- Home
- Find A Travel Agent
- Minnesota
- Desiree Dantona
Desiree Dantona
Minneapolis, MN Travel Agent
Growing Edge Travel, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Maple Grove, MN
5.0
(5)
100% Recommended
I have always wanted to go to Italy but had no idea where to start or what to see. Desiree helped me find what I wanted... Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Costa Rica, Iceland, Italy, San Jose, ReykjavikInterests:
Couples & Romance, Eco-Tourism, Bucket List, Nature, Sustainable TravelAbout Me
Custom Eco-Friendly Trips for Global Travelers
Are you seeking transformative and fun experiences abroad? Want to escape the crowds and be a good steward of the planet? You're in the right place! If you're a sustainability nerd like me, you will fall in love with Costa Rica. The local commitment to protecting the incredible diversity of plant and animal life is worth supporting with your tourism dollars and you won't regret it. Climbing volcanoes, hiking waterfalls, whale watching, monkey spotting, and sitting in hours of traffic is possible all in the same day! You adventure seekers will thrive in Iceland. The vistas are jaw-dropping and the open country invites you to embark on the most incredible road trip of your life. And well, there's just something special about Italy. Whatever it is, you will leave wanting more every time. The foodies and history buffs among us should absolutely prioritize this gem on our planet. These are a few of my favorite spots, but the list goes on! Let's decide where you're off to next!
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Costa Rica, Iceland, Italy, San Jose, ReykjavikInterests:
Couples & Romance, Eco-Tourism, Bucket List, Nature, Sustainable TravelMy Travel Specialties
Sustainable Trips for the Everyday Explorer
▶Sustainable Trips for the Everyday Explorer
It's time to bravely step out of your status quo and have a singular experience!
Are you seeking inspiration? Do you crave an opportunity to grow in a new way? Are you getting that familiar itch to pack your bags and go.... well, anywhere?
Same. For the last 20 years, travel has bee...Read More ▶
Costa Rica Adventures
▶Costa Rica Adventures
If you're looking to explore the wilds of the world while enjoying friendly folks and a comfortable culture, then Costa Rica is your next pin on the map! This place is close to my heart after living there for several months. Trust me when I say - whatever you're looking for, there is a place for ...Read More ▶
Extraordinary Journeys through Italy
▶Extraordinary Journeys through Italy
You might think you've had pizza, until you go to Napoli. You might think you like ice cream, until you experience the heaven in a bowl that is gelato. Enjoy a glass of red wine then and now? The table wine in Rome will put your bottles at home to shame. Italy is absolutely full of experiences th...Read More ▶
Ring Road Romps in Iceland
▶Ring Road Romps in Iceland
Iceland has been having a moment in the travel industry of late, but don't fall into the traps! If you time your trip well and venture out toward the beautiful Icelandic horizon - you are in for one of the most awe-inspiring, personal, and unique travel experiences of your life. Don't get caught ...Read More ▶
REVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
5 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
Search reviews:
Showing 5 reviews
Trip of My Dreams!
Reviewed By beedee - Minneapolis, MN | Traveled to Italy | Europe
I have always wanted to go to Italy but had no idea where to start or what to see. Desiree helped me find what I wanted most and planned the trip of my dreams around it. It felt personal to what I wanted and I was able to do so much in a limited amount of time. I can't imagine doing this without her!
Desiree Dantona responded
"This was such a fun trip to plan with you! I'm so happy it was the memorable adventure you were looking for. Thank you for trusting me to help you plan such a special trip."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Scotland Bucket list trip
Reviewed By KDeesWhite - Baltimore, MD | Traveled to Aberdeen | Scotland | Europe
Working with Desiree was a treat! She helped me plan a trip that I really thought would be impossible. We worked together to come up with creative solutions to get me to my destination. She really *heard* me and my desires. I can’t wait to plan something with her again.
Desiree Dantona responded
"Thank you so much for this! This was such a cool trip for you to venture out on your own and I feel so fortunate to have helped you make it happen!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing!
Reviewed By AdventureSeeker - Fort Mill, SC | Traveled to Costa Rica | Central America
I can’t begin to describe how amazingly helpful, kind and thoughtful Desiree was during this experience. This was my families first international trip and I am not a planner. After a few short meetings Desiree came up with an itinerary that was action packed and exactly what I asked for. Our time in Costa Rica was magical and we left knowing that we would be coming back.
Desiree Dantona responded
"I'm so happy that we were able to strike the right balance between exciting for the kiddos and also fun & restful for the grownups. X-D Costa Rica is such a special place and I'm so happy you got to experience it together. Thank you for letting me help you all plan this incredible family adventure!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing resource for a big family reunion!
