Karen Dillard

Anchorage, AK
Alaska Travel Agent Expert

I love my work as an Alaska travel agent since the state is a dream destination for anybody who visits it. Alaska is a terrific place to go if you're looking for adventure and the great outdoors. From Fairbanks to Anchorage, one of my favorite Ala...
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Alaska Iditarod Travel Agent Specialist

Are you all set for your Alaskan Iditarod journey?I can help you plan a trip of a lifetime. As an Alaskan and experienced Idiatrod travel agent (since 1997), I can put together a customized trip especially for you. Everything you do during the Iditarod event will be exciting and memorable. For your tour package, I can arrange touring and sightseeing to and from Anchorage where you will also tour the famous sled dog kennels. You can also attend the Mushers’ Banquet where you will savor 3-course dining and get your picture taken with the mushers and other attendees.Would you like to take part in a dog sled ride? If so, you will have the chance during your Idiatrod vacation. Glide over the frozen tundra  to immerse yourself in the Idiotraod experience. An Idiatrod trip includes seeing the ceremonial start of the Iditarod from Anchorage and, again, taking part in a restart in Willow. You’ll be able to see the Northern Lights, attend the Ice Art World Championship in Fairbanks, or soak in the inviting thermal waters of Chena Hot Springs.It’s always fun to know some facts about the Iditarod before you embark on this exciting northern tour. For example, each sled in the event is pulled by 16 Huskies or dogs that resemble the familiar animal. Did you know that the dogs need about 10,000 calories per day? That is not an exaggeration. When they pull a weighty sleigh, they need to keep eating. On the trail, they receive chunks of soaked dog treats, fish, or meat. At checkpoints, dogs receive Arctic char, supplementation and kibble combined with chicken fat. The food is cooked on a camp stove that can also serve as a seat for the driver of the sled.The dog sled team wears booties, but not because of the chill air. They keep their paws covered so they don’t injure their foot pads. Their fur and efficient bloodflow keep them adequately warm. However, the ice and rocky terrain scratch and harm the pads. During the race, mushers are required to include 8 extra booties for each dog.Also, sled dogs learn different commands than your canine pet and friend. For example, “hike” means to get going and “haw” means turn left. “Gee” is the command for turning right while “On by” is the signal for passing another team. “Easy” means slow your pace and “whoa” means to stop.The race course, which is named for a once-active and buzzing ghost town, is around 1,000 miles long. The length varies, depending on the weather and condition of the terrain. The race alternates each year - going north one year and in a southern direction the next.So, which way are you going? Make plans to attend the upcoming Idiotrad in Alaska. As your Idiatrod travel agent specialist, I can make all the exciting arrangements for you today. The Idiatrod in 2023 will take place from February 27 to March 6, so let's plan your adventure now!

My Travel Albums

Karen and Family Fishing Trips
Whittier Boat Harbor

My Reviews

7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Last Minute trip to Seattle
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness and Value
Karen Dillard took great care of me! She thought of every detail, shopped for the best rates and quality. I am so impressed with her thoughtful, professional, kind manner. Highly recommend her!
By  Caprissa Frawley  from  Denver, Colorado
Traveled to  Washington ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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5 of 7 people found this review helpful
The best trip of our lives visiting Alaska!
Karen is great! She really showed us the hospitality of Alaska. She was super helpful with planning the trip and during our stay in Alaska. We really appreciate her for putting in the effort for us to have a wholesome Alaskan experience. She is also quick at responding to our needs. When we told her that we were interested in dog mushing after we arrived in Alaska, she booked us a tour right away that night. My family and I had a wonderful time at Alaska thanks to Karen, and we look forward to visiting Alaska again!
By  Emily C.  from  Davis, California
Traveled to  Fairbanks ~ Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Best Agent for Your Alaska Travels
Two years ago I started planing an Alaskan vacation for June 2024. I searched the internet for a travel agent and was directed to Karen Dillard. I told Karen my plans and she started to work. We were going to fly into Anchorage and fly out of Fairbanks. Next she suggested staying at McKinley Creekside Cabins. We loved this place! The rooms, the staff, the food, the views was excellent!
Next she suggested a cabin in North Pole. It was such a cute cozy cabin tucked away in the woods and it wasn't very far from Fairbanks.
I am thankful for Karen and her hard work these past two years. I know it was difficult due to some of my plans changing throughout the two years due to the amount of days I was able to be in Alaska.
Thank you Karen for your friendship!
By  Nancy P  from  Memphis, Tennessee
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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She Provided Added Value to our Trip!
She was knowledgable about my travel destination
Working with this agent was convenient and easy
The agent provided added value in the planning process
By  Ronald King  from  Denver, Colorado
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Had a Awesome Time in Alaska!
Just got back from the trip. Had an awesome time, could not have done it without her! She was knowledgable about my travel destination
Working with this agent was convenient and easy
The agent provided added value in the planning process
The agent crafted the perfect trip for me
By  Edward Stefanovich  from  Orlando, Florida
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Anchorage
  • Nome
  • Willow
  • Fairbanks
  • Prince William Sound

Travel Specialist:

  • Adventure
  • All Inclusive
  • Animals & Wildlife
  • Outdoor Activities & Sports
  • Escorted Tours

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTC

Industry Affiliations:

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