Carlson Wagonlit Leisure Travel Services in building 695 serviced its final customers today. The travel service agent’s contract has expired and, according to Joel Flowers, community recreation coordinator, another contract will be let by May 1.

"It could very well be Carlson again," Flowers said. "But a new contract has to be negotiated regardless of which agent is selected."

To get through the gap, ITR is prepared to provide assistance in obtaining leisure travel arrangements to anyone needing it.

"We have a couple of computers set up in our office for customer use," Flowers explained. "We have compiled a list of all of the airline’s 800 numbers, included a list of popular travel Web sites and can also give customers the names of off-post travel agencies to contact."

Two of those Web sites are ones that cater to the needs of the military and offer discounts accordingly. They are Offdutytravel.com and satovacations.com. In some instances, customers may find cheaper rates, Flowers said.

Offdutytravel.com was developed by the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center exclusively for authorized Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons. It has links to Internet fare finders and travel providers (air, cruise, rail, car) as well as tips on how to get the best fare by searching the Web or being flexible about travel dates. There are currently five preferred provider agreements in place and Army MWR will work to provide customers with the best value and service. When making a reservation with one of the preferred providers, mention the installation you are stationed at as it will receive credit for the sale. You can even join the Army Leisure Travel mailing list from the homepage of this site.

Satovacations.com offers fee-free online booking capabilities for air, car and hotel reservations and a toll-free number to book vacation packages and cruises. There is information provided at the Web site to help you decide on your vacation package or cruise prior to calling the toll-free number.

For instance, if you put your cursor on the Caribbean icon, it will give a pull-down menu of Caribbean choices, such as Bermuda. Clicking on Bermuda will take you to another page with the island’s description and some key points, information on what your vacation will include and several hotel choices, ranging in price, available through the package deal.

But the best way to become familiar with the two sites is to get online and try them for yourself. You do not have to commit to anything to obtain information.

"Even though these leisure travel alternatives have been available for some time, we are trying to extend the community’s awareness of them. DCFA is here to serve our community," said Tony Brown, director of community and family activities here.