Bernadette Boyce Travel & Cruise Consultant

I have been in the travel industry since March 1975 and joined Phil Hoffmann Travel in August 2014. Having been in the industry for over 40 years, I can remember selling travel before the advent of computers so have obviously witnessed many changes in this time! I still love working in travel because of the wonderful people I meet and the thrill I get from helping them plan their dream holidays. Not to mention, this is an industry where no two bookings are exactly the same so it keeps me on my toes! Despite the fact I’ve been in the job for so long, I enjoy the fact that there is always something new to learn.

travel tips

• If travelling to a cold climate and you want to have a thick, cosy jacket that will take up lots of space in your luggage, buy a vacuum bag and put your jacket or even all your clothes in it to compact it down. If you’re in a hotel before flying out, just ask if the cleaning staff can help you shrink it down with their vacuum cleaner. This will reduce the space your clothes take up in your suitcases, allowing more room for souvenirs!

hot picks

• Canada - I just love the Canadian Rockies. I was lucky enough to tick off one thing on my “bucket List” and I enjoyed a wonderful White Christmas at Lake Louise where I enjoyed a sleigh ride on Christmas Eve and had falling snow while Christmas shopping in Banff.  It is a photographer’s dream destination due to the unspoilt landscapes and the Canadian people are just wonderful.  I stayed in the Fairmont properties which are iconic and worth every cent.  Problem now is, I don’t want our hot Christmas day anymore, I want to have a white Christmas every year!