Around The World | Glenda Massyn
Glenda Massyn is a well travelled local lady who is the owner of Flight Specials Hermanus. Just reading about her travels can turn anybody green with envy. The world is her oyster and anybody wanting to spread their wings and uncover this beautiful planet would be encouraged to pay her a visit.
Glenda was born in Hermanus, her parents were Peter and Sheila Musson and thier family owned the Bay View Hotel. She returned to Hermanus in 1999 after being offered a job to manage what was then called Travellers Joy. Glenda bought the company in 2002 and the rest as they say is history …..
Why did you decide on coming back to Hermanus?
I left Hermanus right after matriculating to pursue my travel career. I trained with KLM in Johannesburg and wrote my finals at the Schiphol training center in Amsterdam. The job opportunities in Johannesburg were much greater, and I ended up staying there for 22 years. I was at a cross roads in my life, so when I was offered the job in Hermanus, I decided to return to be closer to my family.
What made you decide to become a travel consultant?
The nature of the job is very diverse and challenging which suited me. Fortunately, when I joined the industry 36 years ago, “free” trips for travel consultants still existed and I wanted to travel.
The best part of my job is…
When my clients return from complicated trips and tell me they had a wonderful time with no hitches at all! That is huge and makes me feel good.
Hermanus is…
Unique, healing and compassionate.
I love Hermanus in the…
I love all the seasons, as each one brings with it something different to embrace.
My favourite thing about Hermanus is?
The close proximity of everything and the ease of getting around.
My best memories are…
My childhood years in Hermanus. We were protected from the cruelty of the big cities and had such freedom. Unlike my own children who were born and bred in Johannesburg and were forced to become street wise from a very early age. That really robs children of what should be the most care free times of their lives.
I wish I knew then what I do know about…
That every hurdle, heartbreak and disappointment will eventually mould us into strong, confident, wise, individuals.
What are your top 3 musts when it comes to travelling?
Quality linen and comfortable beds, mild climate, walk friendly and safe.
What is the most important advice that you could give to a person travelling abroad?
Be open minded, do proper research and travel lightly!
I have been to some amazing places in the world, the most memorable was…
The North Pole, I was in awe of the untouched, pristine beauty, surrounded by huge glaciers and the silence, all you hear is the crackling of the ice…
Is there any part of the world you would not visit and why?
The Amazon, the combination of intense humidity and creepy crawlies would not make for a good holiday!
What are currently the top 3 international destinations that you would recommend South Africans take and why?
- Mauritius, it’s close and remains a good value for money family holiday destination.
- Thailand, never disappoints and our rand goes far!
- Turkey, diverse and also good value for money. A huge bonus is that South African`s don’t need visas for any of the above.
What are the top 3 local destinations that you would recommend to anybody visiting S.A. and why?
- Not sure if Namibia is considered local, but definitely a must, you have desert, beach and safari all in one!
- The Natal midlands are beautiful!
- Cape Town and the West coast.
- The local cruises from NOV-APR are also very good value for money.
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer! – Anon
More info on the town of Hermanus |