Melanie Psaltakis, Travel Agent in Gaithersburg, MD

Melanie Psaltakis

Gaithersburg, MD Travel Agent

Melanie Psaltakis

Gaithersburg, MD · 10 Years of Experience

Wayfinders Travel, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(52)
100% Recommended
Melanie makes traveling to distant places so easy. She does her research and knows all of the best places to go and the best things... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

New Zealand, Greece, Italy

Interests:

European Culture, Solo Travel, River Cruises, Hiking & Backpacking, Cycling

Suppliers:

Europe Express, Backroads, Viking, AmaWaterways, G Adventures

About Me

Custom Trips, Active Small Group, River Cruises

I have always been a traveler - from multi-generational cross-country camping trips as a kid to a year immersed in New Zealand culture as an AFS student. My journey later took me all around Europe, Micronesia, and the United States as a military spouse, which only continued to fuel my lifelong passion for exploration and cultural connection.

Today, I specialize in designing custom itineraries for independent travelers, active small group adventures, and river and small-ship ocean cruises around the world. 

As a Europe and certified New Zealand travel specialist, I bring deep regional expertise to destinations like Italy, Greece, and New Zealand. From Italy’s hidden wine regions, to Greece’s ancient ruins and island escapes, to New Zealand's surreal and stunning landscapes, I help travelers go beyond the expected.

I'm also known for my expertise in hiking, cycling, and wellness trips that are built on decades of personal experience as an avid runner, hiker, cyclist, and yoga teacher (E-RYT 500). I’ve completed multi-day treks, cycling trips, and long-distance charity rides, led local hiking groups, and designed and taught point-to-point and center-based yoga retreats in Greece, Italy, Sweden, and Bermuda. I even taught yoga as the Wellness Host on a small-ship UnCruise Adventures Alaskan cruise! 

In 2020, I deepened my commitment to meaningful travel by completing the world’s first Transformation Travel Design Program, focused on helping travelers connect more deeply with themselves and the world. The aim is to redefine travel as a tool for personal growth, social impact, and environmental stewardship. As such, I seek to partner with tour suppliers and operators that foster cultural connection and promote regenerative impact for travelers and the communities they visit. 

Clients trust me to master the logistics of their trip - handling every detail with a personal touch rooted in extensive travel experience, deep expertise, and a talent for listening beyond the surface. Clients say I anticipate their needs and create seamless, stress-free experiences that make the most of their time but still feature freedom to explore on their own or simply unwind. Every detail is handled with precision, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility. 

Whether you're planning a self-guided itinerary, joining a small group trek, or embarking on a river or expedition cruise, I help travelers discover the world on their own terms — with intention, depth, and joy.

What kind of traveler do you want to be? Where will your next journey take you?

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
52 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 52 reviews

Incredible experience!
Reviewed By Laurie - Gaithersburg, MD | Traveled to Bermuda ~ Caribbean
Melanie makes traveling to distant places so easy. She does her research and knows all of the best places to go and the best things to do there. She is exceptionally organized and takes all the stress out of travel. I went on a yoga retreat with Melanie where we did yoga and hiking and had a plenty of beach time. She is the best yoga teacher I have ever had. An amazing trip all around!
Melanie Psaltakis responded
"That was a super fun trip - lots of laughs and amazing experiences! Thank you for the review!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Flexible and knowledgeable:)
Reviewed By Hillwalker - Seattle | Traveled to England ~ Europe
Melanie’s expertise has been indispensable planning and adapting our travel plans over the last couple of years. She has advised me on several vacations and her knowledge of destinations coupled with what we as travelers prefer has been exceptional!
Melanie Psaltakis responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words. It's been my pleasure to work with you on several itineraries and I look forward to being of service again soon!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Met Every Expectation!
Reviewed By Mary - Darnestown, Maryland | Traveled to Sweden ~ Europe

Melanie is a world traveler, detail oriented and makes traveling stress free. My husband and I had just landed in Stockholm at the beginning of the pandemic. No sooner had we landed when we discovered that our return tickets were canceled. Of course there was initial panic but Melanie, using her extensive travel knowledge, guided us through the process of finding return tickets when many countries were shutting down incoming travel. We will be using Melanie for future travel in much less stressful times.
Melanie Psaltakis responded
"Thank you for the review! It was indeed a stressful time at the beginning of the pandemic and I am happy I was able to help reduce that foreboding and get you home safely - and that you got to see the Northern Lights too!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
8 of 13 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Namaste
Reviewed By Yoga traveler - Gaithersburg, MD | Traveled to Umbria ~ Italy ~ Europe
My eight day yoga retreat to the mountains of Umbria in Italy were fabulous. Melanie is well-organized, professional, knowledgeable and is great to travel with. Any trip she organizes will be a winner!
Melanie Psaltakis responded
"Thank you for the review! Umbria is truly a special place in Italy. I look forward to helping you plan your next trip!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Trip of a Lifetime was planned very well.
Reviewed By Lisa H. - Alexandria, Virginia | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Melanie asked what type of trip experience we wanted in Italy --see everything in 2 weeks or spend time only in Tuscany at a slower pace. We chose option 2. Next, Melanie found hotels and train itineraries that met our chosen pace. We did a food walking tour in Siena and, in Cortona, had a private driver for an all-day wine tour (6 of us) to 3 wineries. I recommend the investment in these activities since the tour guides were excellent and we did not have to figure out how to read the road signs in Italian as we whizzed past them!! Lastly, we had a problem in Milan when the driver left us stranded. I called Melanie and she fixed the mishap on the spot. A driver showed up about 45 minutes later and we were on our way again. Great trip. When we are ready for the next adventure, Melanie will get a call. Lisa H.
Melanie Psaltakis responded
"Thank you for taking time to write a review of my services for your trip to Tuscany. I love co-creating perfectly paced trips that take into account special interests while also making sure all the logistics flow smoothly. I'm glad you called me when the driver didn't show up in Milan so a solution could be found to get you on your way. I look forward to working with you again when you are ready to travel again!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Certified SELECT Wellness Travel Specialist: A Certified SELECT Wellness Specialist has completed seven modules mastering the intricate details of a wellness traveler. The Specialist is committed to continuing education on wellness.
100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Gold)
Backroads Expert
Exodus Adventures Travel Expert
Viking Expert (Rivers, Oceans, Expedtions)
Wellness Travel

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Trip Was Amazing
The trip was amazing and Melanie was just the best to work with! When we had a flight cancellation on the way to Germany, Melanie helped get us re-booked and even helped to cancel the tours that were impacted. If you're thinking about using a travel agent for upcoming trips, definitely check with Melanie!
Adam D. Indianapolis, IN
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