How To Travel With Christmas Presents

ARE YOU GOING TO BE ONE OF THE MILLIONS THAT IS FLYING SOMEWHERE FOR CHRISTMAS?

CHECK OUT THESE 6 GREAT TIPS ON HOW TO FLY WITH CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO LESSEN THE BURDEN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

The great debate is here again...to ship or fly....that is the question?!?!?!!  And the answer is truly up to you because it really depends on how many gifts you have, their weight and which airline you are flying with.  If you are considering putting them in your suitcase please keep reading to learn how to fly with Christmas presents for a much less hectic travel experience!

1. TO WRAP OR NOT WRAP, THAT IS THE QUESTION

While wrapped gifts are allowed on both carry on and checked luggage, you are far more likely to have TSA open a wrapped gift then not.  If you are like me and are super meticulous about your wrap job, I would wait until you reach your destination to avoid all your hard work being thrown down the drain.  But, if you do want to wrap ahead of time they will be far less likely to be opened when in your checked luggage as opposed to your carry on.  Just always remember, NEVER put anything of value or something irreplaceable in your checked luggage.  If the item is stolen, damaged, or lost, you will have little recourse.

2. FLYING WITH A VALUABLE OR IRREPLACEABLE GIFT

This is simple, carry it on yourself.  The only way to make sure it is not lost, stolen, or damaged is to have it with you at all times.  Pack it in the smallest carry on bag that you are bringing with you that way you won't be forced to gate check it if the overhead bins are full or God forbid ship it via a shipping service!

3. FRAGILE AND OVERSIZED GIFTS

So what if your gifts aren't necessarily valuable, but they are fragile.  Bubble wrap....lots of bubble wrap or anything that you can wrap the gift in for protection.  Layering your clothes are the item etc will work and this does work, but if you are transporting wine or liquids I would suggest something a little heftier.

*Make your life easier and just don't travel with fragile gifts....its a headache.

Talking from experience, an over weight or over sized bag can cost between $200 -$400 roundtrip so check your airline's website for their baggage allowance before arriving at the airport to avoid being shell shocked at the ticket counter.  You need to decide if you are willing to turn the $50 item into a hundreds of dollars gift or could you take a pic of it for Christmas morning and let the person have it when they get home.

4. GIFTS THAT DON'T BELONG ON A CARRY ON

Ok folks, lets use common sense here so we can avoid the embarrassment of a full body search in security.  Toys that look like weapons are an obvious NO.  Also, any foods that are liquid or even semi-liquid are a no no too (ex. jams).  Large items such as hockey sticks, baseball bats, ski poles etc are allowed, but they seriously are not a good idea because they could be used a weapon.  While it is highly unlikely, you don't want to be the person who brought onboard the weapon that knocked out a stewardess....just saying.

And I have to mention an item that people do not think would be a problem but will be on of the highest ranked items confiscated this month - snow globes.  If they contain more than 3.4 ounces of liquid TSA will take it because it technically is a liquid item and we all know that TSA shows no mercy when you tell them it is for your elderly grandmother.

5. GIFTS YOU RECEIVE THAT NEED TO GO HOME

Before you ever leave for your destination find a super sturdy duffel bag that you can use as an additional piece of luggage on your return flight if you think you will receive more gifts than what will fit in your first checked bag.  Then, transfer all your clothes, shoes, and non-breakable items to the duffle and pack your gifts in your suit case since it is more protective than the duffle. 

6. SHIPPING VS FLYING

Ok, the great debate!  Generally speaking, though, the major domestic airlines charge about $50 roundtrip for one piece of checked luggage that weighs up to 50 pounds, about $70 roundtrip for a second piece of checked luggage that weighs up to 50 pounds, and more for bags that exceed 50 pounds or are oversized. So do the math. Say you’ve got 50 pounds’ worth of gifts. The cost to take them with you on the plane might be an extra $50 to $70. Shipping them ahead via FedEx Ground for 5-day delivery might also cost about $70 (depending on how far you're sending them)…and could save you a sore back and hours spent waiting in an airport check-in line. In most cases it will probably be smarter to avoid checking luggage and ship gifts, as long as you can ship by December 17 and thus avoid the high cost of shipping by air. FedEx Ground includes insurance and tracking, and you can purchase extra insurance, too. Let me put it this way: In most cases you’re better off if FedEx loses something of yours than if an airline does.

