Have you booked your holiday getaway? Published Nov. 14, 2012 By Lisa Campbell CSC marketing director KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Skyrocketing airfare rates might leave you thinking holiday travel is no longer an option, but there are many travel deals still available. Belinda Kahapea, Leisure Travel Specialist for the 81st Force Support Squadron, Information, Tickets and Travel Department, ensures holiday travelers that there are still good rates for those longing to go home for the holidays. "When people look online, the rates can be very intimidating, but when they call or visit we're able to reduce those prices by applying military or senior discounts that are not available on travel websites," says Kahapea. The process is simple, all a prospective traveler needs to do is call or visit the Leisure Travel Office. "We can pull the travel rates or offer package options within minutes." The price and arrangements can be locked-in on the spot; active military members or dependents phoning in will need to verify eligibility by coming in and showing their military identification card. After that, depending on the type of travel being booked, tickets will either be emailed to the traveler or can be picked up at the Leisure Travel Office. A common misconception is that big-name travel websites offer the best rates for air travel, but Kahapea explains that most of the time she can beat it. "Travel websites purchase airline tickets in bulk and only when they have a large volume of unsold tickets, which is seldom, do their rates drop below the discounted military rate." Additionally, Kahapea is able to see all the airlines and airports at one time; most travel sites only work with a select group of air, hotel and rental car companies, meaning more work on the traveler if they want to compare prices. Besides the rates, one of the greatest benefits of booking travel through the Leisure Travel Office is a live person. When travelers need to change their itinerary or adjust special needs like arranging for children, pets or assistance for disabled travelers, Kahapea is there to help. She comes to Keesler with an abundance of experience in both the travel industry and the military. After marrying her husband, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Kahapea, 81st Medical Support Squadron, more than 22 years ago, Belinda took a job in the Air Force Services travel department and has been here ever since. A Hawaii native, Belinda's dedication to the travel industry stems from her life experiences and passion for seeing the world. "I just love to travel, and I enjoy telling people about places we've been and our experiences cruising. I want to share all these beautiful places with other people by helping them go there too." Of all the travelers that visit her office, retirees excite her the most. "I enjoy their visits because they have seen so much -- I learn from them." The Leisure Travel Office offers a variety of travel services including, but not limited to: airline travel, hotel accommodations, cruises and travel packages to Europe, Asia and domestic locations such as Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, California and Hawaii. Packages can be customized to include flights, lodging, entertainment, rental cars and transportation services. To make travel arrangements for the holidays, or anytime, visit the Leisure Travel Office on the first floor of the Bay Breeze Event Center or call 228-377-1658, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Holiday travel tips: · Give yourself plenty of time, at least two hours, and be prepared for airport delays. Remember, Dec. 22, 2012 through Jan. 2, 2013 is exodus for all Air Education and Training Command bases, in addition to being a peak travel time for civilians. · Buy travel insurance. Travel companies have become more stringent on waiving change fees. Previously, military members were granted flexibility when unforeseen circumstances interrupted travel, but today, those companies will often remind you, "that's why we offer insurance." · Save money by traveling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Monday and Friday are considered weekend travel days and can still be costly, but mid-week travel rates are noticeably cheaper. · If you prefer to shop online, before you purchase call the Leisure Travel Office at 228-377-1658 to ensure you're getting the best rate.