Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Planning
Our travel experts answer common questions about destinations, services, pricing, and our travel planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Salt & Wind Travel
What is Salt & Wind Travel?
Salt & Wind Travel is a boutique travel planning agency founded in 2015 by culinary expert Aida Mollenkamp. We specialize in crafting personalized travel itineraries across eight destinations: California, France, Hawaii, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal
Since our founding, we've planned over 1,000 trips for food-loving travelers, couples celebrating milestones, and families seeking meaningful cultural experiences. Our approach centers on deep local knowledge. We've lived in many of the destinations we plan, speak the languages, and maintain relationships with local experts who don't show up on Google.
We've been featured in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and The New York Times.
Who is behind Salt & Wind Travel?
Our team of three brings a combined background in food, hospitality, filmmaking, and cultural storytelling to every trip we plan:
Aida Mollenkamp — Founder & CEO. A cookbook author, trained chef (Le Cordon Bleu, Cornell), and former Food Network host. Aida has lived in France and Italy, speaks four languages, and is regularly quoted as a travel expert by publications like Forbes, Mansion Global, National Geographic, and Brides. She specializes in Italy, France, Hawai'i, and California wine country.
Kristen Kellogg — Partner & Travel Planner. A filmmaker and digital storyteller with hospitality roots, Kristen lived in Mexico City for five years and travels extensively through our signature destinations. She splits her time between the U.S. and Todos Santos, Mexico, and specializes in Mexico, Spain, California, and Hawai'i.
Rachel Vermiglio Smith — Travel Planner. Based in Florence and splitting time with Arizona, Rachel brings firsthand knowledge of central Italy, Puglia, and Tuscany. Her on-the-ground presence in Italy means our recommendations reflect what's happening right now, not what was true two years ago.
What makes Salt & Wind Travel different from other travel planners?
Three things set us apart:
Deep specialization, not wide coverage. We plan trips in eight destinations we know intimately, not hundreds we've Googled. Our team members have lived in California, France, Italy, Mexico, and Hawaii, and we maintain personal relationships with local experts, from wine producers in Piemonte to food writers in Mexico City.
Transparent pricing. Unlike agencies that bundle their fee into an opaque all-in-one price, we keep our planning fee separate from your trip expenses. You see every cost and decide where to splurge and where to save. Most of our clients find the smarter choices we help them make save more than the planning fee. For pricing details, visit our services page.
Food and culture at the center. Every itinerary is built around the idea that you don't truly know a place until you've broken bread there. We connect you to sommeliers, food writers, local chefs, and artisans who make each destination come alive. Not just the sights, but the flavors.
How do you promote sustainable travel?
Sustainability is woven into how we plan every trip. We prioritize working with small, locally owned businesses; the family-run trattoria over the international chain, the boutique hotel over the multi-national resort. Our partners share an environmentally focused ethos, and we actively seek out experiences that support local economies rather than extract from them.
We also advocate for slow travel: spending more time in fewer places rather than rushing through a checklist. This approach reduces your carbon footprint, gives you a deeper connection to each destination, and is honestly just a more enjoyable way to travel. When possible, we build in train travel over domestic flights, walking food tours over bus excursions, and farm-to-table dining over tourist restaurants.
Understanding Travel Planning
How do I know if hiring a travel planner is worth it?
It depends on how you like to travel and how much time you have.
If you're visiting a destination for the first time, planning a milestone trip like a honeymoon or anniversary, or traveling with a large group or multi-generational family, a travel planner can be genuinely transformative. Here's what we hear most from clients:
Time savings. The average international trip takes 40+ hours to research and plan properly. A planner gives you that time back.
Insider access. Local connections are difficult to find on your own. We’ve built relationships with local partners you can’t find on Google.
Better decisions. An experienced planner knows which splurges are worth it and which tourist traps to skip. Most of our clients tell us the smarter choices saved them more than the planning fee.
Peace of mind. Having someone in your corner if a reservation falls through or plans change mid-trip is worth a lot when you're in a foreign country.
