For my family, a PCS means the opportunity for a road trip.
In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, a PCS from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to Las Vegas, Nevada, sent us on a Route 66 adventure that still holds as one of the best road trips we’ve ever taken as a family. While the military gives us the destination, we turn the journey into something we can look forward to, and the memories are on our terms.
This guide can help turn a stressful PCS season into a fun vacation and some of the greatest scrapbook entries.
From boring PCS to exciting adventure
It all starts with receiving your orders. Once you know where you’re heading, it’s off to the races! After solidifying the essentials of your new home, planning the road trip can commence. Start by considering how many travel days the military has authorized for your move and determine if taking additional leave is necessary.
Then plan your route. Google Maps or even ChatGPT can assist in mapping out stopping points and factoring in how many hours you’ll want to drive each day. For us, our maximum is typically between four and six hours per day.
What kind of vacation do you want?
It’s important to consider what kind of trip you’re aiming for. Does your family crave outdoor exploring? Do you enjoy camping, glamping or own an RV? Planning your road trip around visiting national or state parks sounds right up your alley! Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to turn your PCS into an epic adventure, especially with the free America the Beautiful pass.
Or would your family much rather enjoy city energy with a plush hotel, great sightseeing options and even better food? Planning stops around major cities would be the choice for you. However, keep in mind that with limited time, you’re aiming for bite-sized enjoyment in each city on your road trip. Consider booking a guided tour to get the most out of your limited time. Research apps like Airbnb Experiences, Tripadvisor or Viator for tours in your budget.
After picking your stops, it’s crucial to book your accommodations. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt are a few that offer military discounts.
Budget and travel hacks
Once you have an idea of the kind of trip you’re planning and the length of time you’ll be on the road, think about the out-of-pocket costs. While camping and RVing is the less expensive route for the outdoor enthusiast, the city lover can also cut costs in several ways: consider an Airbnb, a hotel with a kitchen for “home” dining or staying at nearby military hotels.
Traveling using points and miles is an excellent way to save money, especially for the military family. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays and vacation rentals. Depending on your credit card of choice, you may be eligible for additional offers like free dining credits at your hotels, upgraded rooms/suites and more.
The short-distance military move
Not all military moves are cross-country adventures. A short-distance move doesn’t mean you can’t have a “PCS vacation.” If your orders are taking you only a couple of hours away, consider taking a week or weekend to explore your new hometown.
The fastest way to fall in love with your new duty station is by exploring the town or closest big city. Define your new stomping grounds by booking a staycation at a hotel, eat your way through the city to find your new favorite restaurant and check out some of the attractions that the city has to offer.
There are so many resources, but I recommend the tourism board’s website since most will have guides and pre-planned itineraries available. However, there’s also nothing wrong with freestyling.
Why it matters
Frequent moves can be tough on military families, but the trips have given our family both something to look forward to and something to look back on fondly.
By turning our moves into travel adventures, we’ve found a way to bring a little joy and discovery into the process. It’s our family tradition now, and one that I hope more families will adopt.
Quick tips
- Pack for flexibility: Choose versatile items for weather, traffic and spontaneous adventure. Being flexible is key!
- Print your itinerary: You never know when you’ll lose your phone’s signal, service or battery. Always keep a physical copy of your itinerary on hand.
- Keep up with your memories: PCS road trips are part of your family’s military story. Capture the moments and make photo albums!
