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Helen Ecclestone

[email protected]
+44 (0)1273 947 315

Background

After several years working in Personal Assistant positions I decided it was time to escape the rat race and go travelling for 9 months. My travels opened my eyes to a whole other world that was going on whilst I had been working, it was then I was hooked. Going back to work never felt the same and after a few years of never feeling settled, I decided to ditch my old career and start a new one in travel! I am born and bred Brighton girl so working in Brighton for Travel Nation doing what I love doesn't feel like work!

Originally from

Brighton.

Where did you spend your student days?

Brighton and Guildford. I studied Sociology at University of Surrey in Guildford.

Travel Industry experience

I joined Travel Nation in 2012.

Business Class Experience

I have organised business class travel in my previous career as an Executive Assistant and since I joined Travel Nation. For business trips I understand the need to put together itineraries which enable you to arrive on time and ready for your meetings, no matter how complex the itinerary. I am very sympathetic to keeping flying to a minimum and maximising your time in each destination. I also pride myself on my customer service levels and can appreciate how important accuracy, efficiency and a good attention to detail is when dealing with business travel.

I have also organised complex round the world itineraries for customers wanting the comfort of travelling in business class for their holiday. I am able to advise you on airlines with flat beds, chauffeur services, airport lounges and in flight bar areas! All making your travelling experience far more enjoyable. I realise your trip will not just about the flying and can work closely with you to advise on a variety of ground arrangements including hotels and tailor make your trip to meet your exact needs.

Helen has visited:

  • Antigua & Barbuda Flag

    Antigua & Barbuda

  • Australia Flag

    Australia

  • Canada Flag

    Canada

  • Fiji Flag

    Fiji

  • Mexico Flag

    Mexico

  • New Zealand Flag

    New Zealand

  • Russia Flag

    Russia

  • Thailand Flag

    Thailand

  • United States Flag

    United States

  • Vietnam Flag

    Vietnam

usa_sanfrancisco_golden_gate

Last trip:

USA
costa_rica_limon_waterfall

Next trip:

Costa Rica

About Helen

When I’m not at work or travelling I’m…

Spending time with family and friends (baking for them normally) I can be found out and about with my camera and am trying to learn the piano!

My favourite film is…

Cocktail – you have to love 80’s films!

On my RTW trip I spent longer than expected in:

Darwin and LA.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

Kakadu National Park – I wasn’t sure what to expect apart from scenes like those from Crocodile Dundee – I did a 3 day tour from Darwin and it far surpassed just those images from the film. The scenery is breathtaking, the culture and history is fascinating and sleeping under the stars in the bush was an experience I will never forget.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

Travel washing line, aloe vera gel, camera, iPod and a good book.

What was your first great travel experience?

Inter-railing around Europe, which started in Russia! It was whistle-stop but it was my first real backpacking adventure.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Australia, Fiji and New Zealand.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

Russia.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

Chile and Japan in the Winter.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain.

Apart from my winter season in Val d’isere as a Chalet Host, I volunteered in New Zealand and Australia. I took part in WWOOFING (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) which was such a great experience. Not only did I get to live with Australian and New Zealand families, I also got to learn about organic and sustainable farming and explore the area I was staying in and the best bit it was all FREE (well bed and board in exchange for 5 hours work per day)

What’s the funniest/strangest thing that’s happened to you abroad?

I didn’t book my overnight train from Moscow to St Petersburg before I arrived in Russia. No one speaks English and when I turned up to book the train no one could understand me – I started to panic, but fortunately two ladies overheard what was going on and offered to help – one of them spoke English and took control, she booked the train and wrote a note for me to show people if I was lost or stuck again. To this day I have no idea what that note said, except when I showed it to someone on the train, they laughed....

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

New York City – it never sleeps.

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

Family and friends if I am away a long time – if it’s a few weeks holiday then usually jacket potato and cheese!

Taking a stroll along the white sands of the Whitsunday Islands in Australia

Taking a stroll along the white sands of the Whitsunday Islands in Australia

Hanging out in Wanaka, New Zealand

Hanging out in Wanaka, New Zealand

Being investigated by a giraffe at a safari park north of the Napa Valley

Being investigated by a giraffe at a safari park north of the Napa Valley

Sunset horseback ride along the beach in Fiji

Sunset horseback ride along the beach in Fiji

Having a rest at the Grand Canyon

Having a rest at the Grand Canyon

Boarding the overnight train in Moscow, headed for St. Petersburg

Boarding the overnight train in Moscow, headed for St. Petersburg