If you genuinely enjoy the research process and have plenty of time, DIY planning can work well, especially for straightforward trips to familiar destinations. It's also a good fit if you're the kind of traveler who likes total control over every detail. We even have an Italy Trip Cost Estimator for a detailed breakdown of Italy trip expenses.
For a deeper look at how Salt & Wind's planning services work and what they cost, visit our travel planning services page.
What's the difference between a travel agent, a travel advisor, and a travel planner?
These titles are used interchangeably in the industry, but there are meaningful differences:
Travel agent is the traditional term for someone who books travel components (flights, hotels, tours) and earns commissions from suppliers. The model is transaction-focused: you tell them what you want, and they book it.
Travel advisor is the modern evolution. Advisors provide recommendations and guidance beyond just booking, often specializing in specific destinations or trip types. Many charge advisory fees in addition to (or instead of) commissions.
Travel planner goes further. A planner designs the entire trip experience: daily itineraries, curated restaurant reservations, local experiences, logistics, not just the bookings. The relationship is collaborative and high-touch, more like hiring a personal concierge than placing an order.
At Salt & Wind, we identify as travel planners. We don't just book components, we research, design, and manage every detail of your trip. You get a dedicated planner who learns your preferences and builds a complete itinerary around your interests, travel style, and budget.
How far in advance should I start planning an international trip?
For the best experience, we recommend starting at least 90 days before departure. This gives your planner time to secure top accommodations, hard-to-get restaurant reservations, and unique experiences. This is especially true during peak seasons like summer in Italy or Hawaii.
Here's a general timeline:
6-12 months out: Ideal for peak-season trips, honeymoons, or large group travel. Maximum availability for top hotels and experiences.
3-6 months out: The sweet spot for most trips. Good availability with enough time for a thorough planning process.
60-90 days out: Workable, but some high-demand options may be gone. Good for shoulder-season travel or flexible travelers.
Under 60 days: Possible but challenging. Expect limited availability, especially for popular restaurants and boutique hotels.
The sooner you reach out, the more options you'll have. If your travel dates are set, don't wait! Even a preliminary conversation helps us start thinking about your trip. Tell us about your trip.
What questions should I ask before hiring a travel planner?
Not all travel planners work the same way. Here are the questions we'd recommend asking anyone you're considering:
What destinations do you specialize in? Look for depth, not breadth. A planner who knows 8 destinations intimately will serve you better than one who covers 80 superficially.
How do you charge? Is the fee bundled into trip costs, or transparent and separate? Bundled pricing makes it hard to know what you're actually paying for.
Will I have a dedicated planner? Some agencies pass you between team members. A single point of contact who learns your preferences makes a significant difference.
What's included in the fee vs. what costs extra? Understand the scope before you commit. Ask about itinerary changes, additional bookings, and on-trip support.
Can I see a sample itinerary? The quality and detail of a sample itinerary tells you a lot about the planning experience you'll get.
What happens if something goes wrong during my trip? Understand the support model, especially for international travel in different time zones.
How far in advance do you need? This helps you gauge whether your timeline is realistic.
We publish our answers to all of these questions on our services page. Transparency is a core part of how we work.
Working With Salt & Wind Travel
How do I get started?
Three simple steps:
Share your travel vision. Complete our inquiry form with your destination preferences, travel dates, group size, and any special interests or must-haves.
Speak with a travel expert. We'll schedule a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call to learn about your travel style, budget, and priorities. No pressure, just a conversation about possibilities.
Receive your custom proposal. Within two business days, you'll receive a personalized proposal tailored to your trip and the level of support that fits best.
That's it. No commitment until you've seen exactly what we recommend and what it costs.
What destinations does Salt & Wind specialize in?
