(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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Washington State Travel Agent Expert

The state is home to some of the best wineries and breweries in the country. Here are some of the best ones to check out during your trip: 1. Chateau Ste. Michelle: This world-renowned and scenic winery is located in Woodinville, just a short drive from Seattle. They offer tours and tastings daily, so you can learn about the winemaking process and sample their delicious wines. 2. Redhook Brewery: For beer lovers, Redhook Brewery is a must-visit. They offer tours of their facility, so you can see how they make their award-winning beers. And of course, you'll get to sample some of their delicious brews! 3. Dick's Brewing Company: Located in Centralia, Dick's Brewing Company is another great choice for beer lovers. They offer tours of their facility, so you can learn about the brewing process and taste some of their local concoctions. Visit the deli and enjoy the smoked sausages. Unique Shopping Experiences for Every Traveler There is no shortage of unique shopping experiences to be had in Washington State. From the quaint shops of Leavenworth to the hip boutiques of Seattle, you’re in for a treat. Here are just a few of the many great places to go shopping in Washington State: -The Historic District of Ellensburg: This charming district is home to a variety of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Spokane’s vibrant downtown area is filled with great shops, cafes, and art galleries. Bainbridge Island is a lovely place to stroll around, with its scenic waterfront and quaint buildings. Visit the malls and check out the stylish women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Walla Walla is home to many excellent wineries, but it also has a great selection of shops selling everything from local produce to handmade goods.  Don’t miss a visit to The Foundry - an interesting place to see in between shopping. It’s  one of the world’s largest modern art fabricators and a scheduled tour is an amazing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking to get outside and explore, Washington State has plenty to offer. From hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking, there are endless outdoor possibilities. Hiking: With over 300 miles of maintained trails, Mount Rainier National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Explore subalpine meadows blanketed in wildflowers, old-growth forests, and glacial valleys. Don’t miss out on the chance to summit one of the tallest volcanoes in the Cascade Range! Camping: Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and experience all that Washington State features. There are hundreds of campgrounds throughout the state, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a remote backcountry site or an RV hookup, you’ll find camping in this state is first-rate. Fishing: Fishing is a popular pastime in Washington State, with many opportunities to catch salmon, steelhead, trout, and bass. There are many rental shops and guides available to help you get started. Kayaking: With over 3,000 miles of coastline and countless rivers and lakes, Washington makes kayaking an easy activity.  Must See Cities and Towns in Washington State Seattle is the obvious choice for many visitors, but there are plenty of other great cities and towns worth checking out. Here are some of the best tourist attractions in Washington State: 1. Spokane - Spokane is the second largest city in Washington State and is full of great things to see and do. The city has a lively downtown area with plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as a number of parks and museums. Spokane is also home to the famous Spokane Falls, which is definitely worth a visit. 2. Tacoma - Tacoma is another great city in Washington State, located just south of Seattle. The city has a thriving arts scene, as well as a host of excellent museums and restaurants. The city is also home to Point Defiance Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. 3. Olympia - Olympia is the capital city of Washington, and is located in the southern part of the state. The city features a charming historic downtown area, as well as a number of parks and government buildings - all well worth touring.  The capital is also home to the popular Puget Sound waterfront area, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and spending time outdoors. 4. Vancouver - Vancouver is located in southwestern Washington State, just across the river from Portland, Oregon. The city has a thriving downtown area with plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as several parks and museums you’ll want to visit. With so many amazing attractions to explore in Washington State, it's no wonder why Seattle and its surrounding areas are prime destinations for tourists. From the lush forests of Olympic National Park to the bustling city life of Seattle, you’ll find plenty to visit and explore.  Allow me, as your travel agent and advisor, to lead the way.  Contact me now so we can begin your trip-planning for your Washington vacation.