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Go Travel is here to offer you competitive pricing with NO BOOKING fees and unbeatable customer service! We will work around your schedule to create the trip you have in mind. Let us help you save time, money and your sanity! For over 40 years, we have been your one-stop-shop for all your travel needs. We will get to know you and your preferences, ask you the questions that matter and pair you with a destination that'll knock your socks off! Book your flights, package, cruise, hotel or car rental with us, today. We have access to more travel experiences and perks than what you will find listed on any online booking engine. Let us take care of all your details so you can simply sit back and enjoy your vacation. Call Leah at Go Travel today for your next travel arrangement. more... See more text

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Ratings & Reviews - Go Travel Edson with Leah Holt

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Attention to Detail

Friendly helpful service provided for my trip to SE Asia. Many of my classmates had several hours of lay overs between flights where as I had no lay overs. Leah makes sure your every need is met. High attention to detail makes for an enjoyable trip. I definitely recommend booking with Go Travel Edson.

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Our Europe Group Holiday

Thank you Leah, for helping me arrange our trip to Europe this summer. It was no easy task to arrange the numerous flights, hotels and car rentals for our group of 10 and we appreciate all of your hard work! We loved our time in London, Scotland, Ireland and Holland. Super organized and a joy to work with!

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Coping With Covid-19

This week Travel Courier checks in with Leah Holt, Travel Advisor at Go Travel Edson, to find out how she’s managing during the ongoing global pandemic.

Tell us a little bit about what it’s been like being a travel agent over the past few weeks?

I have been a travel agent for five years and I have never experienced such stress as I did the week of March 10. That is when it peaked for me. After four long days of answering emails, filling out forms, keeping up with ever changing cancellation policies and holding on the phone for hours, I had to make myself step away from my computer and take a break. It was wreaking havoc on my shoulders and neck. In the past, many of my friends have told me “You have the best job!”,  and I would agree with them, but this whole Covid-19 outbreak brought out the worst aspects of my career.

What kind of impact has this had on your income? 

The next few months will be very difficult. Since becoming an agent, my success has continued to grow as well as my income, until this month. My earnings have come to a grinding halt.

Have you had a client or supplier do something nice for you during this time?

I had one very appreciative client drop off a gift card for me which was very kind. I had cancelled their flights for them the day before they were to leave. I’m not sure if all my clients understand the impact on travel agencies and what we are facing. 

Do you have any strategies to get through the next few months?

For now we are taking one day at a time, enjoying our family time. I will continue to promote travel, share stories, learn more about destinations and tour operators. I know human beings will never lose their inner curiosity of seeing and experiencing other cultures and places of the world. We will travel again, but until then I want to keep showing my clients what they can look forward to when COVID-19 leaves us!  

leah holt go travel

I know human beings will never lose their inner curiosity of seeing and experiencing other cultures and places of the world. We will travel again, but until then I want to keep showing my clients what they can look forward to when COVID-19 leaves us!  

If there’s one positive thing that’s come out of this, it’s been that people have seen the value of using a travel agent firsthand. Do you agree? 

Absolutely! I have had people call me, who never booked with me, asking for help. I usually can’t do much for them because of privacy laws but I give them my best advice. They are frustrated with hold times and getting no answers. Before hanging up, almost everyone has said, “I will be booking with you next time!”  

Do you have any advice for other agents during this time? 

Shift your focus. Take the time to learn. Stay healthy, get active and stay positive. This pandemic will end so be ready! People are going to want to get out of here as soon as they can.

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When war breaks out: How this travel advisor stopped a trip to Israel at the last minute

  •   10-10-2023  11:14 am
  •   Michael Pihach

When war breaks out: How this travel advisor stopped a trip to Israel at the last minute

Michael Pihach

Michael Pihach is an award-winning journalist with a keen interest in digital storytelling. In addition to PAX, Michael has also written for CBC Life, Ryerson University Magazine, IN Magazine, and DailyXtra.ca. Michael joins PAX after years of working at popular Canadian television shows, such as Steven and Chris, The Goods and The Marilyn Denis Show.

