looks beautiful online. It’s another to understand the arrival experience, the transfers, the pace of an itinerary, how a property actually feels, and which experiences are genuinely worth building a trip around.

Getting there came with one small adventure. My Johannesburg connection changed, but my bag was still tagged to the original flight. After a stressful search at O.R. Tambo, bag and traveler were finally reunited.

After checking into Insika Lodge and meeting our small group of travel advisors alongside our friends at Amazing Africa Glenn Enslin and Kimbirdie, we headed onto the Zambezi River with Wild Horizons for a sunset dinner cruise.

Playful elephants at the water’s edge. Hippos near the boat. Crocodiles along the banks. Dinner as the sun went down over the river.

Quite an introduction to Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

And this was only Day 1.

08/04/2026

A major milestone for Travelkunst.

For the first time in Travelkunst’s history, we have surpassed $1 million in 2026 sales with Avoya Preferred Suppliers.

This places Travelkunst among only 63 Top Producer agencies within the Avoya Travel Network of more than 2,200 independent travel professionals.

Our Independent Advisor, Shelley Kissel of , recently attended Avoya’s Million Dollar Showcase in recognition of her individual sales performance and progress toward the $1 million mark.

Combined with my own sales as Travelkunst’s Founder, Shelley’s achievements helped our agency cross this new threshold and this milestone reflects what Shelley and I have accomplished together.

As I continue growing Travelkunst alongside significant professional and family responsibilities, having Shelley as part of the agency has been a genuine blessing.

She serves her clients with care, represents Travelkunst with pride, and plays an important role in the continued growth of our company. Her success is our success, and I could not be prouder of what we are accomplishing together.

This achievement also qualified Travelkunst for Avoya’s 2027 Awards Trip. Shelley and I will celebrate together aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna on the Danube, with more from that journey to come.

Thank you to every traveler who has trusted us with your journeys. Your confidence in our work made this possible.

Here’s to a strong finish to 2026 and even greater milestones ahead.

- Nora

05/06/2026

Today, on Global Travel Advisor Day, we’re especially proud to celebrate for two incredible milestones.

In just over a year, Shelley has established herself as a trusted travel advisor known for her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients. Her passion for creating meaningful travel experiences and her commitment to continued growth have been evident from day one.

We’re thrilled to share that Shelley has recently completed Avoya Travel’s Early Success Program and has also earned recognition as one of Avoya’s top-performing Independent Agents, securing her place at the 2026 Million Dollar Showcase in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Shelley has become a trusted resource for clients planning European river cruises, particularly with AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways, while supporting travelers across a wide range of journeys. She is also an active member of ASTA and CLIA, reflecting her commitment to industry knowledge and professional development.

Watching Shelley grow into this role has been incredibly rewarding, and we could not be more proud to have her represent Travelkunst.

Please join us in congratulating Shelley on these well-deserved accomplishments and in celebrating the important work travel advisors do every day.

04/06/2026

About to arrive back in Tokyo with sweeping views from Observation Bar 36 as we sailed back into port.

As our time in Japan comes to an end, this morning was about appreciating the details that made this journey special - making new friends, our thoughtful cabin attendant Jonathan who made us smile each day with towel animals, enjoying a last coffee at Ocean Square Cafe, breakfast al fresco on the terrace at Hachiyo.

The design onboard… that spiral staircase you keep passing and then suddenly stop to admire.
The beautiful floral installations that add such a polished touch throughout the ship.

And of course, the experiences in between.

A relaxing afternoon at the spa yesterday.
Learning about Funatabi Japanese Afternoon Tea Setting and a Traditional omakase dinner.

These are just a few of the moments that defined our time onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

Tonight we’re off to the airport for our flight back to the US… already thinking about when we’ll return and helping our clients experience Japan authentically.