Global Travel, located on Somers Wharf a year ago, is a full service travel agency owned by Independent Travel Consultants, Barbara Bean and Estelle Knights. They have 30 years experience between the two and offer impeccable travel advice.

They said: “We enjoy what we do and we strengthen each other’s professional talents and endeavours in the travel industry.”

When you first meet the pair you notice their positive attitudes and feel you are in capable hands. Their vast experience jumps out at you! Each agent has travelled extensively and they know the business inside and out.

Ms Bean spent 20 years working in the hotel industry prior to making the transition into travel. “I was employed at Holiday Inn, Loews as a secretary and sales manager and eventually moved to Grotto Bay as an executive secretary,” shared Ms Bean.

Ms Knights worked at Meyer with accounts and then she handled the travel tickets and accounts before finding her niche as a travel consultant.

Both agents support each other in their travel roles and they thrive on doing their best for clients. Ms Bean said: “This is a 24-hour business. People call us day and night about travel. We make every effort to ensure travel plans meet and/or exceed the clients’ expectations.

“When our valued clients return to Bermuda and share with us that their trips were wonderful and all worked out perfectly — that makes our day,” beamed Ms Knights.

Being people persons helps both agents when it comes to knowing their clients and their travel expectations. Ms Bean loves cricket and is looking forward to ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in Port of Spain, Trinidad March 13-27, 2007. Prices range from $2,999 per person, double occupancy.

The price includes: Hotel accommodation in the Ambassador Suites with breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers and transfers to Queen’s Park Stadium for matches.

The matches will be: Thursday, March 15 — Sri Lanka versus Bermuda.

Monday, March 19 — India versus Bermuda.

Sunday, March 25 — Bermuda versus Bangladesh.

When asked about favourite travel destinations Ms Bean shared her love of Asia, the culture, the people and food. “Asia is a totally different and fascinating world.”

“The vastness of Australia impacted me as did a brief farm stay visit to New Zealand to appreciate the farm animals, countryside and the many churches.

“In the Caribbean I adore Barbados and the natural beauty Jamaica. They are beautiful islands to visit.

“Jamaica’s mountains are cool and you need fire to keep warm yet Kingston is hot. It is a place of contrast.

“Then there is New York City for plays and street vendors selling those delicious hot pretzels, hot dogs and pizza. The city has an energy unlike any other. The shopping is also great! NY is great for a short visit like a long weekend.”

Ms Knights loves St. Lucia! She appreciates the atmosphere and the friendliness of the people and their culture — they speak Creole. Likewise she is drawn to Cancun and its warm Mexican people and interesting culture.

“I adore Florida’s nice warm climate and all of the variety in things to do, places to visit and terrific shopping. And New York is great for a variety of life in the city!”

Currently some of the best travel deals are various cruises offered. However, it is recommended that you book your plans with a travel agent to avoid scams in the industry. If the fare is too good to be true — beware. The last thing you would want is to get to your departure port and find no booking registered for a cruise!

“We love working in St. George’s! The people are very caring and considerate, there is ample free parking at the Corporation’s parking lot.

“It is a pleasure to come to work. People notice things and look out for each other in St. George’s.” We enjoy being here and giving special attention to our clients. We willingly deliver travel documents around to people who cannot come to us.”You may contact Global Travel at 441-297-5075

Email contacts are:

Estelle_knights<$>[AT]yahoo.com

bbeanlowe<$>[AT]yahoo.com