CENTURY TRAVEL

After spending 2 years living and exploring America, unable to settle down on her return to the UK, Helen took off on the high seas and worked on the cruise ships, before finally returning to Cyprus, her Island of birth, where she has lived for the last 20 years. As one of the Travel Consultants, she is able to advise on the many destinations she has visited.

MEET HELEN GRANVILLE CENTURY TRAVEL

WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST HOLIDAY MEMORIES?

The Isles of Scilly camping with a trailer tent, which the farmer had to take to the campground with his tractor because we were not permitted to take cars. Also, successfully fishing for mackerel with just a hook off the side of a boat and loving Cornish cream teas.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP FOR TRAVELLING BY AIR?

Take as little as is necessary for the journey on the plane, thus making the time at security and in the airport less stressful.

WHAT AND WHEN WAS THE BEST HOLIDAY YOU EVER HAD?

Too difficult to answer! At different stages of my life, I travelled extensively. In fact, some of my best holidays were in Cyprus, but two that do stand out: The first, I was aged 18, I think, in the late 80’s, and my best friend and I took the train system to Pisa in Italy, with our rucksacks on our backs. We experienced Paris en route and a metro system unlike any other, double decker trains which we had never seen before and being woken up by conductors to see our passports at 2am on a sleeper train. It was exciting eating such different foods and seeing high fashion. It really opened our eyes. The second, would be the river cruise I took my 11-yearold son on, on the Danube, with AMA Waterways. Just the two of us. On the river cruises, they really do all they can to accommodate you and we had many bike ride excursions. And because there are so few children on river cruises, the staff and the fellow passengers really made a fuss of him.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY THAT YOU ARE SAVING UP FOR?

I would love to go scuba diving in the Maldives.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION IN CYPRUS FOR A SHORT BREAK?

Kalavasos, between Limassol and Larnaca, where you can drive north and visit Lefkara, and then afterwards head to the sea at Zygi for fresh fish.

WHAT IS THE BEST TRAVEL ADVICE FOR OUR READERS?

Don’t ever be afraid of visiting somewhere you’ve not discovered before, as you will always find someone local, who will take great pride in helping you and experience new adventures.