Gillian Winstanley, a sparkling travel agent with Meyer Travel, has a passion for travelling and has been in the travel business for 28 years.

It has been her dream since she was age 16 living in Wigan, England. With a chuckle, she was quick to advise that Wigan is a small town between Liverpool and Manchester which few have heard of.

"When I was a teenager I was drawn to a career of travel. I just knew travel was what I wanted to do with my life. I studied and passed the travel courses with flying colours and there I was at sweet 16 - mapping out an exciting life and aspiring to travel foreign lands," she reflected.

She worked at a small travel agency in England for many years and it occurred to her that she would enjoy working on a cruise ship. After landing a post with the Horizon and Zenith on the Celebrity Line she worked from New York to the Caribbean and loved her dream job. Then the ship started a tour to Bermuda and it was love at first sight when she discovered Bermuda.

"The first time that I visited Bermuda, 12 years ago, I was married and was on the Song of America with my husband. I felt it was a warm and beautiful place which I would one day return too. I hardly thought my marriage would fail and I would return to Bermuda alone," Ms Winstanley said.

After her divorce she was browsing a travel paper one day and there it was, an advertisement for an experienced agent to work in Bermuda. That was it - she applied, accepted the job last June, and now greatly enjoys her work in Bermuda.

The moment you meet Ms Winstanley you are keenly aware of her sensitivity and attention. She likes people, is friendly and is very knowledgeable.

"The most enjoyable aspect of my job is meeting different people almost daily. Every day is different and I am always doing different things. I love the Meyer staff too because they are very warm and talented people to work with," she said.

Ms Winstanley has travelled extensively in Europe, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Singapore, India, the US and the Caribbean.

If you are thinking of taking a cruise after Christmas this year and bringing in New Year's aboard ship it is best to book earlier rather than later.

"Cruising is a great way for busy families to relax and travel in style with enough pampering to make you feel special. It is a memorable way to escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year's Eve.

"The Mediterranean is very popular starting April through September on Norwegian Cruise Line for about $1,326 per person for an inside cable and $3,974 per person on the outside.

"June is a wonderful time to see Norway's fjords starting at $1,774 inside and the $4274 inside."

One of the grandest cruise lines, Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2, is a one-of-a-kind destination in her own right and your entree to fascination cultures around the world. It is a glamorous international retreat. You can even shop at the only seagoing branch of Harrods, direct from Knightsbridge in London.

Of all the unique voyages one can enjoy on Queen Elizabeth 2, the world cruise is the most diverse. You may choose one of six enticing full-cruise departures ranging in length from 92 to 108 days.

"Being on the Queen Elizabeth 2 you can pamper yourself day into night and even take time to indulge your senses at the full service spa. They have a beautiful Thalassotherapy pool filled with bubbling seawater gently heated to a soothing body temperature. You will have time to unwind, time to tone and time to restore," Ms Winstanley said.

Perhaps you just want to leave Bermuda for a long weekend? Ms Winstanley says that quick trips to New York for shopping, gambling in Atlantic City, or snow skiing near Boston are very enjoyable mini breaks which don't thrash your pocketbook.

Whatever your travel needs you know that you are in capable hands with Ms Winstanley as your dedicated agent. She provides impeccable service with some of the best deals around to see the world or just a weekend jaunt.