From A Promise To A Passport: How Dorian Destinations Is Transforming Luxury Travel With Heart

Nationwide - MAY 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Founded by Shannon and Franco Interian, Dorian Destinations is a boutique luxury travel agency that is reshaping the concept of modern travel with a commitment to storytelling, purpose, and personalized service. Based in Miami and operating globally, the agency stands as a testament to how travel can heal, connect, and transform lives. At the center of its mission is a deeply personal narrative—one rooted in loss, legacy, and the pursuit of meaning through exploration.

The origins of Dorian Destinations trace back to a personal promise made by Shannon Interian. After losing her mother at a young age, Shannon pledged to finish college and travel the world in her mother’s honor. This vow became the foundation for a journey that would ultimately lead her from a career as an award-winning educator to the co-founder of a travel brand devoted to purposeful exploration. Franco Interian, her husband and co-founder, brings to the venture a dynamic background in media and a proud Hispanic identity, further shaping the agency's culturally rich and inclusive approach to travel design.

Dorian Destinations specializes in creating immersive, high-touch travel experiences that go far beyond the standard vacation. From river and ocean cruises across Europe to polar expeditions and private retreats, the agency provides clients with access to tailor-made journeys that combine luxury with meaning. The founders emphasize that their agency is not part of the influencer-driven travel culture, but rather a firm of professional advisors committed to authentic, high-quality service. “We’re not travel influencers. We’re real advisors who know the destinations, have the relationships, and deliver concierge-level support—because we care what happens before, during, and after your trip,” says Franco Interian.

One of the standout features of the brand is The Dorian Destinations Podcast, an extension of the agency that bridges inspiration with action. Unlike typical travel content, the podcast serves as both an educational resource and a practical guide. Every destination featured, wine reviewed, or myth debunked on the show is tied directly to services offered by the agency. Listeners can move from inspiration to booking in a single conversation, underscoring the company’s hands-on philosophy.

The podcast's influence is expanding through its signature interview series, Passport Profiles. This segment features guests from around the world—including members of the LGBTQ+ community, TV personalities, executives, influencers, creatives, entrepreneurs, chefs, and everyday adventurers—who share how travel has shaped their lives. “Through our Passport Profiles interviews, we’re amplifying voices from all walks of life with powerful stories of how travel transformed them. It’s about showing what travel really looks like when done with heart,” adds Franco Interian.

Dorian Destinations is also making a name for itself through purpose-driven retreats. These events are custom designed for small businesses, wellness brands, leadership teams, and families seeking deeper connection. The retreats blend luxury with intention, offering participants a transformative experience grounded in personal and collective growth. According to Shannon Interian, “This business started with a promise to my mother—and that’s what makes every trip we plan personal. We don’t just build itineraries—we help people connect, heal, and rediscover joy through travel.”

What distinguishes Dorian Destinations in a competitive travel industry is the fusion of heart, heritage, and hands-on expertise. Their multicultural perspective, particularly Franco’s background as a Hispanic storyteller and expedition travel expert, adds a layer of depth and cultural intelligence to their offerings. The agency actively highlights underrepresented voices and promotes destinations that are inclusive and respectful of local communities.

Their work has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageMIA and continues to gain traction across podcast platforms and YouTube. The company is a finalist in several upcoming travel and media award programs and remains committed to growing a brand that prioritizes people over publicity. Dorian Destinations’ ethos is not centered on prestige or profit, but on making travel a transformative force for good.

In a saturated marketplace, Dorian Destinations stands out by focusing not just on where clients travel, but on why they travel. Their model combines full-service travel planning with rich storytelling, enabling clients to engage with the world in a way that is both luxurious and deeply human. “Whether it’s a river cruise in France or an expedition to Antarctica, we design experiences that help people see the world—and themselves—differently,” says Shannon Interian.

Dorian Destinations is more than a travel agency—it is a platform for purposeful exploration, cultural connection, and personal transformation. With a growing global client base and partnerships across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, the company continues to honor its founding promise by crafting experiences that reflect the beauty, complexity, and potential of the world.

For more information, visit Dorian Destinations, follow their journey on Instagram, or listen to their latest episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. You can also connect with them via Facebook and TikTok. Read client reviews here.