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From the Mountains to the Oceans, Your Favorite Military Bases

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Our team of writers shared their list of their favorite military bases and now it’s your turn. So many of you commented on that article and shared with us your favorite places that you’ve been stationed at that we wanted to write a second article about the best military bases around the world.

We’ve collected the highlights and would love to get even more feedback from our readers on this topic.

Your 7 Favorite Military Bases

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

With Army base Fort Lewis and McChord Air Base located so close together, consolidating was a great choice. By joining forces, both services are better able to serve everyone. Roberta Castile loved living there!

“You have a choice where to shop,” she commented.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located in Lakewood, Wash., on the Puget Sound and near Mount Rainier. With easy access to Olympia and Tacoma, military families stationed here have access to both the great outdoors and city life!

Travis Air Force Base

If you enjoy being in the center of the action, this might be the military base for you! Travis AFB is located in the greater San Francisco Bay area and close to Napa and Sonoma valleys.

Residents can experience the culture of San Francisco close at hand. Napa and Sonoma are some of the premier wine destinations in the United States and the world.

In addition, Travis is a passenger travel hub with Space-A transit available to many other locations around the world.

“(The) food is awesome and the sights are too numerous to mention,” commented reader Eric. “If you ride motorcycles like I do, they have some of the best backroads anywhere in the world!”

MacDill Air Force Base

Located near Tampa, Fla., MacDill is a beautiful place to spend a few years, or to retire! The base itself is located on land right in the middle of Tampa Bay, with access to the water.

This is also a center for Cuban culture and cuisine. If you like a little more adventure, theme parks are also close by. Outdoorsy types can play on the water and land, with almost endless options to stretch their muscles.

MacDill is also close to St. Petersburg, which is a top tourist destination. The sub-tropical climate means that you will never be too chilly. With an average of 361 sunny days per year, this is the perfect place to soak up some rays.

Yokota Air Force Base

Traveling overseas is a great opportunity for military families and Yokota AFB is the perfect military base to explore Asia. Starting close to home, military members can visit Tokyo and mainland Japan, including Tokyo Disney. There is so much to see, do and taste here! From eating traditional sushi and ramen noodles to learning about the culture of geisha to visiting ancient castles, your duty station bucket list will always be full.

If you want to go farther afield, it’s fairly easy to visit South Korea, Hong Kong and other Asian countries.

Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, is a hub of military activity on the edge of the United States. The US-Mexico border is only a hop, skip and a jump away! That means that you have access to amazing Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and culture.

Ciudad Juarez is right across the border in Chihuahua, Mexico and offers lots of great places to eat and places to explore. El Paso also has its own exciting locations to visit, like outstanding regional wineries and a world-class zoo.

Plus, the base has undergone renovations in recent years.

“The Freedom Village and the expansion of the base has made a big impact with the military and civilian community, offering a variety not found on other major installations,” commented Celio Quinones.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

For those that like it chilly, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson should be on your short list. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, this is a great place to connect with your adventurous roots.

Mount Denali is within traveling distance, as is Chugach National Forest. JBER is also located close to the water, although this bay will definitely be chillier than Tampa!

As an added bonus, living in Alaska counts as being stationed OCONUS, which means you get all the OCONUS perks, without really leaving the United States!

Patrick Air Force Base

Do you have a thing for space travel? Patrick Air Force Base south of Orlando, Fla., is perfect! This base operates Cape Canaveral, which supports space launches from the Kennedy Space Center.

As a bonus, Patrick AFB is located in southeastern Florida, within easy reach of the theme park center of Orlando. Plus, there are all the beaches and vacation destinations that will be super close to your new home!

Did we mention YOUR favorite military base? If we missed it, please let us know in the comments! Tell us where you loved being stationed and why.

Pro Tips for Military Travel

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Do you have the travel bug?

Traveling as a military service member or family member can be super easy and super cheap. If you know a few pro tips to start.

Pro Tips for Military Travel

What are your military travel tips?

ITT

Every branch of service has a morale or travel office.

Each office has a price sheet with local attractions and package deals to places farther away. You can find deals at other bases, even if you don’t live there.

For example, Travis Air Force Base offers deals and discounts to Napa Valley tours or hotels. In Okinawa, ITT offers complete tour packages to places like South Korea, Tokyo and Thailand.

Pro Tip: Before you go, check with ITT for discounted tickets near your destination.

Space-A

Did you know that the military flies to many prime destinations around the world? Think: Germany, Hawaii, Japan and England.

Most of these flights are open to eligible active duty service members, military dependents and retired personnel. Often there is a small fee or no cost at all.

There are a few catches with Space-A though. First, flights can be canceled at any time and seats fill quickly. Second, seats are filled based on category. So by the time that they get to you, all the seats might be taken. Also, certain destinations are only available from certain departure locations.