Leah Holt  got the call shortly after midnight.

The Edson, AB-based travel advisor had just hunkered down in a hotel near Edmonton Airport on Friday night (Oct. 6), when two of her clients – ladies in a group of 32 that Holt was escorting to Israel and Jordan on a 14-day adventure with Globus – alerted her that a war had broken out in the Middle East.  

A handful of Holt’s clients had departed Canada early, landing seven hours ahead in Frankfurt on Saturday for a Lufthansa flight to Tel Aviv – a connection that never took off as word got out that Israel had declared war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas after the terrorist group fired rockets and infiltrated towns along the Gaza Strip.

Back in Edmonton , the world was still asleep – except for Holt, whose phone began buzzing at 1:30 a.m. as her clients, now stranded in Europe, updated her on the situation.

READ MORE: Tour ops, cruise lines respond to Israel-Hamas war, suspend itineraries

“That was the end of sleep that night,” Holt, owner of Go Travel With Leah , told PAX on Monday (Oct. 9), recounting her whirlwind weekend during which she had to manage (and ultimately cancel) a complex trip to the Holy Land due to a sudden war.

“I messaged the whole group on WhatsApp. It was quite shocking. I wasn’t sure what we were going to do,” said Holt, who, with little sleep under her belt, began exploring contingency plans late into the night.  

She first notified Globus, which resulted in reaching a third-party answering service due to the fact that it was after hours, and the weekend.

Holt’s group was spread out across Canada – in British Columbia, Alberta  and Ontario – and the plan was for everyone to meet in Tel Aviv, a bustling city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, where they would start their tour and then fly over to Jordan.

Some of Holt’s clients were with her in Edmonton, where the group was set to first depart for Toronto at 7:30 a.m. MT on Saturday with Air Canada , and then fly on to Tel Aviv from there.

But wouldn’t that Air Canada flight to Tel Aviv be cancelled by now? The invasion of Israel was escalating, and already, European (and U.S.) carriers were grounding flights to the destination.

Should we stay, should we go?

The truth is, Holt had no idea.

Air Canada, in the early hours of Saturday morning, had yet to make an official call about cancelling flights to Israel, putting Holt in a precarious position of should we stay, or should we go?

“We all had insurance, but war is not covered with cancellation insurance,” Holt explained. “We were depending on suppliers to make the call and cancel on us, otherwise we’d be out of a lot of money.”

Holt decided to gather everyone who was with her at Edmonton airport, early Saturday, two hours before that first flight to Toronto, to try and get some answers from the Air Canada check-in desk.

READ MORE:  Air Canada temporarily cancels Tel Aviv flights after attack on Israel; Ottawa updates travel advisory

“Nothing was being said,” Holt said. “They were talking about [cancelling flights to Tel Aviv], but no decision had been made. None of us wanted to get on a flight and be stuck in Toronto.”

The group waited “right up until the last chance to board,” when suddenly an Air Canada rep spoke up, notifying Holt that a “hard alert” had appeared in the system.

This is when Air Canada customers are given an option to cancel a flight, if they want to, for a credit, with no penalty.

Holt was told that this option was in the system, even though it hadn’t come through the line just yet, but if she called the call centre, she’d be able to activate it for her clients.

That was all Holt needed to make the call and cancel the trip completely – even if that Air Canada flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv on Saturday, despite global warnings, departed anyways.

Picking up the pieces

But it wasn’t as simple as it sounds.

One of Holt’s clients was an 80-year-old woman who doesn't use a cell phone, who had already boarded a flight from Calgary to Toronto “before I could get ahold of anyone to flag her,” Holt said.

Fortunately, this particular client clued in that something was wrong as she sat on her next flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv, watching passengers, voluntarily, exit the aircraft (presumably after hearing about the attack). 

“She borrowed a cell phone from a guy sitting next to her on the plane to call me,” Holt said. “That’s when I could tell her that a war had broken out, and that the tour was cancelled." 

