Two women in hall of hotel Tijuana, Mexico by Joanne Pio
 

Client Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say about Salt & Wind Travel…

Sophie Elkus walking stars in Ensenada, Mexico by Joanne Pio

2017 MEXICO GROUP TRIP GUEST

"Salt & Wind curated a thorough, thoughtful, unique itinerary with no detail overlooked. From meeting local artists to tasting street food, I left with a newfound respect for this region of Mexico. Team Salt & Wind is knowledgeable, prepared, and accommodating. I'd recommend this group travel experience to anyone looking to travel off the beaten path."

- Sophie E.


Photo of Paloma cocktails on table and guy toasting in background in Tijuana, Mexico by Joanne Pio

2017 MEXICO GROUP TRIP GUEST

“We booked one of Salt & Wind’s first trips down to Mexico and had a blast. The trip exceeded our expectations and was the perfect mix of big city and small towns that we never would have known about or been able to discover on our own. 

The staff had clearly done their homework on the areas we visited and took us to several local finds. They were
super knowledgeable about the history of everywhere we went as well as up and coming trends in the area. The planning and logistics were also well thought out. Highly recommended!”

- Chris L.


Aerial photo of wineries in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

2018 MEXICO PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“I selected Salt & Wind to plan my birthday weekend in Valle de Guadalupe Mexico. Aida and team did an amazing job selecting the perfect combination of housing, wineries and restaurants. Everything was spot on and my group of six loved every moment. I can't wait to book another trip with Salt & Wind.”

-Melissa K.


Photo of Gaudi building in Barcelona, Spain

2018 SPAIN & ITALY TRIP PLANNING

“Salt & Wind planned our honeymoon to Barcelona and Northern Italy (Piedmont, Bologna & Milan). From hotels to restaurants to activities, everything was well thought out and fit right in with how we like to travel.

We had just enough events planned that it didn't feel like we had to rush around to fit everything in. Aida and the team were super responsive and professional. We will definitely be booking another trip through Salt & Wind!”
-Paul D.


Truffle hunting dogs in Piedmont, Italy

2018 SPAIN & ITALY TRIP PLANNING

“My husband and I turned to the amazing ladies at Salt & Wind to plan the food and wine-filled European honeymoon of our dreams!

Our two-week trip to Spain and Italy was meticulously curated with experiences that truly captured the local beat of whatever city or town we were in. From 3-star Michelin dining to off the beaten path locals-only joints, the Salt and Wind team really listened to what we were asking for and custom-tailored the exact experience to our preferences.

Every local guide they put us in touch with was as passionate as they were knowledgeable. The vibe was always more of a Friday dinner party with your favorite food-obsessed friends than your traditional tourist trap activities.

They took care of all the logistics of booking, making reservations, etc so that we were stress-free and relaxed from day one. If you're looking for high quality travel planning from people who REALLY know their stuff, you are in the right place. Can't say enough good things!!!”

-Kate D.


2019 PRIVATE BAJA CALIFORNIA ITINERARY

“We did not know where to start with planning our trip to southern Baja. We gave Aida and Kristen ideas about the types of adventures and dining we liked and they came up with perfectly customized options for us. Everything from off-the-beaten-path hotels to culturally unique experiences, and of course, incredible food. We ended up with the perfect itinerary and a trip that we would have never been able to plan ourselves. They provided helpful insight and seemed to understand just what would work for us. I am so glad that I came across Aida and her fabulous services. I can't wait to work with them again on our next adventure. Gracias!”

-Kristin & Chris


Colonnade in Oaxaca Mexico

2021 MEXICO GROUP TRIP GUEST

"Thinking back on our @saltandwind Oaxaca trip a few weeks ago and our amazing mezcal experience in the agave fields.

We visited Tio Lipe Palenque and learned about the traditional process of making mezcal. We witnessed the master mezcal maker in action and tasted six different types of mezcal along with a delicious lunch.

It was definitely one of our favorite experiences in Oaxaca!"

- Jenifer Katz

2022 MEXICO PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

Salt & Wind Travel was an excellent partner for planning a multi-generation, multi-stop family vacation to the Yucatan Penisula in July 2022.

We worked closely with Kristen and Fernando to plan our summer vacation. The highlight of partnering with Salt & Wind was the level of personal detail added to our trip.

The restaurants and sightseeing were easy to find and gave us the cultural experience we hoped to have. They covered all the details from traveling to the multiple cities planned, places to visit and experiences to participate in along the way, safety and driving overview in Mexico, and even assisted in connecting us with information to solve a last-minute passport debacle.

