Military Life News

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What You Need to Do to Get TSA PreCheck

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Flying can be fun, but it can also be stressful when waiting in long lines at the TSA security checkpoint. Large airports such as Atlanta can be frustrating when the line is long and moves slowly. It is very time consuming to remove your shoes, coat and belt as well as taking out liquids and computers from your carry-on bag. TSA is working on getting those lines shortened with their TSA PreCheck program.

What Service Members, Military Spouses Need to Do to Get TSA PreCheck

Did you know that military service members qualify for TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck makes security screening quicker and easier for passengers that are considered to be low-risk. Those that qualify for the program are able to go through a special lane at TSA security in some U.S. airports. These passengers are not required to take the time-consuming steps such as removing shoes, liquids and laptops. You must be a member of the TSA PreCheck program or a trusted traveler group to take advantage of these shorter lines.

Military Service Members Trusted Traveler Group

All members of the U.S. Armed Forces are instantly considered members of the trusted traveler group. This includes Reservists and National Guard as well as cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. service academies. They do therefore not need to apply for the TSA PreCheck program.

Service members simply need to put their Department of Defense identification number in as their known traveler number when making a reservation. This can be done when making flight arrangements in the military official travel program or through any airline ticketing site or company.

You do not need to be in uniform when traveling and the TSA PreCheck can be used for both personal and official travel.

When the program started, service members could simply show their CAC to the TSA document checker at the security checkpoint. That part of the program was phased out in 2014.

The only way to use your military ID to get to the TSA PreCheck  is to use your DoD ID number as the Known Traveler Number when making airline reservations ahead of time. Simply showing up at the security checkpoint with your military ID or CAC will no longer get you through the TSA PreCheck lane.

Can military dependents use TSA PreCheck?

Dependents that are age 12 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck line with their parent that is TSA PreCheck authorized.

At this time, military spouses are not included in the trusted traveler group and must apply for TSA PreCheck.

Who is eligible for TSA PreCheck?

Membership in the TSA PreCheck program is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Some may be ineligible however if they send in incomplete or false application information, if they have existing violations of transportation security regulations or if they have disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

There are 3 steps to apply for TSA PreCheck:

  1. Complete an online application or go to an application center to complete the whole process in person.
  2. Schedule an appointment online or call (855) 347-8371 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. They take walk-ins as well, but people with appointments will take priority.
  3. You will still need to visit an application center. All applicants are required to turn in the required documents and to be fingerprinted. You will need your current U.S. passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate. There is unfortunately, a non-refundable $85 fee.

Once all of these steps are completed, you can check your status online. Once approved, your membership is active for 5 years. It is important to note that not all airports in America have TSA PreCheck lanes and that the TSA still conducts random searches.

Have you or your service member tried to do the TSA PreCheck at an airport? How did it work for you?

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

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Military air shows are exciting events. “That’s the sound of freedom,” people say when a jet passes over. Just the sound of a jet can bring many emotions. For those that have served our country and for their spouses and families, it brings a sense of pride. For young children it is a world of amazement.

Both the Navy and Air Force have special squadrons that are the highlights of military air shows. Since 1946, the Navy’s Blue Angels have held performances for more than 484 million fans. It is now estimated 11 million spectators will attend the Blue Angels air shows annually.

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

This year the Blue Angels celebrate their 70th season. Unfortunately, it came to a quick halt. Source: Navy.mil

The Blue Angels

Blue Angels are made up of only 16 officers. There are 3 tactical jet pilots, 2 support officers and 1 Marine Corps pilot position open each year to replace departing members. Each officer generally stays with the Blue Angels for 2 years.

While the Blue Angels began with 4 aircrafts, they have since expanded to 10. The original 4 aircrafts made up their famous diamond formation.  The air shows now include solo performances to show how capable these jets are. The Blue Angels currently fly the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. It’s amazing to watch these aircrafts in action. They fly merely 18 inches apart during their famous diamond 360 maneuver.

This year the Blue Angels celebrate their 70th season. Unfortunately, it came to a quick halt.

On June 2, America lost a great hero, Capt. Jeff Kuss of the Marine Corps. He was the number six pilot, the Opposing Solo, of the Blue Angels. His F/A-18 Hornet crashed while training in Tennessee. We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Captain Kuss.

