Travel Planning Services Designed Around You
Salt & Wind Travel is a California-based luxury travel planning agency creating personalized journeys rooted in food, culture, and local connection. Our experienced planners combine firsthand destination research, longstanding local relationships, and thoughtful coordination to design trips around your interests, priorities, and preferred pace. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, exploring somewhere new, or returning to a favorite destination, we take care of the planning so you have more time to enjoy the journey.
What Are Travel Planning Services?
Other travel planning services range from self-guided digital tools to traditional travel agents who primarily handle bookings and logistics. The right approach depends on how much time, expertise, and personal attention you want.
At Salt & Wind Travel, we go beyond arranging bookings. We get to know your travel personality, recommend places and experiences that genuinely suit you, and coordinate the details that bring your journey together.
Our planners draw on firsthand destination knowledge and longstanding relationships with local guides, artisans, hospitality professionals, and experience providers. The result is a thoughtfully paced itinerary that combines memorable experiences with the freedom to explore.
Our professional planning fees are separate from trip costs, so you'll understand the scope and value of our services before committing.
If you're planning a milestone trip, visiting a destination for the first time, or simply want someone who knows the ground to handle the details, a custom travel planning service turns research into a ready-to-go itinerary and stress into anticipation.
OUR SIGNATURE SERVICES
Trip Planning Expertise Behind Every Journey
Our custom travel planning is a personalized service where a dedicated travel advisor designs your trip around your interests, budget, and travel style. Since 2017, we've planned over 500 trips to the world's most delicious destinations.
OUR MOST POPULAR SERVICE
Full-Service Planning
Expert planning from first conversation to final itinerary.
Our signature service is for discerning travelers who value expert guidance, thoughtful hospitality, and the freedom to enjoy their trip without managing every detail.
We design your journey around your interests, travel style, and priorities, drawing on firsthand destination research and trusted local relationships. From choosing the right accommodations and arranging guides to coordinating transportation, activities, and dining, our team brings the details together into one personalized itinerary.
Especially suited to milestone celebrations like romantic getaways, honeymoons, and family adventures, Full-Service Planning gives you the confidence of having experienced professionals handle the logistics while leaving room for the discoveries that make travel memorable.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✅ 4 planning sessions with your dedicated travel planner
✅ Complete custom itinerary with daily plans
✅ Dining, activity, and experience recommendations
✅ Bookings and reservations (minimum 2 per day)
✅ Interactive travel app with your full trip details
✅ Personalized maps with our recommendations
✅ Destination guides: what to pack, what to read, cultural tips
✅ Access to our private tour partners and local guides
✅ Hotel perks (when available): room upgrades, early check in, late check out, food / beverage / spa credits
✅ Support for DIY exploration days
—
Starting at $275/day
Planning fees typically start at $2,750 for a 10 day trip, quoted after your Discovery Call
GUIDED PLANNING
Trip Tailoring
Your vision, elevated by our expertise
For travelers who want expert guidance without handing over the reins. Whether you're mid-planning or just prefer to book things yourself, we'll shape your itinerary with insider recommendations and handle select reservations while you manage the rest.
Think of it as having a destination expert help shape your plans, refine your choices, and provide informed recommendations while you remain in charge of the arrangements.
We'll recommend restaurants, experiences, and hotels that fit your trip and pull it all together into a polished daily itinerary you can run with.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✅ 2 planning sessions with your dedicated travel planner
✅ Custom daily itinerary building on your vision
✅ Hand-picked lodging, dining, and activity recommendations
✅ Select dining and tour reservations handled for you
✅ Hotel perks (when available): room upgrades, early check in, late check out, food / beverage / spa credits
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
❌ All bookings and reservations
❌ Destination guides
❌ Access to private tour partners and local guides
❌ DIY exploration day support
❌ Interactive travel app
—
Starting at $175/day
We’ll provide a custom quote based on trip duration and complexity after your Discovery Call
HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT
Transparent Planning, Total Control
✅ Over A Decade of Experience
From our first trip in 2017 to over a five hundred planned through 2026, we've refined every detail of the process.
✅ Deep Destination Knowledge
Destinations we know deeply, trusted by Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler.
