Submitted by Carol McOmish on 23/04/2023
I cannot speak highly enough of Helen. I first met Helen when my husband and I booked for one of her Iranian tours. She and a local guide worked seamlessly together, taking us to the capital, other major cities, and more remote parts of the country. A memorable adventure, interacting with locals a highlight.Helen has been our go to travel agent ever since that first meeting. She has taken us on a walking trip in Rome, visitng lesser known museum, galleries and churches, which is exactly what we wanted. We had meals at neighbourhood restaurants and aperitifs in neighbourhood bars that we would never have found by ourselves. She has planned an independent trip through Arrmenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbeckistan for us, tailoring it to our own interests, and planned similar trips for our friends. We are travelling to Rome shortly and looking forward to again wandering with her through neighbourhoods away from the tourist hotspots and crowds, absorbing life and culture as we go!
I was recommended to contact Helen when we decided to spend a week in Rome. We we have two small children and wanted to make it a great experience for all of us. Helen was absolutely brilliant showing us Rome in a way that was not only interesting for us but also for our children. Her knowledge of great local restaurants around Rome was a real treat, my boys in particular loved her gelato spots. Helen brings the beautiful city of Rome to life with a brilliant mix of history and her own experiences of discovering Rome. Helen is such a lovely person and it was so enjoyable to spend time with her. She was very flexible and able to change things up if needed with our little ones. I would love to discover more of Italy with Helen’s with her fabulous thoughts on sightseeing, local restaurants and activities!
Submitted by Suzi Hassan on 28/07/2023
I was a solo, mature aged woman, anticipating (albeit hesitatingly) my very first European trip, but "hesitant" only until I contacted Helen at Passport Travel and my initial fears dissipated.My first trip was just that - the first- and I have returned to Europe (mainly Italy) many times since. As well as taking a guided tour of Sicily with Helen at the "helm" she organised my forward journey to Malta with my safety, time frame etc in mind. On my first trip to Morocco as an independent traveller, she prepared a tailored itinerary. Her connections within the travel industry and her extensive knowledge and expertise in that corner of the world, all contributed to one of the best travel experiences of my life, thus far.However, no matter the extent of your travel, whether extensive or not, you the client, are her priority. Positive. Personable. Proactive. And her sense of humour is complimentary!
Submitted by Francesca, Australia on 16/05/2023
I've known Helen over 30 years, since she first caught the travel bug, and cleverly made it her career. Her passion to explore exotic places and connect with people and their culture has taken her through much of Southeast Asia, Nepal, India, Central Asia, Russia and extensively in the less trodden parts of the Middle East! Helen is meticulous in her travel arrangements, and well-attuned to individual needs. She has organised personal travel for me and my family to Nepal, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Iran, Libya and Syria, and I have joined her group tours to Yemen and Oman. She offers unique cultural experiences using local providers. Helen's talent for languages is a great asset as she speaks Arabic and has maintained longterm friendships within the Arab countries. In Rome in 2013, I thoroughly enjoyed a casual walking tour with Helen, through cobbled streets, casual shopping and a family cooking us an impromptu pasta lunch in Trattoria, I nearly missed my plane home.
Submitted by Anne Ford on 27/04/2023
I first met Helen when I was first interested in doing a trip into the Middle East and it was great to find an agent who had so much experience travelling in the region. Since that initial trip to Iran, Helen has advised and arranged many trips back to various countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Her knowledge of the counties is second to none. The itineraries are always detailed with very helpful local information. Most recently Helen arranged a detailed tour around Rome, WOW, she really knows her way around and all the best places to get a vino or gelato. I am very impressed with her local knowledge and always great sense of humour.
Submitted by Ivanka on 23/04/2023
Have known and travelled with Helen for 25 years to the most amazing places ie Yemen, Libya, Algeria, Oman etc. Never been disappointed. Friendly and warm interaction with clients and locals. Unique once in a lifetime experiences, great memories.Have also done numerous walking tours with her when in Rome. Going to places that are hidden gems, many memorable experiences. Am looking forward to future trips with her.
Submitted by Karima on 23/04/2023
I have known Helen for many years. She is passionate about travel, meeting people and taking magnificent photos. Her travel itineraries are truly a work of art with all the beautiful photos and comments about the various destinations that she recommends.I have recommended that both family and friends who visit Italy, especially Rome, make contact with her so that she can show them the unusual attractions as well as the well known. They have all reported that Helen was a delight to be with and enjoyed her warmth and hospitality. Helen's ability to speak fluent Italian was a bonus as well!
Submitted by Brian Riley on 22/04/2023
Helen was the best guide a traveller to Rome could have.She knows Italy really well,having lived there for a decade and has many contacts and friends there .As well as the well known areas she introduced me to other fascinating spots such as the EUR district with its amazing architecture,various bars and little restaurants throughout the city,many obscure galleries and churches that would take a lifetime to find.She can advise on anything from wine bars to train travel or where to buy lovely clothes and bags.She has a very engaging personality,very easy to get on with and is very knowledgeable about art and music .Great sense of humour too
Submitted by Rosemary Ingram on 21/04/2023
Over the years (too many I'd care to remember) I've traveled all over the middle east, India, China and Russia with Helen - either with her or by myself on bespoke itineraries she has prepared especially for me. Her knowledge of where you're going and attention to detail is extraordinary. She also has an uncanny knack of knowing what you're looking for and many times surprising one with what you'd never expect.I cant recommend Helen more highly. If you're looking for someone with imagination, an intense passion for the local culture and history who will guide you through some of the most breathtaking and magic places on the planet, this is the person for you.Oh. And did I mention she is a great person also? Helen's wicked sense of humour is not to be missed.
Submitted by Nicholas Pullen on 21/04/2023
