Exciting, Budget-Friendly Vacation Ideas For The Military

Right now, incomes are being stretched to the limit. Housing and energy prices are soaring, and there’s not much left over for the things that really matter. So it’s more important than ever that military personnel find locations that fit their budgets. Fortunately, there is an enormous range of places to visit that won’t break the bank.

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin is a great place for service men and women who just want to unwind and explore. The area is known primarily for its cherry-growing. But you can also find beautiful spots to set up a picnic overlooking Lake Michigan.

The county is full of little surprises, like beaches, lighthouses, and cozy inns. There’s some great food here too. You can enjoy evening meals of local fish at places like Cape Cod. Chefs make the food fresh over open fires.

Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee was once a copper town in the desert of Arizona. But since then it’s become something of a magnet for military-types looking for an inexpensive getaway. It’s not the sort of place you’d want to spend two weeks. But a weekend break is enough to get a feel for the place and to take it all in. There are numerous diners dotted about the town. And there’s the Shady Dell trailer park where you can experience life as it was in the 1950s.

Baja California Sur, Mexico

Although this destination is just outside the US, it’s worth the trip, especially if you’re on a budget. Flights are usually cheap if you grab them at the last minute. Don’t pay more than $250 if you’re flying from LA. And once you get there, the prices only get cheaper. So long as you don’t get ripped off, you should expect to pay about half what you pay in the US for food.

What’s more, Baja has a great community organized around a bay area. And there’s plenty of opportunities for shopping and finding bargains.

Disneyland, Florida

No list of budget-friendly destinations for military families would be complete without Disneyland. Disneyland has been a staple holiday destination for military families for decades now. And it’s not hard to see why. There are hotels that offer military discounts as well as ample entertainment for the kids.

What’s more, Disneyland is part of a much wider entertainment center in the town of Orlando. There’s plenty more to see and do in the local area.

Vail, Colorado

During the winter, Vail is an out-and-out ski resort. But in the summer, it undergoes a magical transformation and becomes a great summer vacation destination. There’s so much to do here. You can ride gondolas. You can walk or bike along trails in the Rockies. You can go horse riding. You can even try your hand at whitewater rapids. As such, Vail is a destination for adventurous types who have the urge to leave civilization behind for a while.

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Yellowstone is most famous for its super volcano and the national park. But the area is also very inexpensive. Most people opt for camping, which comes it at less than $20 a night for a family. And cars only cost $25 to get through the gates. That means that a ten night holiday comes in at around $225, minus food of course.

Once you’re in, you’ve got the world at your fingertips. Because of its unique ecology, Yellowstone is one of the most diverse places for wildlife in the world. There’s megafauna here, like wolves and bison. But there’s also millions of species of plants, trees, and insect. It’s the perfect place for people in the military that love nature.

Sedona and Tucson, Arizona

Sedona and Tucson are our second destination in Arizona and another great place for a quick break. The towns themselves aren’t famous for much, except, of course, their observatories. If you or your kids love looking at the night sky, this might be the place for you. Yes, it’s an unusual holiday idea. But seeing the night sky up close can be an inspiring and memorable experience. The best advice is to travel to the area during the week. The observatories are less crowded, and hotel stays are cheaper.

Oahu, Hawaii

Adventure and exploration holidays are all well and good, but some servicemen and women just want to relax. One relatively inexpensive destination is the Hawaiian island of Oahu. This little gem is a great location for people wanting empty, golden beaches and palm trees. If you go paddling in the sea, you’re likely to encounter some fantastic wildlife too. The area is famous for its giant sea turtles and turquoise-blue waters.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city that’s famous for its culture and its streets. But the city also has a lot to offer military personnel. There are plenty of discounts for people wanting to eat on the cheap in the evenings. Plus, you’ll get access to some of the finest fish dishes, caught freshly in the Pacific.

For parents, the city offers some amazing local beers. For kids, there are beautiful beaches just outside the city, warm weather and sand castles.

The South

It’s common knowledge that the south is one of the cheapest places to live in the US. Wages here are lower than they are in the rest of the country. And that means that it’s a great opportunity for people on a budget.

Perhaps the best thing about the South for holidaymakers is the food. Here you can indulge yourself in traditional southern comforts. The south has been a magnet for foodies ever since it became trendy. Famous restaurants include the Dreamland Drive-Inn BBQ in Alabama and the Blue Mist in North Carolina. At these establishments, you can get enormous racks of ribs and some of the best sausages in the south.

Panama

Many Americans like to travel to Fiji for an amazing summer break. But why spend all that money? A much better option is to jet off, directly to Panama. Here you can stay on the Toro archipelago and get that Fiji-feeling for a quarter of the price.

photo credit: Egg Harbor Sunset via photopin (license)