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Kara Brown, Travel Agent in Crystal, MN

Kara Brown

Crystal, MN Travel Agent
Super Agent

Kara Brown

Crystal, MN · 10 Years of Experience

Experience Culture Travel, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
5.0
(86)
100% Recommended
We had a great time....the hotel was the best pick ever...very homey and the "last true Hawaiian" resort according to the guests we met. We... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Greece, Galapagos Islands

Interests:

Adventure, Arts & Culture, Historical Sites, Solo Travel, Nature

Suppliers:

G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Tauck, UnCruise Adventures, Delta Vacations

About Me

Learning to cook okra in Cuba
Learning to cook okra in Cuba

For me, travel is about more than a break to relax from the day-to-day grind. It is about experiencing something new, breaking free from one's culture to expand and embrace new ways of thinking, doing, and simply being. Sometimes this can be a bit stretching, which I think is a good, character building opportunity. 

I've always been passionate about travel, but it was my first mission trip in high school with my youth group at my church that really made me realize how in love I was with interacting with the local culture.

We travelled to St. Vincent & the Grenadines, an island country in the Caribbean near Barbados, to host a Vacation Bible School for one of the fiscally poorer communities on the island. The trip was eye opening as it not only showed me the vast difference in wealth distribution that is common on many Caribbean islands, but also revealed how no matter where you are, you can find commonality with people. I discovered new cultures and local traditions along the way, and I learned more about myself than I ever imagined possible.

It's my goal to help every client have that same experience - learning new things about their destination and themselves! I specialize in creating active itineraries filled with cultural immersion opportunities and adventures. I want to help you find the adventure that you've been searching for. Contact me today to begin planning your next exciting trip!

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
86 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 86 reviews

Hawaiian adventure
Reviewed By Christine D - Champlin, MN | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
We had a great time....the hotel was the best pick ever...very homey and the "last true Hawaiian" resort according to the guests we met. We had great weather and saw a lot of whales daily! Loved it!! We got in on the ground floor which was the best, as it was a patio with a table and chairs facing the pool....lots of room to chill out and take a break from the sun, while still enjoying the scenery. Thank you so much...
Kara Brown responded
"Loved seeing your photos and hearing about the great time you had!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
14 of 23 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Drive through Iceland
Reviewed By Vanessa R. - New Hope, MN | Traveled to Iceland ~ Europe
Kara is so wonderful to work with! She helped us plan our trip to Iceland earlier this month. I highly recommend using Kara when you book your travel. She is a trusted resource. We will use her again!
Kara Brown responded
"I enjoyed hearing about your trip, Vanessa! So happy you had a good experience."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
15 of 25 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Mother-Daughter trip to Tennessee
Reviewed By April I. - New Ulm, MN | Traveled to Nashville ~ Tennessee ~ USA
Kara does an excellent job of giving options without overwhelming you with too many. I really enjoy working with her and she makes it much less stressful to travel!
Kara Brown responded
"Tennessee is so fun and I'm glad you had a great time!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
8 of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best self-drive vacation!
Reviewed By Joy R. - Minneapolis, MN | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Recently returned from a trip to Scotland. Kara took care of all our travel arrangements and we couldn't be more pleased! It was an amazing trip.
Kara Brown responded
"It was wonderful to see your amazing photos and to follow your choir experience too!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
10 of 17 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Family trip to Jamaica
Reviewed By Kyle B. - Robbinsdale, MN | Traveled to Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Overall great experience. More communication at the beginning, meaning a face to face meeting, would be a good thing.
Kara Brown responded
"Thank you for the feedback, I will definitely take that into account and adjust my meeting options earlier!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
8 of 14 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
Certified Active & Adventure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Active & Adventure Travel Customer, Destination Knowledge, Active & Adventure Travel Experiences, ATTA Travel Resources, Active & Adventure Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
Certified Group Travel Specialist: This certification program provides agents with a comprehensive approach to group sales, including planning, selling, marketing and managing group travel.  This is a three year study program that includes a group research project and an educational experience.
Trusted Travel Advisor: A Trusted Travel Advisor credentials, resources and global connections translates to today’s consumer in respectful interactions, confidentiality, knowledge, and client advocacy of travel services provided in parallel with building long lasting client relationships that builds with each interaction.  A Trusted Travel Advisor knows their client better than the client may know themselves and puts those polishing touches on each travel collaboration.
UnCruise Specialist
Certified Aussie Specialist
Certified Peru Specialist
Certified Scotland Specialist
Puerto Rico Master Agent

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.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Iceland
View Album
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort walkthrough

My Travel Stories

One of the cenotes on site

Mother/Daughter Weekend at Eco Resort

This year, I was able to take my 5 year old daughter on a quick weekend trip to Sandos Caracol Eco Resort near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We had a wonderful time exploring the resort, seeing what natural wonders and wildlife we could find. Despite only having 3 nights there, we were able to see Mayan ruins, check out several cenotes, and discover...
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Client Testimonials

Lisbon trip a great success
She was so helpful with our Portugal travels on fairly short notice. Additionally, based on searches I had conducted on my own, she saved us a significant amount in flight and hotel costs!
Michaela H, Minneapolis, MN
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