Finally, there is a process to sign up and actually get on board. It is time consuming and nothing is guaranteed. Meaning, you could get a Space-A flight to your vacation, but need to pay commercial fare on the way back.

Pro Tip: Check out Space-A flights, but know that nothing in 100% certain. Be ready with back-up plans just in case things fall through or change.

Military Airline Discounts

Southwest: Southwest offers military discounts on flights. However, the exact price is not advertised on their website. To get more information on discounted fares, call: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.

American: To and from certain locations, American Airlines does offer military fares. Again, these prices are not advertised. Instead, contact them: 800-433-7300 (CONUS English line, available 24/7).

Delta: Like other airlines, Delta offers military fares, but does not advertise specific rates or discounts. To reach reservations/customer service, 24/7 from the United States, call: 800-221-1212.

United: Through Veterans Advantage, United offers a 5% discount. However, Veterans Advantage is a paid plan that opens up discounts at a variety of major U.S. businesses. To check on other offers, call the airline directly.

JetBlue: There are fares available for both official travel and for leisure travel. To find out more or to book, contact the airline.

Pro Tip: Not sure if your airline offers a military fare? Call customer service and check! The worst they can say is no.

Free Bags on Flights

JetBlue, United, Delta, American, and many other airlines all offer free bags to active duty military. The official line is that the service member or dependent family must be traveling on official orders, usually for PCS. However, gate agents will often allow free bags for service members no matter what.

The number of free bags can vary, from 1 to 5 per person. Check with the airline before you fly or be prepared to pay.

Be careful when PCSing OCONUS though! The commercial airline might let you check 5 bags per person, but the Patriot Express or Space-A will limit you to 2 bags or less.

Pro Tip: When checking bags, it never hurts to flash that military ID or bring your active duty spouse with you. And carry a copy of those orders everywhere!

Layover Lounge

Many major U.S. hubs host USO lounges. Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Boston are just a few of the places where troops and families can rack out for a few in between flights.

USO airport lounges are typically staffed 24/7 by volunteers, so be sure to say thank you. Inside, you will find free snacks and drinks, clean bathrooms and a place to recharge your tech toys. Some lounges, like Seattle, have showers, a luggage room and even quiet rooms for sleeping.

If you hold certain credit cards, like AMEX Platinum (fee free for military), you automatically get access to Centurion Lounges (AMEX Platinum only) or can enroll for free in the Priority Pass lounge program. These lounges are a little more upscale, with complimentary alcoholic beverages available.

Pro Tip: Find the USO (outside of security) or see if your credit card comes with airport lounge (inside security) perks.

Vacation Discounts

Delta Vacations: This vacation program offers a set amount off of booked travel based on final package cost. This service lets you bundle flight, hotel, car rental and activities.

Sandals & Beaches: These premium all-inclusive resorts offer a 10% discount to U.S. military personnel. You can combine flights with your hotel stay, too. All stays include all you can eat, drink and play (non-motorized land/water sports). Sandals is adults only. Beaches is family friendly!

Non-inclusive hotel chains, like Hilton and Sheraton, also offer government and military rates. You can often choose “military/government” when booking or call your hotel to check for special discounts.

Pro Tip: Save a bundle when you book all-inclusive or package deals through some providers. You can choose the special rate when booking national hotel chains. No discount mentioned? Ask!

What are your military travel tips? Share them in the comments section!

Military Travel Discounts to Get You There

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Holiday travel will soon be upon us. With all of the added costs of holiday meals and gifts, don’t let the high cost of travel keep you from enjoying your time away.

Check out these great military travel discounts to help you get where you need to go and enjoy your time away.

Military Travel Discounts to Get You There

What is your favorite military travel discount?

Military Travel Discounts on Airfare

Space-A travel is one of the best ways to save money on airfare. Never flown Space-A before? No worries! Fellow MilitaryShoppers.com writer Julie Provost’s article Space-A Travel for the Military Spouse has you covered.

You’ll need to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates and times, but Space-A is one of the most cost-effective ways for military families to travel.

If Space-A isn’t available, check out these other airline discounts:

  • Southwest. Discounts are available to service members by calling Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. You will need to show a military ID upon check-in to get the discount.
  • American Airlines offers a military discount, but you have to call 1-800-433-7300 for access to those special rates. They also offer a 50% discount on pets within the continental United States and Canada.
  • Delta Airlines. Delta has a great military discount program. Get discounts on airline travel by calling 1-800-325-1771. You can also bundle travel options by visiting their Military Vacation page.
  • US Airways. Service members and their dependents can take advantage of special military rates by calling 1-800-428-4322.

Military Travel Discounts When Traveling by Train

It might be a little old fashioned, but if you have a little more time, and you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, consider taking the train.

Even better, make taking the train part of your vacation plans. You’ll get to experience travel the way it used to be and see spectacular views you won’t get anywhere else.

