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!