Get to know us

The Team

Ted Blank

Owner/Travel Advisor

Ted Blank didn't choose travel as a career - travel chose him! A native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Ted graduated from St. Olaf College and received an MBA from the University of St. Thomas before spending fifteen years in sales and marketing leadership roles in the health care industry. Travel has always been Ted's passion, and it's been his great joy to combine his passion with his profession since changing careers ten years ago.

Ted loves opening new doors for travelers, helping them to chart their own paths to discover the world. He has visited all fifty states as well as over three dozen foreign countries on five continents. Ted is the host of The Travel Show, heard weekly on KDWA Radio and online, and owns Ted Blank Luxury Travel & Adventure, a Hudson, Wisconsin-based travel agency specializing in river cruising, European travel, and luxury cruises.

Karla Thoennes

Travel Advisor

With a passion for travel and a commitment to excellent service, Karla Thoennes specializes in creating journeys that match your personal desires.

As an experienced travel advisor, Karla excels in both guided and independent travel, including ocean and river cruises, and possesses a deep understanding of diverse global destinations.

Karla's personal international travels have broadened her cultural insights, allowing me to craft experiences that offer adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Her goal is to make travel planning stress-free by aligning with your preferences to design a seamless journey. Whether you're interested in European cities, Asian beaches, or American landscapes, Karla is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences. Her personalized service and transparent communication ensure you’re well-informed throughout the process. She provides expert guidance and support, keeping up with the latest trends to ensure your travel plans reflect your unique interests and preferences.

Mitch Koester

Travel Advisor

Life begins at the edge, don’t be afraid to take the leap!

Do you prefer a vacation off the beaten path? Maybe not somewhere that everyone you know has already been or going to? Mitch Koester specializes in the road less traveled leisure, adventure and expedition travel experiences. He will work with you hand-in-hand to create for you a personalized one-of-a-kind journey. When formulating your dream trip, it’s always Mitch's goal to help you discover what that actually means to you - whether it be leisurely days on the beach, diving into history or hiking the Antarctic peninsula with the penguins. Mitch has always had a passion for travel and the world’s historical landmarks and natural beauty/wonders Mother Nature has given us to explore. Mitch uses this love to create personalized itineraries to help you experience unforgettable memories that you’ll take with you for a lifetime.

Shannon Coenen

Office Manager/Travel Advisor

Shannon Coenen’s first love is Ireland, but she’s also an expert in all destinations warm and sunny, river cruising, and Canada’s incredible Rocky Mountaineer luxury tour train.

Shannon started in travel with Hobbit and Carlson Wagonlit Travel, and is excited to help you plan your next vacation!