The Blue Angels canceled their June appearances. Navy officials announced on June 26 that the elite flight demonstration squadron will resume its schedule on July 2 at the National Cherry Festival Air Show in Traverse City, Michigan.

You can review the 2016 air show schedule to determine the closest one to you.

Air Force Thunderbirds

Another wonderful opportunity to view air shows comes from the Air Force Thunderbirds, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron.

They started the season with a flyover at the Daytona 500 and were making their way across America delighting people with their precision flying demonstrations when an unfortunate accident occurred. They also lost a jet on June 2.

One of the Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcons completed a flyover for the commencement at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, before crashing in a field. The pilot was able to eject without suffering any serious injuries.

Following this incident, the squadron had a short stand down. The Thunderbirds resumed their flight demonstration schedule in mid-June.

Your Guide to the 2016 Military Air Show Season

Four U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, known as the Thunderbirds, flying in formation with white trailer of smoke over the 42nd Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Air Show at Point Mugu, Calif.

The Air Force has been amazing crowds since 1953. They have performed across America as well as around the world. Millions of people have had the opportunity to witness their air shows.

Each military air show is free and open to the public. You can check the Thunderbirds 2016 air shows schedule to see if there’s one coming up near you.

If you plan on attending an air show this summer, take a small backpack with items such as sunblock, bug spray, rain gear, bottled water, snacks, hats, binoculars, a camera and earplugs. You’ll also want a blanket or chairs to sit on.

To avoid as much traffic as you can, consider going early and leaving late. Make sure to keep an eye on the kids so they don’t touch the static displays.

Be ready to ask questions. The men and women that are part of these proud traditions are happy to answer them.

Here is the complete summer schedule for the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force’s Thunderbirds.

Military Lodging Options for Your Beach Getaway

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I love the beach! There is something about the smell of salt in the air and the warm sun beating down on your skin that relaxes me. With that said, I’ve always been drawn to warm tropical areas to vacation. Who doesn’t love a great beach getaway?

Now that the weather is finally warming up, it’s time to think about summer plans. I know my family is already there.

Did you know that there are several military lodging options that are dream vacation worthy?

Planning your next beach getaway can’t get any easier than utilizing military lodging facilities. It is convenient, accommodating and reasonably priced. It’s a little secret among the military community that we should all try and use at some point.

Some military lodging facilities are right on the beach and others are steps away. Depending on your family’s preference, I’m sure you would find a destination that fits your needs.

Military Lodging Options for Your Next Beach Getaway

What are your favorite military lodging options located near beaches?

Here’s a list of the best of the best of military lodging located near beaches.

Fort Story. I have to give the Navy credit for helping us Air Force and Army families with beach front accommodations. The cottages and cabins in Fort Story, Va., are walking distance to the beach and beautiful lighthouse. If you want to experience the energy of Virginia Beach, it’s a short drive away. They have great picnic and grilling areas, not to mention they are also pet-friendly. My spouse and I plan to make our way down there this summer for a mellow weekend.

Navy Lodge Oceana/Dam Neck. If your family opts to stay at this military lodging facility in the Virginia Beach area instead of Fort Story, you’ll still have beach access. This option would be great for families looking to sightsee more in town and not spend a lot of time near your accommodation. Virginia Beach is near Historic Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.

Navy Lodge Pensacola. Located on Naval Air Station Pensacola, the Navy Lodge is close to Barrancas Beach and other installation activities, which makes this military lodging convenient. If you’re looking for more of a cottage feel, your family can stay at Oak Grove Park, where they have cottages that line a Florida beach as well.

Navy Lodge North Island. This military lodging facility is located on Naval Base Coronado and is right next door to gorgeous beaches. Naval Base Coronado is close to San Diego and all its attractions. If your family gets bored lounging on the beach, you can head to the San Diego Zoo or visit the Gaslamp District. I had a wonderful time taking in the sites of San Diego during my visit. We also watched a San Diego Padres game too.

Hale Koa Hotel. One of the most popular Hawaii military lodging destinations for military families, Hale Koa Hotel on O’ahu is more like a luxury resort offering delicious dining and entertainment options for guests. They also have an on-site fitness center and spa facility. I can’t forget to mention that it’s touching beautiful Kahanamoku Beach and neighbors other well-known resort chains. The hotel isn’t affiliated with a particular installation, but has a long history in serving the military community.

