Get in Touch With the Experts

We'd Love to Hear From You!

Have a question about our services? Want to see if your particular vacation is one we can help with? We'd love to hear from you!

11572 Grey Egret Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33966
(239) 899-0335
info@brightsidevacations.com
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat & Sun: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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Meet Your Travel Advisors

Carley Skolnick – Co-Founder

As Co-Founder of Brightside Vacations, Carley specializes in creating custom itineraries tailored to each traveler's unique style and budget. Her expertise lies in designing unforgettable honeymoons, personalized European summer vacations, and one-of-a-kind trips that go far beyond the typical itinerary. She also manages all of Brightside Vacations' social media, sharing travel inspiration, destination tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from around the world.

Carley's favorite destinations are Thailand and Vietnam, where she fell in love with the incredible food, vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people. She is passionate about helping clients experience the world in a way that feels effortless, memorable, and perfectly customized to them.

Meet Your Travel Advisor: Ashlei

Hi, I’m Ashlei, a travel advisor with Brightside Vacations.

I’m drawn to trips with atmosphere: cozy stays, historic hotels, scenic train rides, great food, beautiful views, and little details. I’m also a big fan of cruises and try to test out the newest ships.

I love to help people sort through the noise. There are so many hotels, ships, resorts, routes, reviews, room types, and opinions out there, and it can get overwhelming fast. That’s where we come in!

A Few Favorites

Favorite destinations:
The UK, especially Scotland; Japan; and Switzerland.

Favorite city:
Paris. It’s iconic, chaotic, elegant, and somehow always worth the hype.

Best view:
Riding the train into Lauterbrunnen as the valley opens up between the mountains.

Best meals I’ve ever had:
Steak au poivre and ratatouille in the Marais, and pork katsudon from a tiny spot tucked away in an alley in Shibuya.

A Few Travel Takes

My travel hot take:
If you’re going to upgrade one flight, upgrade the way there. Arriving rested can completely change the first few days of a trip. The way home, you’re just trying to get back to your own bed anyway.

My unconventional travel tip:
Build in one tiny tradition for each trip. A magnet, a local snack rating, a bookstore stop, a signature photo pose, a hotel robe review. Something small and silly that makes the trip feel like yours.

The upgrade I think is usually worth it:
A well-placed hotel. I would rather have a smaller room in the right neighborhood than a large room far from everything, especially once you factor in rideshare costs, travel time, and how much easier the trip feels when you are already where you want to be.

What I Specialize In

Cruises in the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond
All-inclusive resorts, including where to go and when to go
Family trips, especially with teens
Romantic escapes, honeymoons, and milestone trips
Cozy stays, boutique hotels, castles, lodges, and historic properties
Thoughtful itineraries with the right mix of scenery, food, experiences, and downtime
Upgrades and special touches”

Meet Your Travel Advisor: Jacob

A Few Favorites

Favorite destinations:
Southeast Asia & Central Europe

Favorite City:
Bangkok & Prague

Best View I’ve Ever Seen:
Limestones mountains, crystal clear water and incredible beaches of Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Best Meal I’ve Ever Had:
A farm-to-table dinner at a restaurant tucked into the Amalfi Coast in Positano, run by the family of one of Brightside’s favorite local guides. We won’t spoil it by giving away too much, this is one you have to experience firsthand!

A Few Travel Takes

My Travel Hot Take:
Pack Less, Experience More. Plan it perfectly in advance and you'll have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

My unconventional Travel Tip:
Venture beyond the ordinary, with a little guidance from someone who has been there, you can visit so many more places than you ever might have thought was comfortable to you. We have options to fit any travel style to any destination, fully guided to fully self-guided and everything in between.

The Upgrade I Think Is Worth It:
Prioritize your seat over your layovers. With an upgraded seat and possible lounge access, layovers are no problem. Take advantage of early booking for the best chance at good rates on Business class or premium economy to arrive refreshed and ready to take on any place you visit. Taking a flight in a higher class, but with a layover can also open up additional touring opportunities not thought before. Break up a trip to Asia or Africa with a stop in Dubai, Qatar or Istanbul.

What I Specialize In

I specialize in turning travel ideas into seamless, personalized itineraries by combining my firsthand travel experience with a strong understanding of geography, logistics, and destination planning. Whether you have a detailed vision or just a starting point, I can transform your ideas into a thoughtfully crafted itinerary that's easy to follow, enjoyable to experience, and designed to make the most of every destination.

Meet Your Travel Advisor: Anna

Hi! I’m Anna, a Travel Advisor with Brightside Vacations.

I’m drawn to destinations where nature and breathtaking views take center stage. I value places with rich culture, art, and music to discover. I also love luxurious hotel stays and thrilling/ daring excursions!

Some of my most meaningful life experiences have come from traveling, and I'm passionate about helping others create those experiences for themselves! There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing I helped turn someone’s dream vacation into a reality.

A Few Favorites

Favorite destinations:
Iceland, Hawaii, and Japan!

Favorite city:
Nice, France, because of its beautiful beaches, colorful Old Town streets, and relaxing European charm. It offers the perfect combination of coastal scenery, culture, amazing food, and a laid back atmosphere.

Best View I’ve Ever Seen:
Snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland. The water was so crystal clear that it felt like floating through glass.

A close second would be watching the sun set over Maui with rainbows, palm trees, and volcanoes in the background.

Best Meal I’ve Ever Had:
Sushi and ramen in Japan. The freshness, flavors, and overall experience were unforgettable

A Few Travel Takes

My Travel Hot Take:
Don’t skip a destination just because it’s popular or trendy. Places become popular for a reason!

My unconventional Travel Tip:
Leave room for the unexpected. Travel does not always go exactly according to plan, so learn to be adaptable and open to surprise experiences, recommendations from locals, hidden cafés, or even taking a wrong turn. Oftentimes, the spontaneous moments become the most special and memorable parts of your trip!

The Upgrade I Think Is Worth It:
A room with a view. Waking up to the ocean, mountains, or a city skyline elevates even the ordinary moments of a trip. Drinking your morning coffee or relaxing after a day of exploring still feels like a special part of the vacation!