This time of year may find you in the throes of holiday travel planning as you scan websites for airline deals and tally points for free hotel stays. Researching transportation and hotels are two of the most time-consuming tasks of the whole process. It takes multiple levels of intense planning to wrangle every detail into place, all the while checking military travel deals, attempting to beat the travel industry at its own game.
Early preparation is always the number one piece of advice, but there are best practices beyond MWR travel and military discounts to make the most of limited travel time. Read on to learn more about choosing companies for military family travel and hospitality over the holidays.
During initial flight searches, military families who choose air travel will probably search for the lowest airfare through loyalty programs and military discounts or even Space-A travel. There are good reasons to fly at the lowest cost, but remember that the cheapest flight won’t always be the best, especially with kids or pets in tow.
Searching for convenience, reasonable pricing, military travel deals, and accommodations takes time. But buyers beware.
Have you thoroughly searched for the perfect price and ideal departure times, only to put the query on hold? And then you return to the screen and find (through the mystery of dark magic internet science) your computer cookies or airline snooping has “coincidentally” hiked your fares by $100? Yes, it happens, and it's infuriating.
Airline industry representatives repeatedly say that flights adjust minute by minute and could quickly lower or raise your last viewed fare, but consumer advocacy groups have claimed foul on this surveillance tactic for years.
For those concerned, Airfare Watchdog describes the practice as dynamic pricing and shares how to beat the adjusting rates. Suggestions include clearing cookies, using a different browser than the one used for researching, changing from one device to another, and conducting research in incognito mode.
Here’s another tip. Use Google Flights to start your research. It's a powerful tool for gathering every bit of information you need to find the least expensive flights and the perfect combination of convenience and affordability. Plus, Google Flights doesn’t use cookies to track your search and raise prices.
Finally, keep in mind that fares are often cheap because they have multiple stops, long layovers, and overnight flying time. And while it’s easy on the wallet, it isn’t easy when traveling with young kids.
The Points Guy is a trusted third-party that independently ranks airlines’ overall performances. They’ve recently published their report on Best Family Airlines, which describes the amenities and policies that are most important to military family travelers.
This year, The Points Guy recommends these as the top 5 best airlines for overall rankings:
Traveling with children is no easy feat. Add a pet or two, and the trip can turn into chaos in mere minutes. What if you could remove some of the pressure of holiday travel? You can if your destination is one that the Amtrak train system serves.
Winter holiday travel is ideal for changing the drudgery of flying and taking time to unwind with the whole family while seeing some of your routes potentially covered in snow. Just think—no TSA lines, no middle seats to avoid, and no restrictions on movement. Your kids will have all the freedom you allow! Plus, if your furry loved one (dog or cat, 20 lbs or less on select routes) goes on all of the family vacations, you don’t have to worry about the concerns of flying them in cargo.
Is your dog too big to ride the rails? Here are Alternatives to Pet Boarding During the Holidays.
Amtrak offers a 10% military discount on the lowest available rail fare for active-duty military and their spouses and dependents, as well as veterans. Plus, military in uniform are eligible for a prime spot at the beginning of the ticket line. However, Amtrak’s pricing for children might be more affordable than other military travel deals.
Check out Amtrak’s Wonders of America by Rail program, a 10-day journey starting in Los Angeles, which takes you adventuring to many of the Western national parks.
Last but certainly not least is the opportunity to travel on Amtrak’s Auto Train. If you prefer to have your car at the end of your journey along the I-95 corridor on the East Coast, the Auto Train could be your solution. Beginning in Lorton, Virginia, and ending in Sanford (Orlando), Florida, the Auto Train safely transports your car, van, motorcycle, SUV, or even your jet ski (depending on special approval) to the end of the line. Sleeping cars are available.
Will your travel plans take you near any of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers? All four have holiday plans underway on their websites. Book early to reserve the best rooms, tours, and dining hours.
It’s well known that Orlando and Disney World are two of the top holiday destinations for military family travel. In fact, military spouses and veterans have created a sub-industry of Florida travel agents that use all of the perks allocated to military members, including discounted dining and lodging access to stays at Shades of Green and every military discount in between.
Simply search any MWR travel group for a Disney travel agent, and you’ll have your choice among several to research. Here’s one to get you started: Military Disney Tips.
The Edelweiss is a military family favorite because of its excellent location in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. The location is perfect all year and an ideal departure point for exploring nearby countries like Austria and Switzerland. After all the snow play and local tours you can handle, hang around for the ultimate European Christmas traditions.
Seoul Lotte World Amusement Park is a destination on its own while staying at the Dragon Hill. It's essentially an indoor entertainment complex that is festive during the holiday season. Stay connected with the Dragon Hill Lodge to be the first to know about Christmas dining and events.
Mele Kalikimaka a Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
If your ideal version of Santa wears an aloha shirt, take a break from the beach and make reservations for the Hale Koa’s holiday festivities. Holiday-themed shows and activities are scheduled throughout December at this Oahu resort.
Get more ideas for celebrating the winter holidays on Oahu.
Take another look if it's been a while since you’ve checked out AFVC. The website was revamped, it's easier to navigate, and the booking system simplified. For years, military families have vacationed at affordable properties nationwide and internationally.
If you have a destination in mind or want to be inspired by a property’s amenities, there are multiple ways to search. A quick solution is to browse All-Inclusive Resorts, which include food, beverages, and other site-specific highlights. Destination, travel dates, and price are the searchable categories. High-demand locations like Disney World are always popular, so make your reservations early.
With just a few tweaks to your usual holiday travel research, you’ll find better deals and more attractive options to take advantage of your holiday time spent together.
If you want to learn more about making the most of your military family travel, download our free guide below.