Expedition Travel Destination Specialist

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Marian Laughland, Travel Agent in Ava, IL

Marian Laughland

Ava, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Marian Laughland

Ava, IL · 3 Years of Experience

Harpazo World Travel, an independent agent with Archer Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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5.0
(19)
100% Recommended
We had a wonderful trip to Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Getting there and back home were seamless, thanks to Marian making our travel... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Alaska, Amazon Jungle, Caribbean, Brazil, Grand Canyon

Interests:

Adventure, Animals & Wildlife, Fishing & Hunting, Expedition Cruises, Eco-Tourism

Suppliers:

National Geographic Expeditions, Princess Cruises®, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Rocky Mountaineer

About Me

National Geographic Expeditions
National Geographic Expeditions

As an Expedition Travel Destination Specialist, my role involves a deep understanding of unique and adventurous travel destinations, particularly those suited for expedition-style trips. We have extensive knowledge about various expedition travel destinations around the world. This includes remote and off-the-beaten-path locations, such as polar regions, rainforest's, deserts, mountains, and remote islands. We familiarize ourselves with different expedition travel products offered by various vendors and expedition companies to provide a range of itineraries from luxury expedition cruises to rugged wilderness adventures. We create custom itineraries for our clients based on your preferences and interests. This might involve suggesting unique experiences, such as wildlife encounters, cultural immersions, or outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling. We will provide you with guidance on logistical aspects of expedition travel, including transportation options, and accommodation choices. We strive to educate ourselves about safety considerations and risk management strategies for expedition travel. This includes information about medical precautions, emergency procedures, and environmental conservation practices. We believe in promoting sustainable and responsible travel practices to protect the environment and minimize negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities. We are your resource for trip planning, booking inquiries, and any issues that may arise before, during, or after the expedition. We stay updated on industry trends, emerging destinations, and new expedition products and services. We build relationships with our expedition companies, destination organizations, and other industry stakeholders to collaborate on promotional campaigns, co-marketing initiatives, and exclusive offers for our clients. We want to ensure our clients have memorable and enriching adventures in some of the world's most captivating and remote destinations. To highlight one of our Expedition partners, look no further than National Geographic Expeditions. National Geographic Expeditions offers a variety of travel experiences, including guided tours, cruises, and expeditions to destinations around the world. These trips are often led by expert guides, photographers, scientists, and researchers affiliated with National Geographic, providing participants with unique insights into the destinations they visit. National Geographic Expeditions typically focus on themes such as wildlife, culture, history, and conservation. They offer a range of travel styles to accommodate different interests and preferences, from small-group adventures to private journeys.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
19 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 19 reviews

Another Great Trip of a Lifetime!
Reviewed By MM - Marshalltown, Iowa | Traveled to Hawaii | USA
We had a wonderful trip to Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Getting there and back home were seamless, thanks to Marian making our travel arrangements. Several days were spent on tours, but we also had plenty of time to relax and take in the beauty and culture of Hawaii on our own.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Fantastic enjoyable time!
Reviewed By Greaser - Murphysboro, il. | Traveled to Branson | Missouri | USA
Great big thankyou Marian! Getting a great place to stay and Getting show tickets can be very stressful and add anxiety to a vacation. Just appreciate you handling all these tasks for us. Such a great job. Everything was there for us way ahead of our arrival. Could not have went any smoother or easier. You will definitely be our go to agent for future trips. Thankyou again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Great fun!
Reviewed By Layne trip - Murphysboro il | Traveled to Branson | Missouri | USA
It was great to have it all planned out for us. From the hotel to show tickets it was taken care of. Marion checked on us to make sure it was all going as planned. She did a great job!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Bucket List Retirement Celebration
Reviewed By Ed and Doris H. - Murphysboro, IL | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Our recent 12-day Alaska Land and Cruise adventure, starting in Anchorage and ending in Vancouver, was nothing short of spectacular. The journey was a perfect blend of wilderness exploration and luxurious cruising, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Alaska. Marian completed the perfect itinerary and helped us every step of the way.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Bucket list- Alaska Cruise Tour
Reviewed By Steve - Murphysboro, Illinois | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Marian was professional, knowledgeable, and very accommodating to all our special requests. We are already planning our next Adventure. Bucket list -Alaska ??cruise tour
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

A Honeymoon Wishes Agent provides the only full service honeymoon registry for couples that expect a higher standard for their wedding.
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Hurtigruten Expeditions Certified Agent
Hurtigruten Expeditions Certified Agent
MSC Masters
MSC Masters
NCL University - Associate Degree
NCL University - Associate Degree
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Windstar Star Specialist
Windstar Star Specialist
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Carnival Cruise Line Certification
Sandals Specialist Certification
Cunard Cruise Line Commodore Certification
Disney Cruise Line Certification
National Geographic Expeditions Certification

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Bucket List Alaska Retirement Celebration
Our 12-day Alaska Land and Cruise adventure, from Anchorage to Vancouver, was spectacular. It blended wilderness exploration with luxurious cruising, immersing us in Alaska's breathtaking beauty. We began in Anchorage at the Captain Cook Hotel, then moved to the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge with stunning Denali views. At the Denali Princess Lodge, we enjoyed the Husky Homestead Tour, meeting Iditarod dogs and learning from racers. The Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park revealed wildlife like bears and moose. A scenic train ride to Whittier led us to the Sapphire Princess, where we marveled at the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. In Skagway, we explored Klondike history, while in Juneau, we saw the Mendenhall Glacier and took the tram to Mount Roberts. Sea days on the ship balanced entertainment and relaxation. Our trip ended in beautiful Vancouver, marking the conclusion of a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with awe-inspiring moments.
Ed and Dorris Hill, Murphysboro, Illinois
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