Embrace the Adventure: Navigating the Joys of Military Life Through Travel

Plan to make each move an adventure!

The Unexpected Perks of Military Life

When most people hear "PCS season," they picture cardboard boxes, cross-country drives, and tearful goodbyes. But for military families, each move isn’t just a relocation—it’s a launchpad for a new adventure. Instead of focusing solely on the stress, what if we started viewing these transitions as golden opportunities to explore, connect, and create memories? With a bit of planning and a lot of curiosity, travel can become one of the best parts of military life.

Discovering New Destinations (Right Outside Your Door)

One of the best-kept secrets of military life? You end up living in places most people only vacation to. Whether you're stationed on the coast, in the mountains, or near a bustling city, every base is surrounded by unique attractions just waiting to be explored.

If you're stationed somewhere like Virginia, North Carolina, or even up in New England, you're just a few hours from major cities, historical landmarks, and world-class parks. Spend a weekend walking the National Mall in D.C., or hop over to Shenandoah National Park for some peaceful mountain air.

You don’t have to travel far to have fun. Scout out nearby farms, local festivals, hiking trails, or that quirky roadside attraction you’ve always passed. Sometimes, the best adventures are just a tank of gas away. Try making a bucket list for each duty station—it’ll help you see your "temporary home" as a place worth exploring.

Look into great deals for Military Families

Affordable Adventures and Military-Exclusive Perks

One of the biggest myths about travel is that it’s expensive. The truth? Military families have access to discounts and resources that can make travel downright budget-friendly.

💸 Tap Into Military Deals

• Armed Forces Vacation Club offers low-cost getaways to destinations around the world.

• Shades of Green at Disney World gives military families access to deluxe accommodations at a fraction of the price.

• Don’t forget your free annual America the Beautiful National Parks Pass—it’s your ticket to exploring stunning outdoor spaces from coast to coast.

  
  

🤝 Local Perks & Community Connections

Military communities often have hidden gems—think base libraries with free museum passes, discounted tickets through MWR, and community events that welcome newcomers with open arms. Support local businesses around your base and you’ll not only get to know the area better, but you’ll also find treasures the tourists miss.

Try new foods, and cultures from the comfort of your living room!

Staycations: A Secret Weapon for Sanity

PCS life can be exhausting. Sometimes, the best kind of travel is staying put.

Turn Your Home Base Into a Vacation Spot

Plan themed weekends: Hawaiian night, Italian staycation, backyard camping. Try new recipes, create fun experiences at home, and make memories without the suitcase. With just a bit of imagination you can go on a vacation without ever leaving town.

Explore Without the Packing List

Look for things you might not do if you were a tourist: visit the local aquarium on a random Tuesday, grab a coffee at that mom-and-pop shop downtown, or finally take that art class offered at the rec center.

Staycations are especially helpful during deployments or high-tempo times—they give you and your family something to look forward to, even if you’re not going far.

Check out your duty station with family and friends!

Plan, But Be Ready to Pivot

Military life is built on unpredictability. Travel plans can change with a phone call, and that’s okay.

Solo and Spontaneous

If your spouse is deployed or TDY, don’t hit pause. Plan a weekend getaway with your kids, your best friend, or just yourself. You deserve adventure, too. It can feel daunting to be the only adult, or to travel a new town without your spouse to experience the fun too, but you will most likely realize just how capable you are and be so proud that you were willing to continue to enjoy life even when the military tries to make it complicated.

Host Loved Ones

Invite friends and family to visit! Exploring a new place with someone you love makes it feel more like home—and gives you an excuse to be a tourist in your own town. Often we are expected to "visit home" each year, but encourage your family to head your way, and make memories together in new places.

Explore the culture near you!

Make Every Station Count

Every duty station is a new chapter. Soak it up.

Live Like a Local

Try the local cuisine, attend seasonal festivals, learn a bit of the regional slang. Whether you’re in the Deep South or the Pacific Northwest, immersing yourself in the local culture helps ease transitions and makes the experience richer. We are truly blessed with the ability to have these experiences, and learn so much about the wonderful people who fill this country.

Lean on Your Chosen Family

Your fellow military families understand the chaos, the last-minute changes, and the need for connection. Plan weekend meetups, join local Facebook groups, or organize potlucks. Exploring is always more fun with friends.

Dive Into the Adventure

You didn’t choose the orders—but you can choose how you experience them. Military life gives you front-row seats to parts of the country (and sometimes the world) that many people never get to see. Don’t let the stress of moving overshadow the magic of discovery.

So wherever the military sends you next, go with eyes wide open and a heart ready for adventure. Because every new zip code is another chance to create stories worth telling.

You’ve got this, Buttercup. The world is waiting.