Kilauea Military Camp. Boasted as a hidden gem on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea Military Camp is located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It’s a park full of history and amazing sights that borders the ocean at the south end of the island. The military lodging accommodations include cottages and apartment style living. Although the beach vibe is different than Hale Koa, military families would have a great time trail hiking and visiting museums.

Did we miss any of your favorite military lodging options? Tell us in the comments section.

How You Can Save Money with a Hotel Loyalty Program

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Military families travel. A lot.

They aren’t afraid to embark on an epic road trip during their kids’ spring break. They travel for holidays and every 3-day weekend. Heck, military families travel even when they are moving from one duty station to another. The summer PCS season is also prime vacation time for military families.

Are you planning a family vacation for spring break or this summer? Are you mapping out your PCS route from Maine to California? Do you want to save money when booking your hotel rooms for this trip?

Consider a hotel loyalty program.

A hotel loyalty program is a convenient way to save money when you are traveling. More and more hotel chains are offering loyalty programs to reward frequent customers.

Each program works a little differently. As U.S. News and World Report wrote in an article comparing hotel loyalty programs,

There isn’t one best loyalty program that would suit the needs of every traveler. Each rewards program targets different preferred lodging styles — from boutique to business-friendly — travel habits and goals.

Here are 3 things to consider when reviewing the perks of a hotel loyalty program.

How You Can Save Money with a Hotel Loyalty Program

Are you a member of a hotel loyalty program?

1. The frequency of travel for you and your service member.

Take a moment to review your most recent hotel stays. How often did you book a hotel room in the last year? Did you stay in a hotel once a year or every few months?

Let’s say you, as a military spouse, don’t travel very often. But, your service member does. He or she may have a job that requires frequent travel for classes or training. When your service member is traveling for the military, do they stay in a national hotel chain? If the answer is yes, then a hotel loyalty program may be a good fit for your family. He can earn the points during his military travel and you can use those points later for a free night during a family vacation. It’s a win-win.

2. The hotel chain’s locations in relation to your frequent travel spots.

Geographic coverage is a super important factor to consider when reviewing a hotel loyalty program. Like I said earlier, lots of hotel chains are offering loyalty programs.

But not all hotel chains are nationwide. So if you sign up for a hotel chain with locations primarily in the Midwest, but you are living and therefore traveling in the Northeast, this hotel loyalty program would not benefit you.

This isn’t a problem with the Best Western Service Rewards program. With more 4,000 hotels worldwide, you are nearly guaranteed to find a Best Western on your PCS cross-country route.

The Best Western Service Rewards program, which benefits service members, allows members to:

  • Earn 10 points for every U.S. dollar spent on qualified hotel room rates
  • Receive a military discount of 10% or more on room rates
  • Automatically be upgraded to Gold status, which allows you to earn points faster

With the Best Western Service Rewards program, your points never expire, there aren’t blackout dates (so you can use your points to book a room during Memorial Day weekend) and you have access to their exclusive reservations line.

Always review a hotel loyalty program’s policy regarding the expiration of points and blackout dates. Nothing is more annoying than not being able to use the points that you earned because of blackout dates or your points expired before you could use them.

3. The benefits and savings of the hotel loyalty program.

A hotel loyalty program should be beneficial so pick one that benefits you. Do you want to earn free hotel rooms for future trips? Then find a program that rewards travelers with an easy-to-navigate points system to get you that free room in the future. You should know how many paid nights are required to earn a free stay.

Do you want to be upgraded occasionally from a standard room to a suite? Then pick a hotel loyalty program that rewards with free amenities.

Don’t forget to ask if the rewards can be shared with your spouse. It’s frustrating if your service member earned a crazy amount of points during her TDY, but then you can’t use those points for a free night when you’re driving to Grandma’s house with the kids.

A hotel loyalty program may help you save money when traveling, as long as you understand how it works. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and review the program’s policy before signing up for one. You want to find a program that works for you. Use the program to your advantage and get ready to enjoy the benefits as a loyal and frequent customer.

Are you a member of a hotel loyalty program? How does it help you save money when you travel?

How to Military-Proof Your Vacation Plans

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As my bio mentions, I come from a military family. One of the best pieces of advice that was given to me from my parents was to never lose out on vacation time. When I graduated from college, I took that advice to heart and made an effort to travel someplace new every year.

It didn’t change when I met my spouse. Although he was a little skeptical at first, we’ve been able to successfully vacation at least once a year since we started dating. My parents shared valuable tricks that have allowed us to vacation despite the military influence.

