Travel With United Military Travel : Travel Guide

Showing posts with label Travel Guide. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Fantasy Fest - Key West

October 17-26 experience the well known Fantasy Fest with this years them as...

Animeted Dreams and Adventures.

What is Fantasy Fest?

Each year since 1979 the town of Key West throws a 10 day adult themed "party in paradise". Originally created to bring more visitors to the area in the shoulder season, it nows entertains thousands each October and expresses the true spirit of the Keys through imaginative and creative costumes and themes. All around it is a wild extravaganza that allows adults to leave all their inhibitions behind for a day or week (and all their clothes)!

Animeted Dreams and Adventures Theme

Anime is a traditional form of Japanese animation with different art styles incorporated making it a diverse art form. It has transformed into a reality for some known in the costuming world known as cosplay (short for costume play).

So if you are ready to soak up some sun, stroll Duval Street and get animated head on down to Key West!

Some tips to surviving Fantasy Fest!

1. Book your accommodations now!

The Fantasy Fest official website for where to stay is fantastic!

2. Be prepared for plenty of "indecent exposure". If you are comfortable in your own skin (and seeing others) then you will be just fine. While nudity is ILLEGAL there, you can avoid jail time buy simply applying body paint of a sheer cover up....easy peasy!

3. Pretenders in Paradise is the most famous of all Fantasy Fest costume contests with the grand prize being $10,000. There is some serious money to be made if you "go all out".

4. Key West is a fairly "pet friendly" locale so if you want to bring your pooch to the Festivities check with your hotel on their rules. Wanna bring fido to happy hour? No problem, check out this website for all the pet friendly restaurants. Also, the only beach that you can take your dog to is also the local "hobo" hangout so be prepared to share the space.

*Fun Fact: Key West is the most sought after destination for the homeless in the United States.

5. If you do bring fido pack a costume for him or her so they can participate in the Pet Masquerade and Parade.

6. Car in general are a pain in the butt in Key West - primarily due to the lack of parking. If you are able to walk or bike I suggest doing that everywhere. One it avoids the dreaded DUI, you will avoid the headache of parking and meter checking and gas is pricey so save your monies for the yummy food and beverages.

If you do drive around here is a cheat sheet on where to find parking:

* 24-hour parking is available at the corner of Carolina St and Margaret St as well as, Front St and Wall St. $2 to $4 an hour with daily maxes.

*Grinnell and Carolina Street park and ride for $2/hour or $30/day.

* Also do not forget about the Key West bus and shuttles!

7. Each day is a different event on the island so if you want to take full advantage of all the debauchery follow this guide to know when and where you should be.

8. Use your common sense - while you can get away with a lot of things this week play it safe and keep your wits about you. Safe fun is the best fun!

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United Military Travel is a great resource to help you enjoy the festivities! Call them today to book your airfare, car rental and/or hotel!

866-582-9579

Thursday, September 4, 2014

5 Days In Oaxaca, Mexico

Punta Cometa

Remember the kind lady Josh and I met on the plane ride from Panama to Ecuador? The lady who taught me the word sychronicity? Her name is Irma.

Well, Irma invited us to stay with her in the coastal town of Mazunte anytime we wanted. Honestly, I had completely forgotten about the invitation until something on Pinterest triggered my memory. Keep in mind that Irma is in her late 40s and works as director at a company that focuses on the creation of innovative methodologies of gender, equality, non-violence and the construction of well-being.

You may be thinking:

"you are crazy to travel thousands of miles to stay with a complete stranger!"

And you may be right but here is my way of thinking:

"Irma, who Josh and I connected with immediately, is a kindred spirit who saw similarities in us and understood that when she offered to open up her home to us and our child. She is a fellow traveler, a free spirit who lives her life be open to others not pushing people away. I believe that the world needs more people like her; there are so many people to meet and life is to short to not smile to someone as you pass them, to ignore a stranger in need, or to always live like others are going to hurt you. I assume everyone is good until proven otherwise. If only we could get kindness to spread the way a disease does. Everyone would be infected with love and the world would finally be at peace. Yes - I would stay with a complete stranger.

