By Jemi Ekunkunbor

Joy Agbakoba is the CEO of Travellers Haven. With close to three decades of experience in the travel industry, not only is she widely traveled, she has planned countless inspiring travels for clients, turning their dreams into indelible memories. The one fondly dubbed the “Queen of Cruise” turned 65 on Monday. And guess how she plans to celebrate? Join me as I journey with her in this chance encounter. Enjoy!

After helping others see the world for decades, what’s your own idea of a perfect vacation now?
A perfect holiday to me means peace and tranquillity combined with famous sights, great entertainment and amazing restaurants to wine and dine not forgetting that comfort and safety is also very essential.

You turned 65 a few days back, what travel plans do you have to celebrate the milestone?

For my 65th birthday, I will be celebrating on Celebrity Ascent on Mediterranean 7 Nights cruise with 68 friends and family members. This has been planned over a period of one year. We will set sail from Athens with stop at Santorini (Greece), Mykonos (Greece), Ephesus (Turkey), Valletta (Malta) and Barcelona (Spain). We have booked shore excursions in each city. For me the cruise is your best form of vacation. It provides, accomodation, entertainment, activities, food and it offers the opportunity to visit multiple cities/countries. The best part is you only unpack once.

For one that is widely traveled, what destination has surprised you the most over the years — and why?

Monte Carlo, Monaco! A country with only one state.
The views are simply breathtaking. It is the second smallest country in the world after Vatican with a population of 38,956. Monaco is almost crime free. You can explore the country within 1 hour from the palace to the casino and the top fashion brands line the shopping districts. It is a haven for fine dining, the choicest fine wines, fast luxury cars and top fashion brands. The top range of cars from Rolls Royce to Lambougini are a common place in Monte Carlo. The average family own a yacht or speed boat. Private yacht rental is popular in these parts. The main attraction here is gambling.

What destinations are most suitable for weddings and birthdays?
Lake Como, Italy! It has dramatic mountain scenery, crystal-clear waters and quaint medieval villages. The lake is truly a piece of paradise with myriad of venues to choose from and with delicious Italian food and wine.
Santorini in Greece is another nice place for weddings. It is breathtakingly beautiful with dramatic cliffs, bright blue waters, and white-washed buildings create an incredibly romantic setting.
It is home to some of the best restaurants in Greece. It’s the perfect place to say “I do.”
Barbados, Caribbean is another destination. There are few places in the world as romantic as Barbados; stunning beaches, beautiful tropical scenery, perfect weather and you can choose from luxurious resorts to intimate private villas.

How has the travel industry changed since you started?

The travel industry has changed a great deal. I joined the industry over 25 years ago. I am talking of the era when you go with cash to the airline to pay for tickets. You book and pay to the airline reservation staff/cashier and you get issued multiple coupons depending on how many cities you are visiting. There were no electronic tickets then.

What do you miss most about the early days?

The personal touch and customer care between the airlines/agents/clients. Then you could put a face to who ever is serving you. Now it is all automated service. In some cases you are served by robots.

If you could go back and relive one travel experience, which would it be?

It would be our family vacation to Disney Paris with my daughters. They are now grown and experiencing same with their children.

Is there a destination still on your bucket list?
Yes. Vietnam!

What lessons has a lifetime of travel taught you about people and life?

Travel simply humbles you as you learn about other people’s way of life and culture. Travel educates you. It is constant reminder that the world is huge and waiting to be discovered. When you travel extensively, you will find out that the world out there is much more than the one you know.

What’s one travel myth people still believe that you’d love to debunk?

That English is spoken everywhere! To presume everyone you encounter on your travels will speak English is not only false, but keeps you from getting the most out of your trip.
If you are traveling to a country that speaks another language like Germany, France, or Portugal, learning a few basic phrases like “hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” and “thank you” are key to making lasting connections with the places and people you visit.