Top 2015 Honeymoon Idea

If you are getting married this year, congratulations!!!!

I got married last February and after all the craziness the best part of everything was the honeymoon :) 

It was literally the shining light for us and what kept us going.

Daily conversations would be: "Its okay babe, just remember ten days in Ecuador, ten days in Ecuador."

Thats all it took to make me smile!

And trust me when I say, this is the only time people will pull together to send you on a trip so make it count!!!

I want to show you the trending ideas for 2015 

Intimate Boat Trips

If you general idea of a cruise scares you try a smaller luxury vessel that only accommodates 50-100 passengers at a time.  Seabourn is a prestigous, award winning, intimate cruise line that offers you exclusion while it takes you to some of the most sought after destinations in the world.  Or if you rather go on adventure cruise try The Oberoi Zahra which is a weeklong luxury cruise on the Nile River that accommodates a Egyptologists to explain the country's history.  And not only that you can take your pick from their four massage suites!  Then there is always a cruise through Antartica with National Geographic.  Need I say more???

Seabourn Indoor Pool

Active Honeymoons

This is a broad title I know but with health and fitness becoming much more popular each day couples are choosing destinations where they can test their bodies and practice what they love.  Among those top destinations are surfing destinations like Nicaragua, Indonesia and Hawaii.  Others also head to places where they can climb rock sheers, camp in rain forests or hike for days.  If you rather expend your energy at the swim up bar - these are not for you!

Gastronomical Trips

Yes it is what it sounds like.  Food tours.  For all of you obsessed with Top Chef and culinary experiences you should book a food tour through any of the world's culinary capitals.  One the tour you can experience a 12 course tasting menu, wine bars and taste all of the most fresh local produce of the region you choose.  

If this interest you head to the most obvious location, Paris for tapas style portions of classics like foie gras (duck liver) paired with a delectable wine.  Or if you rather head to the Maya Riviera region of Mexico for a tequila tour thats fine too - Yes, you will eat food too :) 

OMG

Once In A lifetime Trip

You know what I am talking about.  Head to Indonesia, the Maldives, Africa, Thailand, tour Australia and New Zealand etc.  Anything that you would not usually plan for a vacation do now!  People are helping you pay!

Oh and while you are at it - take a couple months off.  You only honeymoon once (supposedly).

Imagine yourself staying in a private house in Bali where you can bounce all over the region for a month.  

My favorite idea would be to book a multi destination trip that takes you to two or more countries.

Example: USA >Australia>New Zealand>Fiji>USA

You could handle that right?

Volunteer Honeymoons

This certainly is not for everyone and honestly only the most sincere people who love the world would do this.  Green trips have been trending for a while now but would you be willing to gift up your free time on your honeymoon?  

I would.

Companies like the Ritz-Carlton and Sandals provide opportunities to give back where you can donate a half day for charity work.

So please do not thing that you have to travel to some eco resort in the middle of nowhere to do this.  Just inquire where you choose to stay and if they don't offer it maybe your inquiry will lead them to offer volunteer opportunities!

Ritz Carlton

Sandals

River Cruises

These are similar to the small luxury cruises mentioned earlier but these stay inland.  So if you want to cruise but want smoother sailing try a river cruise.  You can explore places like China, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland...just about anywhere throughout Europe, Asia and Egypt. 

Check out the most popular river cruise company, Viking.  Their trips are all inclusive and they just added 18 brand new vessels to their fleet!

Eco-tourism Honeymoons

If you all read my posts daily then you know I am all about making a minimal impact on my surroundings when traveling.  You can think of me as a eco-conscious traveler.  When you choose to travel like this you will experience being completely off the grid and self sustainable.  

How awesome to know that you can live directly off what the Earth provides you instead of man.

You will find eco resorts all over the world so choose where you want to go and then search for eco resorts. 

Eco resorts can be luxurious too

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Almost a year ago United Military Travel sent us on our honeymoon to Ecuador and did a fantastic job of finding great airfare with minimal layovers and killer accommodations.  

If you want more information on how they can send you on your honeymoon call them today at 866-582-9579!

Housesitting Around The World

Housesitting for free accommodations?

Now that is a fantastic concept!

Wanna stay at a place like this for free?  You can!

Does just the cost of accommodations for a vacation send shivers down your spine?