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Travelers Say F U To ISIS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE, WE HOPE YOU ARE SAFE, SOUND AND ENJOYING DELICIOUS FOOD TODAY!

In light of the many folks traveling for the holidays, I wanted to share with you this article written for the NY Times by JULIE BOSMAN, RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA, EMMA G. FITZSIMMONS and JAD MOUAWAD documenting interviews of travelers in airports on how they feel about our nation's security level.  Many of the people traveling are basically saying F U to ISIS.  I hope that as you travel over the holidays you do so educated, aware, and safely.

CHICAGO — The State Department has issued a chilling worldwide travel alert, warning travelers that the threat of terrorism looms large. Cable news and Twitter carry round-the-clock breaking news of bombings and attacks around the world. Police officers patrol major airports with bomb-sniffing dogs and carry intimidating weapons like shotguns and AR-15s.

Yet on Tuesday, little of it seemed to matter to the millions of Americans who were determined to fly during Thanksgiving week, arriving at airports with blasé attitudes and shrugs about the possibility of terrorism at home.

“I didn’t think about it,” said John Barragan, a 41-year-old real estate executive from Chicago, as he prepared to board his flight at O’Hare International Airport. “I’m just like, man, what’s going to happen is going to happen.”

In interviews at airports around the country, travelers said they were well aware of the attacks, and some even admitted to a degree of fear. But they said they had calculated that the risk was remote, and they were determined not to let it alter their lives.

At Kennedy International Airport in New York, Campbell McDougal, 55, said he had avoided large crowds on his 10-day trip with his girlfriend to New York. They had touched down from Berlin just hours after the Paris attacks, and it brought caution to their travels, especially with more tourist-centric sites.

“Flights have always been an issue,” he said. “But they’re always stringent with security. Paris was on my mind last week, but not in terms of my flight.”

At La Guardia Airport, Jonathan Zwerling, who had flown in from Atlanta with his 2-year-old daughter, said he had seen the warnings to be more aware of his surroundings than usual, and noted the airport’s version of seasonal trimmings: a police officer with an AR-15 assault rifle, and another with a shotgun.

“My wife was real worried,” said Mr. Zwerling, 45, an aircraft maintenance worker for Delta Air Lines. “I just kind of do my thing.”

Throughout the holiday week, the nation’s railroads and highways will have heightened security. New York’s police commissioner, William J. Bratton, said that with mild weather expected, there could be record crowds for the Thanksgiving parade — and record security to go with it, including, for the first time, about 200 newly trained officers from the Police Department’s Critical Response Command, a new counterterrorism squad.

Amtrak said it would also have a heightened police presence in the coming days. AAA predicted that 42 million people in this country would drive 50 miles or more over the long holiday weekend, a small increase from last year.

But vigilance will be most apparent at airports. Travelers have plenty to be jittery about: the attacks in Paris that killed 130, the downing of a Russian airliner in Egypt that killed 224, the bombing in Beirut that killed 43 — all claimed by the Islamic State — and warnings of a planned attack in Belgium.

Well over two million passengers are expected to board a flight each day during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which began Friday and runs through next Tuesday, the highest figure since 2007 and 3 percent more than last year, according to a forecast by Airlines for America, the industry trade group. United Airlines said it was adding more than 2,200 flights over that period, especially early in the morning and late at night, when many aircraft would usually be idle.

Changes will be obvious at airports in the United States, including longer waits, travel experts say. Travelers with the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, which allows frequent travelers to speed up the security screening, have been advised that they may be asked submit to procedures they can usually skip, like taking off their shoes, said Henry Harteveldt, the founder of the Atmosphere Research Group.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, “we’re in a hyper-state of vigilance,” said Reese McCranie, an airport spokesman. He said that the increased police presence would be noticeable and that passengers should arrive earlier than usual to contend with long security lines.