Kristen and Fernando discovered options and guides that ensured the entire family would have a wonderful trip. Their focus on our needs and understanding of our requests promoted a wonderful adventure for all.

I loved that as they became aware of the opportunities, they shared quickly with us and translated when needed allowing us to secure reservations for a large group that might otherwise be unattainable.

I really appreciated the management of our travel, travel documents & maps in one location that did not require being online to access, an overview of our trip and summary of must-haves and keeping us informed of COVID restrictions.

Thank you for creating a wonderful experience we will all remember!”

-J-J E.


2022 HAWAII PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

Travel planning made super easy. Aida and Kristen made our summer family vacation to Hawaii so effortless and memorable. Excellent recommendations that met our needs. Excursions and experiences tailored to preferences. Guidances and suggestions taking all the stress away while traveling.

Easy to communicate. Very prompt and quick to respond on text, voice and emails. Full itinerary and day-by-day plan shared back to us in a easy and simple to use app.

Highly recommended for anyone who want to enjoy your vacation and do not want deal with the hassle of planning.”

-Raghu I.


2023 ITALY PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

"What better way to spend our 50th Anniversary!!!   We have traveled a lot in Europe and South America but never had we been to Italy.  We had so many places we wanted to go but our overall time away with bookend trips to London left us only 11 days in Italy and we wanted to do it all!!!!  AND . . . . . we wanted to celebrate our actual 50th with a most special day in Tuscany. We knew we wanted to be efficient with time so we looked to Salt & Wind — the first time we have used travel advisors.    

Our initial conversation with Kristen confirmed that we had made the right choice — we needed experience and expertise to curate our trip and she did not disappoint. Our calls were scheduled and efficient and Kristen sent all documents for discussion and consideration well ahead of time. Delays on our end created a challenging timeline for S&W and yet Kristen managed to schedule the most fantastic private tours; elegant, delicious dinners; charming hotels that were lovely with wonderful, caring service; fun adventures and a 50th anniversary to cherish forever.  A side trip to Bologna and a private cooking class in a beautiful old residence in Siena might be two of our favorite memories. But then we have so many!!! 

We entered this planning thinking it might be our only trip to Italy and we wanted to cover as much as possible. With Kristen’s guidance, we landed on Rome, Tuscany and Florence. We loved every day and had just the right number of days and activities in each location.  We fell in love with Italy and Salt & Wind and definitely hope to return soon!"

-
Brenda & Bill

Trina Albus hugging puppy in Tijuana, Mexico

2017 MEXICO GROUP TRIP GUEST

"Salt & Wind exceeded my every expectation by offering insider's access to Baja California. I have been a strict vegetarian for almost 30 years and I can truly say that, for the first time ever, I didn't need to open one protein bar. The staff went out of their way to ensure I was included, full, and happy at every meal.

In addition to the food, we explored local craft beer, markets, vineyards, boutiques, and even an art gallery where I scored a piece from an emerging local artist! I was so impressed with this Salt & Wind trip; I can't wait to book my next group travel experience. I know every detail will be taken care of so I can just pack, show up and have an amazing experience."

- Trina A.


2017 FRANCE & ITALY TRIP PLANNING

“We had been wanting to travel to Europe for years but always put it off, worried that the planning process would be too daunting.

Thanks to Aida and her team, we were able to have an amazing trip we will never forget without having to worry about doing all the research and work that often comes with traveling. The team helped answer all of our questions and concerns with care and kindness. We are so grateful to have found Salt & Wind!”

-Maureen D.


Two men throwing shaka signs in front of a building in Tijuana, Mexico by Joanne Pio

2017 MEXICO BOUTIQUE GROUP GUEST

Had a great time on the Salt & Wind Travel Mexico trip. I got talked into it by friends and am glad they recommended it.

I'm a beer lover so the craft beer tour in Tijuana was a highlight, as were the accompanying tacos. The whole
experience was well curated and it was fun getting to meet and hang with fellow travelers.

The biggest pluses to me were one, I didn't have to plan, every last bit of the itinerary was handled; and two, the
value for the price. My accommodations were fantastic and there was enough food at each meal for a small army (hope you're hungry)!

I'd definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in the region, you won't be disappointed!”

-Chris K.


2020 MEXICO PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“Salt & Wind is by far the best travel and tour company I have ever worked with! We had an amazing time in Mexico City! They know the best places for street food, the best markets to visit, the best fine dining places, the best bars and speakeasies to hit up and the best places to adventure to!

