Our Story
A Friendship That Became a Journey
What started as two new moms chasing toddlers across a Chicago playground grew into a friendship that has outlasted diapers, carpools, PTO meetings, and now—teenagers with driver’s licenses.
Life eventually took us to different corners of the country (Florida and North Carolina), but our connection never wavered. As former teachers, volunteers, and adventure-seekers, we both shared a passion for learning, exploring, and creating experiences that bring people together.
Destination Exploration Travel was born from a shared belief that travel is more than just a destination; it’s the laughter, the stories, and the memories you carry long after your suitcase is unpacked.
Meet Danielle & Cindy
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Meet Danielle & Cindy ❃
Advisors Who Plan Like Family
Danielle
Living just minutes from Walt Disney World, Danielle is the go-to planner who always shows up with color-coded itineraries and boundless enthusiasm. From National Park adventures to Broadway shows, she loves helping families discover moments that become lifelong stories. Her home is filled with sunshine, two Goldendoodles, a loving husband, joyful children, and a constant spirit of curiosity.
Cindy
The wanderlust struck Cindy at a young age. From discovering the best beaches to exploring the most famous cities in the world, she loves helping families create magical and memorable vacations. When not traveling, you can find this certified Disney Adult at her home office in Lake Norman, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, two teenage boys, and a welcome mat that proudly proclaims, “Hope you like dogs and Taylor Swift.”
Our Travel Philosophy
Your Trip Should Feel Like You
No two families travel the same way—and that’s exactly how it should be. Whether your dream vacation looks like seven days of hiking and white-water rafting or a slow-paced Disney getaway filled with resort days and magic, your trip should reflect your rhythm.
Your time is valuable. Your memories are priceless. Our role is to make every part of your journey feel effortless, intentional, and uniquely personal.
When you travel with us, you're not just checking destinations off a list—you’re building stories worth retelling.