Discover Alaska Through Our Advisors' Eyes
The best travel recommendations come from those who've experienced them first-hand. That's why Travel Associates advisors regularly travel with our trusted partners, gaining valuable insights they can share with every client. Recently, several of our advisors travelled to Alaska with Collette Explorations on the Alaska's Northern Lights tour. Over six incredible days, they cruised past towering glaciers, travelled deep into the Alaskan wilderness by rail, met local mushers, crossed the Arctic Circle and witnessed the spectacular Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky. While every traveller's experience is unique, one thing was clear when they returned home, Collette Explorations’ thoughtfully designed touring style allowed them to experience Alaska in a way that felt immersive, effortless and genuinely memorable.
Why Our Advisors Recommend Collette
The best travel recommendations come from those who've experienced them first-hand. That's why Travel Associates advisors regularly travel with our trusted partners, gaining valuable insights they can share with every client. Recently, several of our advisors travelled to Alaska with Collette Explorations on the Alaska's Northern Lights tour. Over six incredible days, they cruised past towering glaciers, travelled deep into the Alaskan wilderness by rail, met local mushers, crossed the Arctic Circle and witnessed the spectacular Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky. While every traveller's experience is unique, one thing was clear when they returned home, Collette Explorations’ thoughtfully designed touring style allowed them to experience Alaska in a way that felt immersive, effortless and genuinely memorable.
Our Advisor's Stories
Brook Mocha - Travel Associates Burleigh Heads
Alaska's Northern Lights
For Brook, one of the biggest highlights of travelling with Collette Exporations was how well the itinerary balanced unforgettable experiences with enough time to truly appreciate each destination. "The itinerary was well paced, with plenty of activities, but we never felt rushed or overwhelmed." From spectacular winter scenery and snow-covered landscapes to unforgettable wildlife encounters, every day offered something different. One of Brook's favourite experiences was visiting a local dog sledding kennel, where the group met the huskies, learnt about the tradition of mushing and enjoyed dinner inside their hosts' home. "Dog sledding, meeting the local huskies, learning about mushing and being welcomed into our hosts' home for dinner was a real highlight." Of course, witnessing the Northern Lights was another unforgettable moment. "Seeing the Northern Lights was an unforgettable experience and a true bucket-list moment."Brook also praised Collette Explorations’ seamless organisation throughout the journey. "Our Tour Manager was knowledgeable, organised and genuinely enhanced the overall experience. Collette handled all the logistics seamlessly, making the journey stress-free from start to finish."
Courtney Ledger - Earn & Turner Travel Associates
Alaska's Northern Lights
For Courtney, Alaska exceeded every expectation, not only because of its breathtaking scenery, but because of the way Collette Explorations allowed travellers to truly experience it. "What I am loving most about this trip is how it's not just about ticking destinations off a list, it's about really experiencing them." Her journey included cruising through Prince William Sound alongside glaciers, sea otters, seals and bald eagles before taking an unforgettable optional flightseeing experience over Denali, North America's highest peak.Travelling aboard the Alaska Railroad from Talkeetna to Fairbanks became another standout experience, with eight hours of spectacular scenery unfolding outside the window, from snow-covered mountains and frozen rivers to remote wilderness rarely seen any other way. Crossing the Arctic Circle and learning about Alaska's remote communities gave Courtney an even greater appreciation for the destination, while three separate sightings of the Northern Lights became memories she'll never forget. "Photos don't even come close to capturing how magical it feels in the moment." After experiencing Alaska first-hand, Courtney has no hesitation recommending it to clients.
"If Alaska has ever been on your list... I can already tell you, it absolutely deserves a spot at the top."
Thomas Sfyrios - Lewis & Turner Travel Associates
Alaska's Northern Lights
Thomas says one of the things that impressed him most about travelling with Collette Explorations was just how effortless the entire experience felt.
"From the moment we arrived, everything was taken care of. You never had to transport your luggage from the hotel to the coach, it was all handled for you." That attention to detail allowed the group to focus entirely on enjoying Alaska's remarkable landscapes and experiences. Among Thomas' favourite moments were the Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise, surrounded by spectacular glaciers and abundant wildlife, and the Aurora Winter Train, where eight hours of scenic rail travel revealed snow-capped mountains, vast valleys and incredible Alaskan wilderness. He also spoke highly of Collette Explorations Tour Manager Kathy, whose local knowledge, organisation and enthusiasm enhanced every part of the journey. "Kathy was exceptional, so accommodating and made it a priority that we experienced everything we possibly could in Alaska." But if there was one moment that perfectly captured the magic of the trip, it came in the middle of the night. "Receiving a phone call from the hotel to let you know the Northern Lights had started outside your window... it's a feeling that can't be described, only experienced."
Every advisor returned home with different favourite moments, but they all agreed on one thing, Collette Explorations makes discovering Alaska feel effortless. Whether it's witnessing the Northern Lights, travelling through spectacular wilderness by rail, cruising alongside glaciers or connecting with local people and traditions, Collette Explorations’ thoughtfully designed tours bring you closer to every destination. With first-hand experience of these unforgettable journeys, your Travel Associates advisor can offer genuine insight and help you find the Collette Explorations tour that's right for you.
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