Travel Loans for Military Lodging Facilities

Have you ever wondered what military travel perks you get from being in the service?  A lot actually!  For example, you can save big on travel when you use companies like United Military Travel, who only accept military and government personnel, to finance airfare, car rentals, or accommodation.  Also, military lodging facilities are not just for temporary assignment, but they are resorts and beach cottages too!  Military lodges are designed specifically for vacationing military families to save money and provide a safe and fun place to stay.

You have a few different options of accommodations type...

Installation lodging - These facilities are generally designed for service members traveling on official business or families with permanent change of station orders. Located mostly on military installations, these facilities will usually take vacationers on a space-available basis, but you may not be able to make advance reservations.

Recreational facilities - Built to serve service members and their families for short or long getaways, these may range from a lodge on a mountain lake to an oceanfront cottage in Hawaii. Many recreational facilities offer rental equipment, fishing charters, tours or other services specific to the area, usually at an economical rate. Eligible personnel can make reservations, but availability varies from facility to facility.

Resorts - With first-class amenities, these facilities offer a true resort experience. Military resorts are located in popular vacation destinations such as Disney World® and Hawaii, and in areas with a large military presence, such as Japan, Korea and Germany. You can usually make reservations, but timing is critical. If you plan to travel during peak periods, make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Rates are based on rank and duty status and are generally far lower than comparable civilian lodging.

Nongovernment-owned hotels - Managed by organizations serving the military community, hotels such as the Marines' Memorial Club in San Francisco (800-562-7463) or the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club in New York (800-678-8443) serve active duty and former service members. These clubs are not military lodging facilities but private nonprofit organizations.

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Navigating the ins and outs of military lodging facilities will take time, as you will need to find out your eligibility, compare costs, and check availability.  To be eligible to use these facilities is a lot like the eligibility requirements for a military travel loan.  In general if you are an active duty service member, a retiree, Guard or reserve member, DOD civilian, or family of any of these you will be eligible.  But, depending on which branch of the service you are in and your status will determine how and when your reservations can be made.

If time is something you do not have a lot of then utilizing United Military Travel will beneficial to you.  Once you establish your travel loan, you will tell you travel consultant everything you want and need in your trip, and they go from there.  Typically, if all your ducks are in a row, your trip can be booked in one day.  The more specific you are and sure about dates, passengers etc the better United Military Travel can do their job.  Travel loans are a fantastic way to save money traveling because not only can you pay them back early with no penalty, but you do not have to wait.  You can travel now and pay later, so nothing can stop you from living life.

Start planning your military vacation....

First, determine when and where you want to go.

Next, are you eligible for a military travel loan and access to military lodging?

Then, apply for your military travel loan here 

Finally, book your trip!

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United Military Travel

866-582-9579

www.unitedmilitarytravel.com

Where to use your travel loan this summer to avoid hurricane season!

The answer is : everywhere! Travel loans can take you all over the Earth but, you always need to take into consideration the different seasons.

Today I was going to write about some dreamy blue Caribbean Island to visit like the Turks and Caicos because I can basically feel the trade winds on my face, but then I realized this Monday is the start of hurricane season.  So, that means if you are looking to book a Caribbean vacation, you need to book it for the winter or spring 2016.  And hey, the early bird catches the worm.....start researching now and nail down your winter break now.

As of June 1, the east coast of the U.S. will be under constant threat of hurricanes that could in an instant ruin your family vacation, so you need to take that into consideration before planning any trip.

For example, if you want to book a rental house in the Outer Banks or Florida Keys anytime this summer understand that the beach will have a mandatory evacuation should a hurricane happen.  Mandatory evacuations means that all visitors have to leave....they don't care how much money you spent on your rental house....you gotta go... with no refund.  Insider tip: purchase insurance

But given the history of hurricane season, most storms hit our coast August to October, so any time before then you should be safe.

Where should your travel loan take you this summer that will provide the least amount of risks for natural disasters???