We were there 5 days and had the perfect mix of street food, markets, adventure to the butterfly migration and some incredible fine dining experiences. The butterfly migration was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.

If you are looking for someone to help with your travel plans through Mexico City, look no further! They will set you up with experiences that will blow you away! Thanks Salt and Wind! I can’t wait to come back and visit soon!”

-Leslie Z.


2021 SICILY PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“Aida planned us an amazing vacation. I love doing travel research, but, faced with a two-week trip to Sicily I didn't know where to begin. Aida listened to our preferences, and then selected the perfect cities, hotels, restaurants, and activities. We did things we'd never be able to find on our own, including a visit to a pistachio farm during harvest season and a home-cooked lunch at a cheese farm. If you want to experience your destination like a local, eat fabulous food, and drink great wine, work with Salt & Wind!”

- Michelle K.


Aerial view of Venice Italy's Grand Canal

2021 ITALY PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“Aida helped us plan our November 2021 trip to Italy and we could not have done this without her and her team. Being quite busy we didn't even know where to begin on finding lodging, tours and restaurants.

Aida broke things down for us and sent over recommendations in many price points. We absolutely adored all the hotels we stayed at and the tour guides where integral in getting a taste of Venice, Florence and Rome in a mere 7 days.

I could go on and on but the money spent on Salt & Wind Travel services was worth every penny. We are eyeing a Spain trip and will 100% be using Aida and her team again!”

- Kellie S.

2022 CALIFORNIA TRIP PLANNING

I'm not an inexperienced traveler and have spent hours of my own time planning travel and excursions for myself and friends. Salt & Wind Travel curated the best trip with my preferences in mind.

The app provided seamless progression over the 12 days and kept us on track. I would definitely use these services again and recommend them to any traveler. We had great accommodation, wine and food were all amazing! Never a bad experience over the entire 12 days!!”

-Sallie M.

2022 HAWAII PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

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.


2022 ITALY PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“Aida and the Salt & Wind Travel team are phenomenal. They planned a two week Italy trip for my family. We had a large group, and they expertly guided us to experiences the entire group would enjoy.

Their recommendations introduced us to places, people and of course food and drinks that we never would have found without them. Aida really took the time to get to know us, and it made the trip a once in a lifetime trip experience.

We are so grateful to have been able to work with them.”

-Erin P.


2023 FRANCE SOLO TRIP PLANNING

I felt very confident going on my first solo trip because Aida and team provided me with an awesome itinerary and recommended such fabulous places to stay. Also, all of the custom documentation in the Vamoos app made me feel very organized and made it easy to accomplish all of my daily objectives.”

-Sandy W.


2023 ITALY SOLO TRIP PLANNING

“Salt & Wind was the perfect boutique travel company to plan my Italy trip! From the recommended accommodations to the activities, I had such an amazing experience. Kristen really helped plan a unique trip for me that did not disappoint. I truly felt immersed in the Italian culture during my trip and enjoyed the adventures in each location I visited along the way!”

-Holly W.


2018 PRIVATE ITALY TRIP PLANNING

“Aida and Kristen are travel-in-style gurus, but what sets Salt & Wind Travel apart is their personal approach and their firsthand knowledge of their destinations.

Their concierge services made our trip so smooth and stress-free!”

-Daniel & Joseph

Photo of Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Mexico

2018 MEXICO CITY TRIP PLANNING

"Kristen and Aida planned my bachelorette trip for 12 ladies in Mexico City and we had the most incredible experience.

I do a lot of traveling and was initially hesitant to have someone else plan this important trip for me but Salt & Wind Travel exceeded my expectations. They went out of their way to ensure that I got the exact trip I wanted.

We were introduced to the most amazing food – whether it was trendy new restaurants & bars or quesadillas in the middle of a market. They also introduced us to authentic experiences including a tour of a local flower market and then a custom flower arrangement workshop. We went to the famous Xochimilco where we not only partied on a boat, but also had a tour of a gorgeous farm.

The trip was a perfect balance of a fun party vibe and true local experience. Every person on the trip said that they felt like they really got a taste of the Mexico City culture AND that it was the best bachelorette party they'd ever been on!"

-Divya D.


Couple holding hands and walking in Popotla, Mexico

2017 MEXICO GROUP TRIP GUEST

"As a Californian, I've been to Mexico countless times, but never stopped in Tijuana or wine country and probably never would have had I not joined Salt & Wind. They opened my eyes to the incredible food and wine just across the border. I'm grateful to Team Salt & Wind for showing me more of Mexico. I'll be back with friends!"

- Nicole C.

