(17 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Jo Ann Buening

La Crosse, WI
Alaska Destination Specialist and Travel Expert

Alaska became a state of the union on January 3, 1959, the same day I was born. I must have been destined to make this my specialty and over the years, I have developed a passion for Alaska! My first visit to ‘The Great Land’ was in the mid ‘80s. ...
Learn more about me.

Alaska Destination Specialist and Travel Expert

In my favorite destination!
In my favorite destination!

Alaska became a state of the union on January 3, 1959, the same day I was born. I must have been destined to make this my specialty and over the years, I have developed a passion for Alaska! My first visit to ‘The Great Land’ was in the mid ‘80s. Fast-forwarding to the summer of 2021 finds me having completed my 14th visit to Alaska. These journeys have included both sea and land; each time I visit Alaska, I see something different and every time I return, I think, ‘when can I go again?’ There is something intriguing about Alaska that draws me back, time and time again. I’m not sure if it’s the crispness in the air, (I’ve been told you get more oxygen when in Alaska); maybe that’s why I feel so good when I am there, or maybe it’s the friendly people who live in Alaska, or maybe it’s the pristine beauty, or maybe it’s the way life seems to pass so much more slowly in Alaska. Whatever it is … it’s a place I want to return again and again. I have a PASSION for Alaska! When shopping for a trip to Alaska, I equate it to going to the grocery store and trying to find the ‘plain’ French dressing in the salad dressing aisle. It’s pretty difficult; there are WAY too many choices. That’s where I come in. When you are thinking of traveling to Alaska, e-mail me, give me a call or come and see me. I will ask you qualifying questions about what you want to see and do during your visit and will help you find the French dressing (or in this case, the best trip to Alaska!!) Alaska is a very large state (it would cover 1/5 of the lower 48); it’s difficult to see too much of it in one visit, as one inch on a map may result in eight hours of travel time. Since I’ve visited and traveled so much in Alaska, I will be able to help you find the trip that is right for you and your capabilities. Some clients want to stay busy the entire time, while others want to sit back and just enjoy the beauty of Alaska. I will be able to guide you and help you make good choices. I will not only help you make the choices that are right for you, I will assist you during the entire process, including trip research, trip booking and then, about one month prior to your departure, prepare you for your trip. Should you have questions or want assistance with choosing shore excursions, I am happy to assist. Whether I have experienced the shore excursion during one of my travels to Alaska or if one of my clients has, I will provide you with what knowledge I can. I’ve sent several hundred travelers to Alaska and would love to assist you with this ‘trip of a lifetime’, whether it is your first visit or a return visit to see more. Did I mention that I have a PASSION for Alaska? In addition to the hundreds of individual travelers I have sent to the Great Land, I’ve organized several multigenerational groups, including those up to 54 travelers, to this destination. Alaska is a wonderful choice for a multigenerational trip to mark a milestone birthday or anniversary – or for a family reunion. There is something for everyone – young and young-at-heart alike. On the cruise, almost everything is included (accommodations, food, entertainment and more). I help to make it a very easy trip for the group leader as well, as I make the arrangements and take care of the details. All of these groups have been a great success and I have received many referrals (from my happy clients) for their friends and relatives who have subsequently called me to plan THEIR Alaska adventure. I look forward to helping you plan an amazing trip to this beautiful destination. Did I mention that I have a passion for Alaska?

What my clients have shared ...

"We planned and saved for our Alaska trip for 15 years. As first-timers, we had endless questions, and were treated as if our trip was the most important one of the season! Jo Ann guided us through every part of our Alaska planning, walked us through every step of the trip and answered the endless questions. She was fabulous and so was our trip! We will definitely book more with Jo Ann!" Michael and Joanne W., Ferryville, WI

My Travel Albums

Alaska Adventures ... 14 & Counting
Aboard Regent Seven Seas in Alaska
Experience Alaska with Princess

My Travel Stories

‘Welcome Aboard Regent and the Last Frontier’

Are you looking for a very special experience that leaves you refreshed, relaxed and feeling pampered? Do you have a milestone birthday or anniversary to celebrate? Let Regent Seven Seas Cruises take you away. This past summer my husband and I wanted a special way to mark our anniversary...Read more.

See more travel stories

My Reviews

22 of 34 people found this review helpful
A Great Partnership!
After more than 7 years in partnering with Jo Ann Buening from Travel Leaders in LaCrosse, WI for Carroll University’s Alumni Travel Program, Carroll’s Office of Alumni Engagement is appreciative of all of Jo Ann’s diligent work, superior service, keen attention to detail to Carroll’s needs and in serving our constituents, contribution in helping to re-build Carroll’s Alumni Travel Program, and her trust and friendship. She is a top notch travel agent who we would recommend to any individual seeking a reliable travel agent and group that is looking for someone to manage group travel and many logistics. Jo Ann helped us plan group alumni trips to Alaska, Italy, Ireland, Spain and Greece (although this one was cancelled due to the pandemic). We will miss working with you Jo Ann and will always appreciate your expertise in the travel industry, and the imprint that you have left with us, with many adventures and memories around the world that speak to it. Thank you Jo Ann!
By  Carroll University's Alumni Travel Program  from  Waukesha, WI
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
43 of 78 people found this review helpful
The advise and recommendations were excellent
I appreciate the thorough and attentive attention I have received. Jo Ann's support has been very timely and professional. I am looking forward to my next trip which she has provided a great deal of information and support.
By  Skip  from  Onalaska, WI
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
46 of 86 people found this review helpful
Viking Grand European River cruise
We have been working with Jo Ann for 9 years, and her assistance with ALL our travel needs, and even a couple Crisis situations, has been stellar!! She makes a serious effort to really know her clients- their interests, preferences, special needs, and comfort level with traveling within the USA and abroad.
She is excellent in searching out the answers to all questions, and providing good advice, both from a personal and a professional perspective. We absolutely would not travel without Jo Ann's knowledge and expertise to guide us. We cannot speak more highly of her!
By  JM  from  Tomah , WI
Traveled to  Prague ~ Czech Republic ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Jo Ann Buening responded:
Clients like you are why I LOVE my job!!

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
40 of 76 people found this review helpful
Great trip
Great person to work with
By  Jerry  from  Onalaska Wisconsin
Traveled to  Vietnam ~ East and Southeast Asia
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
My dream family vacation that didn’t happen
Jo Ann is the best! She worked with us starting with looking at different variations for a family Alaskan vacation to offering suggestions to finally planning it complete. Unfortunately it was right when Covid was making its appearance so it was canceled and rescheduled. Quite the undertaking for a group of our size!! Jo Ann was always there to answer our questions in a timely matter. Sadly we had to cancel a second time and took a refund of our money. I could tell she was genuinely as heartbroken for us as we were! I can’t imagine planning something like this on our own.
By  DM  from  Fountain City, WI
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Jo Ann Buening responded:
Thank you for your kind words. You are right, it was tough. But, we did gain a friendship thru the process.

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Alaska
  • Denali National Park
  • Inside Passage
  • Ketchikan
  • Glacier Bay

Travel Specialist:

  • World Cruises
  • Groups
  • Escorted Tours
  • Luxury
  • River Cruises

Top Travel Partners:

  • Princess Cruises®
  • Palace Company
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Rocky Mountaineer

Certifications/Awards:

  • Alaska Destination Specialist
  • Elite Cruise Counsellor/Luxury Cruise Specialist
  • Princess Cruises Commodore
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises Specialist
  • Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

©  Travel Leaders Group