Arnold Barnett, an aviation safety expert and a professor at M.I.T., said security lines at airports could be slower than usual this week. Since the Islamic State claimed that it had used a soda can for the bomb that brought down the plane in Egypt, agents might be more focused on monitoring liquids, Mr. Barnett said.

Photo

 

An Amtrak police officer watched passengers board a train on Tuesday at Pennsylvania Station in New York. CreditTimothy A. Clary/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images 

Few travelers appear to be unsettled enough to cancel their flights. Allianz Global Assistance, an insurer, said it had seen an increase in calls from travelers who were interested in buying insurance to protect international trips, in particular, and some cancellations after the Paris attacks. Yet even for travel to cities that have been targeted, there is only scattered evidence of a travel decline.

“I think people are refusing to be terrorized,” said George Hobica, the founder of airfarewatchdog.com, a travel website. “There have been no panic or fire sales. Airfares have not gone down to Paris or even to Brussels. You’d think no one wants to go anymore. But it still costs about $1,200 to fly there from Chicago or San Francisco.”

But some travelers, as they made their way through airports on Tuesday, admitted that they were a little worried.

At Los Angeles International Airport, Cynthia Diaz, 45, an accounts receivable supervisor, was headed to Boise, Idaho, to visit her partner’s family. “I was little bit nervous this morning when I thought about it,” she said.

Christian Miller, a 29-year-old flight attendant for Shuttle America, said the Paris attacks made her change the ritual prayer she says before every takeoff.

Usually she prays for God to send six angels to her plane — two to carry the front and back, two for the big wings, and a pair for the top and bottom. Then she asks God to ease the troubles on the minds of any of her passengers. For more than a week now, since she received pleading text messages and phone calls from family members scared for her safety, she has added extra emphasis to that last part.

“I pray, ‘If someone is feeling like they need to be violent, let my smile maybe change something in their heart,’ ” said Ms. Miller, who lives in Atlanta. “It’s tough; we’re at a tender place now not only for America, but for the universe.”

On Tuesday morning at O’Hare, travelers were greeted with a surprisingly cheerful tableau: moderate crowds, short security lines, strings of sparkling holiday lights and, in one terminal, a table where airline employees handed out free cups of steaming apple cider and coffee.

In the international terminal, as passengers arrived to board flights to Seoul, South Korea; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; New Delhi; and Hong Kong, one traveler said he had few worries about flying so soon after the attacks in Paris.

“Everything is O.K.,” said Michiel Wehbeh, a 55-year-old engineer from Syria, who splits his time between Chicago and the United Arab Emirates. “Security is a must, as it should be. But I have confidence that everything will be fine.”

Maurice Nguiffo, a 41-year-old taxi driver, said he was worried about flying in light of terrorism fears around the globe. But he felt he had to keep his plans to go to Montreal, where he would reunite with family, who would then fly with him to Cameroon.

“We are not comfortable flying,” he said. “But sometimes you don’t have a choice. I want to see my family.”

View the full story on The NY Times official site - Happy Thanksgiving and be safe!

Thanksgiving Myths Busted

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING AND WHERE DID WE GET ALL OF OUR TRADITIONS FROM??

WELL, FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW ABOUT THANKSGIVING BECAUSE THESE MYTH BUSTERS WILL SET YOU STRAIGHT.

Thanksgiving myths busted: When the Mayflower pilgrims and the Wampanoag (native american tribe) sat down for the first Thanksgiving in 1621, it wasn’t actually that big of a deal. Likely, it was just a routine English harvest celebration that did not involve religion, family, or turkey.  We also know very little about the first Thanksgiving, that is why our government did not establish it as a national holiday until the 19th century, during the Civil War to be exact by Abraham Lincoln.  So in short, we have developed our own traditions over the years and just assumed they came from the original breaking of bread.

1. THANKSGIVING MYTHS: THANKSGIVING MEANS GORGE ON FOOD

Wrong.  To Pilgrims a "thanksgiving" was a time of powerful fasting and they actually never used such a word to describe their meal in the letter written by pilgrim Edward Winslow.   Alexander Young published a book containing the letter and called it their "first Thanksgiving" in the footnotes and the word stuck.