✅ Truly Personalized
No templates or cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built from scratch around you.
9 Years
Of Planning Experience
8 Destinations
With Deep Expertise
600+
Local Partners
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Service
From 80+ Reviews
500+
Trips Planned
Unlike many traditional travel agents who bundle their fees into all-in-one packages, our trip planning services keep the planning fee completely separate from your trip expenses.
This means you see exactly what you're paying for: every hotel, every experience, every dinner reservation.
Why does this matter? Because you stay in control of your budget. We'll help you decide where to splurge and where to save.
In our experience, those smart choices often save thousands of dollars, more than the cost of our planning fee.
COMPARE OUR SERVICES
Find the Right Fit for Your Journey
| What's Included | Full-Service | Trip Tailoring |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Travel PlannerA single point of contact who learns your preferences and manages your entire planning experience. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✓ |
| Expert Guidance & SupportAccess to our team's destination knowledge for advice, recommendations, and problem-solving. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✓ |
| One-on-One Planning SessionsScheduled calls or video chats to discuss your trip vision, review options, and refine your itinerary. | Full-Service4 sessions | Trip Tailoring2 sessions |
| Custom Daily ItineraryA day-by-day plan with timing, logistics, and recommendations tailored to your travel style. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✓ |
| Curated RecommendationsHand-picked suggestions for restaurants, activities, and experiences based on your interests. | Full-ServiceComprehensive | Trip TailoringEssentials |
| Bookings & ReservationsWe secure your restaurants, tours, and experiences on your behalf. | Full-Service2+ per day | Trip TailoringSelect experiences |
| Hotel PerksBenefits through our hotel partnerships: room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, spa credits, and late checkout when available. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✓ |
| Private Tour PartnersAccess to our vetted network of private tour operators and local guides for exclusive experiences. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✗ |
| Destination GuidesPacking lists, cultural tips, essential phrases, and reading recommendations for your destination. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✗ |
| DIY Exploration DaysSupport for self-guided days with curated recommendations and backup plans for spontaneous exploration. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✗ |
| Interactive Travel AppMobile access to your full itinerary, reservations, maps, and recommendations in one place. | Full-Service✓ | Trip Tailoring✗ |
| Starting Price | Full-Service$275/day | Trip Tailoring$175/day |
| Typical Planning Fees | Full-Service$2,750 | Trip TailoringCustom quote |
Why Travelers Choose Salt & Wind Travel
Firsthand Knowledge, Not Generic Recommendations
We regularly research the destinations we recommend, visiting hotels, exploring neighborhoods, and meeting local experts. Our advice is shaped by real experience, not simply lists of popular attractions.
Local Relationships That Make a Difference
Many of our guides, hosts, artisans, and hospitality partners are people we've known and worked with for years. These relationships help us create meaningful introductions and memorable experiences, always subject to availability.
Thoughtful Pacing, Personally Designed
We believe a great trip isn't measured by how many destinations you visit. We design itineraries around your interests and energy, balancing exceptional experiences with time to linger, explore independently, and connect with local people.
Not sure which service fits? Tell us about your trip. We'll help you find the right match.
WE ALSO OFFER
The Same Expertise, À La Carte
One-Hour Consultation Call
Map your destination before you dive in
Not sure where to go, when, or how to shape the trip? Book a focused one-hour call with a Salt & Wind Travel planner for a big-picture overview of your destination. We'll talk through where to base yourself, the best time to go, how to structure your days, and the insider context that lets you plan with confidence.
Best for early-stage planners who want expert orientation before committing to a full trip.
$250 for a 1-hour call. Book now.
Available worldwide. Already deep in planning and need help with specific itineraries, bookings, or logistics? That's what Trip Tailoring is for.
Hotel Booking
Expert guidance on where to stay
Need help choosing the right property? Our hotel booking service pairs our selection expertise with partner perks. We'll recommend properties that match your style, location needs, and budget, then book them with upgrades, breakfast, and other benefits when available.
Perfect for travelers who know their itinerary but want guidance on lodging decisions based on their travel style.
Quote-based
Available worldwide. We'll provide a quote based on your needs.
