Desiree Dantona, Travel Agent in Minneapolis, MN

Desiree Dantona

Minneapolis, MN Travel Agent

Desiree Dantona

Minneapolis, MN

Growing Edge Travel, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Maple Grove, MN
5.0
(2)
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 >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Costa Rica, Iceland, Italy, San Jose, Reykjavik

Interests:

Couples & Romance, Eco-Tourism, Bucket List, Nature, Sustainable Travel

About 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!
Additional Languages
Spanish

My 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
2 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.
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Showing 2 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
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

    My Travel Stories

    My husband swimming the La Fortuna plunge pool

    Journey to the Bottom of a Waterfall

    I'm a pretty adventurous spirit, but there is one thing that terrifies me. Okay there are a few things that terrify me. But there's one big one. And that's water. I don't know why, even as a kid I remember going to swimming lessons and feeling that deep pit of fear in my stomach as I stared 10 feet down at the black stripe beneath me. There's so...
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    Coke Sjálfsali

    Vending Machine in the Middle of Nowhere

    Ring road has countless treasures along its winding path. Giant waterfalls, cliff-side vistas, puffin hideouts, and lava fields are all part of what makes this multi-day road trip so magnificent. But possibly the most unexpected stop you might make along the way is to the.... vending machine? ...in a field? ...in the middle of nowhere? It...
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    Our bottle of red wine for the night!

    Wine in a (Giant Plastic Water) Bottle

    On a trip to Italy with my husband and two sisters, we decided to enjoy a couple of quieter nights outside of Cinque Terre in Biassa. We found a delightful bnb to enjoy in the winding hills and walked to dinner one night at La Locanda del Gallese down the street. It was, as most local spots are in Italy, completely delicious. We even had the pla...
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    Client Testimonials

    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
    BESbswy