Higgins' Travel was founded in 1953, and was the first travel agency in West Central Wisconsin. Our first location was in the Hotel Eau Claire. Now, we are located on the south side of Eau Claire, on Golf Road. In 1990, we added an office in Black River Falls and we are the only travel agency serving the greater Black River Falls area. In 2011, we joined forces with Travel Leaders Eau Claire to become Higgin's Travel Leaders, the largest and most experience travel agency in Northwest Wisconsin. We also have an office serving Northern Wisconsin, in Hayward.
Residents of our communities and surrounding areas have come to rely on our Travel Professionals for their pleasure, group, and business travel. Our travel advisors are able to offer our customers the very best advice possible.
Higgins Travel Leaders FAQ
Q: How has the role of a travel agent changed over the years?
A: It’s changed a lot. We are really more travel advisors than agents. Years ago we were agents for the airlines, cruise lines, tour companies and hotels. And while we still represent the very best travel suppliers to help them market their products our emphasis is much more about representing our clients, the travelers and working on their behalf to make certain that their travel arrangements meet and exceed their expectations.
Q: What exactly does Higgins Travel Leaders do?
A: We are a full service travel agency. For us that means that we can assist people with both their leisure and business travel. Group travel is the other area of our business that continues to grow.
Q: How do you make your money?
A: The majority of our compensation comes from the suppliers that we represent. The tour companies, hotels, cruise lines pay us a commission that is based on the selling price.
Q: What about airline tickets?
A: In the case of airline tickets we charge a fee of $35 per domestic ticket and $50 per International ticket. For families or groups traveling together we have a cap. Most travel agencies moved to this model as the airlines reduced then eliminated paying travel agents commission for the airline tickets that they sold.
Q: Do you still sell many airline tickets?
A: Travel agents still sell almost 50% of the airline tickets in the U.S. That’s down from where it once was but it still represents a lot of airline tickets! We issue hundreds of tickets each month.
Q: What is the most significant part of your business today? What do you do the most of?
A: The fastest growing areas of what we do today includes all-inclusive warm weather vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean, Alaska Cruisetours, escorted and independent trips to Europe, destination weddings, honeymoons, river cruising in Europe, and various types of group travel for organizations as well as friends and family.
Q: What trends are you seeing?
A: The most prevalent trend that we’re experiencing is that the more challenging and involved the travel is the better the chance that people are going to ask our help. They realize that we can save them both time and money and most importantly help them have a better travel experience.
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