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.  

Link to pricelist

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!!! 

Travel Guide to the Galapagos Islands

...Step back in time and experience Charles Darwin's Galapagos Islands...

The Galapagos islands are an archipelago of 19 islands and smaller islets 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador.  They have seemed to remain untouched by time for a few reasons: their remoteness, the lack of natural predators, and because they are a double World Unesco Heritage site that protects both land and sea.  Because there are no predators visitors can get up close and personal with playful sea lions and gigantic sea tortoises.  Also, no island is identical to the others, they all have their own unique landscape ranging from barren rock, volcanic rock to miles of white sand beaches.  

A general rule to know while there is that you cannot tour and explore the islands on your own.  You have book tours that are led by park guides - that is just one way they have preserved the natural environment. 

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Where are they and how do I get there ?!??

The Galapagos are located off the mainland of Ecuador so first you must fly into either Quito or Guayaquil (I suggest Guayaquil because the islands are closer).  Most major airlines like American, Continental, Copa and Delta all fly to Ecuador from the United States and if you will probably have to schedule over night accommodations on the mainland because most flights to the islands are in the morning or evening.  Then, from Guayaquil fly into Baltra Island where you will have to take a bus and ferry ride to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island (the most popular island).  Or you could fly into the capital of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island.  In order to travel between islands you will either need to book a boat or domestic airfare with TAME, LAN, or Aerogal.

  

Essentially:

United States > Guayaquil

Guayaquil > Baltra Island

or

Guayaquil > Puerto Ayora

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When Should I Go?

The islands offer a plethora of activities that range from season to season so depending on what you want to do will determine the best time for you visit.  High tourist season in general for the islands is June, July and August as well as mid-December to mid-January.  

There is a rainy and dry season: 

*Rainy/Hot - December-May

This is when the ocean is the calmest and daily rains cool off the land leaving you with temps in the 80s.

*Cooler/Dryer - June-November

Cooler air temps being in the 70's and water temps cooler because the Humboldt Current comes in and also brings rougher water.  This time is great for experienced divers because it brings in much more sea life like schools of hammerheads and whale sharks.

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Tours

As I mentioned earlier in the post, visits to most islands are not permitted unless you are with a licensed guide of the Galapagos National Park.  The best way to see the more remote islands is by taking a cruise on a small yacht but you can also book day trips from Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz.  Also, you can choose to cruise with a large group of about a 100 or a more private trip consisting of 15-30 - all depends on how intimate you want to get with the islands.  Regardless of the season you will want to book your tour at least a few months in advance but if you find yourself making a sporadic trip there no worries, you maybe can find discounted tours at travel agencies in Puerto Ayora or Quito.  

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Where To Stay

When booking your accommodations keep in mind that most tours begin and end in Santa Cruz so you may want to spend an extra night in either Finch Bay Eco Hotel or Angermeyer Waterfront Inn. These are the top rated hotels on Tripadvisor.  

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

Finch Bay Eco Lodge

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What To Do and Must See Animals

Wildlife watching is a MUST!!! 

You can observe:

 Blue-footed boobies

 Penguins

Giant Tortoise

Whale Sharks

Marine Iguanas

 Albatross

 *just to name a few of the locals*

And obviously diving and snorkeling are one of the main attractions to the islands, the underwater life is one to be reckoned with!  Then my favorite activities would be hiking, kayaking, taking photos and surfing.  You can also spend your time volunteering - check out the Galapagos Conservancy website for a list of organizations to put your skills to work with.  

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And just a small suggestion of mine on the most valuable personal items to bring are:

Reusable water bottle 

 A camera that preferably can photograph underwater.  

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To book your trip to Galapagos call United Military Travel for your pre-approval!

866-582-9579

www.unitedmilitarytravel.com 

Top Honeymoon Destinations

Let United Military Travel send you on the honeymoon of your dreams!

Ever since I was a little girl, my honeymoon was something dreams were made out of.  I think the destination changed at least 100 times but the one thing that stayed constant was that it was a going to be a BIG trip.  

Hopefully, you will only have one honeymoon in your lifetime and I believe that you should make it everything you have ever dreamed of. 

