Caribbean Travel Experts Based in Madison, WI — Bringing the Beach to You, Anywhere in the World
The Art of Effortless Travel
We believe your vacation should be as rewarding as your hard work. Our approach is deeply personal, rooted in firsthand exploration, ensuring every detail of your escape is taken care of.
Your Caribbean Expert
I’ve spent over 15 years immersed in all things Caribbean. First as a curious traveler, then these past 8 years as a full-time travel advisor helping countless clients plan their dream getaways.
This isn't just a hobby; it's my dedicated focus. My expertise comes from extensive firsthand exploration—visiting resorts, experiencing excursions, and navigating the nuances of various islands. I've spent hours diving into the specifics of everything from family-friendly resorts to secluded honeymoon hideaways, understanding the subtle differences that make one destination perfect for you and another not quite right.
That is where we, the Heart of the Caribbean Team, come in for you.
The internet can be loud, overwhelming, and honestly, a little misleading. Reviews clash, opinions differ, and suddenly you’re not sure what to trust. Some people just want a good value, and others want top-notch. What is important to you? Let us cut through the noise and help match you with a destination and resort that is the perfect fit for your vacation desires.
Meet Your Travel Experts
Hello there! I'm Katie,
Beach Travel Specialist
Hi! I'm Katie – lover of summer, sunshine, plants and absolutely terrified of flying. I live in Madison, Wisconsin with my husband, Drew, our dog, Tucker, and three young boys (one set of twins!!). When I'm not working you can find me relaxing with a good book (historical fiction is my fav) or taking a yoga class.
Maybe the harsh cold winters are what draws me to the tropical paradise this planet offers…or maybe it just runs in my blood. Ever since I can remember, I have been drawn to the crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the world. To my delight when I was in high school, my parents planned a family trip to Hawai’i. I remember staring at the beautiful blue waters of Waikiki beach for hours not believing how something could look JUST like the picture. I mean, I had never seen any water that shade of blue before. A short time later, my future husband and I made it to the Caribbean where we eventually got engaged (Punta Cana), married (Bahamas) and honeymooned (Mexico). Whenever our time (and wallet) allow, we are planning trips to the Caribbean.
I started Heart of the Caribbean out of a passion for planning beach vacations.
I became a certified travel agent the summer of 2017 and have NEVER looked back (well, besides when COVID struck, of course).My favorite aspect of working with clients is when they realize their DREAMS of traveling somewhere is becoming a REALITY. I look forward to working with you and helping you check one more place off your bucket list.
Hello there! I'm Desiree!
Disney Specialist
Before becoming a travel advisor, I spent 10 years as a teacher after earning my degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin Madison (Go Badgers!). That experience taught me how to plan with heart, creativity, and attention to detail.
I’ve been a lifelong Disney fan and know firsthand just how magical a Disney vacation can be. After planning countless trips for family and friends and experiencing the magic on our first Disney Cruise, I knew I wanted to help other families create those unforgettable moments too.
Today, I’m a licensed travel agent, a graduate of Royal Caribbean’s Bachelor of Adventure program, a Disney College of Knowledge Graduate, and a Certified Universal Orlando Resort Specialist. Since 2025, I’ve booked over 100 cruises along with many memorable vacations to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. I specialize in stress-free, personalized travel for families, couples, and multigenerational groups.
At home, I’m a busy mom of two energetic boys, a proud dog mom to Finn, and a lover of pool days, sports seasons, and trying new restaurants. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your next big adventure, I’m here to make it seamless and unforgettable.
Hello there! I'm Theresa,
Adventure Travel Specialist
Traveling is my absolute favorite hobby and it has really turned into a lifestyle for me! I tell everyone, I travel as often as time and money will permit, and anyone who knows me, knows that as the absolute truth!
I grew up traveling since birth. My dad was military for 20 years so I have lived all over the United States and lived overseas as well. Traveling is something I was born into and loved as a child, and have continued my desire to travel throughout my life.
