Showing posts with label Dream Vacations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dream Vacations. Show all posts

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Kakslauttanen, Arctic Resort, Finland

Kakslauttanen, Finland
Best time to view the Aurora Borealis
August - April

This arctic resort offers a little bit of everything so everyone can enjoy the natural habitat of Finland without getting frostbite.  Located just 155 miles north of the Arctic circle they may be in a "far flung area" but the resort is easy to get to.  The nearest airport is just a 30 minute drive from  Ivalo or since their close proximity to Norway, Murmansk and Russia - you can fly into those airports too.

  For many people the Northern Lights are not just a perk of a traveling but are the destination.  When you make here your destination, no need to travel outside of the resort, they will entertain you day and night.

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Stay warm and cozy in one of their eight different types of accommodations.  
First and their most popular is the Glass Igloo



Just imagine being with your loved one, laying in bed under the twinkling sky of the Northern Lights and million of Arctic stars.  I do not believe there is anything more romantic than that. 

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Second are the Kelo Pine log cabins that come equipped with a fireplace and sauna and can accommodate up to ten people.  



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 The third is truly an original, the snow igloo is exactly what the name implies.  It is a completely sound proof ice igloo that will keep you at a consistent minus 4 degrees celsius even if the outside temperature is minus forty but do not worry the resort provides you with plush down sleeping bags and bear skin rugs!



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Third is where you would find me, the Queen Suites is arctic luxury.  The spacious log cabin offers a beautiful bed, outdoor jacuzzi and super plush bathroom equipped with a bath tub and sauna. 



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For all the honeymooners the 4th type of accommodation at the resort is the wedding chamber which are Earth lodges aka kammi in Finnish.  They are traditional residences used by the Finnish since ancient times and are built to camouflage into the land with their special roofs.   Once you get there you will not have to leave, just snuggle up and enjoy the seclusion!



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Kakslauttanen also offers a traditional house that sleeps two adults and two children.  It is a beautiful house that offers you all the amenities of a room plus that of a house.  Best if your stay is longer.  


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Number six on our list is sivakka cabin which is their largest.  It can hold up to ten people which is ideal for larger families or groups.  


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Santa's Cabin is also offered there and do not take that lightly as it is the most sacred place in the northern hemisphere so take the opportunity to sleep in Santa's bed for an evening or more.  Who else do you know that can say they did that?


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The final option is called Gold Digger's Cabin and it is located on the banks of the Golden River.  Step out your back door and pan for gold and then hop on the runabout that comes with the cabin to get to and from in a jiffy.  


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Contact United Military Travel to book your Arctic getaway today!!! 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Whitsunday Islands, Australia - Travel Guide

74 Island Wonders!
Hill Inlet
Ohhhhh to be from Australia....wouldn't that be the life.  Growing up and having access to some of the world's most beautiful destinations in your backyard. 

The grass is always greener on the other side right??!?!!

But I am just a little ole North Carolina girl
 (proud of it) 
that is thankful for at least having United Military Travel on my side....what would I do without them?!?!!

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I have been to Australia before and I kick myself everyday for not visiting these islands before I left - I was in the area too!  What was I thinking?!?!

But I would like to educate all of you on where the Whitsundays are, what to do, where to stay, how to get there. etc - a travel guide if you will :) 

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Where Are These Islands You Speak Of????

The Whitsundays are a group of islands off the east coast of Australia's Queensland region in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  The Queensland paradise puts you right in the warm waters of the Coral Sea and gives you 74 islands to explore and the freedom to make the experience truly unique to whatever you desire.  
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How To Get There...
 

Getting to the islands from overseas is best done by flying directly into Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney or Melbourne...all of which are major airports in Australia and then booking a domestic flight into one of the Whitsunday's two airports.  I suggest booking your domestic flight from Brisbane because it has the best range of connecting flights into the region.
  
