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Luxury Travel Experts

Meet the Team

Ted Blank smiles at the camera in a photo that captures him from the chest up. He is dressed in a blue plaid button-up shirt and glasses with blue frames.
CEO
Ted Blank

Ted Blank, CEO, transitioned from a 15-year career in healthcare sales and marketing to pursue his passion for
travel. A native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and alumnus of
St. Olaf College with an MBA from the University of St.
Thomas, Ted has been crafting luxury travel experiences for
the past decade.

ted@tedblanktravel.com
Karla Thoennes smiles at the camera in a photo that captures her from the collar up. She has short blond hair, and wears a black cardigan and glasses with black frames.
Travel Advisor
Karla Thoennes
Karla specializes in creating personalized travel experiences. Leveraging her extensive personal travel and strong industry partnerships, she designs seamless itineraries that blend adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Karla ensures stress-free trips with clear, transparent communication, tailoring every detail to match clients’ unique interests.
karla@tedblanktravel.com
Mitch Koester smiles at the camera in a photo that captures him from the chest up. He has short brown hair and wears a navy blue polo shirt with thin white stripes.
Travel Advisor
Mitch Koester
Mitch is passionate about crafting joyful and exciting travel experiences. Whether it’s an expedition cruise, beach getaway, or cultural European tour, he tailors itineraries to individual interests. With firsthand knowledge of many destinations, especially Alaska, Mitch shares expert insights and hidden gems to enhance clients’ journeys.
mitch@tedblanktravel.com
Shannon Coenen smiles at the camera in a photo that captures her from the chest up. She has curly brown hair and wears a gold necklace and gray shirt.
Office Manager/Travel Advisor
Shannon Coenen
Shannon loves turning travel dreams into reality. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for curating unforgettable experiences, she crafts seamless itineraries tailored to each client’s preferences. Whether it’s a luxury escape or a family adventure, Shannon ensures every journey is stress-free and memorable.
shannon@tedblanktravel.com
Voice From Our Guests
“Every detail was handled with expert care, from exclusive accommodations to unforgettable excursions. We felt like VIPs the entire trip—can’t wait to book our next adventure!”

JEAN & ELSA – TRIPADVISOR

Rated 5 out of 5
A highly decorative outer wall of the Berlin City Palace is seen in sparse sunlight.
An elderly couple smiles and embrace each other while looking somewhere in the distance.

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    Ted Blank Travel Tips

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    A coastal Mediterranean town overlooks a blue ocean at sunset.

    Mediterranean Cruise

    Normandy

    Normandy

    Nevis Island is seen from a high-up perspective. Empty roads are seen running along the island while bright blue water and a bright blue sky surround the island.

    Nevis Island

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    The UK

    A small boat full of passengers and steered by a gondolier in traditional Vietnamese clothing is seen from behind as it travels town a river. The river is surrounded by large trees and leaves and under bright sunlight.

    Vietnam and The Mekong

    A white cruise ship is seen from an aerial perspective as it approaches a small hillside town. The town and cruise ship are surrounded by tree-covered hills and blue water.

    River Cruising

    The Rockies by Train

    The Rockies by Train

    Cancun

    Cancun

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    Europe

    A blue, oasis-like pond is seen from above while a waterfall empties into the pond. The pond is surrounded by lush green foliage.

    Jamaica

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