Shel Hansen

La Crosse, WI

Making Your Dream Journey a Reality

I specialize in creating unforgettable journeys to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Mexico, and beyond. With over 35 years in the travel industry and nine trips to Australia alone, I bring firsthand expertise to every itinerary. As a Premier Aussie Specialist and Master Cruise Counsellor, I’ve honed my skills in crafting personalized experiences. My extensive travels to the South Pacific, including New Zealand, Fiji, and Tahiti, along with numerous visits to Mexico’s top destinations, ensure I can provide unique insights and recommendations. Let my passion and experience transform your dream trip into a reality!

My Travel Specialties

Premier Aussie Specialist

During my 34 years in the travel industry, I have been an Aussie Specialist for over 25 years of them. With my sales experience, extra-curricular (Aussie-related) activities, including hosting and conducting an annual Aussie Night and other Australia events, I have earned my way to the top and have...
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New Zealand Destination Specialist

In 1994 I had the great pleasure of hosting an exchange student from Blenheim, New Zealand. I could only imagine in my mind how beautiful New Zealand was by the stories told and how the scenery was described to me. However; when it was ‘my time’ to go visit my exchange student, I was not prepared...
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New friends in New Zealand

I am Your Fiji Specialist

I have been to Fiji several times; each time I visit different areas and seek out what’s special, so that I can better help you plan your unforgettable experience. Fiji is made up of over 330 islands and it’s hard to know where to go or what to do and see. That is where I come in.

If you’d...
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Enjoying time with Fijian children

Your Mexico Specialist

From stunning beaches and warm, friendly people to a rich cultural heritage, Mexico offers something for every traveler. Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing seaside escape, exploring ancient ruins, or indulging in vibrant cuisine, I’m here to make your trip extraordinary.

With years of experience...
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Shel Hansen and husband in PVR

Master Cruise Specialist

As a certified Master Cruise Counsellor with CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), I bring over three decades of hands-on experience and passion to helping clients plan their dream cruises. Earning this prestigious designation required rigorous training, earning my Accredited Cruise Counsellor...
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Tahiti Specialist

Dreaming of turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and the serene beauty of French Polynesia? As a certified Tahiti Specialist, I’m here to bring your vision of paradise to life. With extensive training and firsthand experience exploring these breathtaking islands, I know the best ways to immerse...
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My Travel Albums

Fiji

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New Zealand

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My Australia Adventures!

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My Travel Stories

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. Visiting the penguins on a guided tour...Read more.

Customer Testimonials

A Wonderful Trip of a Lifetime

Thanks to Shel Hansen, Travel Leaders Australian Specialist, we had a fabulous trip to Australia and New Zealand. We shared with her what we wanted to do and see; she set up an incredible agenda. Highlights included: a few days stay at our favorite winery resort, fishing off of a yacht in Sydney harbor and a safari to a wild life preserve, Kangaroo Island, with our own private guide. We saw cultural museums, landmarks such as Uluru, National Parks, the Outback and the beautiful Blue Mountains. We were transported by planes, trains, cable cars, boats, submarines and for a few days our own rented auto. Everything was well-coordinated with drivers and guides waiting to help us with the next connection. It was a wonderful trip of a lifetime.

Tom and Doris D., Onalaska, WI

So Glad I Connected With Shel at Travel Leaders

My daughter and I had dreamed of taking a trip to Australia and New Zealand since she was a child. Our dream nearly slipped away from us until I connected with Shel at Travel Leaders. This was our dream trip and I wanted it to be perfect; Shel was very patient with me and my endless e-mails. I entrusted her to come up with an itinerary that would include the list of things we hoped to do within a budget we could afford. Complications arose along the way but Shel went out of her way to help smooth out the wrinkles. Our long-dreamed-of trip finally came true in January! From holding a live koala bear in our arms, to SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier reef, to touring the Sydney opera house, to seeing the beautiful landscapes where scenes from the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed, to zip-lining down a mountainside--we did it all and much, much more. Thanks to Shel’s hard work, our dream trip became a reality, and now our memories will last this mother and daughter a lifetime!

Ruth W., Onalaska, WI

I Found the Perfect Person With Which to Work!

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 contact Travel Leaders rather than doing it on their own.

Teresa N., Hokah, MN

My Reviews

60 of 92 people found this review helpful

Amazing destination wedding!

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!

By Dena from Holmen, WI
Traveled to Negril ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends