Where has 2018 gone? It’s hard to believe that summer is over and fall has officially arrived. Pumpkin spice everything and sweater weather is finally here. Most people are devastated that summer travel has ended, but the warm weather months are not the end all be all for the year. While most families with school-aged children tend to shy away from taking on adventures during the school year, believe it or not, fall travel is the BEST travel. I actually highly recommend fall as the perfect time to check items off your family travel bucket list.
Here are five budget-friendly fall travel ideas for military families.
Take a family cruise vacation
Did you know that fall offers the best deals for cruise lines on top of military discounts? Booking a cruise can seem like a daunting task but really, it offers you the most bang for your buck. “Off-season” cruising is choosing to cruise when school is in session and there are no major holidays. During this time, you’ll find the best deals because cruise lines are looking to fill state rooms at the cheapest possible cost. Cruises are also all-inclusive, meaning that the price you pay includes lodging, food and gratuities. The only additional cost that you’ll encounter is travel to the port and excursions, but if staying on the ship and enjoying all the activities and shows are your thing, that’s perfectly okay too. Cruising is the perfect way to visit multiple destinations in a limited amount of time which is great for military families looking to cross off their travel lists and not take an extensive amount of leave.
Staycation: Explore your area
While the kids are in school and dealing with military life, it’s not always possible to take a week-long vacation or even travel far from your duty station. Staycations are excellent ways to feel like you’ve gotten away but you’re actually within two hours of your home. Consider using apps to book a hotel deal in your town (or close-by) same day. Contact local tourism boards to see what fall events are happening in a town near you. Some even offer extensive discounts for getting the information or booking your tickets through them, so be sure to ask for those discounts when you call.
Some fall family activities are: Taking a tour of your city, attending a state fair, visiting a pumpkin patch, visiting state parks or camping.
Use military lodging or Armed Forces DoD lodging
Did you know that most military bases own a vacation or recreational lodge of some sort? Having a military ID gives you access to endless travel possibilities. Whether your budget is large or small, you have the ability to explore military communities around the world. The Armed Forces resorts offer beautiful and affordable lodging in places like Florida, California, South Korea, Hawaii, Germany and much more. Staying stateside? The Armed Forces hotels and lodging options are also plentiful. It’s as simple as calling to book in advance and presenting your military ID upon arrival. Most times, the lodging you’ll find will either be half price or priced according to your service member’s rank.
Camping or glamping
The very best thing about visiting a state park is the fact that they are free or minimally-priced. Fall is the perfect time to pack up the truck or the RV, pitch a tent and sit by the fire. Fall offers the optimal camping or glamping experience because you can marvel at the fall foliage during a daytime hike and sit around bonding over a bonfire at night. State parks also offer other options for your outdoor enthusiasts like fishing and hunting. Regardless of your outdoorsman preferences, this vacation idea allows you to unplug from the world but reconnect with family and nature.
Take a train ride
Who doesn’t love seeing fall foliage in autumn? Try a cross country train ride to see the beautiful sights of fall in all its glory. Train rides are an inexpensive way to travel from point A to B while seeing the countryside the old- fashioned way. Plus, it is the perfect mode of transportation for the easy-going traveler who doesn’t mind taking longer to arrive at their destination.
What adventure will you find this fall?
