Monday, December 28, 2015

2016 Wellness Vacations

DID YOU KNOW THAT WELLNESS VACATIONS ARE THE TOP RATED GETAWAYS FOR 2016??

More people each and every year book wellness vacations and according to an article by Pauline Former for Frommer's Travel Guide, wellness travel is only gaining momentum.
Wellness travel is growing 50% faster than regular travel, according to a recent survey performed by the Global Wellness Summit. But that may be because the definition of what exactly "wellness travel" is has become rather squishy. According to Dena Roche, wellness expert and creator of TravelDiet, "In the past, when people thought about wellness travel, they thought about ladies who had a ton of money who went to the spa. But now wellness travel has evolved to include yoga retreats, spas, adventure travel. In my mind, it can be any trip you take having a wellness component, and that includes mental well being. So it could be a trip where you turned off your phone and had a digital vacation; or a visit to Europe where you walked many miles in museums."

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/slideshows/848073-what-will-be-the-top-trends-in-travel-in-2016-our-predictions#slide849979#ixzz3vdTej6Ue

YOU SEE, WELLNESS VACATIONS CAN REALLY BE ANY TRIP THAT HELPS YOU CALM YOUR MIND AND IMPROVE YOUR WELL-BEING.

Does a wellness vacation sound appealing to you?  Have you taken a wellness vacation before or do you already have plans to in 2016?  We would love to hear about your past experience and your future travels on our Facebook page - write on our wall!

IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE TRENDY WORLD OF WELLNESS, LET ME HELP YOU CHOOSE A DESTINATION FOR YOUR FUTURE WELLNESS VACATIONS!

1. COSTA RICA YOGA

This beautiful country is littered with resorts that offer yoga, adventure, surfing, and meditation.  And it actually is becoming one of the most attractive countries to visit for wellness seekers...it is the perfect hippie hideaway :)
Book a trip down to Costa Rica's Tree House Lodge for a chance to surf, swim, adventure, and yoga your heart our everyday!
wellness vacations

2. HOT SPRINGS

Immerse yourself in some of the planet's most healing waters to help soothe your soul.  Try any one of these hot spring resorts around the world!
wellness vacations

3. DIGITAL DETOX

You can do this anywhere.  Put away your phone and computer (keep the camera) and say goodbye to the digital world for a week.  Trust me, you can do it - it won't kill you!
wellness vacations

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Monday, December 21, 2015

2016 Epic Trips

epic trip

IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN...TO STARTING THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS; WHAT IS REALISTIC AND OBTAINABLE.  HOW ABOUT MAKING A VOW TO TAKE ONE EPIC TRIP IN 2016?!?!

The time is now to take life by the horns and live exactly how you have always dreamed!  Is there a place or places you have only dreamt of visiting that in the grand scheme of things is very realistic? Do you have an event coming up that you could turn into your epic trip like a honeymoon, family vacation, anniversary, graduation, or any other excuse under the sun to travel?
Go there.  Do it.  Make a vow to yourself right now and begin the planning process so you can make your epic trip happen.  I imagine my epic trip almost everyday, but then again I have a severe case of wanderlust, so I want to share with you a few ideas I have in my many hours of day dreaming.

HOPEFULLY, THEY WILL LIGHT A LITTLE FLAME INSIDE YOU TO GET YOU MOTIVATED FOR AN EPIC TRIP IN 2016!

South Africa & Madagascar to spend time among hundreds of animal species found nowhere else on earth and stay in an eco lodge in the Serengeti.
  1. epic trip
  2. Indonesia to explore your spiritual side, surf world class waves, ride mopeds and tut tuts, and escape the hustle and bustle.
  3. epic trip
  4. A full tour of Italy and Greece starting in Rome and ending in the Greek Isles.
  5. epic trip
  6. Cruise the Hawaiian Islands via a two week cruise to fully submerse yourself in the beauty of the Aloha State.
  7. epic tripIsland hop the Caribbean visiting St. Lucia, St. Maarten, & St. John to fill yourself with he pasta island "no worries" attitude.
  8. epic trip
  9. Cruise Antartica with National Geographic and who knows...maybe even renew your vows there?!?!
  10. epic trip
  11. Stay with a native Patagonian family while you spend your days hiking, fishing, and learning their trades.
  12. epic trip
  13. Take a few months off travel to Australia and New Zealand to finally live the adventure you should have done in your 20's.
  14. epic trip
  15. Visit Lofoten Islands, Norway during the summer months to experience the Midnight Sun.
  16. epic trip
  17. Trace your lineage and visit the town where you family originates.

