Bobby Bolton, a 33-year-old travel freak from the UK, has embarked on an amazing adventure. He’s doing it by traveling more than 42,000 miles over three continents and visiting 53 different countries! His transformative trip really began after he experienced some personal crises. On top of that, he was coping with the end of an 11-year relationship and the loss of his construction business. With only a few hundred pounds worth of funds left in the bank, Bolton did something. He sold all his belongings and purchased an adapted four-wheeler MAN truck through which he turned the vehicle into a mobile home for his journeys.
Bolton’s fate changed dramatically when he met Marie Deleval while stationed in France. It was an instant match, as the two clicked over their mutual appreciation for risk-taking and exploration. Since then, they’ve been adventuring full-time together with their two dogs. Yet their journey across these majestic states has taken them through some unfortunate potholes. Bolton and Deleval have been through amazing ordeals along their travels. They were menaced at gunpoint by the Taliban in Afghanistan, faced down Russian police, and even found themselves in a melee at an Azerbaijani border crossing.
Bolton’s spirit of adventure was cultivated from a young age. His parents saw his passion for adventure and were excited to support him in living life to the fullest. He embodies a mantra that has guided him through tough times: “Don’t let who you are today stop you from being who you could be tomorrow.” His contagious enthusiasm has attracted more than 380,000 followers on Instagram. Only this time, he’s sharing those exciting glimpses of his travels and the valuable lessons he learns along the way with all of you.
A Life Transformed by Adventure
Following the break-up from the apartment he shared with his now ex-partner, he accrued debt to purchase his cavern. Now, he struggles with self-esteem issues and lack of direction in life.
“I had moved out of the flat I shared with my ex, borrowed money from her to buy this caravan and had such low self-esteem about the direction my life and career was headed that I isolated myself,” – Bobby Bolton
Once he embarked on his journey, that was all different. He took a year and a half off to backpack all of South America before undertaking this mammoth road trip. The freedom of the open road and the excitement of a new adventure restored his zest for life.
Love Along the Journey
As they traveled, Deleval and Bolton developed a deep friendship that soon became romantic. This unexpected friendship was a source of comfort as well as joy and their deep bond got them both through their journey’s challenges. Alongside each other, they faced myriad obstacles such as economic hardship and life threatening situations.
In one of the most terrifying moments, the pair faced a Taliban militia and gunfire in Afghanistan. Bolton described the whole thing with equal parts shock and mirth.
“Nothing will top those lads coming up to us with a pistol when we were parked in Afghanistan, firing off a round into the distance and then adding me on Facebook, which made me realize they’re part of a terrorist group,” – Bobby Bolton
Even through these experiences, Bolton has continued to embrace a playful and fun disposition towards challenges. He’s convinced that with the right positivity, nothing is unfigureoutable, not even the most daunting of challenges.
“Whether it’s policemen, border guards or even terrorists stopping you on the road, you give a big thumbs-up and that’s how you talk your way out.” – Bobby Bolton
Overcoming Setbacks
The couple’s path hasn’t been without its crashes. They confront each new bureaucratic hurdle, natural disaster, or even dangerous ambush with an iron will that has never been defeated. For example, during a transit through Russia, they were shaken down by cops looking to extract bribes. Through it all, their courage and strength were a beacon.
“People had repeatedly told us that we were taking unnecessary risks by going through Afghanistan. Our conversations had always concluded with ‘We’ll be all right,’” – Bobby Bolton
In the face of all these warnings, Bolton stood firm in his conviction that their expedition was extremely valuable. Ever since, his parents had fully backed him on this journey, and would continue having their pride preoccupied with their son’s adventurer spirit.
“Both my parents are baby boomers and all they did was work. They just want us to enjoy our lives and see the world,” – Bobby Bolton
Looking Ahead
As their journey down the roads of America continues, Bolton and Deleval have their eyes set on new horizons. They’re currently working to prepare themselves for an even longer, equally stunning and potentially perilous trip across Mongolia and Siberia in a customized, converted eight-wheel-drive military truck. Like this one, this next adventure is sure to be another story full of discovery and self-realization.
A genuinely humble and positive guy, reflecting on his own transformative experience, Bolton believes in the power of living life to the fullest.
“We approach everything with a big smile and plucky British attitude.” – Bobby Bolton
Through his adventures, you’ll see how travel can be a great antidote to the challenges that life throws at you. Bolton’s tale is full of genuine adventure. At the same time, it highlights courage, strength and hope, family love, and the beautiful pursuit of dreams.