Mountains

West Coast

National Parks

Europe

Disney World

* The mountains in the summer are, in my opinion, the best time to visit.  You can visit wineries, orchards, camp, hike, and even go for a hot air balloon ride.

* California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming are 5 of the most beautiful states in our country and offer AMAZING summer adventures.  There are national parks in all of them so take the kids on a tour of Joshua Tree, Yosemite, or Yellowstone.

* Europe in the summer time is simply delectable.  Visit multiple countries via train like England to France to Switzerland.  Or fly to Italy then hop on a cruise ship and cruise around the Mediterranean.  United Military Travel can book all your airfare, car rentals, train tickets, and cruises.  Apply here to book your European summer vacation today! 

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United Military Travel provides travel loans for European cruises everyday, and has special contracts with the major cruise lines that give military service members the best deals possible.  Not only that, but United Military Travel is an expert in family vacations.  By providing a travel now and pay later service, it gives the family more liquid spending cash to have on hand rather than spending all of it just on getting there.  We understand the importance of creating memories with your kids that will last a lifetime, and we want to make sure each family has that opportunity.   Did you know that Military travel loans are not only for vacations, but also for emergency travel, leave, and military dependents and/or friends. So no matter where you want to go and no matter the reason, you can rely on a military travel loan.  Apply here!

Budget Travel Tips For Military Families!

Lets face it, whether you are a military family or not everyone is on a budget, but travel does not have to take a backseat in your life.  These 10 simple travel tips can help you travel more on less money! 

1.  Gas, Petrol, Fuel, Juice....

No matter what you call it you need to get in tune with your car's gas consumption in order to predict how much you will need to spend in gas.  It is a good idea to know how many miles you will be traveling total to calculate with the number of miles you get per gallon in order to budget for gas.  

Here are some tricks to saving money at the gas pump...

*Purchase gas earlier in the week because gas prices are raised right before the weekend starting on Thursday.  

*Fill up early or late in the day because the heat makes the gas less dense which means you are not getting as much.

*Always pay with cash because many gas stations will give you a hefty discount when you have cash.

*If you don't want to pay with cash, choose a rewards card program so when you fill up you are earning points.

2. United Military Travel for airfare, car rentals, hotels, and event tickets

United Military Travel currently works with all of the major airlines and has negotiated contracts with major consolidators all over the world. How does this benefit you? We can offer Military Discounted Airfare Tickets, Military Discounted Hotel Reservations, and Military Discounted Car Rentals. United Military Travel is able to offer the best Low Price Guarantee in the entire Military Travel Loan Industry. Using United Military Travel allows you to travel now and pay later leaving you will plenty of cash on hand for the trip! Call 866-582-9579 to speak to one of our knowledgeable travel loan consultants or apply now for an easy travel assistance loan!  

3. Seek out military discounts on the places you want to go and things you want to do.

Militarybenefits.info is a great source for finding military discounts as well as United Military Travel.  Take advantage of you military perks and save some money! 

4. Take advantage of the free 4 day weekends

The Army typically provides the soldiers each month with a four day training weekend that lasts from Friday through Monday.  Take advantage of this time so you do not have to tap into your soldier's leave account.  

5. Commit to small lifestyle changes to save money for travel

If you hold traveling as close to your heart as I do mine, then changing a few things in your life to save money won't be that hard.  When I decided to start saving more money for traveling I chose a specific area in my family's life that we could cut back on, and that was eating out.  What I did was figure how much money we were spending each month on take out food, and in the beginning of the month I simply took that amount out and stashed it away.  So basically, each month I am putting $70 away in a travel fund as opposed to eating junk food.  

6. If you are stationed in Europe - use public transportation 

Public transport in Europe is a primary means of getting around, and since Europe is much smaller than the States it is logical too.  In Germany, kids travel for free on trains till they are 15 years old!  So before you decide to fly, check out other options of transport.  