We provide full-service travel planning in eight destinations:
Italy — Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Puglia, Lake Como, Venice, Milan, Turin, and Piemonte
France — Paris, Provence, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, the Côte d'Azur, Loire Valley, and Basque Country
Switzerland — Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Zermatt, Lake Lugano, and the Valais region
California — Wine country, Big Sur, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Nevada
Hawaii — Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lana'i, and the Big Island
Spain — Barcelona, Madrid, Basque Country, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands
Mexico — Mexico City, Oaxaca, Valle de Guadalupe, San Miguel de Allende, Yucatán, and Los Cabos
Portugal — Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Douro Valley
For destinations outside this list (including Australia, Japan, Scandinavia, and others where we have additional experience) our Hourly Consulting and Hotel Booking services can still provide expert guidance and partner perks. Get in touch to discuss your destination.
Can you help if I've already started planning?
Absolutely. Whether you've booked flights, secured a few hotels, or mapped out a rough plan, we can meet you where you are.
Our Trip Tailoring service is designed specifically for this. We build on what you've already done and add the insider touches that transform a good trip into an unforgettable one: curated local experiences, dining recommendations, and a polished daily itinerary.
You only pay for the help you actually need, not for work you've already done.
Can you help with honeymoons, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations?
Milestone celebrations are one of our specialties. We've planned hundreds of honeymoons, anniversary trips, landmark birthdays, and surprise getaways.
What makes milestone travel different is the pressure to get it right, and the emotional stakes if something falls flat. We take that seriously. Your planner will coordinate special touches with hotels, arrange memorable experiences (think: private wine tastings, sunset dinners, surprise room upgrades), and ensure the occasion is woven thoughtfully throughout your trip.
If you're celebrating with a larger group — a destination wedding, bachelor or bachelorette trip, or family reunion — we can manage the logistics of coordinating multiple travelers with different preferences and budgets.
Can you help plan family or multigenerational trips?
This is one of our most-requested services. Planning a trip where grandparents, parents, and kids all have a great time requires a different skill set than planning for a couple, and we've refined that skill over 1,000+ trips.
We're experienced in balancing kid-friendly activities with adult time, accommodating different energy levels across age groups, finding properties with enough space (and enough privacy), and managing logistics like nap schedules, dietary needs, and accessibility requirements.
Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, we'll craft an itinerary that keeps everyone engaged and gives parents a chance to actually relax. Learn more about our family getaways.
Do you book flights for clients?
Yes. For business class and above, we work with a specialized flight booking partner who ensures you get the best routing options and premium cabin service. They also handle issues like cancellations, re-bookings, 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 charges a nominal fee in 15-minute increments.
Either option requires a $50/ticket processing fee.
That said, most of our clients prefer to book their own flights after we advise on the best routes, timing, and airports. We'll always share our recommendations, you decide whether to book independently or through our partner.
Practical Travel Tips
Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
Absolutely, and we take this personally. Our founder Aida has celiac disease, so navigating dietary restrictions while traveling isn't abstract for us, it's something we deal with on every trip we plan.
We communicate your restrictions to every restaurant, hotel, and tour partner before your trip so accommodations are in place when you arrive. For destinations where dietary awareness varies (looking at you, rural Italy), we prepare you with translated dietary cards and specific restaurant recommendations from our own tested experience.
Whether it's celiac, allergies, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, or any other dietary need, let us know during your Discovery Call and we'll build your itinerary around what you can enjoy, not what you need to avoid.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend it for any international trip, and for domestic trips involving significant prepaid expenses like luxury hotels or guided tours.
Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies abroad, lost luggage, and travel delays. For international travel, medical coverage is especially important: your domestic health insurance likely won't cover you overseas, and a medical evacuation can cost $50,000 or more.
We don't sell travel insurance directly, but we're happy to recommend reputable providers and help you understand what level of coverage makes sense for your trip. A good policy typically costs 5-10% of your total trip cost and is worth every penny for the peace of mind alone.
The key is to purchase insurance soon after making your first trip deposit. Many policies require enrollment within 14-21 days of your initial payment to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage.
What should I pack for a food-focused trip?