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Friday, December 18, 2015

OUR MISSION: WAVES FOR WATER

OUR MISSION: WAVES FOR WATER

waves for water
It all started as just a family getaway to Costa Rica, we were going to go down surf, veg out, explore and veg some more.  But after what I like to call, manifestation, we decided to volunteer our time as Clean Water Couriers through Waves For Water.  

WAVES FOR WATER MISSION:

To get clean water to every single person who needs it.
People living in impoverished areas die every day from drinking dirty water. While having access to clean water is a luxury that many of us take for granted, there are millions living in nations with no filtration systems in place. Kids drink from the same streams where animals bathe. In addition, there’s no clean water available for surgery if someone is injured, putting the wounded at risk of deathly infections.
The goal is to take existing solutions in the form of portable water filters into countries that need them. There are different options in deciding which filters would be best for each region, based on needs in various areas. Options range from ceramic filters that can be transported by one person, to larger filters that can provide clean water to an entire village. source 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR MISSION & TO DONATE PLEASE VISIT OUR WAVES FOR WATER PROFILE

Why do I consider our decision manifestation?  Well, because I have been wanting to do something good for humanity for a long time and have been searching my soul for the best way to put forth mine and my family's time.  Over the searching process I have become a Partner In Hope through Saint Jude and also a monthly donator to our local children food bank, but I still didn't feel satisfied.
Non-Profit work has always intrigued me.  All of my beliefs are centered around the belief that we should all help each other, we are all equal, mother nature is the grandest, and that if we want to see change it is our duty to be that change.
Be the change you want to see in the world. ~ Mahatma Ghandi
As an individual I am a traveler, an environmental activist, a wanderer, a peace maker, and a mother.
 As a family we are a unit of three who love the ocean, surfing, traveling, the world and each other and we feel that if we can share with the rest of the world our compassion, and help just a few, we have succeeded.

WAVES FOR WATER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT SPEAKS DEEPLY TO US.

In our travels we have been to countries where litter and poverty is more prevalent than fast food chains in America.  We always vow that we are going to do something, while we are there, but as soon as we return stateside it seems our motivation just disappears.
That is not acceptable anymore; we are finally becoming the change we want to see in the world.
waves for water

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Hottest Off Duty Travel Adventures This Season

WINTER SEASON IS A VERY POPULAR TIME TO GET AWAY, HAVE YOU PLANNED YOUR OFF DUTY ADVENTURES YET?

Some people like to head south to keep up their vitamin D intake while others prefer to follow the snow; hit the slopes and hide out in winter cabins.  Me personally, I always head south to the tropics to create an almost endless summer, but I have never escaped old man winter completely.  Where do you prefer to spend your off duty adventures?  Depending on where you live, winter is much easier to bear when you have an amazing trip in mind to plan and look forward to.
One year I tried really hard and came fairly close to an endless summer.  A few winters ago I traveled for two months, one month to Australia, the other month to Nicaragua and that was the closet I got to an endless summer...I have to say that was definitely one of my finest years!

IF YOU ARE WANTING TO TRAVEL THIS WINTER BUT ARE UNSURE OF WHAT OR WHERE YOUR OFF DUTY ADVENTURES SHOULD BE, LET ME SUGGEST A FEW OF MY FAVORITES TO GET YOUR OWN IDEAS FLOWING.

A MULTI-DESTINATION TICKET

off duty adventures
Simply my favorite way to travel as this method definitely can apply to domestic travel too!  For example, start your vacation in Vancouver BC by hitting the slopes in Whistler then take the train down to Seattle for a dose of city life.  After that fly to San Francisco and rent a car for the grand tour of the most beautiful state in America!  After your adventure is over, fly out of San Diego and viola! you just complete had multi-destination off duty adventures!
Another awesome multi-destination ticket is hitting Australia, New Zealand, and American Samoa all in one swoop.  This trip takes some planning, some money, and more importantly time but can you imagine how disappointed you would be if you came home without seeing other countries while you were on that side of the planet.  It is silly just to explore one and be done.  Live a little!  Starting planning these off duty adventures by saving money, off days, sick days, and vacation time so this time next year you could spend  your winter in the Pacific!