7. Stay like a local

I am a HUGE fan of Airbnb.com and Homeaway.com!  It is a fantastic way to save money while traveling and gives you more room for the family to co-exist without killing each other.  Staying in a home rather than a hotel provides you with a chance to cook your own meals which can save you up to $100 or more a day.  Having to feed your entire family while on vacation is one of the greatest expenses - average each meal will cost around $10/pp 3 times a day.  Family of four - thats $120 a day!  When you rent a home, visit the local grocery store and spend a total of $200 for the entire trip!  United Military Travel offers amazing deals on vacation rentals in Orlando that are close to Disney.  Just like with Airbnb, these homes you can cook your own meals in and they also come equipped with swimming pools for ultimate relaxation! 

8. Travel in the off season

No matter where you want to go, traveling during the off season is always going to be a much better option.  Is it always the best option though?  Not really.  Who wants to go the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the winter.  Not me.  BUT their spring and fall is actually much nicer than their summer.  Cooler temperatures, less crowds, and better rates.  Same goes with Florida.  If your children want to go to Disney World, I would suggest taking them in the shoulder seasons for cheaper rates, shorter lines, and better weather.  

9. Research all the attractions that are closest to you.

Whether you are stationed in Europe and Paris is only a two hour train ride away, or you are in California with Big Sur just a 5 hour drive away.  Take advantage of what is in close proximity of you.  A general rule of traveling is that the further away you go, the most expensive the trip will be.  As soon as you factor in airfare, your trip just got a whole lot more complicated and pricey.  But I am a firm believer that since you cannot take money with you in the end, why not use it to do everything you dream of.  Life is to short to be afraid to spend money.  

10.  Finance travel

Like I said before, travel finance companies like United Military Travel offer excellent opportunities to travel now and pay later.  Finance experiences and start traveling today to live a fuller life and provide your family with memories that will last a lifetime!  Apply here for your travel credit! 

In Remembrance

For many people Memorial Day is not a holiday that brings joy and happiness but rather sorrow, heartache, and reflection.  For those of us who have not been affected personally by war, we truly have no understanding of how hard it must be for the families who have.  On days like yesterday, those who have experienced loss have to watch as people rejoice for the day off work, and the ability to drink mass quantities of beer on a Monday, rather than honoring those who have died for their freedom.

Military Times - Honor The Fallen

Today I came across some staggering stats, ones that really put Memorial Day into perspective for me.  Military Times has devoted a page of their website entitled, Honor The Fallen, to the soldiers who died in service.  You can search through the different conflicts like Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and find photos of the fallen and details of where and how they died.

Did you know that the Army has had the most casualties out of any other branch?  At 4,954, that is 3,476 more deaths than the Marine Corps who only has 1,478.  Then you have to consider the ages of those who have died, and this truly is what breaks my heart....

Deaths by age:

18-22: 2,469

23-28: 2389

28-35: 1433

35-45: 801

45+: 149 

The majority of the fallen are just kids that didn't even have the legal right to drink yet, but were considered "old enough" to give their life for their country.  I am at a loss for words right now.  I am so disgusted with the rules and law our government has created that trying to described my true feelings just wouldn't be appropriate for the blog.  

In WWI the number of casualties total were over 37 million, ranking that war one of the most deadliest conflicts in human history.  It is so hard for me to wrap my head around fighting and war because I am a peaceful person.  I like to stay out of other people's business and let my neighbor go about their lives however they like.  For the current war, yes I believe in it because we need protection against terrorist, and those who fight are among the bravest people on the earth.  Simply, I believe in war only to protect ourselves and our country.  But for religious persecution or conquering new territory, I would love to just tell those "tyrants" to get over themselves! 

In reflecting on Memorial Day and taking the time to truly understand how many have died for our country, it makes me re-evaluate my feelings on war.  War is like a double edged sword unfortunately, but everyday I am more than grateful for the beautiful country I call home and the ability to live freely.  My life is amazing because of the courage of our troops, I will forever be indebted to them.

