(23 Reviews)
96% Recommended

Lia Pontarelli

Cedar Rapids, IA

Dream Vacation Designer

Traveling isn't just about getting away, it's about trying/learning something new. You might learn about a new culture, try some different foods, or even learn more about who you are/want to be. OR you could simply learn that you love the feel of sand between your toes! Traveling has long been something I've enjoyed, and I love that I am able to help others plan trips and have unforgettable experiences. I love the organizing and details that go in to planning a new adventure. I love the thrill of experiencing a new part of the world. I love the joy that comes with the lasting memories you make. Wouldn't you like to experience those thrills and joys? I specialize in Alaska and Hawaii trips, Disney vacations, river and ocean cruises, wildlife based experiences, beach & all-inclusive vacations, and adventure based expeditions. I can't wait to help you plan your next adventure!

My Travel Specialties

Alaska Travel Expert

Alaska is a beautiful state that many people only ever see a tiny sliver of. It's full of beautiful landscapes, glaciers, wildlife, and a breathtaking sky. When you visit Alaska on a cruise it gives you a great introduction to the state. When you visit the mainland you get a real chance to explore...
Read more from my Alaska Travel Expert bio.

Hawai'i Destination Expert

Aloha! Hawai'i, for many great reasons, is typically high on peoples bucket list. It's beautiful beaches, lush greenery, volcanoes, sea life, people and rich history make it a dream vacation location.  

Personally, I love the islands so much that I became a certified Hawai'i Destination Expert...
Read more from my Hawai'i Destination Expert bio.

Magical Disney Vacation Planner

Whether it's Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, a Disney cruise, staying at the Aulani resort in Hawaii, or a Disney Adventure, there's truly something for everyone. And definitely not just the children! In fact, I'd venture to say that Disney can be just as good, if not better, as...
Read more from my Magical Disney Vacation Planner bio.

Cruise Vacation Specialist

Cruising is such a wonderful way to take in so many different experiences all in one trip. And the best part, you don't have to pack and unpack constantly! Whether it's a cruise around the Hawaiian islands or one visiting the various Greek island, one going into the fjords of Norway or down to the...
Read more from my Cruise Vacation Specialist bio.

Vacation Travel Specialist

Anthony Bourdain said, "Travel is not reward for working, it's education for living." 

Beach Lover 

For more than half of my life I have spent time in the summer going to the beaches of North Carolina. While I'll take any beach, any time, there is something wonderful...
Read more from my Vacation Travel Specialist bio.

My Travel Albums

Florence, Italy
Portovenere/Cinque Terre, Italy
Lake Como, Italy
Disney Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise
Napa Valley
Iceland w/ Viking Cruise
Hawai'i & NCL
Fairbanks, Alaska and Northern Lights
Norway w/ Viking Cruise

My Travel Stories

Visit Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Getting to Lake Louise we flew into Calgary, rented a car, and drove up into the mountains.  We were a little nervous about driving into the mountains in November, but the weather was great. From someone who has driven from Denver up into the mountains many times, this route was nothing like that!...Read more.

Customer Testimonials

Surprise Alaska Cruise

Lia helped me plan the ultimate surprise vacation cruise to Alaska for my dad. She was so helpful and knowledgeable with all of my questions and really went the extra mile to help us with a flight issue. I would highly recommend Travel Leaders/ Destinations Unlimited when planning your next trip! I look forward to working with Lia again when planning my next adventure!
Erin W. - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

My Reviews

9 of 10 people found this review helpful
International travel without the stress
Lia provided our family with several options to choose from, ranging from destination, transportation, excursions etc. Once we made our decision, Lia made sure all details were covered and verified all arrangements prior to our departure. Lia made sure all aspects of our adventures went as planned and communicated any changes (including last minute changes) in a timely manner. Lia was fun to work with and her expertise in travel gave us full confidence, relieving us of any vacation planning stress. Lia is awesome to work with!!
By  Sherm  from  Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Traveled to  Ambergris Caye ~ Belize ~ Central America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Trip to Alaska
Lia was fantastic to work with! Her communication was timely and informative. Payments were explained thoroughly and options were given.
She accommodated our requests and truly made our dream trip come true. Lia was available to ask questions even during our travels and followed up to inquire about our experience. We will definitely use her again for big trips!
By  JT  from  Riverside, Iowa
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Highly satisfied!
Lia took time to find out what we were looking for in a vacation and then provided us with many options and choices. She answered all of my questions promptly and made our vacation planning a breeze! I had a concern with an excursion while on my trip and she responded immediately and was right there to help!
By  Jen  from  Washington, IA
Traveled to  Riviera Maya ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Alaska adventure
Very helpful, listened carefully, made good suggestions, very prompt
By  JL  from  Garnavillo iowa
Traveled to  Inside Passage ~ Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Best Honeymoon Experience!
Lia did a great job helping me plan my honeymoon to Nashville. She provided us with different options based on type, our interests and price. She was very diligent in her follow up when I was the one dropping the ball! The trip was so smooth and she helped make it a trip to remember. I would highly recommend you working with her to make your life that much easier!
By  Alisha   from  Marion, Iowa
Traveled to  Nashville ~ Tennessee ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • At Sea
  • California
  • Canada
  • Caribbean
  • On the River
  • Italy

Travel Specialist:

  • Animals & Wildlife
  • Beach Vacations
  • Cruises
  • Disney Vacations
  • All Inclusive
  • Family Vacations
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • River Cruises
  • Honeymoons
  • Theme Parks
  • Adventure
  • European Culture
  • Expedition Cruises
  • Groups

Top Travel Partners:

  • Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
  • Disney
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Adventures By Disney
  • Funjet Vacations
  • Princess Cruises®
  • Viking
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Holland America Line
  • Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations
  • Viator
  • Disneyland Resorts
  • UnCruise Adventures

Certifications/Awards:

  • Travel to Italy Specialist - Italian Tourism Board
  • US Virgin Islands Specialist
  • 2023 Agency of Excellence
  • Apple Leisure Group Vacation Certified Specialist
  • Travefy Certified

Industry Affiliations:

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