Secondly, securing refunds wasn’t a straightforward process. Initially, only a flight credit was offered by Air Canada, Holt said.

It wouldn’t be until the next day that Air Canada’s goodwill policy on cancelled flights to Israel would kick in, enabling refunds (which Holt managed to get for everyone in her group).

What’s more is that it took the Government of Canada almost two days to update its travel page for Israel and issue a non-essential travel advisory.

Throughout Saturday, when the war was first declared, and into Sunday, Ottawa was still advising travellers to practice a high-degree of caution in Israel, Holt pointed out.

(The page was ultimately updated on Monday, Oct. 9).

Calling the shots

For Holt, it was an intense weekend of resourcefulness and thinking on the spot.

“I had to call the shots before I even heard from Globus on whether our tour would be cancelled or not,” Holt said.

Globus, in the end, was “amazing,” Holt shared, noting that the tour operator offered options of obtaining a full refund, booking another tour or rescheduling the Israel tour for a later date, at the same price.

Holt thinks everyone in her group will request a refund on their tour “except for two.”

“Who knows how long the war will go on for?” she said.

Silver lining

The Israel-Hamas conflict is a terrible event, and of course, disappointment is expected when an exciting trip to the Middle East is cancelled at the last minute.

But Holt takes comfort in one silver lining. She said it was a “blessing in disguise” that she was able to cancel the trip, just as the war began, as opposed to arriving in Israel, and then dealing with the situation abroad.

“I can’t imagine being at a hotel, spending time in a bomb shelter, and then trying to find 32 tickets home for my group,” she said.

One of Holt’s clients did, in fact, land in Tel Aviv one day ahead of the group – unfortunately, hours before the first attack unfolded.

“The fitness room [in his hotel] was a bomb shelter. He had to go there whenever sirens went off,” Holt said, noting that her client is now on his way back to Canada, flying to Amman , Jordan first, and then going from there.

Holt managed to get refunds for clients, with exception to some transfers that were purchased.

There was also a $400 non-refundable fare with Royal Jordanian Airlines that she likely won’t be able to recoup. 

“In the long run, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome,” Holt said.

But she’d be lying if she said it didn’t feel like COVID-19 all over again.

“It felt like March 2020 in that I spent the whole day Saturday cancelling everything, being on the phone, trying to also get people home,” she said.

Fortunately – and perhaps after witnessing the complications that ensued during the early days of the pandemic – Holt’s clients were understanding.

“They’ve given me a lot of praise,” she said. “They feel bad. Most of them know that it has cost me time, for no pay.”

One client was kind enough to e-transfer money to Holt to cover her for the extra time it took to cancel everything.

“They appreciate all the work I’ve put into this. They are mindful it,” Holt said.  

“I think since COVID, many of us have learned to be flexible. You really have no idea what the world is going to throw at you.”

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With decades of experience and thousands of travel advisors throughout the U.S. and Canada, Ensemble is a travel consortium that can always help connect you with the trip of your dreams. Here’s how our members make your trip better:

They take care of everything for you

Figuring out all the particulars of a trip can be complicated. Let an Ensemble member travel advisor expert manage the details of your trip, while you focus on anticipation and excitement – the way it should be.

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When it comes to travel, not everything is on Google. Your experienced Ensemble advisor knows your destination in depth because they’ve been there, and can help you get the best of it.

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Why go on the same trip as everyone else? Your Ensemble advisor has access to a whole world of travel options and possibilities – more ways to create an extraordinary and unique experience for you.

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Unexpected things can happen when you travel, but that’s no reason for stress or worry. Rest assured that your Ensemble travel advisor will work tirelessly on your behalf to make your experience right.

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A solo traveler who has been to more than 80 countries says to stay close to home for your first trip alone

  • Pamela Holt advises first-time solo travelers to start with short, local trips.
  • Holt suggests participating in community-based events or hobbies for a more immersive experience.
  • Solo traveling is about getting comfortable with yourself and building confidence, she says.