United Military Travel was created out of the love we have for our troops.  We wanted to create a service that was just for them and share one of the most amazing gifts on the earth....travel.  Military travel loans helps our soldiers take their families on vacations, re-united families, provides emergency travel assistance, and personal happiness.  Our troops honestly deserve more than what most can give them, but at least we are trying to show our appreciation.  If you are in the service and would like to take a vacation or fly home to your family, apply here for your travel credit.  You can then speak to a travel consultant to go over everything we can offer you.  

United Military Travel LOVES the Blue Angels!

Growing up in New Bern, NC, my little town is surrounded by Camp Lejune, Cherry Point, and New River so the Blue Angels were a common attraction at events, and almost everyone knew of them primarily because the military presence is so large.  

If you are not familiar with who the Blue Angels are, they are the U.S. Navy and Military flight demonstration squadron that put on shows across the United States between March and November.  In 1946 the Blue Angels team was formed, making it the second oldest formal flying aerobatic team in the world second to the French flying aerobatic team.  Each of the pilots during the show demonstrates extreme tactical maneuvers that require exact synchronicity that do not allow any room for error....it is a sure fire way to make your heart race!

For example, the Fat Albert, in a low transition/maximum effort climb, will accelerate to 125 mph and execute a low-transition take off.  Once airborne, they will remain two to five feet from the ground before they turn the nose to a 45 degree angel for a maximum effort climb.

          C-130 Hercules "Fat Albert"

           The pilots fly F/A - 18 Hornets source

The Blue Angels have flown over 10 different aircraft in the team’s 65 year history. Originally, the team flew four aircraft in the signature “Diamond” formation and expanded to six aircraft to showcase both the diamond and solos high performance capability as well as the precision formation flying taught to all Naval Aviators. Today, the squadron flies the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. When the squadron receives a F/A-18 Hornet from the fleet, which are at the end of their carrier arrestment functionality, we make a variety of modifications, including removing the nose cannon to install a smoke-fluid system, inverting a fuel pump, installing a stop watch and adjustable constant-tension stick spring, as well as the world-wide recognizable paint scheme. blue angels.navy.mil

Check out their performance schedule here, and their practice/autographs sessions here!

Typically in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year, where they still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in their aerial displays in 1946. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows each full year. The Blue Angels also visit more than 50,000 people in a standard show season (March through November) in schools and hospitals.  Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 260 million spectators. source

The Blue Angels official website has some amazing information on it, like an interactive guide to the aircrafts - view the F/A-18 Hornet and C-130 Fat Albert.   Along with an awesome Blue Angels FAQ sheet they give you an insider view at the maneuvers! 

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The Blue Angels show, in my opinion, is something everyone should see once in their lifetime.  If they are performing in a town near you, I highly suggest taking a weekend trip and planning your activities around their show.  Contact United Military Travel to book your airfare, car rental, and/or hotel accommodations with your military travel loan.  United Military Travel books weekend trips each and everyday by providing travel financing options to all Military and government personnel.  Apply for your travel credit here so you can book your trip to see the Blue Angels today or anywhere in the world you want to go!

The Real Memorial Day!

Trivia question of the day: Why do we celebrate Memorial Day???

To many people it is simply a Federal holiday that causes business to shut down, and also it means the unofficial beginning of summer.  In coastal communities everywhere it is when the official high season begins.  People everywhere rejoice in the name of Memorial Day because they get a 3 day weekend, and while it is a fantastic reason travel, and celebrate life, you should never forget why we are celebrating.  Sadly, many people, especially young children, have no idea what the significance of the day is.

In 1996, a humanitarian organization based in Washington, D.C., known as 'No Greater Love' conducted a survey on children and asked them why do they think there is a holiday on Memorial Day. It was agonizing to hear their remarks that were all associated with barbecues and extended weekend parties and celebration, while they hadn't the vaguest idea about the sacrifices of the soldiers in whose honor it is celebrated. One of the children was even quoted as saying that this was the day when swimming pools open! Source

But do you know what the real significance is of Memorial Day?

 It is a day designated for the whole country to remember and honor all the people who have died serving in the country's armed forces.  

