Article written by Lisa Gallagher, Owner and Operator of Lisa G Travel. Lisa is passionate about helping families, couples, and adventure seekers create unforgettable travel experiences. With eight years of experience as a full-service Travel Advisor and firsthand experience balancing travel and family life, Lisa takes the stress out of planning so her clients can focus on making memories. Learn more about Lisa and her travel services at Lisa G Travel.
In February 2025, I had the chance to join an Amazing Destination Experience (ADE) with Travel Show Marketing Group (TravelSMG) in Anchorage, Alaska, hosted by Visit Anchorage and Travel Alaska. And I’m going to be honest—this wasn’t just “a fun trip” (even though it absolutely was). For me, the real value of an ADE is that it turns a destination from something I recommend into something I know—because I’ve experienced it, learned it, and built relationships inside it.
That’s one of the biggest benefits of traveling this way: it’s intentionally set up to help Travel Advisors come home better at what we do. Not just inspired. Not just with pretty photos. Better prepared to guide clients with confidence, real-life knowledge, and connections that make planning smoother.
One of the most powerful parts of this ADE was the opportunities we had. Over the course of the week, I met one-on-one with around 60 suppliers, and I also sat in on presentations from many of them. That kind of face time is priceless. You get to ask the questions that matter, learn what’s new, hear what they do best, and actually build relationships you can lean on later when you’re planning client trips. And the networking was not just at the meetings—there were also really thoughtful hosted events and dinners that made it easy to connect in a relaxed way. Those conversations are often where the best partnerships start.
Of course, it wasn’t all business (thank goodness), and Anchorage delivered in a big way.
One of my favorite moments was the helicopter tour with a glacier landing. I expected it to be cool … but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. I thought I might be a little nervous, but once we were in the air, I was completely hooked. Seeing Alaska from that perspective is one of those experiences that you don’t forget. And now when a client asks, “Is that really worth doing?” I can answer from real experience—with the honest details that help them decide.
Another huge highlight was getting to stay at Snowhook Lodge. And this is exactly why I love ADE experiences—because seeing a place in person changes everything. Snowhook felt like part of the adventure, not just a hotel stop. It’s set up with separate cabins, and there’s a main lodge area where everyone gathers, eats, and warms up after the day. It had that cozy, “we’re really in Alaska” feeling that so many travelers want.
What I loved is that it still felt comfortable, even though you’re out in that wilderness vibe. After a cold day in the snow, having little comforts like an outdoor fire pit is honestly a big deal. And yes—there’s Wi-Fi available, which is helpful for anyone who wants to stay connected (or just check in with family back home). One thing I appreciated learning firsthand is how the bathroom setup works too (separate bathhouse from your cabin), because that’s the kind of detail that matters when I’m matching the right lodging to the right client. Good things to know ahead of time, so expectations are clear. These are things I would not have known about if I were just searching online.
If I could change one thing about the whole experience, it would be simple: I wish we had more time. Four days in Anchorage isn’t enough, even though we packed in a TON. And honestly, that was a big lesson too—Anchorage is deeper than people assume. It’s not just a “gateway.” It deserves time, and now I can help clients pace it the right way.
From a business standpoint, this ADE strengthened my planning process in a very real way. I came home with a better understanding of the area, better destination knowledge, and stronger relationships with suppliers and DMCs that I’ve stayed in contact with throughout the year. That doesn’t just help me—it helps my clients, because it means their trip is supported by real connections and real experience.
It also completely expanded how I talk about Alaska seasonally. A lot of people automatically think Alaska is only a summer destination, but experiencing it in winter reminded me how special winter Alaska can be. It’s different than summer, but it’s incredible—and now I can confidently help clients explore that option too.
And because I’m me … I don’t go on an Experience like this without a plan. Before the trip, I made sure I had plenty of business cards, and I brought a notebook system I love: I stick each supplier’s business card right onto a page, then take notes on that same page. It keeps everything organized and makes it so easy to reference later. I also researched many of the suppliers ahead of time so I could ask better questions during one-on-one meetings. On the marketing side, I brainstormed content ideas in advance—simple things like post topics and Facebook “titles”—so I wasn’t scrambling while I was there. And I posted for about two weeks before leaving so people knew where I was going and got excited to follow along. (Also: yes, I packed warm clothes, because Alaska in winter is not the place to experiment with “cute fashion” 😂.)
When I got home, I stayed consistent with sharing what I learned—posting photos, experiences, supplier spotlights, and educational “did you know?” posts that help clients understand what’s possible without it feeling salesy. I also organized supplier info into a spreadsheet so I can quickly pull details when I’m planning Alaska trips in the future. That part isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the biggest reasons experiences like ADE continue to pay off long after the trip ends.
At the end of the day, this is why I’m such a fan of TravelSMG’s ADE experiences: they help me come home with deeper knowledge, stronger connections, and more confidence—so I can plan better trips for my clients. I’m not just sharing pretty pictures. I’m bringing back real value.
Interested in learning more about our Amazing Destination Experiences? You can learn more about our current opportunities and past events at the event website.