Interested in one of these services?
FULL SERVICE PLANNING PROCESS
Here's How Our Full Service Travel Planning Process Works
Step by step, from vision to vacation
1. Discovery & Vision
We begin with a complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your travel goals and determine whether we're the right fit. Once engaged, we schedule a detailed kickoff conversation to understand your preferences, priorities, and travel style.
2. Personalized Itinerary Design
Your planner draws on firsthand expertise and trusted local relationships to create a Travel Dossier with recommendations tailored to your interests and investment.
3. Collaborative Refinement
We review the proposed journey together, discuss activities and experiences, and refine the itinerary within the agreed planning scope.
4. Seamless Booking
We coordinate accommodations, transfers, guides, dining, and experiences, managing reservations and logistics within your selected service.
5. Final Preparations
Before departure, we review your itinerary, confirm essential details, and do a pre-trip call to prepare you for the journey ahead.
6. On-Trip Mobile Support
Your personalized itinerary app brings together reservations, travel details, maps, and geolocated recommendations so you can explore confidently.
7. Return & Reflect
After your trip, we welcome your feedback and use what we've learned about your travel preferences to inform future journeys.
You'll feel informed, inspired, and supported every step of the way.
Where We Specialize
We offer our Full-Service travel planning in destinations where we have deep expertise: Italy, California, France, Hawaii, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. Our One-Hour Consultation Call and Hotel Booking custom travel planning services are available worldwide.
How To Get Started With Our Custom Travel Planning Services
Step 1 → Share Your Travel Vision
Complete our inquiry form with your destination, dates, and budget. Share any must-have experiences so we understand your vision from day one.
Step 2 → Speak With A Travel Expert
We'll schedule a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call to explore your travel style and priorities. No pressure, just possibilities.
Step 3 → Receive Your Custom Proposal
After your discovery call, you'll receive a personalized proposal. Whether you need Full-Service Planning, Trip Tailoring, or à la carte help, we'll recommend the right fit.
Salt & Wind Travel is the ideal planning service for the sophisticated, experienced traveler. Aida and her brilliant team were able to interpret our requests - including a strong desire to stay off the beaten path - and craft an itinerary that was even better than we could have imagined.
The custom planning services also allowed us to get exactly what we wanted, the sense that we could take a break from our stressful, overly-scheduled professional lives, without then having to invest all of our energy into coming up with trip plans.
Their unique approach allowed us to be flexible while still not missing out on the things that were most important to us. Huge gratitude to the Salt & Wind team for giving us a magical trip that will stay with us forever!
Elizabeth M.
2019 Italy Honeymoon Trip
-

2025 France Family Trip
"Kristen was super helpful in our discovery call, learning about what our family would enjoy and then providing tailored suggestions for our trip to Europe.
The Salt & Wind Travel team is not only knowledgeable but thoughtful and considerate when designing their suggested itineraries.
Their approach, without commissions, means that you can trust their recommendations wholeheartedly. We look forward to working with them in the future on trips to various destinations."
- Amy C.
-

2022 Hawaii Solo Trip
"Salt & Wind Travel is the best!
Aida helped me plan a trip to Hawaii. She has unmatched local knowledge and gave me fantastic recommendations on where to stay, what to prioritize, who to book, and where to eat.
Even with endless research, I couldn't have assembled such a fantastic trip on my own.
Aida has a sense of taste and personal understanding that very few travel planners have."
— C.B.
-

2024 California Couple Trip
"Working with Kristen at Salt & Wind Travel was our best decision!
They anticipated everything we would want or need while on our California road trip.
The app she set up was a game-changer! Travel documents, schedules, options of things to do, reservation confirmation, directions, and more — all in one place!
The trip felt so curated to who we were and what we wanted! I don't think I'll be able to travel any other way."
— Abbey P.
Our Team
Salt & Wind Travel was founded in 2015 by culinary expert Aida Mollenkamp.
Our trip planners have over a decade of expertise crafting bespoke, five-star journeys rooted in food, culture, and local connection across the world's most delicious destinations.
Our philosophy centers on creating profound, meaningful experiences through travel while positively impacting local communities.
