Bolt Vacations

28/11/2023

Up to this point, my business has been my baby. I’m proud to have grown Bolt Vacations to what it is. They just grow up so fast don’t they? 🥲

Over the last few months, I’ve been less active on here than I’d like. Still working. Still planning. Still researching. But it’s taken a back seat.

A temporary slow down has been necessary. My husband and I are expecting our first child and while we’re so excited for our future travel buddy to join us, it means a short hiatus for me.

Being available for my clients before, during, and after travel is very important to me and I feel that I cannot give 100% during my time away. Because of this, I will not be accepting any more trip planning requests for February and March of 2024.

Thank you for all of your support and for always trusting me with your travel needs. I look forward being able to help you after my return!

03/10/2023

Hells Revenge off-road jeep tour with was definitely one you can’t miss while in Moab!

09/08/2023

Ugh this breaks my heart. The areas of Lahaina and Kaanapali on the island of Maui are on fire. So many homes and businesses have been destroyed and several lives lost. Please say a prayer and/or send good vibes to the people of Hawaii. There are plenty of go fund me options if you feel led to donate. They’ll need every bit they can get.

30/06/2023

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve shared here. I forgot how crazy the summer months could be.

I’ve been so fortunate to be able to help plan so many incredible trips this summer. I am incredibly grateful that you trust me with your adventures.

THANK YOU to all of my amazing travelers and clients. Your support means everything. I hope one day soon to open a small group trip and travel WITH you.

If that’s something that would interest you, let me know so I can save you a spot. Anyways, here’s Loch Ness 👇 no sign of you know who.

01/06/2023

“Crying: acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.” - Ron Swanson

Are my parents not the cutest? They just returned from the first grand adventure out west this year. I say first because they have more fun planned!

They spent a lovely few days exploring Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Page, and the Grand Canyon. They packed as much adventure and exploring as possible into 6 days!

Thanks for letting me help plan your adventure 🤩

25/05/2023

My favorite quote from the most recent book I read, People We Meet On Vacation, by Emily Henry.

10/05/2023

Hugeeee savings! If you’ve ever wanted to sail the Mediterranean onboard an adults-only cruise, here is an offer that will be tough to pass up! To offset the cost of airfare, Virgin Voyages is offering up to $1200 in voyage credit PLUS up to $600 on a prepaid bar tab!

Contact me for more details if you’re interested! This offer ends May 24th and is good for voyages through April 30, 2024!

05/05/2023

Here is your sign to visit Croatia 🇭🇷

From the picturesque beaches of Split to the historic architecture of Dubrovnik, this Mediterranean destination has it all.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a beach bum, or just seeking an adventure, Croatia just might be the perfect spot for your next vacation!

Let’s start planning your Croatian adventure! 🍷✨🌊

03/05/2023

It’s Global Travel Advisor Day!!

As your self-appointed, friendly, neighborhood travel advisor, I’m sharing some lesser known facts about the beautiful Caribbean Island country of ARUBA ✨

Have you been?! If not, here are a few reasons why it should be on your list:

• Aruba’s beaches don’t get the sargassum so frequently seen in other Caribbean destinations

• Eagle Beach was named one of the top 25 best beaches in the world 🏝️

• Flamingos are not native to Aruba but do live on Renaissance Island and you can visit them 🦩

• There are people of over 100 different nationalities living in Aruba. So, there is every type of cuisine you could want here! You can truly “eat around the world” in Aruba!

• The island itself is only 19.5 miles long and 6 miles wide (smaller than Manhattan and way less congested). Meaning you can rent a car and explore the more than 20 beaches, Arikok National Park, the donkey sanctuary, and so much more!

Let’s plan your Aruba getaway!

01/05/2023

Kicking off this week with the land of ice and fire.

ICELAND.

There is no bad time to visit this breathtaking country. Whether you’re trying to catch a glimpse of the famed Northern Lights in the winter months or drive the Ring Road in the summer months, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure.

I’ll handle all the planning to customize your trip just for you. All you have to do is pack and have fun!

Have you been to Iceland? If not, LET’S GO! ✈️

01/05/2023

There’s nothing more rewarding than helping travelers explore the world and create new memories. This Wednesday is Global Travel Advisor Day!

I will be highlighting a new destination every day this week to celebrate the hard working suppliers I work with who help make vacation dreams a reality.

Cheers to adventures and the incredible connections we make along the way!

25/04/2023

Carnival’s gorgeous new ship, Jubilee, is setting sail in December!

The All-New Carnival Jubilee™ is sailing your way – literally! Check out the endless options on board and ashore, and create your uniquely awesome vacation e...

22/04/2023

This planet is a beautiful place. It’s a place we call home. A place we’ll never see all of.