MEXICO BOUTIQUE GROUP TRIP GUEST

"Traveling to Mexico with Salt and Wind Travel was amazing. They introduced us to sites and tastes just south of San Diego that not many visitors get to see. The taco and beer crawl through Tijuana was my fave but, honestly, the entire trip was incredible. A++!"

- Taber G.


Photo of group of women at Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como, Italy by Christine Davis

2017 ITALY GROUP TRIP GUEST

“We've traveled to Italy a ton, so we weren't sure how different this would be from our previous trips. Turns out it was a total surprise because the trip showed us parts that we didn't even really pay attention to before.

Our favorite part was that the trip just felt so turnkey. We just showed up and were able to just enjoy instead of thinking about every detail. Normally, we do all the planning, so it was refreshing to take a break from that. The way Jackie and Aida arranged everything felt really well paced. We had a good amount of free time, no morning started too early, and every day felt packed without being overwhelming. 

Traveling to these places with Salt & Wind Travel made us feel like we got a crash course.
We now feel like we could go back to the area and would know where to go, what to do, and what to explore. Plus the team introduced us to many locals so we got a peek into their everyday lives and some of their insider knowledge.“

- Marianne L.


Lakeside villa on Lake Como by Christine Davis

2019 ITALY PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

"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.


2021 MEXICO GROUP TRIP GUEST

“This trip was extra special as I joined a small boutique group trip by Salt & Wind Travel and spent four days exploring Oaxaca in a way I never had before.

I got to meet amazing chefs, artisans, and mezcal makers. Wow! So grateful for such amazing experiences and to have shared it with some amazing people and new friends.”

-Scott M.

2022 ROME PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“Aida and the Salt and Wind team were amazing. They set up the most educational and delicious food/site/education trip to Rome. And they were able to roll with us without stress with some last-minute logistical challenges that came up.

We truly felt like Rome foodie insiders from the first day when we found ourselves with reservations at the hippest little side street pizza place that the local Romans were lining up around the block to get into.

S&W also got us tickets to Carmen being performed open air in ancient ruins - the energy at the show was amazing with the Italians clapping along to the most known pieces and yet also very English friendly with transcription bars at the seats. We would have never known about this summer tradition without their boots-on-the-ground research.

S&W also put together a tour of a private winery near Rome where we spent the morning with the farmers learning about grape cultivation and low-intervention wine fermentation methods. It was tremendously educational and something that has affected how I think about wine probably for the rest of my life.

S&W set up a string of just incredible Michelin-starred, and also local, dinners which were truly some of the best food we have ever enjoyed in our lives.  

The care and thoughtfulness S&W put into tailoring our experience, as well as the app that laid out everything for us, made us feel connected, oriented, and plugged into the true spirit of the city from the moment we landed.

We can't wait to travel with S&W again.”

-Julia P.

2023 PARIS PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“Cannot recommend Salt & Wind enough. Such a pleasure to work with! They take away all the stress of making sure you're seeing, eating, and experiencing the best places and things on your trip. The app they build is so very helpful and organized for each day. Will absolutely be using them again.”

-Vince A.


2023 ITALY PRIVATE TRIP PLANNING

“Aida and her team were top notch.  We were so lucky that my husband found their website to help us plan our 3 week trip to Italy.  We can't say enough about Aida's communication, knowledge and overall help with planning lodging, restaurants, tours and activities for us. The app was such a great addition to have on our phones and easy to use.  We have already recommended Salt & Wind Travel to other friends and would definitely use their services again in the future.”

-Stephanie C.


2023 ITALY COUPLE TRIP PLANNING

After being referred by a friend, my wife and I used Salt and Wind to plan a trip to Italy.  The pre-trip planning was very thorough, and the trip exceeded our wildest expectations. The personalized travel app was particularly helpful. We would highly recommend Kristen and Salt and Wind to anyone.“

-Bonnie and Leon W.


2023 EUROPE CONSULTATION CALL

My partner and I booked a trip to Europe; while it wasn't our first time in Europe, it was our first time visiting multiple countries in one trip. We were a bit stuck in the planning process, but the timing of us getting stuck was "meant to be" as that's when I learned about the Salt & Wind Team and their expertise with the countries we were planning on visiting!

We booked a Travel Therapy call and it was by far the best decision we could have made! Aida gave us so many great recommendations along with some tips and tricks for each country! She got us unstuck and we visited as many of the recommendations as we could. It was great being armed with the knowledge she shared with us.

Thank you, Aida and the Salt & Wind Team! We will definitely be coming back for help with our future trips!”

-Tania C.