(8 Reviews)

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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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 Alaskan escapes is to drive between the two cities. This is the route to take if you want to see some of the best of Alaska's scenic beauty. When you're close to either city, a metamorphosis takes place - one that transforms a barren and snow-covered landscape to a pine and snow-covered wonderland - a  peaceful and idyllic place to explore and set your thoughts on adventure. As you go along you'll see ice and glaciers, valleys, firs, and hillsides. There are plenty of places to stop and snap pictures on the course of your travels. Only in Alaska can you be privy to natural phenomena, such as the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights - a true natural treat when you choose to stay in Fairbanks. The magnificent boat ride from old Skagway to Juenau, is another travel highlight. Between coastal communities and the rest of the state, the Marine Highway System is a crucial artery. This kind of travel, with its constant exposure to breathtaking scenery, is one you won't soon forget. Deep fjords and islands with lighthouses and quiet fishing communities await you on your trip across the glacial waters. Cruise the waters for you will be rewarded with sightings of amazing animals, such as the humpback whale, porpoise, sea lion, and seal. You can witness bald eagles in flight from the deck of your vessel as well as hear the barks of seals. Set your sights on the horizon,  as you will always be mesmerized by the skies during dawn and sunset. Check out Admiralty Island, a great place to watch bears, or take a sightseeing  plane to see the scenery from on high. Visit the Russian-settled town of Sitka and view the totem poles that Native Americans once carved along a trail. You might also think of traversing the Yukon Railroad if you plan a Skagway adventure. Whatever you wish to do, you can make your Alaskan travel dream come true. Allow me to help you with your travel planning. Contact me anytime by phone or email.

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Karen Dillard

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Maui Travel Agent Expert

   You may have heard that Maui is a remote, isolated island off the coast of Hawaii. It’s true, and it’s exactly what makes it such an amazing place to visit. That’s why I love representing this travel destination as a travel agent specialist. Remote means small and intimate, so there aren’t thousands of other tourists to invade your space or ruin your holiday. If you like nature and exploring new places, then Maui is the perfect destination for you. It has everything from lush rainforests with waterfalls and tropical greenery to snow-capped mountains with stunning panoramic views everywhere. Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands.  Known for its stunning beaches and volcanic activity, Maui is an exotic getaway that offers something for everyone. If you’re planning your next vacation and are looking for a location that is serene yet adventurous, then I know you’ll love Maui. Thanks to an abundance of hotels, condos and homes for rent, Maui is an increasingly popular travel destination. In fact, there are more than 260 establishments that offer accommodations on Maui. As a traveler to Maui, expect to see several unique attractions on this tropical getaway. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or foodie, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded when you travel to this island locale. Haleakala National Park The 11,000-foot summit of Maui’s Haleakala Volcano is home to some of the most spectacular views in all of Hawaii. This is one of the island’s most popular attractions for a reason! On the Haleakala Summit Tour, you’ll travel up the mountain in a van, stopping at a variety of lookout points along the way.  The van will eventually reach the summit, where you’ll have access to the Haleakala Observatory, an educational facility that overlooks the Island of Maui. In addition to offering stunning views of the island, the Haleakala Observatory features sunrise views as well. Whale Watching in Maui Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from the Arctic to Hawaii’s warm waters to give birth. At Maui’s Lahaina Harbor, there are plenty of operators offering whale-watching tours. Depending on when you go, you may be able to see whale calves, which are extremely rare.  You can also expect to see plenty of dolphins along the way, which are common sightings during these excursions. Traveling the Hana Highway The Hana Highway is a 52-mile road that runs through the Hana region of Maui. Along the way, you’ll pass through tropical rainforests and rolling hills, making this one of the most scenic drives in all of Hawaii.  Although you can drive this stretch of road, I highly recommend that you travel it with a tour guide. The narrow highway has many twists and turns, which makes it a challenge to navigate. If you decide to drive the Hana Highway yourself, make sure you allow ample time for your journey. I suggest that you  travel the road during the earlier hours, as it becomes extremely dark during and after sunset. Snorkeling with Manta Rays The Pacific Ocean around Maui is home to a variety of tropical marine life, including several species of manta ray. Seeing a manta ray in its natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Manta ray snorkeling tours are offered in several different locations around the island. When visiting Maui, it’s essential that you book your manta ray snorkeling tour in advance to ensure that you’re able to take part in the activity.  Manta ray season is from July to October, and there are only a few tour operators that have access to these protected areas. Manta ray season is also weather-dependent, so be sure to check the forecast before booking a trip. Surfing on Maui Surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the Hawaiian Islands. While the majority of surfing in Hawaii is done on the island of Oahu, you can find a few select spots on Maui that attract experienced surfers.  Surfing on Maui is best done at the big breaks in the winter months. If you’re a beginner surfer, you should expect some challenges surfing on Maui. You’ll need to be prepared for the cold water temperatures, and the strength of the waves often require a good deal of talent and skill. Kaanapali Beach Kaanapali Beach is one of Maui’s most popular travel destinations. It’s located about an hour away from Lahaina, Maui’s main town. When visiting Kaanapali Beach, you have several different activities from which you can choose.  If you’re looking to experience some Hawaiian culture, you might stay at the Sheraton’s Hawaiian Village, which is a Polynesian-themed resort. Alternatively, you can visit the West Maui Tropical Botanical Gardens, which is home to exotic tropical plants. I can guarantee you’ll have a true island experience. Allow me, as your travel agent specialist for Maui, to create the perfect itinerary. Give me a call - let’s start planning today!