Conquering the World One Memory at a Time
Picture yourself above the clouds, where the world glows gold beneath you. Sip Bordeaux on a private balcony, wander sunlit streets in coastal towns, or unwind in a Parisian suite touched with quiet elegance. Every moment is curated for comfort, every detail a reflection of how beautifully you choose to travel.
Picture a candlelit dinner under a moonlit sky, the ocean keeping time just for you. Wander cobblestone lanes hand in hand, or wake to a sunrise designed for two. Every shared moment feels effortless—each one a quiet reminder that the most beautiful journeys are the ones you take together.
Recline on the sundeck of your river cruise as centuries drift by—quaint villages, grand cathedrals, stories etched in every shore. Each day brings a new canvas of culture and charm, all from the comfort of your floating haven. When evening falls, the river glows with reflections of distant towns, and history feels close enough to touch.
How Seamless Travel Begins in 3 easy Steps
From our first conversation to your boarding day, every detail is handled with care. Here’s how we turn your travel dreams into an effortless, beautifully tailored experience.
Step 1
Consultation
Your journey starts with a conversation. Valerie and her team take time to understand what you love, what you value, and how you like to travel. Complete this and we'll connect to begin planning your perfect trip.
Step 2
Travel design
Once we’re a perfect fit and your planning fee is confirmed, I’ll craft your custom itinerary—designed around your interests, pace, and sense of adventure.
Step 3
Start packing
When every detail is finalized, all that’s left is the fun part. You’ll receive your travel documents, packing tips, and destination details before you depart—so your only task is to enjoy the journey.
Valerie Baker-Wynn-Owner/Agent
For Valerie Baker-Wynn, travel isn’t just a passion—it’s a calling. After years of designing seamless journeys for others, she founded Windblown Travel to do what she does best: craft unforgettable experiences with precision, creativity, and genuine care.
Valerie specializes in luxury river cruises, curated land tours, and small-ship voyages that tell a story. She partners with world-class names like Tauck, Regent Seven Seas, Kensington and AmaWaterways, matching each client to journeys that reflect their style, pace, and sense of wonder.
Clients describe her as the calm in the travel storm—the one who handles every detail with speed, grace, and a touch of wit. Whether it’s a romantic escape along Europe’s rivers or an expedition cruise through Antarctica, she ensures every itinerary feels effortless and personal.
For Valerie, travel is never one-size-fits-all. It’s about connection—the right destination, the right timing, the right people. With Windblown Travel, your next adventure isn’t just a trip; it’s a story waiting to be told—crafted with care, handled with heart, and designed to linger long after you return home.
In the News:
Small Business Showcase:
Small Business virtual Magazine
Spotlight on Valerie Baker-Wynn: The Heartbeat of Windblown Travel
Spotlight on Valerie Baker-Wynn: The Heartbeat of Windblown Travel
From Passion to Profession
Building a Business from the Ground Up
Launching a travel business requires more than a love for travel; it demands dedication, continuous learning, and formal training. Valerie stands out in the industry due to her extensive certifications and training. She holds certifications such as the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and the Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) from the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), along with accreditations from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).
Valerie’s commitment to excellence and personalized service has earned her a loyal client base, with numerous five-star reviews attesting to her expertise and client care. “Booking vacations online can be tricky because you can’t always speak to a human being without sitting on hold for hours,” she says. “When booking with me, I’m the one who will sit on hold for you.” She emphasizes the importance of professional training and continuous education to differentiate herself from less qualified agents in the field. She warns anyone interested in a career in travel planning to do their research. Many companies promise excellent training but don’t deliver on that promise.
Adapting and Thriving Through Challenges
As a business owner, Valerie faces many challenges, but the COVID-19 pandemic may be the most significant one. For years, the travel industry was completely decimated. Many travel agencies shut down, but Valerie’s adaptability and knowledge allowed her to pivot from cruise bookings, which were largely halted, to all-inclusive resorts, particularly in Mexico. Her prior experience in this area enabled her to continue serving her clients effectively during the pandemic. Even those who canceled their travel plans during shutdowns returned for Valerie’s expertise when restrictions were lifted.
Valerie also stresses the importance of legal and operational infrastructure for any aspiring entrepreneur. Over the last two years, she has fortified her business with legal terms and conditions, service fees, professional liability insurance, and automated processes. These measures provide an extra layer of security and streamline operations, allowing Valerie to focus more on her clients.
Windblown Travel offers a broad spectrum of travel services, but Valerie has particular expertise in river cruises, high-end luxury cruises, and all-inclusive romantic getaways. She is passionate about river cruising, describing it as a leisurely way to explore multiple cities and countries without the hassle of unpacking at each destination. Her favorite destinations include the scenic landscapes of Ireland and the historical richness of Budapest.
Valerie’s ability to plan complex group trips is another hallmark of her service. Whether it’s organizing river cruises for multiple cabins or coordinating extensive land tours, she handles every detail to ensure a seamless experience for her clients. Her group travel planning spans diverse destinations, from Arctic expeditions to cultural tours of Europe.
Personal Touches and Client Care
What truly sets Valerie apart is her commitment to personalized service. She ensures direct communication with her clients, offering tips and insights from her own travel experiences and leveraging a network of fellow travel agents to provide the best recommendations. Her approach includes thorough consultations to understand her clients’ needs and preferences, making each trip a tailor-made experience.
Valerie’s dedication extends to handling the logistical headaches that come with travel planning. She takes on the burden of dealing with cancellations, airline issues, and other challenges, ensuring her clients can focus on enjoying their travels without stress. This level of care and attention has fostered deep trust and long-term relationships with her clients, many of whom return for multiple bookings.
Valerie’s vision for the future of Windblown Travel includes expanding into more high-end, inclusive travel experiences such as world cruises and luxury land tours. She aims to offer more intimate, high-quality tours that provide unique experiences, ensuring her clients receive personal attention and access to exclusive locations.
Final Thoughts
Valerie Baker-Wynn exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and knowledgeable travel professional. Her journey from an impromptu travel planner to the owner of a successful travel agency showcases her resilience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to her clients. For those seeking a travel advisor who goes above and beyond, Valerie and Windblown Travel offer an unparalleled experience.
For more information, you can visit her website at Windblown Travel, join her private Facebook group “The Travel Society with Valerie,” or contact her directly via email at valerie@windblowntravel.com.
Eleni Owens