United Military Travel sends a lot of couples of their dream honeymoons each year.  It is something they are skilled in so the best advice I can give you to help off set the expenses is take out a travel loan that will allow you to pay it back over time. 

Take a look with me at the top 8 honeymoon destinations!

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1.  East Africa and the Seychelles

From what I can tell, a beach-safari honeymoon is the hottest thing for this year since sliced bread.  Africa is getting more and more popular - their safaris have always been their main attraction but now beaches too? The Seychelles are in the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean so you can feel like you are in the Caribbean but then take off to Africa to witness the Great Migration!

   

  

2.  Brazil

Brazil is not only a fantastic honeymoon destination but a killer vacation spot too.  The country is so diverse and offers a traveler the chance to mark multiple items off their bucket list in one trip.  They have super sexy beaches, nightlife that rivals Las Vegas, and pristine jungles.  Start your honeymoon off by celebrating in Rio de Janeiro, then relax on the beaches of Bahia, and finish by taking a river boat cruise through the Amazon.

  

3. Rwanda and Mauritius

It is becoming more and more common for people to create multi-destination trips, especially for their honeymoons.  If you are looking for an eye opening trip choose this combination and you will be searching for wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda then relaxing by the Indian Ocean at a Mauritius resort. 

4. Java, Indonesia

If you want a trip where you can stay in one spot and be completley satisfied, Indonesia offers some of the world's best beaches, private islands, cuisine, and ancient temples.  You can stay at a romantic resort and still be as adventurous as you want to be.  If it were me, I would travel to Java just to go to the deserted island of Kura Kura.  There are only a handful of beach cottages and pool villas so you can be as private and romantic as you want to be!

5. The Maldives

We already know that I am a fanatic for the Maldives and if I could die and go to Heaven, it would be here.  This is the ULTIMATE honeymoon destination, who wouldn't want to travel to an exotic island with their partner to wake up to fish swimming under your bed and stepping onto your balcony to your own private swimming area.  You can also watch the dolphins play on a sunset cruise, spend a day on a deserted island, or book a night time snorkeling adventure!  These are the things I would do :) 

  

6. Marrakesh, Morocco

My style is very bohemian so Morocco appeals to my inner self.  Between the rollings desert, ancient markets, belly dancers, and snake charmers, this city will make you feel like you are on a movie set not a honeymoon.  The whole idea of Morocco is very sensual to me, you can be wandering the markets or watching the belly dancers and feel the romance but be sure to keep it private as public displays of affection are frowned upon!

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Lets get domestic again for a minute, I hate to leave out destinations in our own back yard.  Jackson Hole is a great place to visit year round and for many reasons.  Spending your honeymoon here is something a lot of folks do.  According to The Knot wedding website, the town offers many "honeymoon" like activities year round.  Like taking sleigh rides through National Elk Refuge or staying at Rustic Snake River Lodge and Spa to enjoy honeymoon specials.    

8. Argentina

Just thinking of Argentina makes my mouth water for their fabulous food and wine!  Buenos Aires can offer you delectable food while taking in some of the most impressive architecture anywhere. Then to work off the calories go dance the tango, walk through the city markets or travel to Mendoza - the wine capital of Argentina!  If cities are not you idea of a honeymoon, the country offers glaciers and mountain ranges where you can choose your favorite outdoor activity and do them for the duration of your stay!

  

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I am curious as to where my followers took their honeymoons.  Leave me a comment on the details of yours, I would love to hear about them!

Sea and Stay Part 2

Puerto Lopez

...Sea and Stay - Part 2...

Ecuador: Puerto Lopez, Montanita, and Machalilla National Park

After settling into Ayampe, the owners of La Buena Vida drove us and some friends to Machalilla National Park where we could hike to a secluded beach for snorkeling, and fishing.  When I say secluded, I mean private, as in NO TRESSPASSING...because this is a beach protected solely for sea turtle nesting.

Translation = Nesting Beach

I am pretty sure that the only way to know where this beach is, is to know a local...good thing for us - we do!  Check out what we had to go through in order to get there:  

Thats me: 21 weeks preggers :)

Finally made it!