ANYWHERE IN COLORADO/WYOMING/MONTANA

off duty adventures
If you and your family enjoy skiing head to the American meccas of winter activities to get in on the best of the best this travel season.  Your off duty adventures could include skiing, snowboarding, tubing, back country exploring, helicopter tours, sleigh rides, hot springs, cozy log cabins, ice fishing and much, much more!
Personally, many of my friends choose Colorado over the other states but that is probably because it may have a younger/hipper vibe to it.  Go where your needs will be met by doing research and choosing wisely.

THE MEDITERRANEAN

off duty adventures
When many people think of Mediterranean vacations, images of the summertime sun and lying on the beach come to mind. However, the Mediterranean region is also a perfect getaway spot for your off duty adventures this winter season.  Some of the best Mediterranean areas to visit this winter include the French and Italian Rivieras, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Portugal’s Estoril Coast, and the Spanish coastline.
Another travel perk is that airfare prices for many European locations tend to drop during the winter, making it the perfect time to explore Europe on a budget.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN CHOOSING YOUR NEXT OFF DUTY ADVENTURES OUR EXPERTS HERE AT UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU PLAN AN AMAZING GETAWAY, IT IS WHAT WE DO BEST!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Travel Well In Developing Countries

travel well in developing countries

A GUIDE ON HOW TO TRAVEL WELL IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

When someone asks you if you would like to travel with them to a developing country do automatically recoil at the thought it and say "No!"?  Its ok if you do, many folks do not like the idea of traveling to countries that do not offer wifi everywhere and especially places where you cannot flush toilet paper.
For me, developing countries are my main destinations as they often more of an opportunity for long term travel than places like Australia, Europe, New Zealand, Hawaii etc.  I find that I often stick to South American, South East Asia, and Pacific Island countries to get more bang for my buck.
If you are new to the realm of vacationing in a developing country the biggest piece of advice I have for you is this; Keep an open mind and always see the beauty.
 Zoe Smith from BootsnAll said it perfectly, "Traveling in some of the world’s poorest countries is as challenging as it is rewarding, and planning your trip can be a balancing act: how to stay safe but still embrace the unknown; how to promote sustainable tourism when faced with heart-wrenching poverty; how to adopt local customs but maintain both your dignity and sanity; how not to end up with an extortionately-priced Persian carpet strapped to the back of your backpack.

HOW TO TRAVEL WELL IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Overcoming The Bathroom Differences
This by far is one of the most common differences you will first notice when traveling to a developing country.  I have had to bring a bucket of water with me to poor into the back part and then pull a string to make it flush.  Another time I had to go in a hole in the ground that was concealed with palm leaves.  But my favorite experience was going in just a bucket that you had to dispose of yourself...that was fun!
These are all fairly extreme cases.  The most common difference you will encounter is having to put your toilet paper in the trash can.  Everywhere in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador and beyond you have to do that because they do not have septic systems.
Lets keep in mind that other than the toilet, you also have to consider the shower situation.  I have been pretty lucky in this department and the worst shower I had was just using a water hose that was help high to wash myself.  It was a little chilly but the water pressure was great so over all it was a decent shower!
Simply put, go ahead and prepare yourself for alternative ways to use a bathroom and if you expect that difference and stay open minded, you will be fine!
Communication and the Lack There Of
travel well in developing countries
It wouldn't be an adventure without having a communication barrier.  Often times, the locals will not speak English and you will be expected to know Spanish since you are, more than likely, the educated one.  To me just have never lived until you are lost in a foreign city and are trying to get directions from someone who doesn't speak the same language as you.  You find yourself in a situation where you cannot use a maps app, call a cab, or buy a map so a little bit of panic will sweep over you but in the end you realize that it was a good experience.  It made you think about the situation and solve it all on your own, with no technology whatsoever!
Poverty
travel well in developing countries
Aside from the bathrooms shoving you into a shell shock, the extreme difference in wealth is staggering.  Finding that many of the homes have mud floors or are made out of trash, none of the roads are paved, trash and debris is EVERYWHERE and children walking around in rags barefoot begging for food and money.
travel well in developing countries
It is heartbreaking and you will want to give all your money to that child and their family, but do not.  Spend your money wisely.  Giving like this only encourages the begging and further sets back the parents getting a real job.
"A compromise can be made by donating old clothes, books or appliances to locals to either use or sell (last trip, I took several pairs of shoes to a street tailor to repair and sell on and donated my sleeping bag to a homeless couple), but be especially wary of giving anything to kids – even dishing out sweets or pens can sometimes encourage begging habits that are hard to break." BootsNAll

