Karen Hurlburt
Eau Claire, Wisconsin Travel Agent
A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
Email MeTravel Specialist - Eau Claire WI
With over 30 years in the travel industry, I’ve watched the world become more accessible than ever before – and I’m still amazed at all the places I’ve been able to send my clients...
My first focus was on corporate travel early in my career, but I’ve progressively expanded to more leisure travel for families, couples, and large groups.
I am happy to work with clients who have never traveled before as well as clients that are highly experienced world travelers looking for something off the beaten path and different. I will ensure that no matter what level of travel you are comfortable with, I can create a trip that is personalized specifically for you. Although I like the challenge of custom itineraries and adventures, my most common vacation bookings include:
- Alaska
- Honeymoons/Anniversary Trips
- Ocean & River Cruises
- Multi-destination travel
- Escorted Tours
- And more
…From Mexico to Europe, the Caribbean Islands, Disney Parks and Cruises, Alaska and beyond,I have had the privilege to not only send my clients to these destinations but visit them myself. Of all the destinations I’ve been to, I have developed a true passion for Alaska. The Alaskan wilderness and scenery are second to none and it’s a destination that clients of all ages enjoy visiting. I can help you determine the itinerary that best suits your interests and budget, as well as hand-picked recommendations you can’t find online.
Whether you are looking to go by yourself, with your spouse, or with a large group, let me handle all the details so you can focus on your much-needed vacation. As your trusted travel advisor, I am ready to take care of you from our first contact together until you return home. I look forward to working with you on your next adventure.
My Areas of Expertise
Spring Fling
Reviewed By Woody - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Friendly, courteous and extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
29 of 40 people found this review helpful
All done well
Reviewed By Thankful - Colfax wi | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Depend on her and she has been so easy to work with and we plan to ask her for help when we go places.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 42 people found this review helpful
Novice travelers
Reviewed By KIm - Plum City | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
So very pleasant and helpful. We are in the "anticipation" stage of our trip and she is quick to answer even the most trivial questions we come up with!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
24 of 37 people found this review helpful
Amazing Vacation!!
Reviewed By Six Happy Customers - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
This was our first time using Higgins Travel, we've used our AAA agent in the past, but she wasn't returning our calls or emails. Karen promptly responded to all of our questions, listened to our wants, needs, and desires and landed a "10"! There were six of us to accommodate and Karen nailed it!
Great customer service, friendly, knowledgeable, and honest. We will definitely recommend her to other friends and family, in state or out of state!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
42 of 74 people found this review helpful
Bucket List Trip
Reviewed By Maureen - Eau Claire WI | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
I love working with Karen. Always clear on the options and answers all my questions.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
39 of 69 people found this review helpful
Our bucket list trip! (Upcoming)
Reviewed By Ron and Kim - Plum City | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
SO PLEASANT! Ron and I are really travel "novices" . Realizing that she really does a beautiful job of making our options clear. We look forward to working with her on this trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
27 of 46 people found this review helpful
Memorable trip for our 40th year of marriage
Reviewed By Stitches of fun - Eau Claire Wisconsin | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Karen was very knowledgeable and friendly. She guided us smoothly through the entire booking process! Thank you Higgins!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
34 of 61 people found this review helpful
Fun Trips
Reviewed By Pam - Solon Springs WI | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Karen has always been so helpful and fun to work with! She has always helped us find the best trips. When we travel to Disney she finds the best flights and rooms. When we have ran in to problems with flights due to weather she has worked with us to fix the issue and get us to our destinations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
32 of 57 people found this review helpful
one of the best trips
Reviewed By Frances - Menomonie | Traveled to Peru ~ South America
fabulous
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
21 of 37 people found this review helpful
Group Flight and Vouchers
Reviewed By Shelly Miller - Chippewa Falls, WI | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Karen was a pleasure to work with and guided me thru a difficult process of booking a group flight. When our trip had to be canceled she work diligently on getting us travel vouchers. We could not have made our way thru this without her expertise.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
8 of 12 people found this review helpful
Would do again in a heartbeat.
Reviewed By Ed - Eau Claire WI. | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Very quick responses to all of our inquiries / questions. All aspects went very smoothly. Usually book our trips on our own, but this experience has altered that thinking.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
18 of 32 people found this review helpful
Most recent trip was THE most carefree trip ever!