2.  THANKSGIVING MYTHS: THEY WERE THE FIRST SETTLERS

Little did the pilgrims know, Cape Cod and Plymouth were well populated communities before they got there.  Europeans who sailed there in the mid to early 1610's found flourishing communities along the coast, but by 1620 when they Mayflower arrived, the area looked abandoned.  Just a couple of years before they arrived an epidemic wiped out most of the coastal population so what the pilgrims thought to be undiscovered land was actually just a cemetery.

 

3.  THANKSGIVING MYTHS: PILGRIMS ATE TURKEY

What did the Pilgrims eat at their Thanksgiving meal? Well they certainly didn't eat  apples, pears, green beans or even cranberries.  No one knows if they even had turkey, the only food we know they had for sure was deer.  We have adapted our Thanksgiving menu off what the Victorians ate for their first Thanksgiving and subsequently attributed it to the pilgrims.

Even though many of our beliefs have come from falsehood, I still consider Thanksgiving a wonderful holiday because it makes the entire nation spend time thinking about what we are thankful for and forces us to get together with family.  We have so much to be thankful for and if anything good comes from the holiday is that it makes us recognize all the good we have in our lives.  

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Personnel Exchange Program (PEP)

DO YOU HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO SEE THE WORLD AND GET PAID FOR IT??  THE PERSONNEL EXCHANGE PROGRAM ALLOWS INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE EITHER IN OTHER BRANCHES OF THE U.S. MILITARY OR IN FOREIGN MILITARIES AS FULLY INTEGRATED MEMBERS OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS.

The Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) opportunity is aimed at enhancing international and inter-service relationships and currently there are about 200 exchanges with around 20 different nations, including amazing postings in countries like Australia, Belgium, and France.

Don't feel left out if you are not in the Navy, there are 40 inter-service exchanges with the US Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard too!

THE PERSONNEL EXCHANGE PROGRAM, AVAILABLE THROUGH DETAILERS, ALLOWS SAILORS TO SERVE WITH FOREIGN NAVIES OR WITH ANOTHER BRANCH OF THE U.S. MILITARY. IF IT IS NOT AN ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY, SAILORS WILL BE SENT TO LANGUAGE TRAINING BEFORE INTEGRATION.

"While not away, my family and I have maximized every opportunity we could for travel and playing the tourists," said Lt. Joshua Cowart. "The British Isles are beautiful and full of so much history. Europe is an easy day trip away and we've on more than one occasion had breakfast in the UK, lunch in France, and dinner in Belgium." All Hands Magazine 

Sounds amazing right?!?!?

Have you started to wonder if you are eligible yet?? Heck, I wish I was in the Navy so I could participate with PEP!

The program is designator and rating-driven as well as NEC-driven; in order to be considered for exchange you have to be in pay grades E-5 and above, pass security clearance and be willing to become a military ambassador of the United States.  To learn more about eligibility you should chat with your rating detailer!

 So why else would you want to voluntarily leave the Untied States for at least 24 months???   Well for starters, along with the perks of living abroad, you will receive your normal pay you quite possibly special allowances based on your final assignment such as Overseas Housing Allowance, Cost of Living Allowance, Hardship Duty Pay and Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus.

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE PERSONNEL EXCHANGE PROGRAM AS A WAY TO SEE THE WORLD.  DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO PARTICIPATES?  WOULD YOU DO IT?

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Thanksgiving Care Package Ideas

IF YOU CANNOT BE WITH YOUR LOVED ONE THIS THANKSGIVING BECAUSE OF DEPLOYMENT - MAKE SURE YOU SEND THEM ONE KILLER CARE PACKAGE!

There is nothing harder than being away from your family during a time when family is supposed to come together so send your deployed one a little holiday love from home!

If you are not sure what you are able to mail or how to make a really great care package, use our advice, make it with love and I promise you that it will turn out great!

THANKSGIVING CARE PACKAGE IDEAS

GET THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED!

If you have kids have them create turkeys using outlines of their hands, construction paper and feathers.

Include hand-written letters from each one of you describing what you are thankful for.

Take a awesome family selfie, print it off and put it in the package.

