Name: Grazielle Camilleri
Age: 37
Occupation: Marketing and PR manager, fitness instructor
My best holiday ever…
He had great knowledge about history and religion and was also blessed with psychic abilities because he started to read bits of my past
Malaysia. It was a three-week holiday, during which I got to experience the jungles and forests, the islands, as well as the bustling cities.
What amazed me most about this country was the fact that there were people of various races and religions who lived together in perfect harmony.
Visitors can witness a mix of cultures because the origin of each has remained largely intact, while dishes from diverse culinary cultures will surely satisfy your tastebuds.
I loved it, especially the week in the jungle. There I got to see so many beautiful animals we don’t get to see on our tiny island.
We went trekking, fishing, swimming in the lakes and had close encounters with little friendly monkeys, elephants, beautiful birds and butterflies.
I also enjoyed Ibiza and Formentera this year. I had never imagined it was such a beautiful place and it caters so well for varied ages and lifestyles. Although it is well known for its summer club parties, it is also ideal for families.
We spent a lot of time relaxing on the beautiful beaches during the day, watching sunsets and then dining out or partying in the evenings.
I would never return to…
I cannot say I would never return to a particular destination because I have not had a particularly terrible experience to date.
I like to enjoy each country, learn about its culture, its people and what it offers.
I always visit with an open mind. I try to inform myself beforehand by searching on the internet or buying guide books so that if there is a location or an issue that should be avoided, I would know about this in advance.
My favourite city…
This is a difficult one to answer. I like so many cities. I love visiting London. Since I lived there for a few years 12 years ago, I have remained attached and visit every year. I enjoyed Venice and Madrid too. However, if I really have to pick just one, it would be Rome in winter.
Rome has a glorious monumentality which it wears without reverence. Each time I visit, the city fills me with images that remain in my soul for a long while.
The Romans personify the spirit of the city. I love watching people at tables outside coffee shops busy drinking espressos and sporting designer clothes and matching sunglasses.
I love visiting the museums or simply stopping for an ice cream. Rome’s incredible urban scenery, strolling through the streets, catching the sunlight on your face or having a long lunch make it a place that almost encourages you to take things easy and take a trip back in time.
My favourite spot is Castel Sant’Angelo’s roof terrace. The view is just breathtaking and I encourage all romantics to visit at least once at sunset.
My most memorable experience on an aircraft…
I was flying back alone from a four-day trip in France. I met an interesting and charming gentleman in his late 50s who had so many stories to tell and so much advice to offer on life that the flight was over in no time.
He had great knowledge about history and religion and was also blessed with psychic abilities because he started to read bits of my past and present within five minutes of talking to me.
He gave me some useful tips on how to be positive in life and how to pinpoint opportunities in every situation.
Unfortunately, I never met this gentleman again.
My most treasured holiday souvenir…
A seashell collected from Playa Es Cavallet in Ibiza a few weeks ago. It has a lovely shape and sentimental value. I intend to have it dipped in lacquer polish and converted into a pendant to wear as a summer accessory.
Rome’s incredible urban scenery, strolling through the streets, catching the sunlight on your face... make it a place that almost encourages you to take things easy and take a trip back in time
The friendliest people…
The Malaysians. They are very warm and always have huge smiles on their faces. They are welcoming and helpful. One memory is of a woman I befriended in Langkawi. I would stop and sit down to talk to her for half an hour each day after the beach and we would chat about our different cultures.
On the day before we left, we said our goodbyes and wished each other well. She surprised me by coming to the airport with a gift – a lovely Malaysian handbag with an ivory elephant as a clasp. I still have it and I smile each time I wear it.
I never travel without…
A credit card as well as cash, phone, camera, comfortable shoes and sportswear to be able to run or hit the local gym wherever I am in the world.
My all-time favourite holiday photo...
I don’t really have one. I have so many lovely memories snapped up in photos…
An unforgettable hotel...
A hotel I loved was the Mykonos Grand Hotel in Greece. I was a guest for a week about eight years ago.
What can I say? It was a luxurious five-star hotel, the perfect setting for rare moments of romance and memories to last a lifetime.
The views in the morning were breathtaking. I used to practise yoga, enjoy the pool area and the private beach every day.
I return most often to…
London for shopping and city life and to speed up my pace for a few days; and to Sicily for its scenery, shopping and cuisine and car racing .
My ideal travel companion...
Someone who is easygoing and enjoys similar things. I have always been lucky in that the people I have travelled with were either close friends or partners or work colleagues who are not difficult at all.
Country with the best cuisine...
Malaysia for oriental tastebuds, not to mention the fresh fruits in season, and Italy for the variety of meats, fish, breads and wines.
My next holiday plans…
Trips for the rest of this year include Sicily for a car-racing holiday, Rome for a weekend, possibly a weekend in Amsterdam for a hen’s party – still to be confirmed though!
My dream trip…
It has to be South Africa. It’s been on my mind for years. I just need to have the time to do it and someone special to share the experience with.
I’d like to explore the country’s natural wonders, the rhythm and soul of Africa, and once again have close encounters with wildlife.
I’d like to enjoy the sunsets and absorb the gorgeous views, meet the local tribes and dance with them.
There is an abundance of adventure experiences for everyone, from mountain walks to shark cage-diving… why not enjoy an adrenalin rush while on holiday?
My travel tip…
Inform yourself about the place before travelling; travel light; remember to take chargers for phones as not all hotels provide them; take suitable clothing; avoid wearing fancy jewellery and carrying large cameras in places where theft is common.
The last thing you want is to be burgled or beaten up while on holiday.