Affinity Travel | Curated Small Group Journeys

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Kimberly Banczak, Travel Agent in Wausau, WI

Kimberly Banczak

Wausau, WI Travel Agent
Super Agent

Kimberly Banczak

Wausau, WI · 23 Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
4.9
(66)
100% Recommended
Questionable at first. But turned out great. Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Dublin, England

Interests:

Castles & Cathedrals, Coach Tours, European Culture, Groups, Luxury

Suppliers:

Avalon Waterways, Europe Express, Tauck

About Me

Traveling together in Rome
Traveling together in Rome

Travel is even more meaningful when it’s shared with the right people.

With more than 23 years in the travel industry, I am expanding my expertise into thoughtfully designed affinity travel—bringing together small groups of like-minded travelers to explore destinations across the U.S. and Europe through a shared passion, interest, or experience.

A New Way to Travel Together
These are not traditional group tours. Each journey is intentionally designed for 12–24 guests, creating an atmosphere that is intimate, engaging, and effortlessly social. Whether centered around a destination, lifestyle, or special interest, these experiences allow travelers to connect not only with the places they visit, but with each other.Think of it as a perfectly curated circle of travelers—where every seat at the table belongs.

Curated Themes & Destinations
Each affinity journey is built around a central theme or shared interest, allowing for deeper, more meaningful travel experiences. Examples may include:

  • European cultural immersion journeys
  • River cruising groups with exclusive onboard experiences
  • Food and wine explorations through France or Italy
  • Holiday markets and seasonal celebrations
  • U.S. National Parks and scenic landscapes
  • History, art, or architecture-focused itineraries

Every itinerary is carefully designed to balance guided experiences, free time, and unique moments that elevate the journey beyond the expected.

Why Travel in a Small, Curated Group
By limiting group size, these journeys offer:

  • A more personal and relaxed pace
  • Greater access to unique venues and experiences
  • Stronger connections among travelers
  • Seamless logistics without the feel of large-scale touring

This approach allows for flexibility, comfort, and a level of detail that simply isn’t possible with larger groups.

Backed by Experience, Designed for Connection
This new focus is a natural evolution of my career. With over two decades of experience designing custom travel, luxury journeys, and group programs, I bring the knowledge, partnerships, and attention to detail needed to execute these experiences flawlessly.

From boutique accommodations and immersive excursions to private guides and curated dining, every element is thoughtfully selected to reflect the group’s shared interests.

Who These Journeys Are For
Affinity travel is ideal for:

  • Couples and friends who enjoy traveling with others
  • Clients looking for a more social and engaging travel experience
  • Groups formed around shared hobbies, interests, or lifestyles
  • Travelers who appreciate structure with room to explore

Let’s Build Something Exceptional
These journeys are designed to inspire connection, discovery, and lasting memories—not just with the destination, but with the people you travel alongside.

If you’re interested in joining or helping shape an upcoming affinity group, I would love to start the conversation.

 

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.9
66 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 66 reviews

One of our best trips . Once in a lifetime trip.
Reviewed By N/A - Mosinee Wisconsin | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
Questionable at first. But turned out great.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
38 of 54 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Foreign travel made easy!
Reviewed By Sally - Cedarburg, WI | Traveled to Vietnam ~ East and Southeast Asia
Kim was truly awesome to work with on the planning of two overseas trips that my family and I recently took. These trips involved SE Asia and Scotland; two completely different areas of the world. Kim helped with Visas, flights, places to stay, guides, and activities in these locations. She was instrumental in planning for the great experiences we had in both locations. I definitely will be using Kim again and again for all of my future travels. Thank you so much Kim!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
35 of 53 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Alaskan fishing trip
Reviewed By Dean - Elcho, WI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Kim did an excellent job with my Alaskan fishing adventure. There are so many fishing lodges on the internet, I would have never found this lodge on my own. She did an outstanding job making all the arrangements and keeping me updated on flight changes. The accommodations, staff, food and beverages and fishing were all top notch. The Anvik River Lodge is an excellent destination.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
29 of 43 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Italy Adventure
Reviewed By Howie - Wausau Wi. | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Very professional and timely service.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
30 of 48 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Well organized and no surprises on our trip!
Reviewed By Mary - Wausau | Traveled to Croatia ~ Europe
It was excellent. We had no surprises on our trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
31 of 54 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

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

Paris - City of Light
View Album
Eiffel Tower Twinkling in Paris

My Travel Stories

Ile de la Cite - Notre Dame (taken in 2016)

Small Group Journey Through the City of Light

There is something extraordinary about experiencing Paris in a small group. Not rushed. Not crowded. Just the right number of travelers—each moment unfolding with intention, connection, and a sense that you’re part of something truly special. Our journey began on the Left Bank, where the rhythm of Paris feels a little softer, a little mor...
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Client Testimonials

Golden Eagle Luxury Train through Russia
Thank you so much for handling the arrangements for my Russia trip. It was phenomenal and well worth the planning, time, and cost. It really changed my ideas about Russia and Russian culture. We are talking about a 180 degree change. The train was very nice - all the staff except for the train doc were Russian and the sweetest and most accommodating people. It was a little odd being on a train for 2 weeks, but the scenery and stops were well worth it. Lake Baikal was extraordinary - 2 people actually went swimming if you count dipping your toes in the water. Except maybe the day we went to 4 museums in a row. The food was so good on and off the train. One of the highlights was lunch at Cafe Pushkin in Moscow. I actually went and found the recipe for their Beef Stroganoff and Borscht on line. I know I keep saying it, but this trip would not have happened if it had not been for you.
Eileen G Tucson AZ
Excellent Travel Guidance
For the past six years Kim has been an excellent guide for Judy and I on our travels around the world! She helped us explore from Africa to India and from Ireland to Italy (and many places in between}. She has led us to discover one of our favorite places, The Nisbet Plantation on the island of Nevis and is currently planning our third trip to India next May. Kim always makes time to deal with the details of our travels to make our travel experiences special!
Dennis J, Stevens Point WI
Consummate Travel Professional
Anyone who has Kim as a guru of luxury travel is very lucky. Not only is she a consummate professional, she is a kind and considerate individual. Kim has planned several trips for me with incredible attention to detail and my needs as a traveler. Each trip has been wonderful and exactly what I expected. My latest trip on The Royal Scotsman, a trip through the Scottish Highlands, Wales, and England by train, was planned and made possible by Kim. She recommended I break my return trip with a stop in Washington DC. It gave me time to visit Arlington National Cemetery and old friends without added air expense. Kim and I are planning next year’s trip on the Trans Siberian Railway - a trip that includes getting from southern Arizona to Vladivostok to embark and return from Moscow. This is a trip that has to be planned a minimum of 12 months in advance. I cannot fathom how I would get this together without Kim’s guidance and her willingness to work with me on time and budget.
Eileen G, Tucson AZ
International Travel Consultant
As our travel consultant Kim has made numerous international reservations for us. She's very helpful with trip itineraries, personable to work with plus, always get back to us asap! We'll always continue to use Kim, for all of our travel needs.
Judy M, Reston VA
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