The holidays can be chaotic enough without the hustle and bustle of military life. When precious leave days, kids’ winter break and the holiday season line up, it’s the perfect time to focus on quality time together. Whether returning from deployment, transitioning to a new duty station or simply looking to spend time somewhere other than your in-laws’ guest room, the right destination can turn a holiday getaway into something truly special.
Chelsey Thomas is a military spouse and founder of Camouflage Perks, a website dedicated to helping families find unique resources and benefits despite the challenges of military life. She said the best military-friendly destinations are those with lots of activities, ideally with military discounts and close to an airport.
From budget-friendly getaways to once-in-a-lifetime adventures worth the splurge, here are some of the best holiday travel spots designed with military families in mind.
Hit the slopes
Head to a winter wonderland at the military-friendly ski resorts and cozy cabins around Lake Tahoe, where California and Nevada meet. Families can enjoy mountain views, ice skating, and snow tubing. Military-discounted lift tickets are available through the Epic Pass, and the Armed Forces Vacation Club offers lodging options for various lengths of stay.
“I’d be looking at the Utah or Colorado Springs area,” said Thomas. “Tons of hotels with military discounts and also some indoor activities like Thanksgiving Point, Utah, to mix things up when you need a break. Mountain access is very close to the airport.”
Waterpark in the winter
Great Wolf Lodge has more than 20 locations across North America and offers up to 40% in military discounts. Its annual Snowland celebration runs Nov. 24–Jan. 4 and features snow-themed activities, crafts, and — of course — a meet-and-greet with Santa. Snow globes, cookie decorating, and pajama parties add to the lodge’s famous indoor water park, kept heated to 84 degrees year-round.
Beach vibes
The ocean and mountain views make Hawaii a dream destination for anyone, but military-only resorts like the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikīkī make it especially appealing for military families. The winter season, or ho‘oilo, brings a bit more rain, but daytime temperatures hover in the low 80s — plenty warm for holiday activities on the beach.
Thomas also recommended the Pensacola or Destin, Florida, beaches.
“Families can save on dolphin cruises and other activities through their comprehensive Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) program,” she said. “Two small airports can fly you right there. Not too crowded and fantastic food options.”
Memories with Mickey
Orlando, Florida, is one of the family-fun capitals of the world, with theme parks like Legoland, Universal Studios and SeaWorld all in one place. Of course, there’s also Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, running at Disney World from Nov. 7–Dec. 21. Be sure to check the website for park reservations before purchasing tickets through your local ITT office. Military-exclusive Shades of Green resort, located on Disney property, includes shuttle service to the theme parks.
Take it OCONUS
Military families stationed overseas can enjoy the Edelweiss Lodge & Resort in Garmisch, Germany. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Edelweiss is perfect for skiing, snowboarding or sipping hot cocoa while taking in the mountain views. The resort also offers tours to Germany’s famous Christmas markets, including Salzburg, Kaltenberg, Tegernsee and Innsbruck.
Pro tips
“Safety is always a factor,” Thomas said.
Plus, consider travel insurance if you don’t have a credit card that automatically covers it. And get familiar with the Department of Transportation website that outlines your rights as a traveler.
“Knowing where to find what you can expect from an airline can diffuse a stressful situation or even help you decide how to pack,” she said.
“I’d also recommend asking how your unit handles holidays ASAP if you’re new,” Thomas added. “The key to not spending an arm and a leg when traveling during the holidays is booking early. I know this is hard with unknown military schedules, so that’s where the travel insurance can come in as well as looking at refundable flights just in case leave isn’t approved after all.”
Want more holiday tips and to learn about supporting military family-owned businesses? Visit our 2025 Military Shoppers Guide sponsored by The Rosie Network.