Insider Today

If you're planning your first solo trip, make it quick and close by.

Pamela Holt, a seasoned solo traveler who visited 80 countries by her 50th birthday, shared this advice with Business Insider. Now 54, Holt has ventured to even more places and hosts a show on Amazon Prime and GoTraveler called "Me, Myself & the World."

The show follows Holt in various destinations as she shares exciting accommodations, activities, and key tips for solo travel .

Traveling solo can feel overwhelming

Holt acknowledges that traveling alone can be daunting and overwhelming for first-time travelers — especially for those not used to being in new places by themselves.

"When I'm talking to first-time solo travelers , women in particular, they look at me like I'm crazy and they could never do this," Holt said.

But it's all about starting small .

Start with a local trip

"If you're a total first-time solo traveler living in the US, just go away for a night or a weekend and get used to yourself — traveling with yourself, depending on yourself, and your own company," Holt told Business Insider.

Holt said Santa Barbara is a great option for Los Angeles residents .

"Or, if you're in Chicago, go to Wisconsin. It's an hour-and-½ away, and there are quaint little towns that are so different from Chicago," she said. "It'll give you the effect as if you traveled 10 states away."

If an overnight stay feels too intimidating, Holt recommends taking a day trip .

"Travel an hour, start early in the morning, and spend the day there until you would go to bed. Then go home," she said. "Just experience what that is to be a visitor in another location you haven't been to before."

Wherever you go, immerse yourself

Holt recommends attending activities and events with a built-in community in the destination.

"Try to immerse yourself culturally. Go to a street festival, a concert, or a sporting event," she said.

For those looking to meet people, Holt also suggested signing up for community-based events related to hobbies.

"Whether you're into knitting or Jet-Skiing, you can instantly find a community that might make you feel a little bit more welcome at that destination," she added .

For those not looking for a social trip, solo travel is an opportunity to catch up on alone time.

"It's all about creating the vision you want and seeking it out," Holt said of solo trips.

And the more you take, the more capable you'll feel.

"If I could break it down, it's really about getting used to being with yourself, trusting yourself, entertaining yourself, and getting comfortable and confident," Holt said.

Watch: This couple ditched their 9 to 5 jobs to make a living traveling the world

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  1. Home

    Welcome! My name is Leah Holt and I plan incredible travel experiences for groups, families and couples who love food and adventure. I know that planning your vacation can be overwhelming, time consuming and stressful. Finding the right cruise, choosing the most suitable accommodation, or making sure every detail of your vacation syncs can ...

  2. About

    Go Travel with Leah Hello there! My name is Leah Holt and I love holidays with a focus on food and adventure. I never like to sit still for too long, afraid I might miss out on exploring a destination. I am the mother of 3 great teenagers and married for 23 short years!

  3. Go Travel with Leah Holt

    Alberta, Canada I know that planning your vacation can be overwhelming, time consuming and stressful. Finding the right cruise, choosing the most suitable accommodation, or making sure every detail...

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    Jen K. " Leah booked my flights to England this fall. And even like the day before I left she was answering my frantic messages. Thank you! And I suggest her to everyone! Brianne H. "We've booked a few trip with Leah and she always goes above and beyond. She's quick to answer any questions.

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    My name is Leah & I plan incredible travel experiences for groups, families and couples who love food and adventure. Need help with your next adventure? Send me an email.

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    A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who chose to book your travel with me in 2022! I don't like to toot my own horn, but once a year, I think it's okay I was the…

  8. Go Travel Edson with Leah Holt

    Go Travel Edson with Leah Holt - Opening Hours - 6202 10 Ave, Edson, AB Go Travel Edson with Leah Holt 6202 10 Ave, Edson, AB T7E 1Y7 Get directions » Phone Number Message Directions Website Opening at 8:00 am , See all hours Read review (s) » View all Add a photo View all Add a photo Like this business? Add a photo Details & Description

  9. The great polar bear adventure

    Witnessing polar bears in the wild is one of the awesome bucket list experiences Canada has to offer. Travel advisor Leah Holt of Go Travel with Leah gives a firsthand account of booking a group trip to Churchill, Man. and the memorable adventure that unfolded.