FOOD AND MORE FOOD!

Pumpkin bread or cookies

Spiced Cider and Hot Cocoa Packets

Turkey Jerky

Dried Fruit

Fall theme snack cakes

And any other foods your hunny loves!

CANDLES OR DEODORIZING SPRAY

One of my family's favorite things about the holidays are all the smells and I bet that is something your deployed one misses too.  So throw in a yummy scented candle that will bring back nostalgic memories!

THANK YOU NOTES FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Have your kids hand make a personal thank you note and then take it around to your friends, neighbors, extended family...whomever...and have them sign it.  Let your loved one know that everyone is thankful for his and your sacrifices.

The most important thing is to think about your service member and what he or she will be most excited to receive. You know what he likes. You know what she doesn’t like. Keep their preferences in mind while you shop. Also have fun with it! Stuff the boxes with plastic leaves for Thanksgiving and make it fun...a special way to reach out to your deployed loved one.

FOR MORE AMAZING THANKSGIVING CARE PACKAGE IDEAS CHECK OUT JO, MY GOSH AND UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL GUIDE TO MILITARY CARE PACKAGES!

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PCS'ing To Hawaii Guide

PCS'ING TO HAWAII...ARE YOU JUMPING FOR JOY OR NERVOUS TO DEATH?!?!

This could quite possibly be the best thing that has ever happened to you.  I know one of my personal dreams is to live in the Hawaiian Islands, but is something that probably will not happen.  Consider yourself lucky that you have the opportunity to experience locally one of the most beautiful places on the earth - enjoy ever minute of it!

The best way to get over your jitters is to be informed about your new duty station.  Basically, you need to pick the brain of someone who has been there done that and can give you the inside scoop on the nitty gritty!

Meet JD, the owner of A Semi-Delicate Balance,and on her amazing website you will find that she writes about all her experiences as a military wife and so much more as she has them in hopes that you can learn and grow from her experiences.

HER PCS'ING GUIDE TO HAWAII IS ONE OF THE BEST OUT THERE, SO IF YOU ARE HEADING FOR THE LAND OF ALOHA CHECK IT OUT - YOU JUST MAY LEARN A FEW THINGS!

Here is a sneak peek into her guide, check out her website to learn more of the Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaii and her insider guide to making an easy transition.

1) Housing
Decide whether or not you want living in military housing. Generally speaking, getting a decent house might take a while. If it’s PCS season, prepare to camp out in a hotel room. It’s hit or miss with housing, some houses are really nice and renovated. Others… not so much. Some are right on base. Others can be a drive. If you decide to live in housing, remember that you pay for utilities now (since 2013). If you decide to live off base, remember that some (aka most) places don’t accept pets. Neither on-base or off-base is safer than the other. Don’t let anyone fool you, there are crimes in housing too. If you decide to live off base, keep in mind the traffic. Generally speaking, there’s the windward side (east), the leeward side (west), town (Honolulu and surround areas), Central (Pearl City, Mililani, and surrounding areas), and the North Shore. Each area has its pros and cons.

Local tip: economy permitting… you might want to look into buying. BAH is ridiculously high. If you sacrifice a little living space or time in traffic, you could find something somewhat affordable and pocket some BAH money with the VA loan all while building some equity.

2) Culture
Forget what you heard. “Locals hate the military”, “They’re unfriendly” yada yada yada. No. Locals hate people who are close-minded and complain about everything but don’t make any attempt to make the best out of a situation. Indeed you may be far from family. But think about it this way. Millions of people save up their whole lives just to be able to visit Hawaii. You and your family are able to move and live there on the government’s dime. You’ll hear “aloha” more times that you can count but embrace it. No, and I mean no one, is in a rush to do anything, so you shouldn’t be either. Show aloha and you will receive aloha. It’s easy as that. Also, Hawaii is the only place you’ll see military officials with leis on their necks.You pretty much receive a lei for any special occasion.

Local tip: Leave your shoes outside or by the door when you go to someone’s home. It’s a respect thing. Don’t worry, they will not get stolen. You’ll probably be living in flip-flops (“slippahs”) anyway so it won’t make too much of a difference.