So, with that being said - here are my 5 days in Mazunte, Mexico

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Day 1 - National Mexican Turtle Center

I am a sea turtle activist so this undoubtably would be where I start. Here 7 of the 8 species of sea turtle that exist throughout world can be found here. This center is essentially a full blown aquarium so taking my son Noah will be an educational experience for him. They offer the hands on touch tanks, large glass windows for viewing all the creatures on display and if we go during laying or hatching season we can participate in that.

Day 2 - La Ventanilla

Just two kilometers west of Mazunte and down a dirt path is a ecotourism conservation cooperative that offers guided tours via canoes of the local mangrove fringed lagoons. On the tour you will see hundreds of bird species, the endangered river crocodile and on certain days the release of sea turtle hatchlings.

Then sunset from Punta Cometa

Day 3 - Trip to Zipolite

Zipolite is best known for being on the only nude beaches in mexico and for retaining much of the hippie culture that made it known in the 60's and 70's. This town is very small, a one mile long beach with a road that parallels it but within this area you will find european tourists, local shops and restaurants. The only accommodations are either camping on the beach or staying in a rustic cabin on the beach. A true hippie escape!

Day 4 - Overnight trip to Puerto Escondido

80 kilometers away is the surfing village of Puerto Escondido aka Mexican Pipeline so of course because of my husband we would take a full day and stay the night here. The waves are notoriously large and consistent luring in some of the most famous surfers in the industry. Even though the village is small there are plenty of restaurants from all over the world, bohemian style cafes, night life, luxury hotels, small inns and campsites. While here, I imagine we would wander the beach, hit the streets, dine out and stay at one of the small inns.

Day 5 - Always depart in the evening

We always book our departing flights for the evening that way we have ample time for getting to the airport and doing any last activities we wanted to do. So on our drive back from Puerto Escondido, we would stop in Puerto Angel for a brief walk on the secluded beach and a bite to eat.

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Overall the state of Oaxaca offers up a bohemian vibe and laid back atmosphere regardless of which town you are in - so be prepared to move a little bit slower, to breath a little bit deeper and appreciate nature a little bit more.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Lake Tahoe ALLLLL year long!

Another reason why California is a fantastic state...

Lake Tahoe

North Tahoe - Winter

South Tahoe - Summer

I would say that Lake Tahoe would be have to be one of the best places in the country to own a second home. Summer time offers an unlimited amount of water activities and hiking then the winter is a snow wonderland for skiers and snowboarders.

You get the best of both worlds - prime country for the outdoorsman!

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I personally have never been to Tahoe but I have never ever heard a negative thing about it. It is a well sought after destination for all walks of life and for good reason. Not many tourist places offer such a plethora of activities all year long - most have a high season and low season but here summer and winter bring in visitors for business all year long.

Summer temperatures range from around 75-80 degrees during the day to the low 40s at night. Winter temps average from a high of 40 to the lows in the teens and 20s but may dip to and below 0 degrees.

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Lake Tahoe

North

South

Starting with the south because this area suits my personality better :)

It is home to a colorful, inspiring natural landscape that is home to a thriving art scene that promotes a laid back natural vibe that pairs well with the mountain life. The streets are lined with working studios and galleries and you can view their art in any of the many festivals when the weather is warm while listening to the live music performances.

Steve Barton painting his tropical scenes

But lets not forget why most people visit here - the outdoor activities!

Hiking around the Tahoe Rim Trail or taking a nature walk through D.L. Bliss State Park are both great ways to spend your days.

Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 mile long trail that loops around the entire lake and goes through the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges of California and Nevada. Do your research on this trail before you set off for the local weather, trail closures, animal sitings and areas for specific experience levels - it is a challenging hike. The link above provides all the information you will need to plan your trip.

D.L. Bliss State Park is a great place to access the lake because whether you are a camper or a day visitor you can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, picnicking, or sun bathing on Lester Beach or Calawee Cove. Lester Beach is the most popular place to launch your kayak or paddleboard but keep in mind you cannot keep trailers in the day use area - tickets will be passed out!

Also, if you prefer to get out you can hike the Rubicon Trail, Lighthouse Trail, and Balancing Rock Trail. Check out their visitors guide linked above for all the details on what the park has to offer.

