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Jay Duenas
Luxury Travel Advisor

Raised to explore, Jay’s love of travel began with family trips to beaches, mountains, and everywhere in between. That curiosity deepened at age 20 while living and studying in Rome, followed by six months living and working in New Zealand after college.

Her path took on deeper meaning at Room to Read, where she partnered with global colleagues and led donor journeys across Asia and Africa — including Nepal, India, South Africa and beyond. There, she developed a thoughtful approach to travel design that balances cultural connection with seamless, elevated experiences.

Get to Know Jay

MY LUXURY IS:

The ability to truly disconnect.  To wake slowly, be immersed in the beauty of a place, and move through the day at my own pace. For me, luxury is equal parts space, simplicity, and connection: good food, meaningful company, and the quiet joy of knowing I get to do it all again tomorrow.

MY FAVORITE ADVENTURE SPOT IS: 

Iceland, for its open roads, dramatic landscapes, and sense of wonder around every corner. From glacier lagoons and fjords to waterfall hikes and natural hot springs, it's a place that invites both adventure and awe. I'm already looking forward to returning.

WHY I LOVE TRAVEL: 

Travel is one of my favorite ways to connect, both with myself and with the world around me. It’s a reminder that while we may live differently, we’re deeply interconnected, and those differences are what make our world so rich. I also love returning home with a renewed sense of gratitude for the familiar.

MY OTHER LOVES: 

Life at home includes my mountain-loving husband and our two cats, Ahsoka and Mando. I cherish the comfort of home just as much as time away, whether that's cooking, gathering with friends and family, working on stained glass projects, or happily curling up with my cats. I also enjoy hiking, skiing, and yoga.

MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY:

Travel with respect for the people, cultures, and places that so generously welcome us.

MY BEST TRAVEL ADVICE:

Lead with patience and curiosity. They’ll take you further than any itinerary.

MY TRAVEL HAPPY SPACE IS: 

A sunny afternoon in Rome walking, people-watching, and always in search of the next gelato. 

Iceland1

Iceland1

Vietnam_Girls

Vietnam_Girls

Thailand

Thailand

Tanzania

Tanzania

Wilderness

Wilderness

South Africa

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Serengeti

Serengeti

India

India

Iceland

Iceland

Florence

Florence

Copenhagen

Copenhagen

Carnival

Carnival

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