AFTER READING THIS YOU MAY BE ASKING YOURSELF WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO TRAVEL TO A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY, BUT IF YOU CAN GET OVER THESE THREE TOPICS YOU CAN TRAVEL WELL IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

I hope reading this will help you travel well in developing countries and help you enjoy yourself because it truly is worth the compromise to see the beauty these countries are hiding.

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travel well in developing countries


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Military Wives Are Awesome!

military wives

TO ALL MILITARY WIVES OUT THERE, YOU LADIES ROCK!!!

"Lots of moving... Moving... Moving... Moving far from home... Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course. Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house; Moving curtains that won't fit; Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours. Moving away from friends; Moving toward new friends; Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting... Waiting... Waiting... Waiting for housing. Waiting for orders. Waiting for deployments. Waiting for phone calls. Waiting for reunions. Waiting for the new curtains to arrive. Waiting for him to come home, For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better: She is fiercely In-Dependent. She can balance a check book; Handle the yard work; Fix a noisy toilet; Bury the family pet... She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts. She can file the taxes; Sell a house; Buy a car; Or set up a move...all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her. She reinvents her career with every PCS; Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south. And learns to call them all 'home'. She MAKES them all home.

MILITARY WIVES ARE SOMEWHAT HASTY...

They leap into: Decorating, Leadership, Volunteering, Career alternatives, Churches, And friendships. They don't have 15 years to get to know people. Their roots are short but flexible. They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

MILITARY WIVES QUICKLY LEARN TO VALUE EACH OTHER:

They connect over coffee, Rely on the spouse network, Accept offers of friendship and favors. Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond: The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique. He doesn't have a 'JOB' He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit... He's on-call for his country 24/7. But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town! His language is foreign TDY PCS OPR SOS ACC BDU ACU BAR CIB TAD EPR And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his. She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments: She wants to wring his neck; Dye his uniform pink; Refuse to move to Siberia; But she pulls herself together. Give her a few days, A travel brochure, A long hot bath, A pledge to the flag, A wedding picture, And she goes. She packs. She moves. She follows.
Why? What for? How come? You may think it is because she has lost her mind. But actually it is because she has lost her heart. It was stolen from her by a man, Who puts duty first, Who longs to deploy, Who salutes the flag, And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, She will remain his military wife. And would have it no other way."

EVERYONE AT UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL KNOWS THAT BEHIND EVERY ALL GOOD  MILITARY MEN IS ARE THE EVEN BETTER MILITARY WIVES AND WE SALUTE ALL OF YOU!


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Friday, December 11, 2015

Child Safety Travel Tips

child safety travel tips
Image: www.dothanfamily.com

AS I PREPARE MYSELF FOR OUR FIRST TRIP WITH A CHILD THIS JANUARY, THE QUESTION ARISES "WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO ENSURE HIS SAFETY ABROAD?" THESE CHILD TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS HAVE HELPED ME OUT GREATLY AND I HOPE YOU GAIN SOME KNOWLEDGE ALSO!

It seems that all child safety tips stay relatively consistent across the board and range from airport safety to food safety to car safety.  What I am most worried about is our son getting diarrhea from the fruit in Central America because it happens to adults!
We are going to have to be super careful about the food we give him and making sure we enough clean water to keep him hydrated plus having a few of his favorite snacks handy!