Reviewed By LAC - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Adriatic Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Karen is WONDERFUL!! She has helped me with several trips now and I have been totally satisfied with what she has done for me with each of them. The last several have been cruises for which I like to arrive days in advance so as to enjoy out the departure city and to also to ensure that I don't "Miss the Boat!"My travel companions live some distance away so we fly from airports closest to our home base and meet up with each other at our destination. Initially I was, for various reasons including health issues, very apprehensive about doing this. That is no longer the case. Karen has skilfully made arrangements that address any issue I may be having.
As times passes, my inclination is to do less schlepping with luggage & jumping into a curbside cabs, so Karen arranges for a driver to pick me & my luggage up at the carousal and turn me over to the Bell Captain at the hotel she has booked for us. I'm loving it (and her)
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
32 of 61 people found this review helpful
A vacation that exceeded our expectations!
Reviewed By The Timm’s - Hammond, Wi | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
I’m so happy we had Karen as our agent! After listening to our desires, thoughts and price range, see showed us options and gave suggestions. Our vacation exceeded our expectations! We were just planning on taking a 7 day cruise and ended up taking a 13 day land and cruise tour!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
26 of 50 people found this review helpful
Fantastic France.
Reviewed By Fands - Eau Claire, Wi | Traveled to Paris ~ France ~ Europe
Karen came in the middle of our trip planning. She did a marvelous job of helping us work through a couple of issues that arose with our reservation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Quick and efficient !
Reviewed By Patty Randals - Gillett, WI | Traveled to Tulum ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
Our former travel agent must have retired. I picked Karen as she has numerous years of experience for travelers. I was not disappointed!! Karen was fast and efficient and answered all of our question promptly. I loved that I received an email response so quickly that I did not have to wait days to hear from anyone. Because we were so impressed we immediately booked our vacation through Karen. We will be giving Karen another call next year when we plan our next trip!!! I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
Legoland
Reviewed By bjs - DURAND | Traveled to Florida ~ USA
She has been very helpful and very patient.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
35th Wedding Anniversary Trip to Jamaica!
Reviewed By WayLin - Chippewa Falls, WI | Traveled to Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Karen is always very responsive and up to date with the airlines and resorts. Her professionalism and willingness to help has us hooked! Great hiring and training skill kudos to Higgins.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
25 of 49 people found this review helpful
A vacation that exceeded our expectations!
Reviewed By The Timm’s - Hammond, Wi | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
I’m so happy we had Karen as our agent! After listening to our desires, thoughts and price range, see showed us options and gave suggestions. Our vacation exceeded our expectations! We were just planning on taking a 7 day cruise and ended up taking a 13 day land and cruise tour!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
26 of 51 people found this review helpful
Karen is awesome!
Reviewed By Sapphire - Durand, WI | Traveled to Europe
Karen is a great travel agent! She is knowledgeable, conscientious, friendly and has a great attention to details. She goes above and beyond to make sure her customers have a great travel experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
One of the best trips.
Reviewed By Sue - Eau Claire, Wi | Traveled to Budapest ~ Hungary ~ Europe
Karen worked very hard to make all the planning smooth and easy.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
The best trip to date!
Reviewed By Clover - Waunakee WI | Traveled to England ~ Europe
Karen was an excellent travel advisor. She gave us books of options and helped us decide which tour to take. She called the company to check on details of the tour that were not clear. She made sure we had the desired seats and direct flights to our destinations. She gave us lists of things to prepare, hints on how to pack, and helped us with currency exchanges. Our tour itinerary was very complete, with a complete lists of each days activities, any vouchers needed, and a complete accommodation list for the family.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Wonderful Budapest!
Reviewed By Love Viking Cruises - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Budapest ~ Hungary ~ Europe
Karen has always been extremely helpful and has been very patient with all the questions I have had.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Wonderful trip with nice travel partners.
Reviewed By KM - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Japan ~ East and Southeast Asia
Kind, knowledgeable, readily available as needed, efficient.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
works on short notice
Reviewed By Dave - EAU CLAIRE | Traveled to Norway ~ Europe
helpful, knowledgeable, always good advice
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bucket List
Reviewed By JBW - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Always professional and well versed on trips and options. Extremely personable.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
London/Liverpool Dream Vacation
Reviewed By Kim - WI | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
Karen continues to go above and beyond...from providing excellent advice to answering stupid questions! She is the best!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Norway cancelled again!