For many people it is a deal breaker especially if you have a lot of people to provide for.

You always have the option of renting a house wherever you go but what about staying in one for free.

Housesitting is the new rage in the travel industry and many savvy travelers are planning ahead and find destinations where they can stay for free.

Typically, what you would do is first find a housesit then airfare.  It is much easier to search housesitting websites like Trusted House Sitters, Mind My House or House Sitters America so you know for sure that you have a play to stay.  

 After that book your airfare.

Say you want to spend time in Australia but after the airfare you don't have that much coin left over.

No worries, just join any of those databases for annual fees ranging from $20-$60 and search your heart away.

You will need references!

My suggestion to you is to first start locally especially if you have no house sitting experience.  Use your resources and offer up your services to take care of someones home and pets and ask them if could use them as a reference in the future (given you do a good job).

On these websites you can find opportunities that last a weekend, a week, months and longer.  

The researching does take time but if you are committed you find a dream destination or at least one that is close to where you want to be.  

Or what if you want to travel all of Europe - you easily could staying free the entire time.  You just have to travel slow, which is the best type of travel, and stay committed.

Other than staying for free you get the chance to immerse yourself into a neighborhood or local community where you would not otherwise......and avoid all the tourists!

I am not a fan of being immersed with a ton of people....what I do like is sharing a common space with fellow like minded folks.  

Even when you house sit you can find that in the local town or if you rather just spend your time at "home" and take in your new view.

The view could be a vast ocean vista, snow covered pines, farmland speckled with horses and chickens or a white picket fence.  

Does this interest you or would still rather stay in an all inclusive with concierge service and valet parking?

If you are serious about it here is what you will need to succeed:

A catchy profile: 

This is the first thing all of the potential home owners will see and if you put your heart into it and stay with it chances are you will find exactly what you want.....over and over again.

Make sure you include in your profile:

Past experience - this includes if you are a home owner yourself.

Pets - If you love anything with four legs or even no legs let that be known.  Many times people want you staying in their home to take care of their fur child.

(If you do not like pets but it is the perfect location - do not lie!!! Simply do not take the job - it is fast way to get a bad rep!)

Special skills - Are you a handyman or a gardener?  Great!  That is a special skill!  

Don't be dry - simply put....be enthusiastic.  Happiness and enthusiasm goes a long, long way.

Opening email:

Each website offers you a chance to write a message to the home owner that will be attached to your profile.  Make it brief yet concise highlighting the most important information like if their profile picture is of their dog.  Make a point to say that their "lab" is your favorite breed and you have had ones in the past.  Etc....you get the gist!

Make it your life (as much as you can)

General rule of thumb - all the great house sits go FAST!  So you have to watch for new ones and try to be one of the first responders.    Just like in an job interview, you do not want to be the last person the employers sees that day.  

You always want to be the first!

References:

Legit references from legit house stays.  Home owners take these seriously, wouldn't you?  Would you let just any ole joe come stay in your home and take care of your fur children? 

I don't think so!

Consider asking former landlords, old neighbors or bosses, or anyone that can attest to your character, reliability, and trustworthiness.  

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While this is a chance for free accommodations it is also a responsibility to take care of someone else's personal possessions and fur babies.  Sure 99.9% of the time nothing will go wrong but there is that slight chance that a hurricane could hit the Caribbean while you are there or the dog gets loose and you have to wrangle it back home at 3am.  

Just always, always follow the owner's protocol and be honest with them.  ALWAYS!!! 

You are building relationships and references....you do not want to burn your virtual bridges.

Before You Go: Panama - Central America

Next month me and my family will be traveling to the Bocas del Toro islands in Panama and since this is a country I have never visited I am going to research the dos and don'ts.

 Savvy travelers do research.

Take Panama for example...

What is the national currency?
How do I get to Bocas del Toro islands?

Is any English spoken?

Do we need any vaccinations?

Do you tip?

What is the best way to get around?

Is it safe?

Do I need a Visa?
Can I drink the water?
How to handle fresh fruit?

Our goal is to stay safe and have fun!!!

Here is what I have found...

Do: Learn some Spanish - just a few key words to get by.  
But in general Panama's second language is English so you will be fine especially in tourist areas.
Learn... 

