After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season passes, many military families plan a winter getaway, likely using military travel deals and MWR travel tips to stretch their budget. This mid-winter excursion may break up the monotony of the long wait before spring triumphantly returns. Or you may also choose to add a little house scouting for a pending PCS to a festive winter-time locale like Colorado Springs.
To keep winter doldrums at bay, I browsed MilitaryByOwner’s blog for some road trip ideas. Along with seasonal travel tips from local Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) offices, let’s check out three destinations around the United States.
1. Colorado
Bird's-eye views. Unlimited speed. Exploration of untouched areas. These are three reasons my family and friends love to go on ski trips. When looking for a mountain getaway, we are usually drawn to “colorful Colorado.”
Popular military travel spot: Keystone Mountain Resort, Colorado
Why: This family-friendly atmosphere has three peaks of varying runs for skiing delight. Kids can flock to the slides and mazes of the giant snow fort!
Additional favorite: Copper Mountain Resort, Colorado
Why: This mountain offers easier runs on one side and more challenging trails on the other.
For discounts on lift tickets, lodging, and attractions, visit the local military installation Information Tickets and Tours (ITT) websites at these nearby bases.
One of the best military perks is access to MWR travel. Winter is the perfect time to plan a dream vacation to one of MWR’s Armed Forces Resorts worldwide. The articles below will give you tips on how to prepare for a lifetime getaway.
- 10 OCONUS Military Resorts and Recreation Centers You Should Try
- Make the Most of Your Vacation with Military Travel Discounts
2. Missouri
When an Army friend received orders to Fort Leonard Wood, he was honestly not all that excited. Then, he spent some time amidst the deep woods, rolling hills, and scenic lakes of Missouri. Now, he happily invites everybody and their brother to visit if traveling from Springfield in the Northeast or from St. Louis in the Southwest!
Popular military travel spot: Branson, Missouri
Why: Even in the off-season, military families enjoy the shopping, dining, live music, and theater of the area. Most venues begin their performance with a warmhearted salute to veterans. Generous military travel deals and discounts abound all around town.
Additional favorite: Tan-Tar-A Resort, Missouri
Why: Along the shoreline of Lake of the Ozarks, winter travelers enjoy this waterfront resort. If the temps are too chilly for marina fun, there’s a splashing good time indoors. “Timber Falls” indoor water park offers sky-high slides from a multi-story treehouse, bridges to water cannons, and a lazy river to float any cares away.
For information about nearby installations and military discounts, review these base information pages from MilitaryByOwner.
- Fort Leonard Wood
- Whiteman Air Force Base
- Scott Air Force Base (nearby in Illinois)
Have you taken advantage of your Space-A travel perk? It could be the key to a cost-effective trip.
Photo by Backyard Productions via Canva.com
3. Virginia
History abounds in Virginia. Nearly every mile of the Hampton Roads area marks a spot where someone of importance once lived or where something notable occurred. Winter visitors will notice the cornucopia of museums and exhibits tucked along the scenic Colonial Parkway. This 23-mile route leads to the three colonial towns of the Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
Popular military travel spot: Colonial Williamsburg
Why: Walk off those winter blues while wandering the acres of a restored and recreated colonial settlement. This living history museum offers members of the military community a rest stop at the Liberty Lounge parlor.
Additional favorites: The Jamestown Settlement and The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Why: Enjoy the fresh air outdoors while touring replicas of ships and a recreated village, fort, and battlefield. Then cozy up indoors with films, exhibits, and galleries highlighting colonial times and the American Revolution.
For details on complimentary admission and military discounts on lodging and attractions, visit the local military installations' websites:
- Coast Guard Yorktown
- Naval Station Norfolk
- Naval Air Station Oceana/Dam Neck Annex
- Joint Base Langley-Eustis
- U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth
By doing a little homework ahead of time, military families can find ample travel discounts to help keep winter cabin fever away.
If you want a quick hit of travel inspiration right now, these blog posts should hit the spot.
- Fun Stops for the Whole Family on I-90 from Seattle to Boston
- Must-Do Adventures on I-70 From Utah to Maryland
- 10 of the Best Scenic Railways Across the U.S.
Download our free guide for your military travel plans! Take advantage of discounts and free resources.