Reviewed By malloryd - Coon Rapids, MN | Traveled to Minneapolis/St. Paul | Minnesota | USA
I worked with Desiree on an itinerary for a large family reunion. I had family coming to MN from all over the country and she helped me create an exciting itinerary that accommodated various ages and stages. She had thoughtful suggestions and was very attentive to the details of the event.
Clear communication was very important to me during the reunion. Desiree consolidated the itinerary information into an app format that was very straightforward and user-friendly. Everyone commented on the ease of the itinerary! My family reunion was a blast and ran so smoothly thanks to her!
Desiree Dantona responded
"Thank you for these kind words. I had so much fun putting this event together with you!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The best trip experience!
Reviewed By Stiles - MN | Traveled to Italy | Europe
To celebrate our 10 year anniversary, we knew we wanted to travel but that we didn’t have the capacity to research, make decisions and finalize plans. Desiree took the stress of trip planning off our full plates and replaced it with a few easy and quick options beautifully displayed and explained so we could make choices out of joy rather than overwhelm. She listened to our desires and dreams and somehow made all elements fit into our ten day trip! We had some city, country, good food, shopping, history, culture, adventure to spa relaxation included in our trip. We loved knowing that she vetted the places we were staying and the activities that we did were supporting the local economy and minimizing environmental impact. We loved our unique and personal cooking class with a local Italian, the special touches to our dinner reservations and hotel reservations honoring our anniversary.
The trip itself was like unwrapping a new present each day! The trip app was a lifesaver and made the execution of the trip seamless and easy! We were able to be more present with each other because someone else had taken care of all the details for us - even what time to depart to the train station and a google map routed from our hotel to our next destination. Each evening we’d look at the itinerary in the app to review what the next day held and were excited for the next adventure!
Desiree was responsive and extremely helpful in the planning process, ensuring we were set before departure, and in answering a few questions that arose while traveling.
We RAVE about the experience to everyone who will listen and have already hired her for another trip!
It’s a luxury to have a trip planner but absolutely worth it! Desiree is the best. She is approachable, fun, a creative problem solver, and genuinely excited to work for you! Her attention to detail and care is top notch! Worth every penny!
Desiree Dantona responded
"This is so kind, thank you!! I truly had a blast planning your trip with you. Thank you for trusting me with such a special experience!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
My Places
When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
My Photo Albums and Videos
Roads Less Traveled across Italy
View Album
Waterfalls of Iceland
View Album
Volcanoes of Costa Rica
View Album
My Travel Stories
Client Testimonials
Magical Family Greece Trip
Desiree was amazing from the moment we met and she even helped us throughout our trip. I loved our planning session, her attention to detail really blew me away. Planning with Desiree made everything so much easier. We will never travel without her planning help again!
Justine
Train Adventure Across Europe!
My wife and I spent over 3 weeks traveling across Europe and we had wonderful experiences in all of our destinations. Each destination was unique in its own way and Desiree planned experiences for us in each place that really represented the uniqueness of each stop. The entire trip was wonderful. We wanted to see and do as much as we could with the time we had and she helped us achieve that. The entire trip was well timed and there was a lot of attention paid to efficient and convenient transfers between places. It all worked beautifully! We had enough down time to rejuvenate, but our goal was to see and experience as much as we could - and we did that! Thank you!
Kevin
Incredible Family Memories in Costa Rica
My family and I had such an amazing time in Costa Rica. I can’t express how thankful I am for Desiree’s patience and guidance. Planning everything for a 7 day trip and all the back and forth with our flight details and potential change of dates, she rolled with the punches and managed to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip. My boys loved Costa Rica so much they didn’t want to come home.
Nisa
A Dream Come True
Going to Italy has always been a dream of mine, but I had no idea where to start. I knew I wouldn't be able to see it all in one trip and it was challenging to pare it down. Desiree's expertise and guidance allowed me to have the experience of a lifetime without feeling like I missed out on anything! The sites I visited were even better than I imagined, our accommodations made us feel like locals, and the suggested restaurants were all spot on.
Desiree's suggestions helped me avoid tourist traps, while still getting to see all the sights I wanted. She was responsive to my questions and needs and crafted the perfect itinerary that was personalized to me. Thank you so much!
Bernadette
Last Minute Italy Perfection!
Desiree’s planning and logistics were impeccable. Everything was planned to a T, and she took our preferences to heart, crafting an itinerary that was exactly what we were looking for. She provided three incredibly fluid options, each thoughtfully tailored to us. What truly impressed us was her attention to detail. Her level of thoroughness made the entire planning process stress-free and enjoyable. Because of her meticulous planning, I had no worries and could just go, enjoy, and relax! We were so happy to have her help as we are not planners and we didn't have much time left before our departure!
Desiree is incredibly flexible and wonderful to work with. She is extremely cultured and has a deep understanding of many different styles of travel, which allows her to tailor her services to fit anyone’s needs. Her personalized support made our travel experience exceptional. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and meticulous travel planner!
Sarah