ITT makes traveling easier Published July 13, 2010 By Connie Hempel 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- You actually have some time off and you want to get away, but the thought of searching through the overwhelming amount of travel sites gives you a headache. If you could just find someone to go through the daunting task of spending hours flipping through those websites, you might actually consider taking that much-needed vacation. Maybe you're facing a situation that isn't as pleasant, such as a family emergency, and you need to get home now. Not only is your situation stressing you out, but home is across the country and you have to find a last-minute flight to get you there. Help is here. By helping everyone with whatever travel needs they may have, the Information, Tickets and Travel office can alleviate the aggravation of making travel arrangements whether it's planning that vacation or flying home for an emergency. In addition to airline tickets, ITT can find the lowest priced cruises, car rentals and hotels, too, but they don't stop there, the staff at ITT can get vacation packages for places all around the world and they offer discounted theme park tickets. "Pretty much anything someone has in mind to do during their leisure time, we can help," said Kathy Muldrew, 17th Force Support Squadron ITT director. "We also have a network of ITT offices around the world that we use if we can't help our customers in house." Searching through all the travel resources available, the ITT staff saves servicemembers time and money with the cheapest travel rates to stateside and overseas locations. "If you're planning on going anywhere, even if it's outside of Texas, pick up the phone and check with us to see if we can get a discount," Ms. Muldrew said. "We can help with as much or as little as you want." With more than 11 years of experience as a travel agent, Ms. Muldrew is great at what she does, said Ginger Moore, 17th Force Support Squadron Community Service Flight chief, said. "She booked my Disney World Trip for our family last year and found the best prices on flights, gave excellent advice on meal plans and ensured that our cabins were next to each other for a close-knit vacation," Ms. Moore said. Want to get away for just a day, but don't have a car? Don't worry. ITT provides trips to various locations and theme parks around the state, with pickup and drop off at the Event Center. Members simply pay a flat fee to cover transportation and, if applicable, admission costs. According to Ms. Muldrew, most trips are scheduled as one-day trips and are usually planned to accommodate school and the holiday season. For example, there are at least two trips a year to the San Marcos outlet malls just before school starts so people can stock up and trips planned around the holiday season to buy those wish list items. The next back-to-school shopping trip is scheduled for July 31. They are also planning a trip in August to Fiesta Texas in San Antonio for that last chance family getaway before the new school year. "These trips are a great way to get out and have fun without having to worry about getting lost or driving long distances," she said. Discounted bus tickets to the larger airports in Dallas, Midland and San Antonio will be available just in time for the holiday season, too. These tickets will go on sale starting in October. Another aspect of ITT is helping during family emergency situations. When an emergency happens, so does the call to get home now. Many servicemembers are stationed far from their hometown and getting home can require a last minute flight, which at times can be costly. "Often times there are flights for that same day, but it can be a little overwhelming when you're trying to do it on your own, not to mention cost prohibitive when it comes to last minute flights," Ms. Muldrew said. "We can find the lowest possible airline ticket on a last second basis and save the member that stress." ITT is available for travel planning from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and anytime the Event Center is open for discounted theme park tickets. So wherever your destination may be, stop by ITT to help with your travel planning needs.