Reviewed By Deb - Altoona, Wi | Traveled to Norway ~ Europe
Karen answered all of our questions in a timely manner. She is very knowledgeable.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
20 of 40 people found this review helpful
Looking Forward To Our Trip
Reviewed By Sue B - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Denver ~ Colorado ~ USA
Very friendly and super helpful!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Exceptional service!
Reviewed By Jack and Mary - Eau Claire Wisconsin | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Karen has helped us with several trips and she is amazing! She asks great questions, offers helpful suggestions and has delivered fantastic results. We highly recommend her for any type of travel you are interested in!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
26 of 53 people found this review helpful
Dream Trip
Reviewed By Tammy - Osseo, Wi. | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
We meet Karen when we were planning our trip to Ireland, We planned our trip in June, then had to cancel, collect our insurance on trip and reschedule for August , due to our sons new job wouldn't let him have first scheduled days off .Karen was wonderful and very prompt at getting everything switched around. We went on our trip , We had told Karen what we wanted everything was wonderful from hotels to activities it was My husbands Dream to always go to Ireland , So was a very special time for us and our grown Son and Daughter.We would definitely recommend Karen to anyone planning a trip, She is very good at her job, have had Karen help us with two international trips and hope to have her help us with more.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
30 of 61 people found this review helpful
Use a professional!
Reviewed By Amatuer traveler - Eau Claire | Traveled to Europe
If you're looking for an experienced travel agent who's friendly and prompt, you'd be hard pressed to find someone better than Karen. She's great!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
20 of 42 people found this review helpful
Another Great Trip
Reviewed By Rozie - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Germany ~ Europe
Karen Hurlburt has been my travel counselor for all three of my trips to different parts of Europe in the past four years. I return to Karen because each of the three trips has been a great travel experience. Karen always answers questions about travel needs and expectations in the different countries. I will continue to see Karen for future trips because she clearly explains information and responds to questions or concerns in a timely fashion.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
34 of 70 people found this review helpful
Great trip
Reviewed By Dave - Bonaire ga | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Very helpful and kept us updated at all times
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
27 of 56 people found this review helpful
Most memorable trip!
Reviewed By makitty - Durand Wi | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Karen is so easy to work with! She has a pleasant personality and has been totally accommodating to our travels needs! She has travelled a lot herself and has provided us with many travel ideas and suggestions to help tailor our trip to what we want to see and do and make it more enjoyable! She has booked several trips for us, the most memorable one being Italy! What an awesome trip! We will definitely be returning some day!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
26 of 54 people found this review helpful
Best travel experinces ever
Reviewed By Carrie K - La Crosse, Wisconsin | Traveled to India ~ Central Asia
Karen has been helping me plan my overseas travels for over 15 years. As a solo traveler, I like to have as many of the details planned out as I can before I leave the country. She has always done a fantastic job helping me coordinate flights, tours, Visas, etc. And she is always willing to go that extra step in seeking out answers for my many, many questions. She has always come through for me and I appreciate that very much. Thank you, Karen!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
32 of 71 people found this review helpful
**Empires-of-the-Mediterranean** Wow, Fabulous
Reviewed By Contented Cruiser - Eau Claire, WI | Traveled to Athens ~ Greece ~ Europe
I couldn't have done this trip without Karen! She came up with the perfect cruise for us (I like to take my bedroom with me when I travel) Booking the cruise was probably the easy part. She not only did that, she took care every other form of transport I required & anything I needed to ensure maximum comfort and stress free travel including Economy Comfort seating.My travel companion and I were meeting each other in Athens and parting ways in Venice so I had some concerns regarding the trip there and back. Not to worry! Karen made certain my flights were all on the same carrier or it's partners, so once the luggage was checked it was out of sight and out of mind, no further handling from me. She arranged wheel chair service to get to the gate, change of planes, luggage pickup etc. Since our trip extensions were not booked with the cruise ship, we were responsible to find our own transport to and from the hotels. Karen arranged car service with Viatours Perfect!Stress Free Yea
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
25 of 59 people found this review helpful
A relaxing way to plan a trip
Reviewed By V,ger - Chippewa Falls, WI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Very nice. Displayed enthusiasm and a great deal of knowledge about the planned trips. She was also very attentive to our questions concerning our travel plans. We have numerous trips planned for the future that she will be assisting us with. Good job!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
26 of 66 people found this review helpful