The best-paying military jobs can make the loved ones sick and tired of the ongoing absence from home because of the combatants. Taking a family trip to an overseas location is an inspiring solution and a rewarding adventure full of fun. From cottages at the beach and cabins in the mountains to world-class resorts, there are plenty of affordable destinations for a great trip. Here is the compilation of the best tourist destinations for military family vacations overseas to consider.
1. Hawaii to Relax
Hawaii is one of the premier vacation destinations for U.S. Service Members and their families. It is a perfect local paradise that can recharge and reconnect with those you love. At the same time, its beautiful nature along with relaxation promises adventure at every turn. Hawaiian Airlines offers a military discount for active duty and those who are retired or retiring.
Comfortable and affordable accommodations of Hale Koa Hotel allow you to enjoy Hawaii to the full. The resort designed for military families provides 72 oceanfront acres of tropical gardens, authentic restaurants, two swimming pools, a fitness center, and a day spa for the proper rest. Each of the tower rooms will give you enviable access to the sunny shores of Waikiki Beach.
For those service members already stationed in Hawaii, a short plane trip to Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island is a great idea. You can explore several islands or stay on some for a weekend. You can pay a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial (Pearl Harbor, Oahu) to see a part of history, go walking tours or bus tours to see the island, or choose snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours to enjoy the beauty of the North Pacific Ocean.
2. Seoul to Explore
Seoul, the neon-glowing capital of South Korea, is a whirlwind of action with sights around the city to enjoy, world-class dining to taste, and plenty of museums and galleries to check out. You can take in the Changing of the Guard at Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces, climb to the top of the Seoul Tower, and do some shopping in the Myeongdong Shopping District.
Located in the heart of the Asian megacity, Dragon Hill Lodge Military Resort is the perfect home base for servicemen that provides affordable accommodations, comfortable guest rooms with a panoramic view of Seoul Tower, a fitness area, a pool, and a hot tub. It provides a good opportunity to discover the city with personalized guided tours.
If you are lucky enough to plan your visit in April, you’ll see the magnificent spectacle of cherry blossoms making the city sights unique. A family-friendly Oak Valley Snow Park, the closest ski resort to Seoul, recompenses for winter traveling with top-class facilities for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
3. Garmisch to Go Skiing
A German ski resort town is situated at the foot of the Bavarian Alps right near the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the best place for bringing your military kids on a tour of a real-life castle with seven waterfalls. Neuschwanstein is a key attraction overlooking all of Bavaria, which inspired Walt Disney to create Cinderella’s castle.
Active-duty servicemembers and military retirees from the continental U.S. can order the room, vacation cabin, or campground in Edelweiss Lodge and Resort hotel at affordable rates. Child care service that features everything from reptile house to sledding to let military couples steal some time away for themselves. At the end of a busy day of sightseeing, families can enjoy downtime with the resort’s indoor pool.
You may stay at the ski resort, take the tour to Germany’s famous Christmas markets, drive to Austria, visit Berchtesgaden Eagle’s Nest with historical sites from World War II, or join the ride on the Alpine rollercoaster atop Oberammergau and down 8,530 feet of twist, turns and bends. Peak travel season is typically the summer months or during the winter when the slopes offer prime skiing and sledding opportunities. But spring and autumn can also become a favorite time of year to travel because of the wonderful sights.
4. Tokyo to Put in Tizzy
A family trip to Tokyo, Japan, is a winning idea for those stationed in Asia. Your family will find Japan and everything about it quite different from the United States, it concerns the customs, food, and the style of lodging.
The luxurious New Sanno hotel located in a prime area of Tokyo astonishes with different dining options of seven restaurants, an excellent gym, traditional Japanese or American-style rooms, and a pool the kids love. The hotel is close to many different destinations for walking tours and full-day sightseeing tours.
While in Tokyo you can go to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, go to the zoo or museum, visit Legoland, and the Imperial Palace and Gardens. Whether your family wants to enjoy Roppongi nightlife, go shopping, take in temples and shrines, try the fish from the famous Tsukiji fish market, they definitely won’t get bored.
Military family vacation after deployment or a one-day trip presents plenty of cherished moments and life-long memories. Wherever you are stationed overseas, make sure to take advantage of travel opportunities and discounts in your area, taking into consideration current Covid mitigation information. The time you spend together far from home can become a reset button to enhance relationships, enrich life, and bond the family members.
About the Author
Daniella Henderson
Daniella knows all ins and outs of the federal hiring process. She is excellent at job hunting strategies, starting from federal resume writing to the final stage of interview conduction.