Our destination guides cover packing in detail for each location, but here are a few tips we share with every client:
Comfortable walking shoes you can dress up slightly. You'll walk more than you expect (especially in European cities) and many restaurants have a smart-casual dress code. Avoid anything that screams "tourist."
A light scarf or wrap. Useful for cool evenings, religious sites, and unexpectedly air-conditioned restaurants. Pack one even in summer.
Layers, always. Mediterranean evenings cool down faster than you'd think. A light jacket that folds small is worth its weight in gold.
An insulated tote or small cooler bag. If you're visiting markets or cheese shops (and with us, you will be), you'll want something to carry perishables back to your hotel.
A portable phone charger. You'll use your phone for maps, translation, photos, and our travel app. Battery dies fast when you're navigating a new city.
One nice outfit for a special dinner. We often book at least one elevated dining experience, you'll want to feel the part.
Our destination guides and travel app cover everything you’ll need.
Any tips for navigating restaurants in non-English-speaking countries?
This is one of the areas where having a travel planner makes the biggest difference, but here are tips that work whether you're working with us or going solo:
Learn a few key phrases. "A table for two," "the check, please," and "what do you recommend?" go a long way in any language. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your accent is terrible.
Eat when locals eat. In Italy, dinner starts at 8 PM. In Spain, it's 9:30 or later. In France, lunch is a proper meal, don't skip it. Showing up at "American hours" often means empty restaurants and tourist-oriented menus.
Ask your server what's good, not what's popular. "Cosa consiglia?" in Italian or "Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez?" in French will get you the chef's best dishes instead of the safe tourist choices.
Don't fear the menu without English. Restaurants without English menus are often the best ones. Use your phone to translate, or better yet, point and smile. Some of the best meals happen when you don't know exactly what you ordered.
Tip appropriately for the culture. Tipping norms vary wildly. In Italy, a euro or two per person is appreciated but not expected. In France, service is included (service compris). In Mexico, 15-20% is standard. We include tipping guidance in every destination guide.
Make reservations. This is true everywhere, but especially in popular destinations during peak season. That "hidden gem" you found on Instagram? Everyone else found it too.
Our team handles restaurant reservations and local dining recommendations as part of every Full-Service planning engagement.
How do I get the most out of working with my travel planner?
The best trips come from a genuine partnership between you and your planner. Here's what we've learned from planning over a thousand trips:
Be honest about what you want (and what you don't). If you hate museums, say so. If you need a lazy morning, tell us. We'd rather build around your real preferences than design a "perfect on paper" itinerary you won't enjoy.
Be responsive during the planning process. Timely replies to emails and questionnaires keep your planning on track and help us secure the best reservations before they fill up. Peak-season bookings can disappear in days.
Share your budget range early. We're not here to judge, we're here to maximize every dollar. Knowing your range upfront means we recommend the right hotels, experiences, and dining tier from the start.
Trust the recommendations. We'll always explain why we're suggesting something, but stay open to experiences you wouldn't have found on your own. The best moment of your trip might be something you never would have planned yourself.
Ask questions anytime. If something in your itinerary isn't clear, or you want to swap an activity, just ask. No question is too small. This is your trip, and we want you to feel confident in every choice.
Ready to start? Tell us about your trip and let's begin the conversation.
Ready To Start Planning?
Step 1 → Share Your Travel Vision
Complete our short inquiry form with your destination preferences, travel dates, and budget. Share any special interests or must-have experiences that will help our travel planners craft your perfect journey. This foundation ensures we understand your vision from day one.
Step 2 → Speak With A Travel Expert
We'll schedule your complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call to dive deeper into your travel dreams. Our expert planners will review your intake responses and explore what makes your ideal getaway tick. No pressure, just possibilities.
Step 3 → Receive Your Custom Proposal
Within 3 business days, you'll receive a personalized service proposal tailored to your desired support level. Whether you need full-service planning, strategic bookings, or expert consultation, we'll outline the perfect approach for your journey.
Page last updated: February 2026