Spotlight on Valerie Baker-Wynn: The Heartbeat of Windblown Travel

From Passion to Profession

Valerie Baker-Wynn, the driving force behind Windblown Travel, LLC, in South Bend, Indiana, discovered her calling in the travel industry through a serendipitous turn of events. She found herself traveling with friends on a trip that was very poorly planned by someone else, and it went terribly. Knowing that Valerie usually plans fantastic trips, her friends promised to listen to her travel advice from then on. Encouraged by her travel companions and supported by her husband, Valerie transitioned from organizing trips for friends and family to establishing a full-fledged travel agency. She’s been in the industry for over eight years and has learned a lot along the way.

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​​.

Specializations and Unique Offerings

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.

Looking Ahead

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.