Remember in my previous post, A Word to the Wise, I spoke about the benefits of hitch hiking?  Well, that is what we all did next!  From the beach, we went into the small fishing village of Puerto Lopez to refresh ourselves with fresh squeezed juice and pure coconut water. These kind gentleman picked up on the side of the road and drove in the back of their truck a total of about 4 miles.....most fun 4 miles ever!  

 

We ended up seeing this man later in the super market and he gave each one of us a hug!

When you order fresh juice my recommendation would be the "Pina" meaning pineapple

Three things you HAVE to do while in Puerto Lopez:

1. Buy handmade items from the natives that come down from the mountains to tourist towns and sell items made out of alpaca fur.  
2. Buy a hammock....best purchase you will ever, ever make!
3. Eat at Johnny's Restaurant for fresh fish - it is to the right of the only pier in town.

Now, moving on to Montanita.....I have saved this place for last.   Please keep in mind the phrase "to each their own" and please do not let me discourage you from visiting this town.  Montanita is known in Ecuador as the "surf capital" on their coast not only because the swell lines up perfectly there but also because the place is over populated and everyone surfs there.  My first impression when we arrived by bus was "OMG" it is dirty; which threw me for a loop because Ecuador is very clean!  Instead of me rambling on and on about my reasons for dislike here is a list:

1. Again, dirty...seeing trash on a beach breaks my heart
2. Again, over populated...
3. Expensive - you can the same items in Puerto Lopez for dollars less
4. Party town - if you want to party till sunrise this is the place for you
5. I am not a germaphobe but I did not want to touch ANYTHING!  
6. Safety in numbers and girl or guy I suggest you never let your drink out of your sight!

I have to say that if you like big cities, the hustle and bustle, partying etc - Montanita is the place for you!  If you are like me and wants to feel safe walking in the dark from the beach to the hotel alone or surfing in a line up of only 5 others - Ayampe is the place for you.  

STAY TUNED FOR EVERYTHING NICARAGUA!!!!

  

Sea and Stay Part 1

 Manabi  Region Ayampe - Ecuador  

Sea and Stay - Part 1

United Military Travel flew us from 

Washington, DC to Guayaquil, Ecuador in a

 meer 7 hours - ones of the most painless 

flights ever (another reason why we love 

UMT)!  Before our arrival we had arranged for 

a pick up from the hotel we were staying with;

 I highly suggest doing so to ensure safe and

 reliable transportation.

  Ecuador is broken down into providences 

and we traveled north west to the coastal region of Manabi in 

about 3 hours from the airport. 

 You could fly into Manta International Airport for a shorter 

commute to Manabi but the 

airfare is more expensive. 

My husband surfs and I am a beach bum so we chose to make 

Ayampe our 

home base for the entire 10 days, as it is one of the top surf 

destinations in Ecuador.   Ayampe to

 us is more of a holistic community rather than a town - call it a

 village if you will.  

There we stayed at La Buena Vida Bungalows, 

www.surflabuenavida.com, and if you are looking for small

 personal accommodations we highly

 suggest staying there.  The owner's, Keith and Marilyn Keller,

 are from Virginia Beach, Virginia

 and provide you with American style services but in an

 Ecuadorian atmosphere.  You will see 

them and their three kids everyday and probably get to know

 them on a first name basis. Also, 

they have two dogs, Reef and Rusty and a cat named Panko.

  The dogs will be your tour guides if

 you let them and if you give the kitty bacon he will be your best

 friend!

Not a surfer?  That is ok!  

Ayampe also offers yoga, mountain biking, world class fishing, 

and deserted beaches - it just takes 20 minutes to walk around 

the town to find them all :) Also, you 

can walk to the bus stop to go anywhere but we chose Puerto

 Lopez, Montanita, and a private 

beach in a Machalilla National Park. 

If you are a food junkie like me here are my restaurant 

recommendations:

La Buena Vida: Breakfast (which is included in stay) and salad bar for lunch

El Paso:  Lunch and dinner for local food

Finca Punta: Dinner for ceviche and jungle atmosphere

La Orisha's:  Most amazing italian food and pizza in Ayampe

Coming up...Part 2 = Puerto Lopez, Montanita, and

Machalilla National Park