  • Amtrak offers a 10% military discount, though some limitations apply. Get all the details on their site.
  • Royal George Route Railroad. Make a train ride part of your vacation and book a trip on the Santa Express. And don’t forget to take advantage of the 10% military discount.
  • Take a trip through the Great Smoky Mountains on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and get a 20% military discount.

Military Travel Discounts When Renting a Car

When you rent a car, be sure to ask for a military discount. The following car rental companies offer great military discounts.

If you are a USAA member check their travel site for additional rental car discounts. Get all the specific details by visiting your favorite car rental website.

Other Military Travel Discounts

Sometimes getting off the beaten path means taking the road, or rather the method, less traveled.  If you’re up for a little adventure, consider one of these great travel options. And don’t forget the military travel discount!

  • Taking the bus can be an adventure and Greyhound offers a great military discount. Get 10% off walk-up fares and pay no more than $259 for travel anywhere in the United States.
  • Not everyone knows how to fly a plane, but if you do, take advantage of military discounts when renting aircraft. All American Aviation Services out of Fayetteville, N.C., and serving all of the American southwest offers military discounts on aircraft rentals. Need an aircraft in Southern California? Check out Pacific Air’s military discount. Peak Aviation in Colorado Springs also offers a 5% military discount.
  • If camping or traveling by RV is more your style, check out the Tentsfortroops.com website for campsite and RV site locations that offer free or discounted stay for military service members and their families.

What is your favorite military travel discount?

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?

How to Save Money When Flying This Summer

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This country we call home is huge! From coast to coast, it’s more than 3,000 miles. That, of course, doesn’t cover any overseas travel that you desire to do. It takes hours and hours, just to drive hundreds of miles, so naturally flying becomes our main choice in travel to make the best use of our time.

With summer in full swing and our family’s schedule a little more open and available (for the most part!), we’re more inclined to use that time vacationing.

Searching for Cheaper Airfare? Here’s How to Save Money When Flying This Summer

Searching for Cheaper Airfare? Here's How to Save Money When Flying This Summer

If the online prices aren’t appealing to you, call the airlines directly and ask for a military discount.

Like several other military families, I try and fly back to my hometown of Austin, Texas, at least once a year outside of the holidays. Whether you are using your summer time off to go to grandma’s house or to explore a new location, it’s most likely it’s far enough away where you need to hop on a plane. My parents have also spent a lot of time in the air, especially my dad. He utilized frequent flyer miles with his job.

Plan Your Travel in Advance, Avoid Holiday Travel

I give credit to him because he’s the one that has shared tips and tricks for me to get the most bang for my buck when purchasing airline tickets, particularly back to my hometown.

The sooner you have dates locked down for travel is really the best time to buy, especially if it’s during a holiday. Aim to purchase airfare about 50 days out, if you can manage. And really, if you can help it, avoid the holidays (that means, no to a last-minute Labor Day weekend getaway) altogether!

Tuesdays Best Day to Buy, Best Day to Fly

But, we all know that military life can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s good to have a couple more things to consider before buying a plane ticket. There are times of the day and days of the week that yield cheaper prices for everyone. I typically purchase my plane tickets on the No. 1 buying day, which is Tuesday (according to Forbes and Business Insider).

In addition, the day you travel helps with ticket price. CNN says that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the ideal days to travel and to avoid Sundays and Fridays. I’ve come to realize that Saturdays and Mondays sometimes have pricier tickets, so I stay away from those days as well.

I use resources like Kayak.com to gauge the difference in prices between the airlines and it also shows the prices days before and after your requested travel day. I love the ability to compare airlines and days of the week.

If the prices you see online aren’t appealing to you, go straight to the airlines for special rates.

Luckily for the military community, several airlines offer a military discount.

United, Jet Blue, American Airlines (now includes US Airways), Southwest and Delta are the major airlines that advertise a discount for military members. Most require a phone call to receive the military rate as it’s not available to purchase online.

I typically write down what’s available online and then call to see if there is a substantial difference. Generally, the online rate might be cheaper, but that’s only based on my experiences.

For example, on my recent vacation to Seattle, I contacted Southwest airlines because the flight times and prices online were the cheapest. I called to speak to a representative about the military rate and Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” rate was cheaper, so while I was on the phone with them, I made the online reservation.

Don’t Forget About Space-A Travel

Another great (and sometimes scary) way to save money is to use Space-A travel. I know, yikes! It’s a bit confusing and really, from what I know about it, you really should have a lot of wiggle room with your travel date, if you’re opting to use it.

My parents have used Space-A travel and I’ve participated as a military child. From what I remember, don’t forget to ask a lot of questions and I would suggest having your spouse talk through it with their command. Schedules can sometimes change, so there are a whole lot of things to consider when you decide to fly at the mercy of the military.

Are you planning to fly this summer? How do you save money on airfare during the peak travel season?