Aida Mollenkamp
Founder & CEO
A cookbook author, trained chef (Le Cordon Bleu), and former Food Network host, Aida brings deep expertise in food, travel, and hospitality.
A Cornell graduate who's lived in France and Italy, she speaks four languages and is passionate about Italy, France, Hawaii, and California wine country.
Rachel Vermiglio Smith
Travel Planner
An Arizona native living in Florence since 2014, Rachel is an Italian culture expert with Pugliese roots.
She holds degrees in Italian Renaissance Art and a Master's in Art History, and specializes in Central Italy and Puglia. She splits her time between Arizona and Tuscany with her family.
Ready To Trade Overwhelmed For Excited?
Bring us your wish list and your worries.
Our Discovery Call is your chance to tap into our custom travel planning expertise.
No obligations, only opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
While many travel advisors will send you on a cookie-cutter trip, we provide personalized travel itineraries. When you sign up for our Full-Service travel planning, you have a dedicated travel advisor who curates every detail of your trip for you.
Many of our clients have a mix of interests, such as being active, learning local history, hands-on food experiences, and unique tours, which we book through our network of top-notch tour guides and partners.
We have spent years doing on-the-ground research and fostering connections with local experts and quality tour operators. We know many interesting people and want to introduce you to them to make your trip the best.
We can connect you to…
A wine expert and exporter in Piemonte who can take you to the most exclusive wine houses
A food writer in Mexico City who will show you the latest haunts
A sommelier in Champagne
A buyer in Paris who can lead you on a shopping excursion
A food writer in Milan who can show you local food
A vintage car collector in Rome who will show you his hometown as you ride in one of his vintage FIATs.
Not only do we first focus on traveling around local food and wine, but we also advocate slow travel and sustainable travel.
As a boutique travel agency, we always aim to support other local small businesses as much as possible.
-
For most travelers visiting a destination for the first time — or planning a milestone trip like a honeymoon or anniversary — a travel planner pays for itself in time saved, stress avoided, and experiences you'd never find on your own.
Here's what our clients consistently tell us:
Time savings: Instead of spending 40+ hours researching, you hand us your wish list and we handle the rest
Insider access: We connect you to local experts who don't show up on Google.
Better value: Our partner relationships unlock room upgrades, complimentary perks, and priority reservations. Most clients save more than the planning fee through smarter hotel and experience choices.
Peace of mind: A dedicated planner means someone has your back if plans change mid-trip.
If you love the planning process and have plenty of time, DIY can work well, and our One-Hour Consultation Call is a great way to get expert orientation before you dive in. But if you'd rather spend your energy being excited about the trip instead of stressed about logistics, a travel planner is absolutely worth it.
-
We have over a decade of experience creating personalized travel itineraries for hundreds of clients across the world's most delicious destinations.
Our founder Aida Mollenkamp is regularly quoted as a travel expert by publications like Mansion Global, National Geographic, and Brides.
Our team specializes in eight destinations: California, France, Hawai'i, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal, with deep, firsthand knowledge of each region.
That means you get access to years of expertise, insider connections, and vetted partners who make your premium travel experiences truly exceptional.
-
Full-Service Planning is for travelers who want a completely hands-off experience. We design your entire luxury travel itinerary, handle all bookings, provide destination guides, access to our private tour partners, and ongoing support from first call to final day.
Trip Tailoring is a collaborative approach for travelers who want to stay involved in the planning process. Whether you've already started planning or simply prefer working together, we'll craft a polished daily itinerary with curated experiences and reservations while you remain in the driver's seat.
-
Absolutely. Whether you have flights, hotels, or a rough plan in place, we can work with what you've done.
Depending on your needs, that might be Trip Tailoring for a collaborative approach, or even Full-Service Planning if you want us to take over from here.
Get in touch and we'll figure out the best fit together.
-
We provide full-service personalized travel itineraries in eight destinations: California, France, Hawai'i, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal.
For destinations worldwide, including Australia, Japan, and Scandinavia where we have additional experience, our One-Hour Consultation Call and Booking Services can provide expert guidance and hotel perks.
-
Milestone celebrations are one of our specialties.