I am someone who loves experiences and making memories, and values these so much more that possessions. I also love to help make memories for people and share places I love with them. It brings me immense joy to have someone experience a place and enjoy it and i can relive and enjoy a place all over again vicariously through them. So for a couple decades, I have been planning trips and adventures for friends, family, and clients just as a hobby. As many of my life passions start out as hobbies and then develop into a career, travel has as well. After planning so many trips for people with extensive itinerary, accommodation, flights, transportation, I’m ecstatic to pursue my professional career in travel.
Adventure and ecotourism are also a passion of mine.
Being cognizant of the environment and trying to live and travel harmoniously within this balance is important to me. To experience nature and all its beauty, history, culture, art, food, drink is truly my type of experience. I also love the luxurious, all inclusive beach, vacation of rest and relaxation as well. To travel to me is to fully immerse and experience a place in its entirety.
I have a lot of experience traveling throughout the world.
A lot of my travels I have done with my daughter. So many wonderful trips with family and friends as well! Rest assured, I am thorough and safety is always a consideration. My daughter and I have explored ancient cities in Europe, volcanoes and glaciers in Iceland, hiked through jungles in Mexico, snorkeled countless coral reefs in the Caribbean, swam and snorkeled through caves and cenote‘s, explored castles, stroll through the most gorgeous art museums, and have shopped and eaten our way through amazing unique culture.
My experience and expertise can help cultivate the perfect trip for you!
From my heart, I would love to express that travel can be whatever you want it to be. It can be rest and relaxation on a beach, snorkeling in coral reefs and kayaking around islands, exploring the natural world through hikes in the jungle, strolling through ancient cities with history and stories to tell, eating the most delightful and exquisite food and shopping for unique gifts. I am a detail oriented person in everything I do and I love to personalize and cater things specifically for each unique individual.
What sets us apart
Deep Caribbean Expertise, Personally Vetted
We don’t just sell trips — we live them. With 15+ years of personal travel and 8+ years professionally, we’ve personally explored the destinations you’re dreaming about.
Your Confusion, My Clarity
We understand the overwhelming feeling of sifting through countless online reviews and options. We've been there ourselves! Our services are built on cutting through that noise to present you with masterfully curated choices that genuinely match your vision, saving you countless hours and eliminating decision fatigue.
Dedicated Focus on Caribbean Travel
Our advice comes from real experiences and proven results, not industry jargon or forced enthusiasm. You'll get straightforward, honest insights and practical solutions, ensuring your expectations align with reality and you avoid common travel pitfalls.
A Passionate Partner in Your Planning
For us, this isn't just a business; it's a passion. Our team genuinely loves helping people discover the magic of the Caribbean. Our goal is to make your planning seamless and enjoyable, so you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming trip, confident that every detail is in expert hands.
"Katie was absolutely wonderful to work with while booking our honeymoon."
We were referred to her through family members & she exceeded all expectations. She was organized and paid great attention to detail. She listened to our feedback about what we were looking for in a honeymoon and delivered great options to choose from that aligned with our hopes for a getaway. We will definitely continue utilizing Katie's traveling expertise in the future!
- Janyl
"I would absolutely recommend Heart of the Caribbean. Right from the start they wanted what was best for my husband and me."
Choosing a resort can be extremely overwhelming with all of the different options and locations. They sent us a few options within our price range and wants/desires. This made it so much easier to pick! She kept us updated with any flight changes throughout the process and checked on us after we arrived at the resort. She answered questions in a speedy manner and genuinely wanted what was best for us the entire trip!
- Katie
"Katie was absolutely amazing from start to finish! She helped us plan a girls getaway from ground zero."
We had no idea where to go, what to do, where to stay and she listened to exactly what kind of vacation we wanted and made recommendations based on our preferences. Then once we decided everything was booked and done and we could just relax! Katie kept us informed and updated the whole way and helped me with the passport process. Then once we were in Mexico even helped us with some questions that came up there and found us the best solutions! No stress or guessing so we could fully enjoy our vacation. I could NOT recommend her more!!!!!!!
- Amber