3) Travel
Plane tickets home can be expensive. It helps to fly home during the off-season. On the plus side, airfare to the other islands or to Asia and Australia are cheaper as opposed to coming from the mainland. So if you’ve got the travel bug, here is your chance! If you’re driving a lot, gas on base is usually cheaper. Costco is a great choice as well. Traffic is horrendous. Anyone will tell you that. If Oahu ever finishes that rail, it might get better. Even with the construction, it will always be a nightmare. The lanes downtown are also teeny tiny as are the parking garages. If you have a big truck, you might have to be that jerk that takes up two spots. Speaking of trucks, Since the speed limit is no higher than 60 anyway, people can ride in the bed of a truck legally.

Local tip: 99% of the time, if there’s no sign, feel free to make your own parking spot anywhere. Lawns, beaches, parks, dirt. If it fits, it’s good.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PCSING CHECK OUT UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL'S HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEW DUTY STATION!

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Sell It All and Go

I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE READING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUND THE COURAGE TO LIVE THE LIFE OF FULL-TIME TRAVEL; IT INSPIRES ME TO GET OFF MY BOOTY AND START MAKING MY DREAMS HAPPEN.

So what does it mean to "sell it all and go"?  It mean you simply your life to the extreme, to un-complicate all the years you have been working towards your previous dream.  This may sound like something only people in their 20's could do, but this is actually what a LOT of retirees are setting up for their "golden years".

I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU MICHAEL AND DEBBIE CAMPELL'S STORY OF HOW THEY TURNED THEIR RETIRED LIFE INTO A GLOBAL-TROTTING, NEVER ENDING LIFESTYLE.  COULD YOU SELL IT ALL AND GO?

Hello! We are Debbie and Michael Campbell "The Senior Nomads". We are from Seattle, Washington, one of the most beautiful cities in America. A hard place to leave, but we were ready to retire (for now) and travel.

In July of 2013 we rented our home, sold our sailboat and a car, and reduced our stuff to fit in a small storage unit. We said goodbye to our family and friends and headed to Europe!

Since then we have visited 113 cities in 43 countries including most of Europe and parts of Morocco, Turkey and Israel and we have had the pleasure of staying in over 76 Airbnb homes. We weren't sure how long we'd be gone, two years later, we still aren't sure!

We are not on vacation. Our goal is to happily live our daily lives in different cities - just as the locals do. So that includes laundry, shopping, cooking and even days where we stay home! We always take a free walking tour if one is offered, and we love learning to use public transportation. We cook most meals in so we explore the markets looking for regional ingredients. And of course we count on our hosts for 'insider tips' and suggestions on what to see and do as well as what to avoid! But most importantly, to share their thoughts about their city and their country.

In order to make this all possible, we embraced Airbnb as the best resource for finding unique homes and interesting hosts. They haven't let us down yet, and we've made some amazing friends along the way.

Everyday, we learn something new about the world and about ourselves and appreciate being part of the Airbnb community. To learn more about our travels Google Debbie and Michael Campbell Senior Nomads and you'll find an article in the New York Times that tells our story.

We look forward to meeting YOU.

Debbie and Michael Campbell
The Senior Nomads

Airbnb Profile 

Afar Magazine did an exclusive interview on the couple to learn exactly why they chose this lifestyle for their latter years and how they actually made it happen.  Both articles are great inspirational resources if you too are in your golden years and want to finally embrace the life you have always dreamed of.

The Campbell's are living proof that you do not have to be a millionaire to experience the world.  Thank you for sharing your story Michael and Debbie - the world needs to hear it!

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO SELL IT ALL AND GO - STARTING LIVING YOUR DREAM NOW!!!  

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Thanksgiving Travel Tips

IF THIS THANKSGIVING YOU ARE GOING TO BE TRAVEL TO SEE FRIENDS AND FAMILY, READ THESE HELPFUL THANKSGIVING TRAVEL TIPS FROM UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL.

Each and every year we get bombarded with people who need to book last minute Thanksgiving travel and so we see first hand how expensive and troublesome it can be.