Whether it's a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or family reunion, we'll coordinate special touches with hotels, arrange memorable experiences, and ensure the occasion is woven thoughtfully throughout your luxury travel itinerary.
-
This is one of our specialties. We're experienced in planning multi-generational adventures, balancing kid-friendly activities with adult time, accommodating picky eaters and nap schedules, and finding properties that work for everyone.
Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, we'll craft a personalized travel itinerary that keeps the whole family happy and gives parents a chance to actually relax.
Learn more about our family travel planning services.
-
Transparency and control. Traditional travel agencies often bundle their fee into an all-inclusive quote, so you never know what you're actually paying for lodging, experiences, or their markup.
Our trip planning services keep the fee separate so you see every cost and decide where to splurge and where to save.
Our clients love this approach because we can advise on budget trade-offs, and most find they save more than the planning fee through smarter decisions.
-
Our custom travel planning fees are based on your trip's duration and complexity, not a flat percentage of your travel budget. Here's what to expect:
Full-Service Planning starts at $275/day, with most engagements beginning at $2,750. This covers your dedicated planner, complete custom itinerary, bookings, our interactive travel app, and destination guides.
Trip Tailoring starts at $175/day for travelers who've already started planning and want expert help filling in the gaps.
The One-Hour Consultation Call is $250 for a focused one-hour session, ideal for early-stage planners who want a big-picture destination overview before they commit.
Hotel Booking is quote-based. We'll provide a fee based on the scope of your booking needs, with access to our partner network for room upgrades and perks.
Planning fees are separate from your trip expenses, so you'll always see exactly what you're paying for. Most clients find the smarter choices we help them make save more than the cost of the planning fee. Tell us about your trip to get a personalized quote.
-
Your planning fee covers the expertise and time required to create your personalized travel itinerary, not your trip expenses like hotels, experiences, or transportation.
With Full-Service Planning, that includes four one-on-one planning sessions, a complete custom itinerary, all bookings and reservations, our interactive travel app, destination guides, access to our private tour partners, and hotel perks.
Trip Tailoring includes two planning sessions, a custom itinerary, curated recommendations, one booking per day, and hotel perks.
-
For the best experience, we recommend starting at least 90 days before departure. This gives us time to secure top accommodations, hard-to-get reservations, and unique experiences, especially during peak seasons.
60–90 days out? We can still deliver a great trip, though some high-demand options may no longer be available.
Under 60 days? Rush planning is available for an additional fee. Availability will be more limited, but we'll make the most of what's possible. Contact us immediately with your travel dates so we can assess your options.
Bottom line: The sooner you reach out, the more we can do for you.
-
Yes. For business class and above, we work with a specialized partner who handles flight bookings, ensuring you get the best routing options and premium service. They also manage issues like cancellations and missed connections, so you have expert support from takeoff to landing.
For economy and premium economy, we can connect you with a flight booking partner who will charge a nominal planning fee (booked in 15-minute increments).
Either of these services require you will pay a US$50/ticket processing fee. For most our clients, we advise on the preferred flight routes but they then book them on their own. -
Full-Service Planning clients have access to our travel app and team support throughout their trip.
If a reservation falls through or plans change unexpectedly, we're here to help troubleshoot and find alternatives. We also prepare you with essential local contacts and backup recommendations before you depart.
For milestone celebrations or large groups, on-call support is available for an additional fee. Ask your planner about this option during the planning process.
-
The best trips come from great collaboration with your trip planner. Here's how to make the most of our partnership:
Be responsive: Timely replies to emails and calls keep your planning on track and help us secure the best reservations before they fill up.
Share your honest preferences: The more we know about what you love (and what you don't), the better we can tailor your itinerary. No detail is too small.
Trust the process: We'll present curated options based on your priorities. Stay open to recommendations you might not have discovered on your own.
Ask questions: If something isn't clear or you want to explore alternatives, just ask. This is your trip, and we want you to feel confident in every choice.
Still Have Questions?
We get it, planning the perfect trip brings up a million little details. The good news is, we love talking about travel almost as much as we love planning it. Let's connect!
Page last updated: October 2026