Shel Hansen
La Crosse, Wisconsin Travel Agent
A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
Years of Experience: 25+
Email MePremier Aussie (Destination) Specialist
On one of my many visits "Down Under"
During my 30 years in the travel industry, I have been an Aussie Specialist for 21 of them. With my sales experience, extra-curricular (Aussie-related) activities, including hosting and conducting annual Aussie Nights and other Australia events, I have earned my way to the top and am a Premier Aussie Specialist as well. Having visited Australia on a regular basis (eight times) and experiencing different areas each time, makes me a great resource for you. Whether your travel plans include a “liveaboard” diving experience, visiting some of the world’s oldest trees in the rainforest, a hot air balloon ride, an Aboriginal experience in the Outback, holding a 20- foot python, a private surfing lesson, a private yachting experience, an overnight at your favorite winery, blending wine at Penfolds Winery, swimming with sharks, holding a Koala or just spending a quiet day at the beach, I can help turn these dreams into reality and I would love to help you plan your trip of a lifetime down under!! Added to that, I am a Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist and a Master Cruise Counselor. I have also traveled to New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti several times and know that I have the qualifications to help you plan your dream trip!
Why clients love to work with me ...
"My husband and I began planning a trip to Australia to visit our son who had moved there. We didn’t know where to start, and trying to book a trip of a lifetime by ourselves via the Internet seemed daunting. When I called Travel Leaders, they directed me to their Australia expert, Shel Hansen. I couldn’t have found a more perfect person to work with on a trip like this. I found out Shel had been to Australia six times and knew all the ins and outs of traveling there. She was amazing! Her knowledge and first-hand experience of traveling to Australia made it so enjoyable and fun to plan the trip. Now I always tell people to try Travel Leaders rather than doing it on their own." T. Nielsen
My Areas of Expertise
Premier Aussie Specialist
Master Cruise Counsellor
Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist
What Makes Kangaroo Island Special?
When I think about all of my Aussie adventures, one of the favorites has got to be Kangaroo Island. A short 45-minute flight from Adelaide brought me to the land of wild kangaroos, koalas in the trees, Seal Bay, the Arch, Remarkable Rocks and lunch in the bush.... Read more from my What Makes Kangaroo Island Special? story.
My ATE Invitation to Perth
Because I am not only an Aussie Specialist, but have also earned my Premier Aussie Specialist Designation and am recognized by Tourism Australia and Travel 2 (formerly Qantas Vacations), I do receive invitations to various training and network events in Australia.
An annual event is Corroborree (a joint meeting... Read more from my My ATE Invitation to Perth story.
I LOVE Sydney, Australia!
I do … it’s one of my very favorite cities in the entire world – the people who live there are friendly and energetic; the city is beautiful and vibrant, filled with locals and tourists from all over the world, coming to see the iconic Sydney Opera House and either view... Read more from my I LOVE Sydney, Australia! story.
Melbourne and the Yarra Valley
The majority of my journeys to Australia have been with fellow travel professionals, through tour companies whose goal is to teach us as much about the country, the hotels and the sightseeing venues as possible. This trip was no exception and once again, we learned volumes, with visits to new... Read more from my Melbourne and the Yarra Valley story.
"Down Under" to Barossa Valley
If you’re a foodie and a wine enthusiast, you’ll really enjoy a trip to Australia’s Barossa Valley. To visit ‘the Barossa’ is to taste the good life, which includes premium wines such as the world-famous Barossa Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling that are regionally produced. Add that... Read more from my "Down Under" to Barossa Valley story.
Amazing destination wedding!
Reviewed By Dena - Holmen, WI | Traveled to Negril ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Shel is the best at answering all of our questions, addressing any concerns, and paying attention to the tiniest details to make sure our traveling experience is the absolute best it can be! She is also great at finding the best deals and piecing the whole itinerary together so it is fun, safe, and efficient in every aspect. She responds quickly to emails which is awesome when you're so excited to plan your vacation! If you're looking for an experienced travel agent - look no further than Shel Hansen!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
59 of 91 people found this review helpful
A Great Travel Agent
Reviewed By Tracy - Onalaska, WI | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Shel is great at what she does and goes above and beyond to ensure everything is in order when she books your trip and she will work with you if you have any special accommodations you may need while traveling or on your trip/destination.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
49 of 80 people found this review helpful
Best travel agent in the business
Reviewed By Happy traveler because of Shel - lacrosse wi | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We have been working with Shel for around 20 years. She has suggested and sent us on some wonderful trips. Shel has always given us 120% when working on adventures for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
37 of 56 people found this review helpful
Fantastic trip down under!
Reviewed By Patty - La Crescent, MN | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
Shel was great to work with . She planned all the details with us and gave great tips on our destinations. I am planning another trip with Shel because of the great experience I had. With her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
41 of 67 people found this review helpful
Escaping to Mexico is our Zen.