Memorial Day was borne from the Civil War, and people's strong desire to honor the dead.  So on May 5, 1868 General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed the last day of May be designated for honoring our fallen soldiers.  He called it our, "Decoration Day" and chose the end of May because it was not the anniversary to any other battle.  And the first state to truly honor the holiday was New York in 1873, while the southern states refused, and continued honoring their fallen on separate days until after WWI.  After WWI, there  was more need to honor our fallen soldiers so the "Decoration Day" became a day to honor soldiers that had fallen in all wars, not just the Civil War.  Since then, the holiday is now recognized by almost every state and is called Memorial Day.  

So, while you are super excited to have off this coming Monday, please remember why you have the day off, and take a minute to honor all service members who have died for our country.  We owe everything to them!  At 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans there is a National Moment of Remembrance, “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence.

United Military Travel is incredibly proud to serve those who serve, and would like to send out a huge cheers to all Military service members out there!

7 Ways To Love Your New Duty Station

So you just got the news, the move that you knew was coming, is official.  It is time to pack up all your belongs, say goodbye to your friends, and move to a new "home".  Well, what if you don't want to leave, and you love the home you have now.  Unfortunately, tough cookies...tis the Military life.  The good thing is this: you have complete control over your life's happiness. This phrase may be overused but, I love it: When life gives you lemons...make lemonade.  I have moved a lot over the past 10 years so you would think it would get easier, but it just doesn't.  Moving is hard, it always will be.  These 7 tips I am going to share with you are the exact tips I follow when I move.  I hope they help you as much as they do me.  

1. Here is the biggest obstacle in my opinion.  Getting to know the lay of the land with an infant in tow.  

The good Lord did not bless me with an internal compass so just finding simple things like the grocery store is, closest gas station, speciality stores, schools, hospital, etc. is like a scavenger hunt.   Finding all the places to purchase things to make you feel more at home is important to me, but the problem is that I find this to be the most challenging because my son goes with me wherever I go, and he hates it when the car stops.  And, I certainly do not want to drive around for hours when the outing should only take 30 minutes.  But reality is that I will have to get lost a few times to understand my new surroundings.  Lets make it fun!  When you need to go out, anticipate a longer time frame, and a few wrong turns.  And who knows, you may just stumble upon a place that you fall in love with that could turn into your secret spot!  Everyday could be an adventure!

2.  Buy local

Mix together items from home with the local flavor.  The worst thing you can do is live in the past by completely blocking out your new world.  Do the exact opposite by bringing it in your home.  It will make you feel that you are mixing with the culture and hopefully bring you a new understanding.

3.  Change

If leaving your beloved home wasn't enough change, I suggest you do something that you wouldn't usually do.  Why?  Because, what better time than the present to re-invent yourself.  For example, you always wanted to work as a barista or start a book club.  Do it!  You will meet a ton or people and that is exactly what you need.  The worst thing you could possibly do it staying coupled up and secluded from the outside world.  Embrace the world and all the beauty it can give you!

4.  Befriend someone

You may have the idea in you head that you are the one that needs to be befriended, but take action in your own hands.  If you see someone that you thinks could use a friend, be that friend.  You never know if someone else is going throughs something harder than you, and by you showing compassion you will receive compassion.

5.  Find your groove

Your groove is important but your groove makes you thrive.  You must thrive in order to succeed and be happy in life.  Find what makes you happy, whether it be a place, a person, a routine, etc. just find it and stick to it.  Incorporate your family into your groove because you of course want to share your happiness with your loved ones!

6.  Weekend getaways

If you are stationed overseas in countries like Croatia, Germany, Japan, Italy consider yourself lucky!  You have the world at your fingertips so take your family on weekend jaunts to places others just dream about!  And if you are still in the U.S. you can do the same.  America is such a beautiful country, get out and explore it!

7.  Travel Loans 

AFTER you have found your groove, then fly in some friends or family, but only after you have acclimated.  If you bring them in to early, it could make all your progress disappear so only accept visitors once you are strong enough.  Contact United Military Travel when you feel ready and they can fly friends and family to you or send you back home.  Military travel loans are not just for the service member but also for their dependents, friends, and family.  Use your travel credit as you wish.  United Military Travel's contact number is 866-582-9579.  Apply for travel credit here.

