(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. ...
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River Cruising Specialist

One of the great rivers of Europe
One of the great rivers of Europe

Let me help you experience the relaxation of cruising down the river! Certainly, river cruising is one of the fast growing segments in travel … and I can see why. While I feel there is a place for ‘ocean’ cruising as well as ‘river’ cruising, I can say first-hand that after recently completing over 25 cruises in my career, I have fallen in love with river cruising. With the smaller vessels that are used, shore excursions included, open dining and just the peace that is felt when rolling down the beautiful rivers and viewing the landscapes close-up, I feel this is such a great way to travel. If you are looking for a type of travel that is ‘easy’, this is it. Not only can I tell you first-hand what to expect when you travel on your first river cruise, I have also studied and done countless hours of training to learn virtually everything there is to know about several of the suppliers offering river cruise opportunities. I’ve become a Viking River Cruise Master Specialist, Avalon Waterways Specialist and Uniworld Specialist. Let my knowledge help to make planning your next river cruise an easy one!! Over the past several years, I have sold many river cruises and along with my vast knowledge and connections, I also continue to enhance the value I bring to my clients’ vacations through the various discounts or ‘value-adds’ I can secure. Please check with me for details as these can be significant. In addition, my services don’t stop once the river cruise is booked. I will work to ensure you receive your travel documents with plenty of time to prepare for your journey. I enjoy going over your documents with you and providing first-hand advice about currency, what to expect on a daily basis, pointers that will help you prepare for the unexpected, answering your questions and taking time to listen to any concerns you may have. I get just as excited about your trip as you do and can’t wait to hear about your river cruise when you return back home. Please consider booking your river cruise with me. As I always say … planning your journey is part of the trip! Let your river cruise experience begin with me, your River Cruise Specialist. Thank you.

My Travel Albums

River Cruising in Europe
On the Rhine River

My Travel Stories

Jo Ann Buening Honored with National Award

Press Release from October 30, 2015 La Crosse Travel Agent Honored with National “Employee of Excellence” Award from Travel Leaders Jo Ann Buening Named Among Nation’s Best at 2015 Travel Leaders National Meeting ChampionsGate, FL (October 30, 2015) — Today, a La Crosse travel agent was singled out...Read more.

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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:

  • Basel
  • Avignon
  • Heidelberg
  • Passau

Travel Specialist:

  • River Cruises
  • Culinary & Foodie
  • Christmas Markets
  • European Culture
  • Wine Country Vacations

Top Travel Partners:

  • Viking
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Tauck

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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