I know it’s hard to believe because we’ve heard so many different horror stories. In fact, my own vacation plans have been thwarted due to a short-notice TDY and unexpected field exercise. But, the important thing to note is that it’s always worth a try and don’t get discouraged.

With the right planning and flexibility, you can create unforgettable vacations, despite military annoyances!

Consider these travel tips that have been tested by my parents and myself:

How to Military-Proof Your Vacation Plans

How has military life interrupted your vacation plans? Don’t be discouraged. Try these 5 travel tips to create unforgettable vacations.

1. Don’t be afraid of planning ahead.

As a rule of thumb, my spouse and I like to map out a year in advance. It sounds crazy, right? But, it’s worked out great for us in the last 5 years.

We booked our Alaska cruise a year ahead of time. Military families can benefit from early bird deals in addition to military discounts. Yes, it’s a little scary, especially when you know things can change at a moment’s notice. That leads me to my next important point.

2. Always buy the travel insurance!

My spouse and I never book without it. Remember that Alaska cruise I mentioned? Well, we had to change the date two times before we actually left for our vacation.

Travel insurance gives you the flexibility to change dates without a hitch. Be sure you read the terms carefully to make sure you have the right type of protection for your vacation. We always make sure that if it gets to the point of not knowing when we could use it, the credit could still be there for us to use at any time.

During our Alaska vacation, we only had to pay the difference of our original sail date to our new one. Because of all the discounts we landed early on, the slight increase didn’t put a dent in our budget.

3. Make the most of block leave.

Depending on your assignment or location, military members can get a sense of when some breathing room comes their way. My spouse seems to get breathing room during the summer and winter months. He typically likes to take at least a week off at those times, so we aim to schedule vacations at that time.

In the last 2 years, we’ve got to go explore a new location along with spending the holidays with family. This past year, we celebrated the New Year and quickly jetset to Vegas to spend the next 5 days with my parents.

4. Plan a PCS vacation.

So far, my spouse and I are 2-2. We’ve PCSed two times together and have taken two vacations. Our first one was a PCS road trip from New York to Arizona. We mapped out a special route for ourselves that included visits through Texas.

Our last PCS is when we went on our honeymoon.

Yes, it can be done and it really doesn’t matter when you do it. My spouse was coming from an overseas tour and took a full month of leave. We moved all of my household goods and then flew out of our new duty station to cruise out of Puerto Rico.

5. Don’t be afraid of short-term planning either.

My spouse had use it or lose it vacation time a couple years ago, so we were encouraged to take time off. I came across an email with last-minute vacation deals and passed it along to my spouse.

If he had time to use, why not use it on a beach? We quickly booked another getaway as we were waiting for our Alaska cruise as a matter of fact. We couldn’t resist because the price was right and it was for the right amount of days off.

How do you military-proof your vacation plans?

A Military Spouse’s Guide to Space-A

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Space-A is a great way for a military spouse to travel.

A Military Spouse's Guide to Space-A Travel

Pack your patience and flexibility when using Space-A to travel as a military spouse.

We used Space-A back in 2009 to get from Germany to California and back again. The whole thing was quite the experience which wasn’t always easy but I am glad that I had the chance to try flying this way. Traveling Space-A isn’t for the faint of heart and knowing how this type of travel works is very important for having a successful trip.

Space-A travel is when members of the military, retirees and their spouses can travel on aircraft under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Defense when there is room available for them to do so. There is no guarantee that you will get a flight and you need a lot of patience and flexibility if you are going to use this method to get to where you want to go.

For us it took about 3 days to get to California from Germany. We were lucky in that we got on the first flight we wanted to get on. However, after 4 hours and after we were seated on the flight, the plane broke down and everyone had to get off and start all over again. This is the type of thing that can happen which can get frustrating but you need to be prepared for delays when you travel using Space-A.

The first step in planning for your Space-A trip is figuring out where you are going to go.

Most Space-A flights leave from Air Force bases around the United States and overseas. You would want to see where you can fly and how often flights go out of that location. Some places might only have 1 or 2 flights a week so your chances of getting out of there would be slim. Sometimes it is best to drive to a better location to get a better chance of catching a flight.