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Myself and everyone at United Military Travel sincerely wants to help make your experience at your new duty station more enjoyable, so please feel free to reach out.  I am always here to chat, to give advice or suggestions, just leave a comment and we can discuss whatever is on your mind.  And if you just want to get away, let United Military Travel book your escape.  It is a streamline process that will give you instant gratification.  From experience, when I was far away from home, the only thing that kept me going was knowing that I was traveling home soon.  We are here to help!

866-582-9579

Travel Loans for Military Wives

This is my favorite time of year, it is perfect for a girls weekend getaway.  One of my favorite things in life is strolling around picturesque downtowns with cobblestone sidewalks that are filled with fun, funky boutiques, and delicious restaurants.  

Problem is though, getting my husband to do that with me is like pulling teeth.  Soooo, it has become part of a girls weekend.  Each year me and my closest girlfriends take a trip together, and we try to pick a different destination, but I have to say Charleston, SC is such an easy one to go back to year after year!  

When we are brainstorming locations, here is what our criteria is:

1. Walkable 2. Coastal 3. Unique shopping 4. Travel time 5. Gyms close by Food

What would you want in a town?  Are you a big city girl or small town gal?  

If this is something you are interested in, I would love to help you plan your trip!   Here are our tips that have proven to be helpful in planning the getaways over the years!  

1.  Start planning ahead.  I know, I know...planning sucks.  But when you have to coordinate multiple lives that need to agree on a number of things - planning will be your best friend.  BUT, always remember that over planning could be your ultimate down fall.  Sometimes, it is necessary to just let go and wing it.  Thats my thing......I am the winger....not the planner :) 

2.  Talk to each other and find out what each girl wants out of the trip.  This is important and it goes all the way back to what we learned in grade school.  "Do what your friends like to do also".  Otherwise - don't be a greedy time hog.  More than likely, you all will be on the same page, but always take into consideration what others want to do, not just yourself.  My two things are beach, and shopping.  As long as we get in a little big sun bathing, and window shopping I am one happy camper!  

3.  To fly or drive?  It is best not to assume that everyone can afford airfare, so keep driving an option.  Also, how far is the destination from home?  Regardless, a great option for everyone is to fly through United Military Travel.  Your husband can apply for a military travel loan, and with his approval purchase your plane ticket and/or car rental, then pay it back overtime.  To take it a step further, the travel loan could cover the hotel too.  When your spouse finds out how much approval they have, you then can decide how to use it.  United Military Travel's travel loans allow the Military member to fly their dependents or whomever, but they will be the ones paying it back.  

4.  Even if your spouse is deployed, you can still utilize United Military Travel's services by having them call in or apply for credit online here.   

5.  Check the local calendar for special events and/or festivals going on in the area.  That may influence when you want to go.  I love traveling to places during farmers market season.  You can hit the market in the morning for a quick breakfast of homemade bread with a side of fruit, and knock out the shopping.  It also is nice to always support your locals :) 

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United Military Travel specializes in planning and booking trips for Active Duty US Military Members, Retired US Military Members, Government Personnel, or Federal Employees. We finance 100% of our travel loans with no down payment required! Need to take an emergency trip? Stressed out about paying for your expensive honeymoon? Do you want to take a trip on your Military Leave? No matter what the situation, United Military Travel can help with one of our Easy Military Travel Loans! Our travel account consultants will book your flight, reserve your hotel, and finance all of your trip with low monthly payments! United Military Travel can get almost everyone approved; simply based on your employment with the government! We can also extend our travel financing services to your military dependant or friends! We not only book your ticket, we also offer an array of travel financing services such as: hotel reservations loans, car rental reservation financing, resort accommodations, military cruise financing and booking services, military travel discounts, travel accessories, passport/visa services, and much more!

www.unitedmilitarytravel.com

866-582-9579

Apply here for your travel credit!