  10. Leah Holt

    Go Travel with Leah, Edson, Alta. Leah goes above and beyond for her clients and has done a wonderful job keeping them engaged during the pandemic through social media (around the world cooking experiences!) her travel talks and now with her wonderful new blog (maybe it's not new, but it's new to me!).

  11. Go Travel agent Leah Holt has put...

    Oct 22-25, 2020 Thursday Night: Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, just steps from the airport. Friday: Depart early morning for Churchill on our own chartered flight Choose between Dog Sledding or Northern Lights Tour with time to explore the town of Churchill. (no meals included) Friday Night: Tundra Inn, breakfast included

  12. Go Travel with Leah Holt's Post

    Go Travel with Leah Holt Travel Planner - Travel Agent - Travel Advisor 2d Report this post This was how I spent my Thanksgiving weekend and for this I'm thankful we got stopped before we got ...

  13. What's it like being a travel advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Coping With Covid-19 This week Travel Courier checks in with Leah Holt, Travel Advisor at Go Travel Edson, to find out how she's managing during the ongoing global pandemic. Tell us a little bit about what it's been like being a travel agent over the past few weeks? I have been a travel agent for five years and I have never experienced such

  14. The Great Polar Bear Adventure

    Witnessing polar bears in the wild is one of the awesome bucket list experiences Canada has to offer. Travel advisor Leah Holt of Go Travel with Leah gives a firsthand account of booking a group trip to Churchill, Man. and the memorable adventure that unfolded. "As one saying goes, 'When you look a polar bear…more ›

  15. Viking Expeditions Cruises

    Contact Go Travel with Leah Holt at (780)728-5255. Menu. Expeditions. Rivers; Oceans; Search. ... Winner of Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2022, Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2021, and Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022. A Viking River ship sails in Budapest. The text appears: #1 on the rivers.

  16. PAX

    Leah Holt got the call shortly after midnight.. The Edson, AB-based travel advisor had just hunkered down in a hotel near Edmonton Airport on Friday night (Oct. 6), when two of her clients - ladies in a group of 32 that Holt was escorting to Israel and Jordan on a 14-day adventure with Globus - alerted her that a war had broken out in the Middle East.

  17. Travel Agent Appreciation is here

    Issue Date: Apr 29, 2021. Welcome to Travel Agent Appreciation 2021. JTB provides agents with caricatures in honour of Travel Agent Day. Meet the nominees: Marion Rose, Elgin Travel & Cruises TravelPlus. Leah Holt, Go Travel with Leah. Anita Djordjevic, All Seasons Travel. Tara Sparshu, TierOne Travel. Shalene Dudley, Latitude Concierge Travels.

  18. Go Travel with Leah

    Go Travel with Leah, Edson, Alberta. 1,557 likes · 2 talking about this · 2 were here. Hey there! My name is Leah & I plan incredible travel experiences...

  19. Exploring the World in Comfort

    Contact Go Travel with Leah Holt at (780)728-5255. Menu. Rivers. Oceans; Expeditions; Search. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. Cruises. Find A Cruise. Europe. Danube. Rhine. France. Douro (Portugal) Elbe (Germany) Asia. Egypt. Mississippi. Christmas Markets.

  20. Home

    Enjoy a richer, more memorable travel experience when you choose an Ensemble member agency. With decades of experience and thousands of travel advisors throughout the U.S. and Canada, Ensemble is a travel consortium that can always help connect you with the trip of your dreams. Here's how our members make your trip better:

  21. Traveling Solo for the First Time? Start With a Local Trip

    A solo traveler who has been to more than 80 countries says to stay close to home for your first trip alone. Pamela Holt stands on Putucusi Peak overlooking Machu Picchu, Peru. Seasoned solo ...