Shark attacks on vacation

WHAT WILL YOUR NEXT VACATION BRING YOU?

Well, hopefully not a shark bite :)

I WAS IN THE OUTER BANKS THIS PAST WEEK AND NO MATTER WHERE I WENT I COULD NOT ESCAPE THE CONSTANT WHISPERS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SHARK ATTACKS.

SHARKS ON VACATION, SAY IT ISN'T SO!!!

For the state of North Carolina, the past two months have been record breaking for shark attacks, eight attacks in less than a month, and while it may alarm some we really are not experiencing a Jaws situation.  What we are going through is what National Geographic called the "Perfect Storm" for shark attacks.

When you combine drought conditions, warmer weather, bait fish, coastal anglers, and global warming you will get higher salinity warm water that brings the bait fish closer to shore, making fishing more enticing to anglers, all of which entices sharks to come closer to shore.

So it really is not the Attack of Jaws, but rather a mix of environmental and human issues that have caused all these shark attacks.  We need to always remember that we are entering their world, and that they are more threatened by us then we are them.

There are a few simple, keystone rules to follow when swimming in the ocean...

HERE ARE MY PERSONAL TIPS TO AVOID A SHARK ATTACK

1. Do not swim near piers or fisherman.  

Sharks can smell the tiniest amount of blood from miles away so doesn't it make sense to avoid places that have hundreds of pieces of bait in the water??

2. Splashing is like a dinner bell to sharks.

Unless you are serving up a side of arm or leg, I would avoid splashing around as much as possible.

3. Avoid bright colored swimsuits, jewelry, and surfboards.

The shininess closely resembles the scales of a fish....make sense???

4. If murky - stay out

If the water is murky, it will not only impair your ability to see whats in the water, but also the sharks.  You may become an accidental snack for a shark that was just having problems seeing.

5.  Do not swim in these places....

River mouths, channels, deep drops, far offshore, and areas between sand bars as these areas tend to attract sharks.

6.  Think like a shark.

Basically, use common sense.  If you see a lot of fish or seals in the water, that is a tell-tell sign that sharks are nearby.  Try to understand what and how a shark would eat, and that will help you avoid being dinner.

7.  Bleeding.....

If you are bleeding in any sorta of way, including menstrating, just stay out of the water.  You may as well put a hook through you and dangle yourself off a pier because that it was you become when you enter the water bleeding......bait.

8. Swim in a group in clear water

Try to only venture out on clear days and in a group so you all can look out for each other.

9.  If you are in a shark attack zone, stay out of the water.

If you enter the water where a shark attack just happened that is your fault if you get bit.  Sharks are creatures of habit and the chances are they have not been caught from the attack.  Meaning, they were still hanging around...

10. Sharks feed at night 

So please, please refrain from swimming at dusk later.

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Summer Vacation To Greece!

 

SHOULD YOU TAKE YOUR SUMMER VACATION TO GREECE? 

THAT IS THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION AMONG TRAVELERS RIGHT NOW, AND MY ANSWER IS YES; I WHOLE HEARTILY THINK THAT YOU SHOULD TAKE A SUMMER VACATION TO GREECE.

Why?  Well, for starters the bookings for summer vacation to Greece are down so there are real bargains to be had all over the country.  Also, the crisis has dented the strength of the Euro.  Meaning, you dollar will be stronger and go further....this is rarely the case so I suggest taking advantage of this situation.

Due to the crisis, the one thing that Greece is counting on to keep their country afloat is tourism, so all hospitality groups are doing whatever they possibly can to get customers and make their experience as perfect as possible.

They want us, and they want us now!

WHAT KINDS OF INCONVENIENCES SHOULD YOU EXPECT???

I would bring cash as the ATM may possibly be out of money, the avoid the potential long lines at the ATM, and especially if credit cards are not being accepted. Many experts are advising travelers to bring cash to cover their entire trip.   CASH IS KING.  If you are traveling from Europe, the Euro will still be accepted even if Greece drops out of the Euro.

I suggest purchasing good insurance to cover themselves should they get stranded, so that is an added expense but well worth it.  Also, in way of contingency plans the co-founder of Discover Greek Culture Tours, Sophia Antoniadou, told CNN, "that travel operators did not foresee emergency scenarios and were confident the fiscal crisis would not seriously impact the travel industry - - at least not this summer."  source

Even with the recent demonstrations by the locals and the political unrest, experts and locals say that experiencing criminal activity or danger is highly unlikely.  Grecians are extremely peaceful people, and understand the tourists are helping their country so it is more likely you would experience warm, welcoming smiles than danger.  The Greek Islands are far away from the capital so if you are planning on heading there, you will still have a peaceful and calming vacation!

