Wednesday, April 22, 2015

A quick guide to the Caribbean!

Hypothetical situation here: 

If someone randomly asked you "if you had to choose any Caribbean Island to go to right now, which would it be" how would you respond?  Would you answer with an educated response or simply name off one of the ones you think is most popular?  I honestly, would pick a popular one off the top of my head and roll with it!  Sure, they are all tropical islands that anyone could have a great time on but shouldn't you consider the specialties of each island before booking your stay there?  

I recently just learned about a killer travel website called, Easy Planet Travel, and their motto is, "travel around the world, made easy for everyone." Isn't that nice.....I think so :)  I mean, who doesn't appreciate a comprehensive website that makes researching destinations easy!  Easy Planet Travel has put together an extremely well researched guide to the islands that highlights the top reasons people visit: beaches, snorkeling, diving, golf, dining, resorts, relaxing, hiking, nightlife.  View here
easy planet travel, united military travel, travel now pay later, caribbean islands, military travel, military travel loans
One good thing about living in the United States is that we have fairly easy access to the 700+ Caribbean Islands, making them the ideal vacation spot.  But like I said, there are 700 of them, so choosing the right one can be slightly daunting.  Hopefully, after you check out their Quick and Easy Guide you will be able to make a more educated decision. 
 Also, you will need to consider the seasons when decided which month to book in...
High Season: "Winter is considered the high season for tourism to the Caribbean, largely because travelers want to escape the cold winter weather of the north. Tourism booms from mid-December through mid-April. The winter weather in the Caribbean features little rainfall and has average lows in the low 70s and average highs in the mid-80s. Northern Caribbean destinations' lows are closer to the 60s, while southern islands' lows are in the 70s. This is the perfect time to travel if you don't mind large crowds and paying top dollar for accommodations, but reservations should be made months in advance because so many travelers prefer this time frame."
Shoulder Season: "The Caribbean's shoulder season is in late spring and fall when the weather is milder in the north. The weather in the Caribbean is warm with little rainfall, but the islands are less busy than in winter months. You can expect temperatures with average lows in the mid-70s to average highs in the mid-80s. One of the great advantages to traveling in the shoulder season is that travelers can usually get a discount on accommodations because there is less demand for hotel rooms. The exceptions during shoulder season are Easter and spring break, when family tourism picks up."
Low Season: "When the weather is hot throughout the north in the summer, the demand for a Caribbean vacation decreases dramatically, which is why the low season is in June, July and August. June is one of the rainiest months of the year in the Caribbean, but July and August are generally sunny and nice. The humidity and temperatures rise in the summer months, with average daytime temperatures mostly in the mid-to-upper 80s and nighttime lows in the mid-to-upper 70s. You can expect dramatically decreased room rates and a quiet, relaxed vacation."
Hurricane Season: "Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, although September and October are peak times for hurricane activity. Many people shy away from the Caribbean during this season, but you may be surprised to know that not all areas are affected equally. The southeastern region has the least number of hurricanes, while the southwestern and northeastern regions have the most. Southern areas like the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are rarely affected because hurricanes tend to travel away from the equator. Barbados is also relatively safe from hurricanes, experiencing one about every 20 years. If you're willing to take the risk, you can save a lot of money on accommodations and experience a quiet vacation because so few people come to the Caribbean in this season."
Seasonal Weather Source: Travel Tips from USA Today 
Now lets take this Caribbean vacation planning one step further!  Now lets take out a travel loan through United Military Travel to book your airfare, hotel, and car rental so you can keep more cash in your pocket.  I am serious, you can do this - in order to be qualified for United Military Travel's travel loans, you just need to be Military and/or Government Personnel. They finance both Active Duty and Career Retired Military members, as well as government employees, and can get most applicants approved with NO DOWN PAYMENT!  Financing vacations is the new and easy way to travel...creating opportunities for the world to be your playground!  When you call in to UMT and speak to one of their travel consultants, you could start planning the ultimate vacation to places like St. Lucia, Martinique, Grenada, the Virgin Islands but you have to make the call first.  Or you could simply apply online here and one of their representatives will reach out to you.  
United Military Travel, Caribbean vacations, military travel , military travel loans, travel now and pay later
                                         866-582-9579

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Travel Loans to Walt Disney World's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

A Harry Potter theme park

Need I say more????

United Military Travel clients use travel loans to book family vacation to Disney World everyday, including passes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! 

Any time of the year is a great time to take your kids down to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida so call in today to finance a complete Disney vacation this year.