I want future generations to grow up in an even more beautiful and sustainable world.

Not just for but for every day, I encourage you to make one change - however big or small - to make the world a better place and to make a difference in the world we pass on to our children.

21/04/2023

CHEAP vacations aren’t always cheap. In fact, “cheap” can be expensive.

When you book your vacation through an online travel agency, on paper, you might be getting the cheapest deal but that’s not always the case.

Flash forward to your travel day. You get to the airport and the airline has cancelled your flight. But you don’t know because the airline contacted the online travel agency and not you. Now you have to book new flights.

Or you get to your resort/hotel and your “ocean view” room is actually a view of another building and you’re not in the room category that was advertised.

These are just some examples of things that have happened. If you have used an online travel agency, please make sure to read the fine print, terms and conditions, etc.

When you book your travel with me, I will always do everything I can to get you the best “deal” possible. But more than that, I want to make sure you have the best vacation possible. And anytime something unexpected happens during travel, instead of calling into a call center and waiting on hold, you call me directly and I’m on it immediately.

02/04/2023

the number 1 place on my bucket list is continually changing. know why?! because I keep crossing it off ✈️

where is your number 1 bucket list destination? and when was the last time you crossed one off the list?

08/03/2023

I’ve always had a heart for adventure. I guess I have my parents to thank for that.

Travel is learning. I truly don’t believe you can learn more in a classroom than you can exploring the world.

I haven’t been everywhere yet but it’s on my list!

05/03/2023

WHEW it’s been a busy few weeks in the travel world 🤩

I am so excited for all of my travelers with trips this year! Things feel like they’re finally getting back to normal.

Travel trends for 2023 include booking trips further in advance and longer stays! Also… tourist arrivals in 2023 could reach 80-90% of pre-pandemic levels!

This is all fantastic news and if you’ve already booked your trip for this year (or even 2024), I’m giving you a gold star! 👏 If you haven’t, don’t worry, just call me!

P.S. using a travel advisor doesn’t cost you a penny more than if you researched and booked it all yourself… so why not have someone else do it? 😊

15/02/2023

PSA to all travelers 🗣️
If you know you want to travel this spring or summer, start planning like, yesterday. Availability is already low for summer travel. This is based on my research for current client requests. I’m not trying to scare anyone. The earlier you book, the better 😊

13/02/2023

Who’s ready to cruise?!

10/02/2023

The land of fire and ice ✨

Iceland has become a very popular travel destination recently and for good reason! From the natural, geothermal lagoons to the incredible waterfalls and possibility to see the Northern Lights, this country should be on everyone’s list!

Off the beaten path is Studlagil Basalt Canyon located in east Iceland on the Ring Road loop.

The glacial river flows between towering columns of basalt rock formations. It is simply otherworldly.

The hike out is just over 3 miles, so plan for a couple hours here to really enjoy and take in the landscape.

06/02/2023

great travel tips 🙌

05/02/2023

These are some great travel tips 👏 what’s the best one you’ve heard?

A KLM crew member shares tips and hacks for travelers staying in a hotel room on TikTok.

13/01/2023

2023 travelers! If you are considering an international trip this year, I strongly advise you to start planning and booking now.

Global tourism is expected to rise nearly 30% this year. Things will need to be booked in advance.

Please reach out to me for assistance! ✈️

24/12/2022

CHEERS to you and yours! Thankful for 2022, the return to travel, and especially all of the travelers who trusted me with their adventures.

Looking forward to 2023 and to helping more of you get away on vacation ✈️

Happy holidays & Merry Christmas, friends!

18/12/2022

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

📷: [instagram.com/alaa_oth]

12/12/2022

SPRING BREAKERS ‼️

If you’re planning a spring break trip out of the country, it’s time to check your passports! If you need to renew, do so in the next few weeks to ensure you get it back in time.

Also, always make sure to check the requirements of the country you’re visiting. Some countries require your passports to be valid 6 months AFTER travel.

If you haven’t planned your spring break getaway, hit me up!

07/12/2022

What is the number one destination on your bucket list?!

It’s a tough question I know! I’ll go first…

Iceland 🤩

24/11/2022

There is no me without you. I am so thankful for you and your support over the last few years. Wherever you are and whoever surrounds you, I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

16/11/2022

As the holidays approach, we often think about what to gift someone we love. Maybe the latest Apple Watch or a new laptop; perhaps those Lulu pants they’ve been eyeing?

I know shopping for Christmas can be challenging. So maybe this year, instead of material things, why not gift your loved one an experience; a vacation to spend some quality time together and make memories that will last forever?

“And in the end it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years.” - Edward J. Stieglitz