"We Greeks are famous for our hospitality and we're proud of that," says Yorgos Geniatakis, general manager of the Minos Imperial Luxury Beach Resort in Crete. "Of course Greek people will be happy to see tourists.

"First and foremost because it's our culture dating back to ancient times and no political situation could affect that.

"Secondly, Greece depends on tourism, so tourists will be welcome."

"If tourists arrive positive they will leave positive," he adds. "It is the time to enjoy Greece."  source

Here is another quote from a fellow travel blogger, Adventurous Kate, who just left Greece.    

So, what's it like to travel in Greece during an economic meltdown? So far, here in Santorini, there are zero differences whatsoever. While parts of the country have empty ATMs, Santorini has plenty of working ATMS, as do many other tourist-oriented regions of Greece.

I've talked to travelers in tourist zones and even in Athens, and none have had any problems.

Greeks are limited to withdrawals of 60 EUR per day. International bank account holders can take out as much as they want. Credit cards are working.

Of course, the situation could change at any time. But if you're worried about your upcoming trip to Greece, DON'T BE. Bring a lot of cash, lock it up (ideally with this http://amzn.to/1INg8YR), and stay up to date on the news.

As for implications for costs in Greece no, this has made no difference in prices, and if things take a turn for the worst, you wouldn't see a difference for months. (Once that happens, you might see hotels reduce their rates, but everything else should be about the same.) If Greece loses the Euro, that would not be implemented for a long time. So there is no difference at the moment.

I've spent time in Bangkok during two different times of protests, I've flown to Mexico at the height of swine flu, and now I've been in Greece during an economic crisis. All have been remarkably normal. Don't believe everything you see on TV. source

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SO IN SHORT, UNITED MILITARY TRAVEL WOULD LOVE TO BOOK YOUR SUMMER VACATION TO GREECE.  SEIZE THE DAY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A BAD SITUATION TO VISIT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES ON THE PLANET.

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Being a true American this July 4th

"President Reagan was right, young Americans have always answered the call of their country and any and all challenges. From the ill-clothed, half frozen militia men at Valley Forge, to the brave Marines on the sands of Iwo Jima, to our military heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The verdict is in-- freedom is more important than life itself. "  Vann D. Hipp Jr.

All week I have been contemplating this blog post, "how should I sum up what July 4th means to me?"  Tomorrow is one of my favorite holidays of the year, and while I know why, sometimes it is hard for me to express myself properly.  And in light of all the flag burnings, I really wanted this post to be special.  

Have you ever been in a situation where you have a tough on the tip of your tongue but cannot seem to express it correctly, then someone does it for you perfectly.  Like, your minds were synched for a brief second - just when you need it the most?

So I recruited the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army, Vann D. Hipp jr. to help me out.  In 2012 he wrote an article for Fox News entitled, What it means to be an American this Fourth of July describing so eloquently what being an American truly is.  Instead of me rambling on and on maybe expressing myself correctly, I am sharing with you his words.  

It’s time once again when we pause, step back and assess who we are, what we have and how we got it. Upon some reflection, the answer seems clear-- we are Americans. We have freedom. We have it because we fought and died for it.

In a speech at Hickam Air Force Base in 1984, President Ronald Reagan, praising the bravery and valor of the American fighting man, quoted an Admiral who had asked the question, “Where do we find such men?” Then President Reagan continued on, “We find them where we have always found them when we need them… on the main streets and the farms of America.”

Today, the Fourth of July is often associated with fireworks, barbeques and family get-togethers. It’s also a time to reflect on what it means to be an American and the sacrifices made by those to secure the freedoms we have today. Fortunately for us, during America’s darkest hours, God has consistently blessed us with ordinary people who do extraordinary things, including making the ultimate sacrifice to secure and maintain our freedom.

While July 4, 1776 officially marks the day that we declared our independence from British rule, our independence and yes, our very freedom, was far from secure. 

In fact, the infant republic was hanging on by a thread for several years thereafter. With our troops starving and freezing to death, it really wasn’t until the Battle of Cowpens that things began to turn for the Americans. 

At the Battle of Cowpens, rugged backwoods settlers, including many Scots-Irish, who had come to America seeking freedom, teamed up with General Daniel Morgan’s Continental regulars. The Americans turned the tide and defeated the British at Cowpens on January 17, 1781. Thus began the long retreat for British forces which culminated in Cornwallis’ surrender at the Battle of Yorktown later that year. The last British troops finally left America in 1783 and our freedom was finally secure, at least for a while.

With the White House smoldering and other federal buildings, such as the Treasury Department in ashes, the young Republic was challenged once again in the War of 1812. Over 286,000 young men answered America’s call to duty in the War of 1812. Their finest hour came serving under General Andrew Jackson, who defeated the British while outnumbered nearly 3 to 1, at the Battle of New Orleans.