 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans two theme parks and allows patrons to enjoy many of the aspects we love in the movie series like:

* riding the train at Hogsmeade Station

* wondering Diagon Alley
* drinking Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice
* ride the thrilling, high speed roller coaster called Dragon Challenge

My questions to you:
"Do going to parks like this create a bit of anxiety for you? 

 Do you know how to make the most of your time there?"

Attention Parents...A word to the wise

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - is located in Universal Studios

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade - is located next door at Universal Islands of Adventure

This means you will have to buy admission tickets to both theme parks to experience ALL of the excitement.

You can purchase a park-to-park admission ticket or annual pass and that will allow you to access both parks AND Hogwarts Express.  

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 


Now, take note of these tips on how to survive the lines, crowds and navigation issues of theme parks to make your experience as magical as ever!


1. If you stay at a hotel that is one-site then you will have access to the theme park one hour before they open!  Or you can book a vacation rental from United Military Travel and stay in a luxury home where you have access to your own pool, kitchen etc. 

2. Download the Universal Orlando Wait Time app so you can pick and choose what rides to ride and when.  

3. The parks offers a room called "baby swap" where the parents can take turns watching small children but still getting to enjoy the attraction.  One parent rides then the next - without having to get separated.  
4. To avoid the scalding heat of the day, Diagon Alley was designed to have cooler areas so hit this park later in the day and do Hogsmeade first. 
5. When you decide to go over to Hogsmeade, enter Islands of Adventure and walk right to Seuss Landing.  It is a shorter distance to Harry Potter than going left. 
6. To really take note of all the magic happening around you, make sure you are looking in the store windows and just being aware of your surroundings.  The park has put a lot of thought into the detail, you just have to be aware to look for it.
7.  All around the park are actual pieces from the movies like the Sword of Gryffindor in Filch's Emporium and the talking heads inside Hog's Head Pub.

8.  In the bathroom at Hogsmeade, you can hear the cries and complaints of Moaning Mrytle.
9.  If the entrance to Universal Studios is to long you can try the entrance by Blue Man Group.

10.  If you dial 62442 (magic) from the telephone booth outside of King's Cross, it will connect you to the ministry of magic.
11. If you purchase a wand at Ollivanders they will give you a map that if you put it under a black light it will lead you to places where you can cast spells.

12. In both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade they are special performance all over to look out for.



United Military Travel can book your airfare, car rental, hotel, and Disney passes for the entire family!  So call UMT today and book your Universal Studios trip today to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
866-582-9579 or apply here!

 

Friday, April 17, 2015

PCS like a pro!

Time to move again??

Did the last time you PCS leave your bank account high and dry??

PCS, United Military Travel, Military Travel Loans, Travel Loans, Travel Now, Pay Later

1. Housing

If you own a home and need to sell it understand that there are fees that come along with selling AND buying, so set aside money to aid you.  Or if you choose to rent out your home, it will cost you to have it professionally cleaned, have it put on the market and managed, and fix anything before tenants can move in.   On the opposite end of the spectrum - if you are currently renting you may get money back!  Clean it yourself top to bottom and if you treated the house well during your time renting, you should get your security deposit back.
But what if when you arrive at your new duty station, you have to use temporary housing?  The Military should reimburse you but at first that is money out of your pocket.  Plan wisely....

2.  Replacing household items

Almost 99% of moving companies will not move food or any liquids to your next duty station.  So what does this mean?  It means that literally you will have to buy all new cleaning supplies, toiletries, and food when you arrive at your new home.  Before you leave, try to limit your purchases on these items to save money and also start setting aside a "household item" savings jar.

3.  New Utilities

Almost every utility company will charge you a security deposit when you set up a new service with them.  Some base it on your past payment history and others just charge a flat rate but keep that in mind when you set up your electricity, water, cable, internet, etc.

4. Vehicle with OCONUS PCS

Selling vs. Storing vs. Shipping
First, research your new duty station to figure out how reliable public transportation is and how close your new home will be to grocery stores etc.  That can help you decide it you want to own a car overseas.  Often times, storing your car is just a money pit because over the years you are gone your car is depreciating while you continue to make monthly payments.  If you could ship your car overseas that seems to me the most ideal.  Sure, you have to get it over there and pay for all the fees and taxes but at least you will have car, and it is a comfort from home.

5.  Vehicle with CONUS PCS

To keep or to sell?  Most people keep their personal car, drive it wherever your duty station is and just have the tags changed.  Plan for gas, and fees.