Reviewed By Lon - Holmen | Traveled to Mexico ~ Mexico
She has always been prompt and given us good travel advice. She is very thorough and polite.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
42 of 72 people found this review helpful
Reliable and experienced
Reviewed By Beach lover - Wisconsin | Traveled to Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Shel has helped us with travel plans for several years. She works diligently to find the best deal and travel times that work for you. She has experience to help you with your questions.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
41 of 70 people found this review helpful
The best trip of our lives so far!
Reviewed By Dick and Pat - Onalaska, WI | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
All good. When we had a slight problem in Morea she dealt with it over night. Also she answered questions from Sydney
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
39 of 67 people found this review helpful
Always A Great Trip
Reviewed By T and B - La Crosse, WI | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Very friendly, understanding, well organized always have a great trip booking through Shel.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
45 of 80 people found this review helpful
My husband and I had an amazing honeymoon!
Reviewed By Cassie - Onalaska, Wisconsin | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Shel is great to work with. I have used her for so many trips and they have all been amazing.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
41 of 73 people found this review helpful
Alaska Cruise
Reviewed By Theresa W. - La Crosse, WI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
She has been so helpful in planning any kind of trip, whether in Alaska or Australia.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
45 of 81 people found this review helpful
Australia, and New Zealand, and Ireland, Scotland.
Reviewed By Margaret - CASHTON | Traveled to New Zealand ~ Australia & New Zealand
Shel explains the trip extremely well. Explains in detail where there might be problems. We just came back from Australia and everything went great!!!!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
38 of 69 people found this review helpful
Shel gave us the confidence for overseas travel!
Reviewed By Heatherb - La Crosse, Wisconsin | Traveled to Europe
Trip after trip Shel has provided thoughtful, complete travel arrangements that took the stress off our family. Leaving nothing for us to do but enjoy! We won't travel without her guidance.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
41 of 76 people found this review helpful
Looking forward to the best trip ever
Reviewed By Pam - La Crosse | Traveled to Mexico
so helpful and knowledgeable
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
39 of 73 people found this review helpful
Best trip ever to Mexico.
Reviewed By Pam - La Crosse, WI | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Shel did an outstanding job for our trip planning. From arranging assistance at the airport to booking a handicap accessible room, she was great. Traveling to a smaller resort per her recommendation was a real plus.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
8 of 12 people found this review helpful
It was an excellant trip.
Reviewed By susan - Chaseburg, Wisc | Traveled to Mexico
Shel went above and beyond to plan our trip. Nothing was left out. She made sure with this co-vid time that everything was covered.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
The Best Trip
Reviewed By Chris - West Salem | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
The experience was phenomenal. She was very responsive and accommodating for our large group and our constant changes and demands. She went beyond just planning our trip. She gave great advice and expectations for our trip. She was so amazing, we already booked another trip with her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Alaska cruise/land
Reviewed By Karen - West Salem , WI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Shel is wonderful to work with. She takes the time to find out what you really want and need out of your travels. She is very prompt and courteous!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
38 of 74 people found this review helpful
A family vacation to remember.
Reviewed By Rhonda - La Crosse Wi | Traveled to Playa Del Carmen ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Shel did a fantastic job,the resort was spot on for what we wanted.We had a couple people cancel after booking and she got everything in order. Shel answered my emails and phone calls right away.This was the best resort we have stayed at and will go again and use Shel for all future travel.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
A fantastic trip and well planned
Reviewed By Troy n Beth - La Crosse WI | Traveled to Mexico
Friendly and Reliable
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Gave me the travel bug to go again
Reviewed By Vacation Dreamer - Chaseburg Wisconsin | Traveled to Mexico
My first time traveling outside of the country and she made it so easy. Everything from obtaining a passport to what to expect in Mexico.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Return to Cozumel!
Reviewed By Marcia - Onalaska, WI | Traveled to Cozumel ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
Shel is personable, knowledgeable and truly helpful in planning all sorts if travel experiences. For our first post pandemic trip, Shel gave us current, reliable advice and made us feel confident in our decision to travel internationally again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Reuniting in Australia
Reviewed By Lynda - West Salem, WI | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
Shel knows what she is doing and does it very well!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
Very relaxing week.
Reviewed By MICHAEL - West Salem, WI | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Shel had everything planned out. Beginning with the hotel in Minneapolis, the ride to the airport, flight, taxi to hotel, check in, and then the return home. Everything went smoothly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
Every Trip has been amazing
Reviewed By Reggie - Onalaska | Traveled to Mexico D.F. ~ Mexico
She is easy to work with and understands what I expect and goes beyond
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
Group trip to Mexico
Reviewed By Karen - West Salem | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Shel is a wonderful agent and truly kind, wonderful person. She always goes way above and beyond what I would expect a travel agent to do.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 11 people found this review helpful
Many wonderful trips!
Reviewed By MGT - Onalaska, WI | Traveled to Mexico
Shel is lively, kind, efficient and knowledgeable. We have been working with her for about 15 years. She has given us terrific advice and wonderful service.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
35 of 74 people found this review helpful