BEST CHILD SAFETY TRAVEL TIPS

SHOTS

Make sure your child is up to date on all vaccinations prior to travel, particularly if you are traveling internationally.

MEDICATIONS

Pack the ultimate First Aid Kit known to man!

AIRPLANE SEAT

Even though most airlines allow a child under the age of 2 to ride on a parent's lap, having an FAA-approved car seat will ensure your child's safety on the plane.

CRIB

Bring your own play yard or porta-crib. Play yards and cribs offered by hotels may not be up to the latest safety standards.

CAR SEAT

Not all countries require car safety seats for children. Bring yours with you if you will be traveling in a car.

FLIGHT SECURITY

Explain the rules of air travel to your child before you leave. Going through security can be frightening for children. Make sure your child understands his backpack or stuffed animal will be safe while going through the X-ray machine.

WASHING HANDS

Wash hands often, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says, and bring portable sanitizing gel with you to help prevent illness while traveling.

CONSISTENCY

Keep the same safety rules when traveling that you have at home. If your child needs a life jacket when swimming at home, make sure you have one with you. If you don't allow your children to go off on their own at home, don't allow them to do it on vacation. Being consistent with rules is an important part of safety.

CONTROL

Be in control of your children, especially while flying or on a bus or train. It is your job to watch your children, not the flight attendant's. For their safety and the safety of other passengers, don't allow them to wander in the aisle or run around. It can be difficult to keep kids under control in a confined space; so bring games and other activities and, if it's a long flight, take an occasional walk up and down the aisle with your child just to get the "wiggles" out.

AWARENESS

Know where your children are at all times. Many vacation destinations are crowded places. You need to hold your child's hand in a crowded place and don't let him wander around. Even older kids should not be allowed to roam in an unfamiliar place by themselves. Keep a recent picture of your child with you, and have children carry an identification card with them (not their passport).

PARKED CARS

Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a minute. Not only could a child be quickly lost; she could overheat and die within minutes, according to the AAP.

SNACKS

Always carry safe water and snacks to offer your children. This is not only a safety precaution, but will also ensure you always have something they like to eat.

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child safety travel tips

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Vistas of Zurich Switzerland

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE STATIONED IN EUROPE, YOU SHOULD TAKE A TRIP TO ZURICH SWITZERLAND THIS WINTER TO MARVLE AT THE BEAUTY AND CHICNESS THIS TOWN HAS TO OFFER.

Lets assume you only have a couple of days to escape, it works because Zurich, Switzerland is centrally located to Italy, France and Germany so you can hop on the train and be in the Swiss countryside in a matter of hours.
With so many wonderful attractions you may be wondering if a quick visit to Zurich, Switzerland is even worth it...
The answer to that question is yes....million times over....yes!

HERE ARE THE PLACES THAT MYSELF AND EXPERTS RECOMMEND SEEING IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND!

BÜRKLITERRASSE

The tree-lined Utoquai and Arboretum at Enge offer excellent views of Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps, but the iconic spot for lake-gazing is at the Bürkliterrasse, with its statue of Zeus and Ganymede and straight-shot view of the Alps
zurich Switzerland

JULES VERNE PANORAMIC BAR

Some of the best views can be taken in from atop the old ramparts or from the 11th floor Jules Verne Bar.
zurich Switzerland

SORELL HOTEL ZÜRICHBERG

zurich switzerland
This 66-room property sits atop a hillside perch on the Zürichberg overlooking the city below, and just beyond, Lake Zürich and the majestic snow-capped Alps. Spread across a restored Art Nouveau building and a modern annex with a Guggenheim-like corkscrew ramp, the minimalist, stylish rooms come with shocks of color!

SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUE OF TECHNOLOGY

Paris has the Sacré-Coeur, on top of Montmartre, for catch-your-breath views of the city. Zurich’s answer: the terrace at ETH Zurich. Also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and where Einstein was an alum, it lords high above the city for prime views beyond to the lake, the Uetliberg, and the Alps. The bQm café and bar lets you pair that stellar view with a drink.
zurich switzerland
If a good view is what you are looking for in Zurich, Switzerland do not miss these attractions, I promise you will not be disappointed!