Perhaps the young nation’s greatest challenge came in 1861 in the Civil War, which tore the country apart. Well over 600,000 men died, while another 400,000 plus were wounded. America was blessed to have extraordinary leadership at this time who understood the need to hold America together, no matter the cost.

Over the years, America has also been blessed to have men and women who understood the need to ensure that America’s freedoms and liberties are enjoyed by all of our citizens.

In the 20th century, the republic was once again challenged in conflicts including World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Literally millions of young Americans, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country and to preserve freedom, answered their nations’ call. Hundreds of thousands of young Americans made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom in the 20th century.

With each military conflict, there have been remarkable stories of ordinary young Americans “rising to the occasion” in demonstrating heroic acts and selfless service. For example, who can forget the men who served under General Jimmy Doolittle in Doolittle’s Raid on Tokyo?

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, America needed a morale boost. Doolittle’s men took off in their B-25s from the USS Hornet, knowing that they did not have enough fuel to return. 

And how about the heroics of the boys of Pointe du Hoc? Here at an imposing cliff-top location at Normandy between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, the Germans had what seemed like an impenetrable location, with 155 MM guns pointing down on the Americans at the top of the cliff. The young American Rangers were given the task of taking out the German position at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day. Over one half of the American force at Pointe du Hoc was either killed or wounded climbing the seemingly impossible cliff, but in the end the mission was accomplished and an entire continent was saved.

As we entered the 21st century, America was presented with a new challenge to its freedoms and very way of life—the rise of Islamic terrorism. We saw the heroics of America’s first responders on 9/11 and once again, too, we saw literally thousands and thousands of young Americans volunteer to serve their country and be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve and maintain our freedoms.  

President Reagan was right, young Americans have always answered the call of their country and any and all challenges. From the ill-clothed, half frozen militia men at Valley Forge, to the brave Marines on the sands of Iwo Jima, to our military heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The verdict is in-- freedom is more important than life itself. 

Today, let us remember what we have, how we got it, and what it means to be an American.

Van D. Hipp, Jr. is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army.  He is the author of the newly released book, "The New Terrorism:  How to Fight It and Defeat It."  All of the author's proceeds go to the National Guard Educational Foundation to fund scholarships for children of fallen Guardsmen.  www.thenewterrorism.com   Follow him on  Twitter @VanHipp. 

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Everyone at United Military Travel would like to thank the protectors of our freedom, our country would not be the same without any of you!

Have a happy and safe July 4th!!

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Military Car Rental

One of the biggest dilemmas I face when traveling is how to get around.  Does the destination have good public transportation?  Is it cheaper to take a taxis or rent a car?  How far will we have to travel to see the sights?  These are extremely important questions that need to be answered before you trip because otherwise you may find yourself up the creek without a paddle!  I have always found that it is easiest to opt in for a military car rental because it allow you to travel at your leisure....and isn't that what vacation is all about??

United Military Travel offers all military and government personnel the chance to drive now and pay later.  Meaning, you get to book a rental car for you trip but pay for it over time rather than at the time of booking.  If you have ever rented a car, you know that it is not cheap and if you start upgrading the $ start adding up!  But when you finance your military car rental, the option to upgrade becomes more available because it may mean only a couple bucks difference on the monthly payment.  

Here is a description of what United Military Travel offers all their clients! 

United Military Travel is the pioneer of Military & Government travel loans! Unlike other travel financing websites, we offer travel financing for military car rentals. Our military car rental providers include unlimited mileage with all of our reservations, so you can avoid unnecessary mileage fees. We can conveniently book your car rental at the airport and schedule the pick-up and drop-off of your car around your flight. Our travel account consultants can assist you with your questions about age restrictions, vehicle size, insurance questions, child seating, and getting military car rental discount and rates for your trip! If you aren't familiar with your destination, your travel agent can also arrange to have a GPS in your car rental once you arrive.*

Paying for a cab for an entire trip can get expensive; therefore, we offer car rentals in all sizes, with no down payment! Explore your destination at your own leisure, without having to flag down cabs or schedule a hotel town car. United Military Travel offers easily military and government travel loans for all of the major car rental companies such as: Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, National, and Advantage!

Do you travel with kids?  If so, then you know how convenient it is to have your own space and be able to come and go whenever needed.  When my family travels, we never rely on public transportation because kids are unpredictable and also enjoy a space they are comfortable and familiar with.  Plus, the amount of stuff a child needs on a daily basis is mind blowing!  What better way to store it than in your own military car rental.  

Speaking of kiddos....are yours still at the age that a car seat is necessary?  If so, that means you HAVE to bring one on vacation with you or you can add it to your car rental through United Military Travel.  We literally can offer you upgrades, car seats, GPS devices, and insurance in your drive now and pay later travel loan!

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Apply here for your military car rental

Call in now to speak to one of our amazing travel consultants 866-582-9579

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