You would then need to figure out what your Space-A ranking is. The Air Mobility Command has a list of what you would be classified as. As a military spouse traveling you would be classified as either:

  • Category III– If your spouse is deployed more than 365 consecutive days or if you are traveling with your active duty spouse.
  • Category IV– If your spouse is deployed for more than 30 consecutive days but less than 365 days.
  • Category V-If you are flying without your spouse and they are not deployed.
  • Category VI– Retired military and their spouses

The lower your category, the better your chances of catching a flight. For example Category III is a higher priority for seating than Category VI. Each flight has a limited number of seats. Sometimes the seats are more than a hundred, other times there are just 4 or 5 seats available. You will need to register at every location you plan to fly out of. Once you have, you still have to wait to see if you get on the flight and you will need to check in as “present” when you get there.

A Military Spouse's Guide to Space-A

Have you flown using Space-A? Where did you go? What was your experience with Space-A travel?

This is where patience and flexibility come into play when flying Space-A. If a flight only has a few seats and you are a lower category, unless a lot of people decide not to get on that flight, your name will probably never get called. You will need to have a plan for if this happens to you. If you don’t, you could get stuck somewhere and that can be really upsetting.

The best way to prepare for Space-A is to do your research.

Since I was flying to the United States from Germany, I figured out which locations in the U.S. could get me to California. Although they did have flights going all the way there from Germany, I knew that might not be possible. I figured out which of the U.S. bases did go there and was open to any of those locations. In the end we flew into Baltimore and then had to make our way to Andrews Air Force Base where we were able to get a flight to Travis Air Force Base in California.

With Space-A you also need to have all of the important travel documents with you for you and all of your children. These documents include:

  • Travel authorization
  • ID card
  • Unaccompanied dependent memorandum
  • Valid Passport
  • Birth Certificates and Social Security cards

Make sure you double-check everything as you will not be able to fly without the right paperwork.

If you do make a flight, you must be there in person to check-in. You must be ready to fly. If you are not, they will go to the next person on the list.

Keep in mind that with Space-A you could be doing a lot of waiting. Plan for a lot of waiting. Bring something for you and your kids to do. Make sure you have the means to stay in a hotel because if a flight gets canceled you might have to wait until the next day to try again.

In the end, you have to decide if Space-A travel is for you. It will not work for everyone. Sometimes buying a commercial airline ticket will be best.

You have to be flexible with Space-A, you have to plan ahead and you have to be willing to change your plans over and over again until you can get to your location.

Have you used Space-A travel? What tips do you have for using Space-A?

10 Duty Stations to See Fall Foliage

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We welcomed autumn officially a couple weeks ago and I’m already starting to feel like it’s fully arrived because the evenings are cooler and pumpkin-spiced everything is everywhere. I’m also whipping out my closed-toe shoes and layerable shirts. Bring it on autumn!

10 Best Duty Stations to Experience Fall Foliage

Autumn is my favorite season. What do you love about autumn?

I consider myself a Texan, so I didn’t typically witness a change of seasons growing up. I honestly don’t remember the leaves turning till I moved to New York. That’s when I began appreciating the autumn season. It’s the right temperature for a light coat and hours of hiking.

Even after moving out of New York, I’ve realized that Virginia had some beautiful autumn sights to see too. Based on my experiences and with the help of Fodor’s and Travel+Leisure, I’ve wrangled together the 10 best duty locations to witness fall foliage:

10 Best Duty Stations to Experience Fall Foliage

10 Best Duty Stations to Experience Fall Foliage

I’ve been lucky enough to see the autumn leaves myself when my husband was stationed at Fort Drum.

Fort Drum, New York. Despite having some of the harshest winter weather, Fort Drum is near some awesome sights to see the autumn leaves. It’s a couple hours away from the Finger Lakes region to the southwest and the Adirondacks to the east. I’ve been lucky enough to see the autumn leaves myself when my husband was stationed up there.

Fort Carson and Peterson AFB, Colorado. These two military installations are so close to the Pikes Peak area and that’s a beautiful location to see the autumn leaves. If you have a chance for a weekend getaway and feeling adventurous, your family can head to Aspen. That’s one of the best places to experience the fall foliage. Because you’ll be going through some mountain ranges, the drive would be a great experience in itself.

Washington, D.C. My husband and I heard about Shenandoah National Park early on into our tour in the D.C. Metro area. It’s only a couple hours west and it’s truly an amazing site once you get yourself on Skyline Drive no matter the season. Last year, we made an effort to travel there as the autumn leaves were turning. What a beautiful color mixture of orange, brown and green. Don’t forget your Annual Military Pass when you go to any National Park!