Hola (hello)

Gracias (thank you)

Por Vavor (please)

Buenas Dias (good day)

Buenas Noches (good night)

Que Pasa (how are you)

Bien (good)

Quiero (I want)

Aqua (water)

Cuanto Cuesta (how much)

the list could go on and on....

Do: Tip.  
Always check your bill to see if a 10% gratuity has been added, if not add at lease that yourself.

Do: Bring U.S. Dollars as it is the national currency.  
Only bring small bills and change.  It will be close to impossible to break a $50 or larger.  

Do: Bring bug spray with deet and lots of it.  
Mosquitoes down there are vicious near the rainforest and carry malaria so protect yourself.  But in general mosquitoes are fairly well controlled and no vaccinations are needed. Just be smart.  

Do: Hire a driver if you plan on touring vast areas of the country.  
We will not need a driver as we are going to a contained area.  Hiring a driver is less expensive than a taxi and safer.
*Always determine the rate of a taxi BEFORE taking off!
*Only take taxi's that are painted yellow and with a number on it or connected with Uber
.  And if there are two people in the front seat - DON'T take it!

Do: Have a Passport (no Visa necessary).  
This is all that is required for entry and exits from Panama if you are a American, Canadian or from the European Union.  

Do: Exercise common sense concerning safety.  
Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America for tourists as theft is not that prevalent as in other destinations.  
Just follow common sense rules: don't wander into poor areas especially at night.  Never carry large sums of money or flash your smart phones, wallets or jewelry.
There is one city to avoid in Panama and that is Colon.  There are zero tourist attractions there so you will not find many Americans or other nationalities making you a walking target.  If you must go there go with a guide.   
The only Department of State warning about Panama is for the remote location of Darien province which borders Colombia and typically the only people who go there are journalists and missionaries.  

Do: Only drink bottled water.
I do not care if locals say the water is safe to drink....just say no.  Wherever you go always keep a few bottles of water on you and when you have an opportunity buy water do it.  Even if you have some - you can never have enough.  
Biggest rule when it comes to bottled water.
Do not purchase if safety seal is broken!
That means the locals are reusing the bottles and filling them with local water.
Even when I brush my teeth I use bottled water...just to be safe.

Do: Wash all fruit off with bottled water and if you can peel it then do so.
Enjoy all the fresh local fruit you can but just make sure it is clean and if you can peel the skin away do so.

Do: Save an extra $300 for your airfare to and from Bocas del Toro.
Each way to fly costs $150 for a 45 minute flight.  Your other option is a 10 hour bus or taxi ride then a ferry.  

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Now part of the biggest challenge in any trip is figure how much money you should bring.
Lets look at the costs of food and accommodation:

Accommodation
Depending on how you want to spend your money you can find cheap accommodations in a hostel dorm room around $11-15 per night.  Private rooms usually are $40 per night for a double room.
Then you have budget hotels that come with a private bath, A/C and occasionally breakfast starting at $40 per night and going to to $60 per night.
I am looking into a surf resort so we want to rent a bungalow and are willing to spend $140 because we are going to split that with another couple.

Food:
If you avoid western chains and stick to local food stalls you can eat between $2-5 per person and that will get you chick, rice, and beans.  For a nice meal with wine expect $30-40 per person. 

Transportation:
Buses: $10-20 (overnight $25)
Taxi: Depending on where you are going varies.  In general they do not haggle but do decide on a price before getting in car.

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And that my friends are the basics of Panama - stay true to them and you will enjoy your stay.

Once you decide on your itinerary just expand your knowledge on transportation or hotels. 

The travel consultants at United Military Travel can help you too with any questions.  

Contact them today to start your planning!

866-582-9579

#travelnowpaylater 

National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Collection

I think the title speaks for itself.

National Geographic has put together a list of hotels/lodges that embody the values that National Geographic and fellow travelers hold close to their heart.  Those values consist of innovative approaches to sustainability, commitment to protecting natural and cultural heritage, and providing meaningful experiences.  

Nat Geo sent out their best travel researchers to each lodge (must be nice) and had them spend time there to evaluate operations, mingle with all staff members and see if all their high standards were met.  Evaluations were also based on their commitment to sustainable tourism, authenticity and excellence in service.  

Simply put: the lodges are destinations are in themselves.  