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zurich, Switzerland

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

St. Jude - Partner In Hope

THIS PAST THURSDAY I WAS LISTENING TO THE LOCAL COUNTRY RADIO STATION AS IT AIRED THE ANNUAL ST. JUDE RADIOTHON THAT ENCOURAGED PEOPLE TO BECOME A PARTNER IN HOPE.

I honestly have never been more moved in my entire life, hearing the testimonies of survival and defeat straight from the families and patient of childhood cancer was incredibly emotional and gut wrenching.
Running errands with my son in the back seat, I was completely in tears as it stirred up emotions of when I lost my mother and made me cry for Noah even though he is completely healthy baby.  So what did I do?  I became a Partner In Hope.  I pledged $20 a month for year for a grand total of $240.
$240 in the eyes of cancer is not a lot...you have to combine my pledge with six other pledges just to get one day of chemo for a child.  Did you know when you become a patient at St. Jude you will never receive a bill of any kid for the services rendered?  How amazing is that!  And it is all because of donations like mine and the thousands of others that were made this past Thursday.

WE ALL NEED TO JOIN TOGETHER WITH ST. JUDE - PARTNER IN HOPE TO HELP THEM FIND THE CURE FOR CANCER!

When the St. Jude doors opened the cancer survival rate was only 4% and now it is 88%!  Not only is St. Jude helping these amazing children survive cancer they also are creating a happy and healthy environment for the kids to be in during one of the most hard times of theirs and their families lives.
They provide all the things young children experience in the real world to the kids who are confined in the hospital.  For example, they administer medicine through things like gummy worms, they have built amazing play rooms for the kids to escape reality in and much more.  All these things could not have been done if not for the generosity of donations.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON HELP FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER BY GIVING TO ST. JUDE - BECOME A PARTNER IN HOPE!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Outer Banks Loves Christmas!

THIS PAST WEEKEND WAS FULL OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES IN OUTER BANKS.  FROM CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY TO ELF HUNTS IN DUCK, THE OUTER BANKS COMMUNITY REALLY KNOWS HOW TO USE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES TO GET THE KIDDOS IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!

Getting into the holiday spirit is something I have never been good at, call me a Scrooge but Christmas has never been one of my favorite holidays.  Now that we have our son, we know that it is important for us to show him the true meaning of Christmas and we are doing so through holiday festivities.  Our Noah may only be 1.5 year old but I very much believe that he is aware of the at least the decorations and he had a blast being a part of the holiday festivities in our community!

PASSPORT TO THE GREAT YULETIDE ELF HUNT

holiday festivities
As the majority of the you know, the Outer Banks operates under two seasons: High and Low.  So this event was geared towards both businesses of Duck and the kids of the Outer Banks as it got people into the local stores by having the kids find the elf, mark it off the list, and head to the next place. Then between 3:30 and 4:00 Santa arrived on a fire truck to the village green and there you turned in your passport and received a participating gift (I didn't get one because we were in a Santa frenzy).
I have to say that out of all the stores we visited Roadside Grill put on the best show.  Out back, year round, they have set up a awesome little bar, a big screen, corn hole, tables, and an area for the kids so during the Elf Hunt they hosted a oyster roast.  What a fantastic idea!  It gave the adults a place to retreat where they could be themselves while their kids played in a safe environment.......thank you Roadside for being hippie awesome!!holiday festivities FullSizeRender-29 copy

 

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

holiday festivities
We did not attend the holiday festivities at Southern Hope Animal Rescue & Education but we will next year for sure.  My sister told me about because this is where she takes her daughter for horse back riding lessons and apparently it is just amazing!  To make their event extra special they had for sale used tackle, saddles and horse blankets!
TONS of local vendors, businesses and silent auctions, delicious local coffee, bake sale,
BBQ & hot dogs , PONY RIDES &Wagon rides! And of course a petting pen with goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, miniature horses!

WHEREVER THE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES ARE THAT YOU WANT TO ATTEND, LET UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL TAKE YOU THERE.
WE SPECIALIZE IN CAR RENTALS, AIRFARE, CRUISES, HOTELS, SPECIAL EVENT TICKETS AND MORE!  866-682-9579

holiday festivities