Malmstrom AFB, Montana. Glacier National Park is less than a 3-hour drive from this base in Montana and is truly for the courageous because most of the concessions in the area close up shop in September. It’s said that the wildlife and foliage is just too good to pass up if you’re in the area.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. I haven’t been to the JBLM area in the fall, but I’ve heard such great things. If the sights were beautiful in the springtime (that’s when I visited the area), I can only image how it looks in this time of the year. The Olympic Peninsula is noted to have amazing views, especially while driving through.

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. FLW doesn’t have the best reputation as a top pick duty station. It might be because it’s secluded, which actually makes it an ideal location for a family that loves camping and the outdoors. The post is less than 2 hours away from Lake of the Ozarks and that park boasts some of the best fall sites in the Midwest.

Luke AFB, Arizona. Sedona, Ariz., is a popular destination to hike and bike, especially through the red rocks and Luke AFB is only a couple hours away. Luckily, when my husband was stationed at Fort Huachuca, we drove up toward the Sedona area. That was a relatively long drive at about 4.5 hours, but we really wanted to ride the Verde Canyon Railroad to see the autumn leaves. I can’t forget to mention the Ales on Rails event that the Verde Canyon Railroad does this month too. We had a great time drinking craft beer and sightseeing in the Sedona area.

USCG Cape May, New Jersey and Dover AFB, Delaware. Cape May is a quaint town in New Jersey that houses a Coast Guard Sector. There is also a ferry from Dover, Delaware, that takes you directly to Cape May. Although this historic coastal town gets most of its tourist in the summer months, it’s also a great place to see the fall foliage while strolling the streets. If you’re stationed at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst, Cape May is only a couple hours away.

Enter your favorite autumn photos in MilitaryShoppers’ monthly photo contest. One winner is chosen every month.

The Top 10 Best Military Vacation Secret Spots

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Acceptable. Fine. A bed. That’s normally how I describe temporary military lodges. As a military spouse, I don’t mind bunking there because it’s cheap, but I don’t brag about the amenities to my civilian friends. seward alaskaI brag about the price. That’s the majority of temporary military lodging. But there is something better.

It’s those cabins, townhouses and rooms with a view that are the best-kept secrets of the military.

They are the lodges that you know you should share with the newbie military spouses, but you don’t want to share your insider information. You are like a screaming toddler saying “it’s mine. It’s all mine.”

If you want super awesome military facilities, try the New Sanno in Tokyo, the Shades of Green Disney Resort, Hawaii’s Hale Koa Hotel or Edelweiss Lodge with views of the Alps. At these facilities you don’t get what you pay for. You get more than what you pay for. There is 1 small problem with these military perk places. Even though these hotels are exclusively for active duty and veterans, affordable doesn’t equal available. Often reservations need to be made a year in advance especially during the peak travel season. So instead of trying to wedge our way into the high-traffic military lodges, let’s take the road less traveled.

Let’s visit the top 10 military vacation secret spots that you will never read about in Travel & Leisure magazine.yellowstone

