Personal Service · Expert Guidance · Unforgettable Experiences
Small ships, slow travel, and not a single detail left to you.
Luxury cruises and curated land tours crafted with precision by Valerie Baker-Wynn — partnering with Tauck, Regent Seven Seas, Kensington, and AmaWaterways.
About Windblown Travel
Travel Designed with Heart, Handled with Expertise
Windblown Travel is a luxury travel agency founded by Valerie Baker-Wynn, based in South Bend, Indiana. The agency specializes in luxury river cruises, curated land tours, expedition voyages, and high-end cruise experiences, partnering with world-class operators including Tauck, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Kensington Tours, and AmaWaterways.
Valerie holds certifications including CLIA accreditation, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA), Certified Travel Associate (CTA), and IATA certification. She is recognized as a Travel Leaders Super Agent — a distinction earned through consistent excellence in client service and industry expertise.
At Windblown Travel, clients are more than bookings — they're guests the team is honored to serve. With a five-star client satisfaction record and years of experience navigating complex itineraries across six continents, Valerie takes the guesswork out of luxury travel, designing seamless journeys that feel effortless from start to finish.
How It Works
Seamless Travel Begins in Three Steps
Consultation
Your journey starts with a conversation. Valerie takes time to understand what you love, what you value, and how you like to travel.
Travel Design
Once your planning fee is confirmed, Valerie crafts a custom itinerary designed around your interests, pace, and sense of adventure.
Start Packing
When every detail is finalized, you'll receive your travel documents, packing tips, and destination details. Your only task is to enjoy.
Our Specialties
Three Ways to See the World
Europe's Legendary Waterways
Intimate vessels carry no more than 150 guests along the Danube, Rhine, and Douro — docking in the heart of medieval cities inaccessible to larger ships. Partners include AmaWaterways and leading luxury river lines.
Explore River Cruises →
Earth's Last Wild Frontiers
Purpose-built expedition ships navigate Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos with onboard scientists, Zodiac landings, and no more than 200 guests.
Discover Expeditions →
Tauck, Kensington & Beyond
From African safaris to private tours of Japan, each land journey with partners like Tauck and Kensington offers exclusive access, personal guides, and uncompromising quality.
View Land Journeys →The Windblown Difference
What's Included When You Work With Us
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by Discerning Travelers Across the Country
Five-star reviews from travelers who trust Valerie with their most important journeys
The issue is not whether you should use a travel agent, but rather WHICH ONE. I've used many but have never used one more than once — until now. There are 3 things you want from a travel agent: accuracy of information, knowledge of the industry, and responsiveness. With Valerie you get all three, consistently. She travels these same destinations and knows what she is talking about. She learns your tastes and will steer you clear of things she knows you won't like.
Ragnar
Travel Leaders Review
I've now had 5 trips planned and handled by Valerie. She is great about giving recommendations and steering you to things that are worth your money. Big bang for my bucks. She helped navigate a couple problems we had traveling and made them right. Definitely will only be booking with her!
Kelly M.
Multiple Trips · Indiana
Valerie is an absolute delight to work with and has seen us through several cruises now — we will continue to work with her as long as she's still doing it. We recommend her to any friends that even flirt with the idea of wanting to take a cruise, because we know they'll be in good hands.
Nancy D.
Australia to South Africa · Virgin Voyages
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Windblown Travel provides personal service that online booking engines cannot match. Valerie Baker-Wynn serves as your dedicated travel designer — handling every detail from initial consultation through your safe return home. She sits on hold so you don't have to, negotiates upgrades through preferred partner relationships, and provides 24/7 support if anything changes mid-journey.
Windblown Travel specializes in luxury river cruises, curated land tours, expedition voyages, and high-end cruise experiences. Valerie partners with trusted names like Tauck, Regent Seven Seas, Kensington Tours, and AmaWaterways. Whether it's a European river cruise, an African safari, or an Arctic expedition, every journey is designed with precision and personal care.
Journeys typically range from $5,000 to $100,000+ per person depending on duration, destination, and level of exclusivity. River cruises start from approximately $4,000 per person, expedition voyages from $15,000, and private land tours from $8,000. A professional planning fee applies to ensure unbiased, expert service. Every quote is tailored to your specific requirements.
Yes, Windblown Travel charges a professional planning and design fee. This ensures the time, research, and coordination dedicated to your trip receive the focus they deserve. The fee covers initial consultation, itinerary design, all pre-travel coordination, and continued support from booking to your safe return. Details are outlined clearly during your initial conversation.
For peak-season river cruises and popular expedition voyages to Antarctica or the Galápagos, contact Valerie 9–12 months in advance. Private land journeys can sometimes be arranged within 3–6 months. Early planning ensures access to the finest accommodations, best cabin categories, and most sought-after departure dates.
Private Consultation
Let's Craft Your Journey
Share your vision and Valerie will design an extraordinary itinerary tailored to you. Or use our full planning form →
Your information is never sold or shared. · Response within 24 hours · No obligation