(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.

Luxury Travel Professional

Private lesson with a watchmaker in Switzerland
Private lesson with a watchmaker in Switzerland

A private watch-making experience in Switzerland with a well-known watchmaker, a private experience to a beautiful waterfall in Iceland and dinner at a remote lodge, a connection to ‘get it done’ for ‘over-the-top’ requests in Las Vegas … I could go on and on. These are just a small sampling of connections I have made for the needs of my affluent travelers. In this segment of travel, it’s all about who you know and what connections you can make. With my attention to detail, strong organizational skills and years of experience in the travel industry (since 1985), it only seemed natural that I would embrace Luxury Travel. Over the years I have organized many groups, ranging between four and 150 travelers who have requested ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences. Whether large or small, I can arrange Luxury Travel for any size group. In order to be successful with Luxury Travel requests, it is important that the travel agent be exposed and connected to the resources to be able to secure these requests and wishes. If you’re interested in my Luxury Travel credentials, you’ll find them under a separate story, entitled My Luxury Travel Credentials.

My Travel Albums

Luxurious Travel Experiences
Five-star Hotel Majestic - Cannes, France

My Travel Stories

My Luxury Travel Credentials

In 2012 I applied to attend (ILTM) International Luxury Travel Market, held annually in Cannes, France. The application process – to even be considered – is very in-depth. Proof of my sales and suppliers used for Luxury Travel arrangements made in the past year had to be submitted. My travel biography...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
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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
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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!!

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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
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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.

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Destination Expert:

  • Alaska
  • Fairbanks
  • Denali National Park
  • Kenai Fjords National Park
  • On the River

Travel Specialist:

  • Luxury
  • Luxury Cruises
  • Groups
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • World Cruises

Top Travel Partners:

  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Abercrombie & Kent
  • Viking
  • Tauck
  • 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:

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