Whether you are wanting to return stateside just for a few days, fly to Europe to spend Thanksgiving there, coming all the way from the Pacific, or needing a car rental AND a hotel the team at United Military Travel has got you covered!

Along with Christmas the Thanksgiving holiday is undoubtedly the busiest travel time of the year.  You can expect transportation delays, traffic and travel snags all meeting travelers at nearly every turn. But with a bit of thought and some Thanksgiving travel planning, you may be able to leave your ibuprofen at home and head home for the holidays or escape for a drama-free adventure.

Regardless of your plans, you'll be thankful for these Thanksgiving travel tips.

PLAN AHEAD

It's never too early to start your holiday travel planning, so if you know your leave dates are written in stone go ahead and call us today for lower airfare prices - in the early fall you will find airfare prices are still down and plenty of seats to choose from.  This same idea goes for Christmas travel as well - the earlier you book your travel the more affordable it will be.  It is important that you have your travel dates locked down because once travel is booked it is expensive and sometimes impossible to change and cancel it.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Here I go again, preaching about traveling light!  Not only will you save yourself money by avoiding the checked bag fees, you reduce your risk of your luggage getting lost and also saving yourself time at the airport.  But keep in mind that your fellow travelers will all have the same idea and overhead space may be tight onboard.  A alternative method to traveling with your belongings is to ship them.  Lighten your load by shipping some of your belongings to your final destination ahead of time, especially presents and bulky items like diapers or extra clothes that you won't need for the journey.

CHOOSE THE BEST DAYS

Hands down try to avoid traveling on the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the big day when travelers tear themselves away from the leftovers and football to make the journey home. Avoid these days by flying out on Monday or Tuesday or even Thanksgiving morning to avoid the dreaded Wednesday travel rush. When you're ready to head home, take flight on Friday when the masses have moved on from the airports to the shopping centers to score the best holiday deals. The crowds pick up again on Saturday, reaching a critical peak on Sunday, before leveling out on Monday.

Travel Hint: Fly out on Monday or Tuesday or even Thanksgiving morning to avoid the dreaded Wednesday travel rush.

HIGH-TECH TROUBLESHOOTING

It's commonsense to arrive at the airport early -- you'll need the time for parking, security and to wait your turn for that necessary cup of coffee. But you can avoid some airport hassles by taking advantage of useful applications that can be used on your smart phone. iPhone users can get the skinny on the airport, including maps showing the gates and restaurant information, using the GateGuru app. Airlines including Southwest, Delta and American Airlines all have mobile websites where passengers can check in, confirm seats and keep track of their flight status. Check out these top mobile apps for travel.

Hint: Plan your route ahead of time and travel with a GPS system, smart phone or old-school maps to offer alternatives if you need a Plan B.

HOLIDAY ROAD

While you certainly save money and avoid some headaches traveling by land, navigating the highways presents its own set of holiday challenges during the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  If you think rush hour traffic is horrific through DC on a weekday, try sharing the road with the thousands who want to leave for a holiday!

If you do choose to drive to your destination, let United Military Travel book you a car rental - just make sure you purchase driver's insurance!

Plan your route ahead of time and travel with a GPS system, smart phone or old-school maps to offer alternatives if you need a Plan B. And to avoid unnecessary delays, bring along an E-ZPass or change for the tolls, as well as plenty of snacks, and be sure to fill up on gas before you hit the road. Also brush up on tips to handle hazardous road conditions during icy or stormy weather.

Hint:  Avoid the highways on the Wednesday before turkey day and the following Sunday.

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UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL IS A PRO AT HELPING YOU PLAN AND BOOK HOLIDAY TRAVEL.  

WE WANT TO SEE OUR TROOPS WITH THEIR FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS, SO WE STRIVE TO GIVE YOU THE MOST AFFORDABLE PRICES IN THE MILITARY TRAVEL LOAN INDUSTRY! 

 CALL US TODAY TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL CONSULTANTS OR YOU CAN APPLY FOR TRAVEL CREDIT ONLINE.  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND SAFE TRAVELING! 