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Where to stay and eat:

For a complete list of places to stay check out the official South Tahoe tourist guide - the highlight the best of the 4 stars to rustic cabin lodges and everything in between. The website also gives a complete review of places to eat, events and deals!

Once you figure out where you want to stay call United Military Travel and let them book your stay now/ pay later vacation!

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North Tahoe

While both the north and south are great places in the summer for boating, hiking, biking etc; north Tahoe is epic in the winter time for skiing and snowboarding. Experience the world renowned chutes, bowls, glades and groomers at more than a dozen of ski and snowboard resorts.

And if you have little ones or if you are like me who would just tumble down the mountain, have no fear, check out snow tubing, ice skating, sledding or backcountry snowmobile tours! Tahoe accommodates all ages and experience levels :)

This will never be me!

This is more like it :)

Ski Lake Tahoe is a fantastic website listing all the ski resorts and the essentials to plan your visit. Keep in mind that any where you want to stay and any packages you are interested in United Military Travel can book for you, just let your travel consultant know what you want when you call in.

Monday, August 18, 2014

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

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

Friday, August 8, 2014

Aloha Oahu!!

Your one stop shop Hawaiian vacation...

Oahu!

No need to jump on another plane and visit other islands to experience your dream Hawaiian vacation. Stay here and make all your dreams become a reality.

I want to first go over the names of the Hawaiian Islands:

O'ahu (Gathering Place)

Hawaii (The Big Island)

Maui (The Valley Isle)

Kaua'i (The Garden Isle)

Moloka'i (The Friendly Isle)

Lana'i (The Pineapple Isle)

Each month we will discover a new island together :)
Starting here on Oahu!

United Military Travel sends people/families to Hawaii everyday so do not hesitate to book through them! I highly suggest renting a car upon arrival and UMT can book that for you too :) Utilizing a car rental will allow you to explore all sides of the islands - no matter what you want to see.

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When I visited Oahu I was 14 years old and stayed with my best friend and her family. It certainly was one of the best vacations yet; free local tour guides, your best friend to pal around with, a place to stay etc. But only being 14 at the time I now want to go back and experience the "adult" side of Hawaii!

Whether you want to learn to ride the waves in Waikiki, where surfing was born, head to the North Shore for the bigger swell, or hang by the city scape in the crystal blue waters of Kailua Beach, explore Pearl Harbor...there is something for everyone.

North Shore

The most famous city on the island is Honolulu and it is a bustling metropolis! There is no shortage of "farm to table" restaurants or shopping to choose from...spend your day how you like it!

But you cannot forget about Waikiki, located on the south shore of Honolulu. This world famous neighborhood is known as "spouting waters" in Hawaiian and was first introduced into the world when the Moana Surfrider Hotel was built in 1901. Today the hotel is a Westin Resort and Spa - a place I would love to stay! Also, the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo would be a fantastic change from the beach that the whole family can enjoy!

Diamond Head

Moana Surfrider Resort and Spa - Westin

When you head to the North Shore life slows down a bit and you get into more of the countryside/local side of Oahu. Not only would I have to go to the North Shore for my husband to surf, I would love to spend my days lazily strolling through towns like Hanalei or exploring Waimea Bay.

Waimea Bay, Halaweia

Hanalei

After you are done with the North Shore I would head over to the Windward Coast to a lesser known attraction: Valley of the Temples, a japanese Buddhist temple. The main attraction is the Japanese temple called Byodo-In - translated means "Temple of Equality." The temple itself is a scale replica to the one in Japan and is made entirely without nails. The grounds are scattered with hundreds of freshly placed tropical flowers to remember loved ones.
Personally, it would be nice to visit such a temple to honor my loved ones without traveling half way across the world...but I am into that kinda thing :)

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Also, do not forget to look into home stays for your accommodations in Oahu or if you are planning on visiting multiple locations check out B&Bs for a local experience!

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:

Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hamilton Island (HTI)

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.

Whitsunday Coast Airport, Proserpine (PPP)

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

*source: http://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/getting-here-and-around/

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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.