Katie
Hi! I'm Katie- lover of summer, sunshine, plants and absolutely terrified of flying. I live in a suburb of 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.​​​
Desiree
Hi, I’m Desiree Tran, your fee-free travel specialist from Madison. Life at home is always an adventure with my husband, our two active boys, and our furry friends, Finn and Lucy. When I'm not busy with the chaos, you can find me on my own travel adventures, creating custom travel itineraries for clients, exploring local parks, getting lost in a good book, or trying out new restaurants in town. I’ve always had a knack for finding the best spots to visit and little adventures to enjoy, so if you’re looking to escape the ordinary—unless it’s camping (I’ll point you to the nearest hotel instead)—I’m your person!
Travel is my passion, and my goal is to help others explore the world and make their vision of a perfect vacation a reality. While I can plan any type of adventure, I specialize in Disney magic and cruises all over the globe. You could say I’m like a fairy godmother—minus the wand but with plenty of travel know-how! After years of planning trips for friends and family—from quick getaways to big multigenerational vacations—I decided to turn my love for travel into a business. I’m here to handle all of the details (big and small) and make your vacation dreams come true.
I believe that every journey should be filled with joy, discovery, and unforgettable memories. With my expertise and passion for travel, I’m dedicated to making your vacation as seamless and enjoyable as possible. So, whether you’re planning a fun family trip, a romantic escape, or an adventurous solo journey, let’s work together to create the perfect experience. Your next great adventure awaits—let’s make it extraordinary!
THERESA
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 some thing I was born into and loved as a child, and have continued my desire to travel throughout my life.
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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.
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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.
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My experience and expertise can help cultivate the perfect trip for you!
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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.