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World Heritage Quiz -- National Geographic

A QUIZ ON WORLD HERITAGE SITES FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Source: World Heritage Quiz -- National Geographic

If you follow this blog then you know we are fans of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, that is why I would like to share this quiz with you.  Test your knowledge with this National Geographic World Heritage Quiz, then give us a call to book your next vacation to one of this incredible places!  Also read more about UNESCO sites from our pervious blog posts here...

United Military Travel specializes in Travel Now Pay Later Military Travel Loans - meaning if you are a member of the Armed Forces you already qualify for a life of more traveling.  Check out our website to learn more about how we can financing your airfare, car rentals, accommodations, cruises and much, much more.  

Must Have Military Travel Products

NO MATTER THE LENGTH OF YOUR VACATION THERE ARE JUST CERTAIN ITEMS THAT MAKE YOUR TRIP EASIER.  THAT IS WHY I SUGGEST THERE AWESOME TRAVEL PRODUCTS!

 

MINI TRAVEL SPEAKER

This is for all music lovers.

For a while my hubby and I did not travel with one and when we wanted the volume from our iphone to be louder we simply placed it glass cup.  That method works but is far less suitable than an actual speaker.  One thing that I hate is laying on a beach and trying to listen to music but it is not loud enough so only the people laying next to it can hear it.  Another example of when I could have used one: at our rental house in Granada, Nicaragua.  We could not figure out how to use the surround sound speakers so we resorted back to phone in the cup method.  

Needless to say we always travel with a mini travel speaker now.

* I do not suggest only bringing a bluetooth one because what if you do not have access to wifi???

 

PORTABLE TABLET OF ANY KIND

Why?  Because they are lighter than a laptop, more discrete, lighter and versatile.  

Check out United Military Shop for an amazing selection of tablets and travel gear!  You can get Apple iPad mini for just $22/month!!!

When I visited Australia I brought along with my laptop and that was a mistake.  My book bag was always so heavy and it took up so much room that half the time I left it behind and just wished for a tablet.  

It is nice to be able to lounge by the beach and do whatever it is you want to do on a tablet whereas if you set up with a lap top you would like a major nerd.

Don't be a nerd.

 

WOVII TOWEL

 

 

I am obsessed with this towel!  I have bought it for all my friends too and the opinion is all the same...amazing! This Australian made towel is the best ever travel accessory.  It is bright, light weight, compact, super, super absorbent, mega soft and dry quick.  My experience in packing towels for a trip is that I NEVER have enough room so I end up packing it in my carry on which takes up the majority of room in that.  But these are fantastic!  I really think that having a good, hassle free towel while traveling is under estimated and with these you can also use it as a blanket anywhere you are because it will fit in your book bag no problem!

 

A KILLER TRAVEL BACKPACK

For those of you who follow me, you know that I HATE checking luggage!

The REI Vagabond 40 is my backpack of choice.  When choosing one I want versatility, something that will hold all my luggage, can  travel as a carry on, has a waist strap, and can also be used as a day bag for the beach or hiking adventures.  

 

 

SHOES

I typically do not travel to cold weather destinations - I prefer sunny and warm so the shoes I need are minimal.  

Come to think of it my motto on life is: 

"keep things simple". 

My go to shoes are:

Sanuk Yoga Spree 2

and

Toms Classics

Whatever your style is keep in mind that you should always wear the bulky and awkward pair while physically traveling to take away from the weight in your luggage and to free up space.  You can take them off while on the plane and change as soon as you land.  

Or take a pair of shoes with you that you want to get rid of, buy a new pair while away and give your shoes to someone in need.

Josh and I always, always pack a few items of clothing that we no longer want to give away to children - it is a great way to get to know the community you travel to.  

A GREAT WINE TOOL IS ESSENTIAL

 

 

Yes, I know this makes me sound like a lush but it is multi-functional.  It can serve as a weapon if need be, an outdoor tool and also to make opening your wine bottles in remote locations a lot easier!  But you can only bring them if you check luggage, they are not allowed on carry on bags.  I always put my in my husbands board bag because we have to check those.
And that is it folks - my must have travel products.  Everything else I pack is add on stuff but these are necessary.  

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United Military Travel and United Military Shop has a ton of products you can choose from to customize easy travel so contact them today!866-582-9579