About Duende Travels
El mundo tiene duende.
The idea behind Duende Travels was to help others experience the magic and mystery, the duende, of the world. Armed with the relationships we’ve forged, the tricks we’ve learned, and the friends we’ve made through our partnerships with leading hotels and Virtuoso, we think we have the perfect recipe to make each and every client’s trip the adventure of a lifetime. A trip with Duende Travels means VIP treatment no matter where you go, insider knowledge, and a totally seamless travel experience.
Meet Claire.
Owner + Travel Advisor
Claire moved to Madrid, Spain in 2013, as she split her time working as an English teacher and as an assistant to a Virtuoso travel advisor. After countless trips, lots of hours in the classroom and as an assistant, and one postgraduate degree, in 2021, Claire made the jump to become a travel advisor herself, and she created Duende Travels, where she is in charge of planning adventures to the last detail. She envisioned a company where luxury goes beyond a fancy hotel and into the realm of personal connection, life-altering experiences, and widened perspectives, and today, Duende Travels has grown to include two more travel advisors and a travel coordinator, all of whom share that same vision.
Claire has helped countless clients take their dream trips through the years, from rediscovering family roots in Italy to celebrating Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and everything in between. While any trip to her second home of Spain has a special connection for her, she is passionate about travelers getting into nature and out of their comfort zone, whether that is on an expedition to a faraway land or just a new city. Her most memorable travel experience was her expedition to Svalbard, where she was able to observe polar bears in the wild, jump into the Arctic Ocean, and enjoy the midnight sun phenomenon (before the 2025 Zara Larsson pop hit).
Meet Jeff.
Travel Advisor
If you ask Jeff’s family, they’ll tell you this was always the plan. At just 11 years old, he took charge of planning a family trip, researching flights, booking family-friendly hotels and shows, and even arranging a rental car so everyone could explore Red Rock Canyon. (Lesson learned: always pack extra sunblock when renting a convertible in the desert). What started as a childhood curiosity quickly became a calling.
That passion expanded during a semester abroad in Hong Kong, where Jeff discovered that travel isn’t just about places: it’s about people, perspective, and the stories that connect us. Since then, he’s explored more than 50 countries, thoughtfully designing his own journeys from spontaneous weekend escapes to a 3-month adventure across South America. Experiencing Duende Travels as a client showed him how transformative seamless, expertly-curated travel can be.
Now, as a travel advisor, Jeff blends insider knowledge with meticulous planning to create trips that feel effortless, yet deeply personal.
Meet Li.
Travel Advisor
Li proudly holds the title of “that Instagram friend”— the one posting something mildly unrelatable at 2PM on a Tuesday. Her love of travel began with a Euro-trip in the summer of 2014, and she’s been aggressively maximizing PTO ever since. What started as “just a trip” quickly became a lifestyle choice, politely squeezed around a 9-5. She’s a strong believer in balance— whether that means answering emails from somewhere with better lighting, or sipping on an Aperol spritz while waiting for golden hour.
One of her favorite travel memories was the open-air shower at her hotel, totally immersed in nature, with an active volcano as a backdrop. Something about the shampoo, rinse, repeat process while listening to birds chirping just can’t be beat— proof that bespoke experiences don’t always happen within four walls. With a foundation in corporate-level precision and a genuine love of immersive travel, Li curates journeys that are as seamless as they are inspiring.
Meet Paige.
Travel Coordinator
Paige has been based in Madrid since 2012, and the city has become home to her over the years. Beyond traveling, she has a deep love for specialty coffee shops, crafts, and yoga— small rituals that ground her no matter where she is in the world. She is also a mom to a little Duende Traveler, which adds an extra layer of curiosity and joy to every new adventure.
One of Paige’s most meaningful travel memories was her destination wedding at a 14th-century church overlooking the cliffs of Stevns Klint, Denmark. Set against the dramatic natural scenery and rich history, the intimate celebration brought together close friends and family— making it an unforgettable experience.
Paige brings that extra Duende Travels touch to every trip she works on— from restaurants anticipating your dietary preferences to itineraries that answer questions before they’re asked, Paige’s dedication always shines through in the details.
What is Virtuoso?
As an independent affiliate of Cadence Travel, Duende Travels is extended membership into Virtuoso, a consortium of the world’s leading travel advisors, hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel vendors. As a client of Duende Travels, you are extended extra amenities, promotions, and VIP treatment while you travel. Think free upgrades, complimentary breakfast, spa credits, and other special touches.
Our Partners
Contact us.
claire@duendetravels.com