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime travel experience book a trip to one of the lodges either independently or through National Geographic.  There are four ways you can book your trip:

1.  United Military Travel (travel now pay later).
2. Book your reservation directly through the lodge.
3.  Create a private expedition through National Geographic.
4. Join a Nat Geo expedition that features one of the lodges.

National Geographic has chosen the lodges in all the different regions of the world.  Lets take a look at my favorites from each region.

AFRICA
Sayari Camp, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 

Here you will find one of the only camps permitted in the park and comprised of 15 tented suites.  What makes this camp special is it is in the direct migration route of the wildebeests and fills with more than a million creatures each year. 
Just imagine "the Great Migration".

The  suites here are built of canvas and designed to keep you close to nature yet still safe.  Even being surrounded by the bush you are wrapped in luxurious amenities that let you enjoy the Serengeti in style.  

National Geographic loves it so much for their long standing efforts in ecotourism.  What better place to use solar energy than Africa.  The entire camp is run on solar panels for both electricity and to heat water.  They also employ a "Eco-Warrior", which is a member of the staff who monitors the consumption of water very closely as it is scarce and also manages the recycling.  But the most impressive sustainability trait is that they give to the local villages by supporting schools, orphanages, offers training programs for guides and creates conservation-based employment opportunities.  

ASIA

Zhiwa Ling, Paro, Bhutan

Zhiwa Ling is located just outside the town of Paro in the foothills of the Himalayas and appears to be ancient old yet it was just built in 2005.  You will find all the modern amenities all while being immersed with traditional Bhutanese Buddhist traditions as guests are encouraged to join the monks at the Meditation House for a true lesson in meditation.  And of course they offer a Tea House where you can soak up not only the tranquility but enjoy some of the finest tea on the Earth.  If you rather get pampered spend a day in their spa where all treatments include spiritual symbolism. 

This lodge really is for the spiritual traveler who yearns to learn more about meditation and Buddhism.  

It met National Geographic's rigourus expectations of sustainable excellence through its design, recycling programs, gardens, and philanthropic work in the community.  The architecture embraces the Bhutanese culture through the sustainable wood construction, textiles and artwork both on the exterior and interior.  The lodge also supplies almost all of its own produce from their gardens and greenhouses using the compost they create while managing wastewater by monitoring energy and water use.  In the community they lead many projects like cleanup campaigns, tree-plantings and yoga classes.  

Australia and the Pacific
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia

15 miles off the coast of southern Australia is Kangaroo Island which is commonly referred to as "Australia's Galapagos" because of its unspoiled landscape and plethora of wild species.  The lodge boasts 21 luxurious glass-fronted suites that show off the spectacular panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.  Directly south of the lodge lies Antartica.  

Luxury does not really even begin to describe this lodge.  The cheapest room starts at $950 per night per person - so you better have saved up your monies for a quite some time to stay here.  



But to me, making this a trip of a lifetime is worth it.





Their commitment to sustainable tourism comes from their solar farm.  They created a farm that harnesses the sun's energy through 225 panels that change position depending on the suns direction.  

Central America and the Caribbean

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Lapa Rios is a global role model for sustainable tourism as it has helped protect some of Costa Rica's most valuable biodiversity while creating professional opportunities to the remote location.  The peninsula is part of a lowland tropical rainforest that skirts the Pacific Ocean adding marine life to the jungle life.  

Lapa Rios has 16 bungalows nestled on the natural ridge of Earth inside the jungles canopy so you can wake up to spectacular views of the ocean while the birds sing you sweet morning songs.    

"It would be hard to find a more authentic rain forest experience than this. You awaken to the sounds of the jungle, watch scarlet macaws glide by from your private outdoor shower, and set off into the trees to explore with local guides whose knowledge of the area’s ecosystems runs deep. And yet the experience is relaxing too—there are secluded beaches at the end of many a jungle path, delightful meals served al fresco, and a luxurious bungalow awaiting you at the end of the day." National Geographic

Sounds absolutely amazing doesn't it????

As you can imagine Lapa Rios is deep in sustainable tourism.  They work with a local non-profit organization called Earth Equilibrium to build classrooms, dining rooms, playgrounds, and provide school supplies, water pumps and solar panels for clean water and electricity in the local communities.  Their conservation effort has protected over 1,000 acres of land from being deforested for forever.   

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If you want to book a trip to any of these places now call United Military Travel for a travel now pay later deal!