  1. Marines’ Memorial Club, San Francisco, Calif. Guest reviews on Yelp said “This is our second home away from home when we visit SF. The staff is very accommodating and attentive to your needs, service is top-notch, the location is perfect, the facility is excellent and makes you feel right at home.” Did I mention there is a free happy hour and free breakfast? It’s my No. 1 choice for a hotel in downtown San Francisco.
  2. Seward Resort, Seward, Alaska. Alaska is one of those places that I don’t want to be stationed at, but I would love to visit. The Seward Resort offers a way for my family to visit Alaska without the 3-year orders. The website brags “Are you looking for an exciting and affordable way to see the Last Frontier? You’ve found it! We’ve got the best of Alaska in our backyard: world-class fishing, spectacular glaciers, an abundance of wildlife, and recreational opportunities galore!” Recreational opportunities galore. You know it’s got to be good. Perks? Free cross country ski rental and wine exclusively made for the resort’s guests.
  3. Del Mar Beach Resort at Camp Pendleton, Calif. One Yelp reviewer wrote “Want a little getaway??? This is your spot. Located right on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base with great prices! The winter rates are 25% off! I stayed here this past weekend and was very pleased. I stayed in the Luxury Villa where you have access to a patio with grill and a bonfire. A full complete kitchen.” I’ve stayed here before and it’s a great facility. It’s perfect for families who want to be near Legoland.
  4. Rocky Mountain Blue at Keystone Resort, Keystone, Colo. Located 1 hour from Denver, this is a must-stay military lodge for service members who loved to hit the slopes. From ice skating to Nordic skiing, snowmobiling to snowshoeing or sleigh rides, Keystone has it all. Going in the summer? No problem. The website outlines a variety of activities. Wagon rides, anyone?
  5. Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area, Humarock, Mass. According to its website, Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Area is a 56-acre seaside resort located in Humarock (Scituate) on Massachusetts’ South Shore. Fourth Cliff is in a superb location, sitting high on a cliff at the end of a peninsula, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the scenic North River on the other. It offers an excellent opportunity for solitude and relaxation.
  6. Soldiers’, Sailors, Marines’, Coast Guard, and Airmen’s Club, New York City, N.Y. If you want history, you must make a reservation at this “Home Away From Home” from service members and their families. This club has existed for more than 90 years and provides hospitality and accommodations for 15,000 Armed Forces personnel annually. One Yelp reviewer wrote “It’s not the Ritz, but you cannot beat the location for this price. We paid $70/person per night (based on your rate/rank) Just blocks away from the Empire State Building, we felt like we were right in the middle of the action.”
  7. Yellowstone Country Trailers, Mountain Home AFB.  Want to stay 2 miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park? The Air Force maintain 11 trailers at Flagg Ranch Campground. “These trailers are self-contained, include cooking and eating utensils, and are ready for your enjoyment,” according to its website.
  8. Pacific Beach Resort, Pacific, Wash. In the shadow of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains, Pacific Beach Resort offers a Navy-run hotel and cabins lining the bluff along with a full-service restaurant and conference center. Bikes and mopeds are available for rent at the shore.
  9. Fort Tuthill Recreation Area, Flagstaff, Ariz. If you love the outdoors, then you need to stay at the Fort Tuthill Recreation Area. The accommodations range from yurts with wrap-around decks to 2-story, 3-bedroom cabins. The backyard has a fire pit, deck and a picnic table.
  10. Lake of The Ozarks Recreation Area, Linn Creek, Missouri. Nicknamed LORA, this 360-acre facility is designed to provide a relaxing environment for military families. LORA offers cabin rentals, full and partial RV hook-ups, rustic campsites, a lakefront pavilion, a swimming beach, boat docks, a full-service marina, boat and Jet Ski rentals, boat/RV storage rental, parking, picnic areas, a launching ramp, fishing and a small convenience store.  It’s open yearround.

Have you stayed at any of these military facilities? What’s your favorite military lodge?

Travel Destination of the Month: Malta

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Military Vacation to Malta

Book your Malta vacation today through the Armed Forces Vacation Club.

As a military family, we have traveled to many amazing places during the last 8 years. When we were stationed in Germany, we visited 10 other countries.

Malta was one of my favorites!

If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend visiting Malta. It isn’t too busy and you can get there quickly if you are already visiting or stationed in Europe.

Malta is a beautiful island off the coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. It has breathtaking views and an old-world charm. You can spend your vacation at the beach or walking around the island.

Malta has mild weather. The average temperature is 73 degrees, so you can plan on dining outdoors during your vacation.

We traveled to Malta right before Christmas when this Italian island was decorated for the holiday season. Wearing only light sweaters, we walked through the cobblestone streets and enjoyed looking at the old buildings as well as the town center. We walked to a vista for a beautiful view of the city and the sea. There was nothing like it.

Armed Forces Vacation Club Malta

This resort is 2 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea.

Club Salina Wharf in Qawra, Malta, is one of the Armed Forces Vacation Club resorts. They have a variety of rooms such as studios, 1- or 2-bedroom units, and kitchen facilities. They also have a pool and restaurants on-site to enjoy. The resort is only a 2-minute walk from the sea. What a great way to spend your R&R or family vacation.

You can take lessons at a diving school or participate in other water sports. Nearby you will find nightclubs, restaurants, activities for the kids, a seaside promenade, shops, and even a casino.

If Europe is out of reach for your family this summer, there is a long list of places you can visit in the United States through the Armed Forces Vacation Club. Don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter to receive weekly updates and last-minute deals. It’s the best way to plan your next vacation.

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