EXPERTISE
As travel designers, we travel the world to learn, experience, and connect in order to create magic for our clients. Our trips are customized to your interests and preferred schedule—they are one-of-a-kind experiences that are as unique as you are. Whether you know exactly where you want to go or need some inspiration, Gay Gillen Travel is here to advise you and to create a journey that will greatly surpass any expectations.
Our clients have savored Chile’s best wines and slept under the stars in Kenya. They have shopped Morocco’s souks with experts, hiked the most remote parts of China’s Great Wall, bungee jumped off the Victoria Falls bridge over the Zamezi River in Zambia, and have toasted to the success of Downton Abbey with Lord Carnaveron at Highclere Castle.
We have over five decades of experience in the luxury travel industry and we are always searching the globe in order to provide you with the most discerning destination knowledge. Our well-planned itineraries come complete with exclusive upgrades, unknown gems, and local connections to personally guide you during your stay.
TRAVEL DESIGNERS
GAY GILLEN
Gay Gillen has led the way in luxury travel for her valued friends and clients, flourishing in the industry for over 50 years.
She has dedicated her life to discovering every corner of this incredible planet. Entertaining, cooking and exploring the world with dear friends are Gay's passions. From intimate groups to more extensive group excursions, her expertise lies in luxury lifetime experiences. Some of her most extraordinary personal travel experiences include; ballooning over the snow covered Alps, dancing into the early morning at the Tsar's Ball at Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg on New Year's Eve, exploring Botswana on safari with a group of 20 friends, sailing around Cape Horn on the Silver Whisper, watching the Tour de France, kayaking in Alaska off the coast of Baranoff Island and shopping for Chinese antiques within the walls of the Forbidden City.
Honored by many distinguishing accolades, Gay has been a top producer at Brownell for the past twenty years. Listed as an expert on travel to France and Italy by National Geographic Traveler and named a travel guru to France by CONDE NAST TRAVELER, Gay's knowledge of high-end travel is unrivaled.
GIBBS MILLER
Gibbs's passion for travel was inspired at an early age by her grandfather, a pioneer in the airline industry. Growing up, she traveled across the U.S. with her family, developing a love for exploring new places and meeting people. A semester abroad in London sparked a deeper passion for travel, as she discovered the joy of connecting with others while experiencing different cultures.
Some of Gibbs’s most memorable journeys include an expedition cruise through Southeast Alaska, where she had the unique opportunity to engage with local communities and experience Alaska’s rugged beauty firsthand; exploring the rich cultural history of Croatia with her family; and tracking lions, leopards, and wild dogs in their natural habitat on safaris across Southern Africa.
As a mother of twins, Gibbs shares her love of travel with her husband and children, creating lasting memories as they explore national parks, historical landmarks, and countries around the world.
Beyond her personal travels, Gibbs is dedicated to giving back to her community. As a member of The Junior League of Austin, she actively participates in their signature programs, Coats for Kids and Kids in Cool Shoes.
LOGAN AMES
Logan Ames has been a Travel Advisor with Gay Gillen Travel since 2017.
​
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Logan curates experiences around the world with
special attention to detail highlighting the individual interests of each of her clients. Creating unforgettable and truly unique memories for couples, friends and families alike is Logan’s focus and great joy.
Her own adventures discovering the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, the flora and fauna of South Africa, the mystique of Morocco, the artisans of Florence, as well as the lush landscapes of beautiful gardens both domestic and abroad inspire her to share the world with her clients.
JEN RUGGERO
Jen took her first European trip as part of a school group in high school and has had a passion for travel ever since! With a background in advertising and marketing and then staying home with her kids for the past ten years, she is excited to get to work doing what she loves most - planning amazing travel experiences! Some of her most memorable recent travel experiences include staying in a trullo and exploring the beautiful hill towns and beaches of Puglia as well as making corzetti pasta and cruising along the picturesque Ligurian coast with her family. Jen loves to always be learning about the history and culture of new places and is currently studying History and European Studies with the intent to continue on to graduate school. She is also very involved in volunteering with her three' kids schools and serves on the PTA board at their elementary school. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, enjoying great food, reading historical fiction and trip reports, listening to travel podcasts, and, of course, planning her next travel adventure with her family!
AFFILIATES
Gay Gillen Travel is an Independent Affiliate of Brownell, the oldest luxury travel organization in the United States and Virtuoso® member. Virtuoso® is a by invitation only network of elite agencies with supplier relationships and personal connections at the best hotels, resorts, tour and cruise operators in the world. These affiliations allow us to offer our clients extra amenities, upgrades when available and VIP status.
As an Affiliate of Brownell, we are proud of our preferred partner relationships with top travel companies including: Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, Dorchester Diamond Club, Rocco Forte Knights, Mandarin Oriental FAN Club, Belmond Bellini Club, Oetker Collection, The Peninsula Penn Club, Relais & Chateau, Hyatt Privé, Marriott STARS and LUMINOUS, and the Abercrombie & Kent 100 Club. It’s through these affiliations and relationships, that we’re able to delight our clients with amenities, special experiences and value they could not access on their own.