Now keep in mind that you probably are not going to Australia just for the Whitsunday Islands so play around with the ideas of renting a car and driving from Sydney to Brisbane or spending time in Melbourne...catching the bus to Sydney and flying from there. Whatever you decide to do please understand that just because it is a domestic flight, it is still pricey.  

Your biggest expense in this vacation is going to be the airfare.  But that is ok since I know you are going to book through UMT!

The two airports that service the islands daily are:

It is located on Hamilton Island, and is serviced by major airlines from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.  Also Cruise Whitsundays operates ferries from Hamilton Island to transfer passengers from Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday Coast and other island resorts. 

This airport is currently only serviced by three domestic carriers: Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Tiger Airways. 

Approximate Flight Times

 From - To Flight Time
 Cairns – Hamilton Island 1 ½ hours
 Brisbane – Whitsunday Coast 1 ½ hours
 Brisbane – Hamilton Island 1 ½ hours
 Sydney – Hamilton Island 2 hours
 Melbourne – Hamilton Island 3 hours

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Where To Stay
First: Most of the Whitsunday Islands are just beautiful, tropical deserted islands and only 7 of the 74 offer resort accommodation.  But whether it is eco-style, family friendly, all-inclusive, activity based, food and wine focused or pure luxury, there is a resort to suit everyone's need.

Second: Choose your island

Third: Choose your type of accommodation

Fourth: Let United Military Travel know what you have in mind and see what they can do!
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What To Do 
The Whitsundays have 23 National Parks and Reserves - check out a list of them here.  

My top 3 are: 
Hill Inet 

Whithaven Beach

Molle Island National Park

Aside from the parks and reserves you can take part in:

Snorkeling
Diving
Sailing
Fishing
Whale season (June-September)
Learn the indigenous history
Pamper yourself
Shop
Visit the zoo, aquarium or wildlife park
Take a scenic drive or walk

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So as you can see the possibilities are endless in the Whitsunday Islands....
You can completely customize your vacation for a once in a lifetime experience!
What are you waiting on?!?!?!!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Croatia to Madagascar - My Top 8 drool worthy dream vacations


Travel Loans = Windows of Opportunity 

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Ok - So all of my post thus far have been about places I have ALREADY been to.  Well, the wanderlust bug has bitten me and so I need a way to "release" a little bit so I am going to list my top 8 drool worthy vacation destinations.  And since I have champagne taste on a beer budget,  I do believe I see a new travel loan in my future! 

These are in no particular order - I am just picking them as they pop in my head.

1. Croatia - Jewel of the Adriatic
    Time needed: 2 weeks
    Areas to visit: Pakleni Islands for crystal clear sea, hidden beaches, and deserted lagoons.
             Dalmatian Coast to explore Dubrovnik and island hop through the Elefitian Islands.
                           




2.  Indonesia - Bali
     Time needed: 3 weeks
Areas to visit: Bukit Peninsula for world class surfing and beaches, Nusa Penida for the most off-beaten path of Indo as possible.  Then West Bali National Park for hiking, bird watching and diving.




3.  Maldives 
     Time needed: 2 weeks
     Areas to visit: South Male Atoll for surfing, night fishing, excursions to deserted islands.




4.  South Pacific Islands - Tahiti, Fiji, and the Cook Islands
     Time needed: 1 month
     Areas to visit: EVERYWHERE!




5.  Morocco
     Time needed: 2 weeks
     Areas to visit: North Atlantic Coast and South Atlantic Coast for the laid back vibe, and
     Saharan Morocco to ride a camel!




6.  Grecian Isles
     Time needed: 2 weeks
Areas to visit: Mykonos for a more up-beat yet romantic feel then off to Santorini for rest and relaxation.



7.  Arctic Cruise 
     Time needed: 11 days
     Areas to visit: Circumnavigate Iceland



8.  Madagascar - Africa - Dream destination for nature and outdoor lovers
     Time needed: 2 weeks
     Areas to visit: Everywhere but primarily the beaches and rain forests :)