6.  Pets

This is usually where the pets get the short end of the stick because it can cost thousands of dollars to get your best overseas.  You will have to pay for the extra vet costs that many countries require before your pet is allowed entry, also transportation costs.  Pets flying on an airplane is basically like buying another airline ticket for a human...  If you cannot afford to bring Fido with you, consider having someone you know foster them until your return.   If that doesn't work, make sure you place them in a good home and not somewhere where they will go to a kill shelter.

7.  Clothing 

If your new duty station is in a different climate you will probably need to buy clothes suitable for the weather.  I would hit up all thrift stores first before buying anything new.

8.  Food

Everyone feels guilty about wasting food so during the month before you leave try to eat up your pantry, freezer, fridge....anywhere you have food - eat it!  Make crazy, fun, different meals until you run out of food.  Then, do not buy anymore expect what you have to have.  As awful as fast food is you will need to eat more of that the days before you leave.  If you cannot eat all your food, give it to a friend, family member, or food pantry :)

9.  Moving products

As if moving your life was not hard enough but to find boxes, bags, and suit cases for all your stuff is a pain!! You may have to buy more luggage to accommodate your things or purchase actual boxes and tape to go along with them.  A helpful tip to always remember: look for gently used first!

10.  Kids 

Get ready, moving kids is the Holy Grail of money sucking, black holes.  They come along with a whole new set of needs so be prepared with another thousand or so just for them.  You have to keep them entertained while traveling, food, diapers etc.  You know what I am talking about - about half of your time packing and moving will be dedicated to them!

  A great way to save money PCSing is by financing your airfare, car rentals, and/or hotels during the process. United Military Travel is a Military travel finance company that offers travel loans to all active duty, career retired, and government personnel with no money down.  #travelnowpaylater is their motto so contact them today to begin your PCSing adventure! 866-582-9579 or apply here!

united military travel, military travel loans, military travel, travel loans

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Top 5 Reasons To Honeymoon Through United Military Travel!

united military travel, honeymoons, military travel, military travel loans, military loans, finance, vacation
Don't wait for your honeymoon....Carpe Diem and book today!

In case you didn't know...United Military Travel rocks...in soooo many ways!!! 

# 1 reason they rock: They love to spread the L.O.V.E.

Honeymoons are one of their specialties and believe me, they know how to add the romance.  How do I know?  Because, they booked mine!!!  One thing, UMT is passionate about is serving those who serve our country in the best way possible.  And to do that, their mission is to give each one of their clients the best, most unforgettable vacation they have ever had.  When you talk to your travel consultant and explain that you want to book your honeymoon they will do their very fit every detail you want into your trip. 

 Why not call them now at 866-582-9579 to learn more about how a travel loan can give you the ultimate honeymoon???

Or apply here!


Top 5 Reasons You Should Book Your Honeymoon Through United Military Travel 
1. They truly are invested in your happiness.  
You are not just another client in the system but when you book through United Military Travel you become a friend.  You will call your travel consultant by their first name, share personal stories, and create a rapport with one another to ensure your personality shines through your trip.  
2.  Quality.
A honeymoon is a sacred trip and you want it to be perfect.  So why choose a sub-par company?  UMT is a high quality finance travel agency that will give you high quality trips.  We only book hotels/resorts that are three stars and higher, and flights with short layovers and minimals stops.  You want a quality trip, go with a qualified and reputable company like UMT!  You can read reviews here
3.  Connections....it truly is all about who you know.
United Military Travel currently works with all of the major airlines and has negotiated contracts with major consolidators all over the world. How does this benefit you? We can offer Military Discounted Airfare Tickets, Military Discounted Hotel Reservations, and Military Discounted Car Rentals. United Military Travel is able to offer the best Low Price Guarantee in the entire Military Travel Loan Industry. 
4.  Travel Now and Pay Later
This is why we chose United Military Travel to book our honeymoon.  We didn't know have the extra cash to take a vacation but we could afford monthly payments.  So viola!  We called in a month before we wanted to go, applied and within the day we had our trip to Ecuador booked!  It is so hard for us to put money aside and say that it is a travel fund because so many things come up that cause us to dip into the "fund".  That is the beauty of UMT - you book the trip and pay as you go!
5.  Credit Schmedit!!!
Are you worried about your bad credit history? United Military Travel is still able to get your travel loan approved even if you have bad credit history! How? We base your approval on your military and government pay information and your debt to income ratios. They are passionate about making sure that your military travel loan payment doesn’t put you in a financial bind, and their lenders are very forgiving with past credit history! United Military Travel currently has a 97.9% loan approval rating!