2021 Military Travel Guide

TRAVEL MILITARY GUIDE 2021

PRESENTED BY AMERIFORCE MEDIA

A WEEK OF RESORT R&R JUST $379*USD

The best thing about Armed Forces Vacation Club? It’s completely free to join and full of BIG benefits – exclusively for active duty, retired members, and veterans of the military.

That includes weeklong resort stays in dream destinations all over the world. All starting at just $379. Join today, save, and get going.

What lessons have you learned from living through this pandemic? For me, it was a reminder of the precious commodity that time is. As a person who consistently worked 60-hour weeks, which often included nights and weekends and being glued to my email, I am taking away a greater appreciation for time off. I need that time to reset, recharge, and build memories. Some would call it self-care, but I would call it self-preservation.

Throughout my husband’s entire career as a Marine, we never took a real honeymoon or vacation. He was religiously the guy with extra leave days on the books. 2020 changed our perspective. We escaped to our favorite beach three times last year (can you think of a better social distancing location?). We also explored new hobbies like paddle boarding and kayaking. We carved out the time to be outdoors. The result? I felt this overwhelm feeling dissipate when I came back to my desk.

There may never be a perfect time to block out the calendar, but I am here to tell you to take the vacay. Whether it is a “formal” getaway like the return to cruising we cover on page 20 or a staycation to explore the hidden gems of your duty station, reclaim your time. Because if there is anything a global pandemic taught us, it’s that tomorrow is never promised and neither is freedom to explore all of life’s possibilities.

We want to know: What’s on your travel bucket list? Share your ideas with us at managing.editor@ameriforcemedia.com for an upcoming story.

Bianca M. Strzalkowski Managing Editor

by Susan Malandrino

by AmeriForce Staff by Stephanie Montague

by Megan Chapa

by Susan Malandrino

VACATION

MILITARY FAMILIES NEED

BY SUSAN MALANDRINO — SPONSORED

Orlando-based Marine spouse Cheyenne St. Julian says it seems like military families rarely get to vacation.

“We focus all of our energy on going home, especially when you’re stationed far away from family,” said St. Julian.

IMAGES COURTESY OF

LAURA

KASPER PHOTOGRAPHY

“We call it a vacation but it’s really going home and that’s busy — running around and seeing family. We aren’t typically unplugging and relaxing.”

In the past year, St. Julian and her family have found the time to relax and unwind with two vacations booked through the Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC).

Retired Army Maj. Fred Walz, who is an account executive with AFVC, says the free membership club, which provides access to resort rentals worldwide, was created as a way of saying “thank you” to our military.

“We wanted to provide our heroes with an opportunity to get away during stressful times, after deployments, or just the opportunity to spend time with the family,” Walz said.

According to Walz, the reasonable price point of AFVC is important for military families often on a budget. For $379, the entire family can rent one of the club’s more than 200,000 resort accommodations in over 100 countries for a 7-night say. The price includes a wide range of unit sizes from studios to three-bedroom condos that typically sleep two to eight people.

For St. Julian, the price certainly played a factor in choosing AFVC as did the idea of a condo-style vacation.

“My husband, who is retired now, does have some anxiety and PTSD. Having a space that’s ours — particularly if he is feeling overwhelmed on that day — gives us that flexibility to just be comfortable as a family. And I love that we’re not paying an exorbitant amount of money for it,” she said.

St. Julian says that it’s nice to have the option to cook their meals in a condo-style rental.

“We often prefer that to going out to dinner when we’re on vacation,” she said.

Last year, the family travel to Branson, Missouri, where they rented a condo on the water, enjoying the playgrounds, miniature golf, and pools located at the facility.

“We woke up every morning looking at the lake that was there. It was absolutely beautiful,” she said.

The family took in a variety of shows and met up with local friends.

St. Julian says that she and her family came back from that trip refreshed.

“That’s exactly our goal,” said Walz. “Vacations are great for your health, and especially important for our military families to reduce their stress levels. When you escape the daily grind, you feel happier, less stressed.”

Recently, St Julian and her family rented a condo in Orlando for the ultimate staycation.

“We needed to give the kids an outlet over the summer plus we had friends coming in town,” she said.

The condo, which was close to SeaWorld and a variety of attractions, served as a base of operations while the family played tourist in their own town. Additionally, the rental gave them access to a pool and a variety of amenities. St. Julian said she loved the space of having two bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, a dining room-living room area, and a balcony to entertain outof-town guests.

“We knew we were going to be meeting up with my friend, her two kids, and her husband. It would have been completely overwhelming to take our families out to eat or to have them in our home. So this was the perfect place to cook, relax, and let the kids play in the pool together.”

St. Julian says that a staycation is often the perfect break for her family.

“We love it. We don’t get as frustrated with the traffic and we get to do all the touristy things. It allows us to escape kind of gives us that separation so we can enjoy Orlando as a destination versus just a place where we live.”

AFVC offers more than 200,000 resort accommodations around the globe. Inventory changes constantly but here are five beach destinations popular with AFVC members now:

• Orlando, Florida

• Daytona Beach, Florida

• San Diego, California

• Hilton Head, South Carolina

• Freeport, Bahamas

Visit

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AFVC is a free membership club that provides access to resort rentals around the globe for $379 for a 7-night stay. Membership in the AFVC is available to active, veterans, and retired members of the U.S. military, National Guard, reserves, Gold Star families, civilian employees of the DOD, and immediate families of all the above.

Additional amenities include may include a pool, washer and dryer, and fitness center.

Sign up for AFVC is free at www.afvclub.com and see for yourself why our condo-style resorts offer a better way to get away and receive a $30-off coupon towards your first stay.

Upgrade to a premium membership and get exclusive immediate access to AFVC’s discount hotel store, which offers up to 50% discount on 600,000 hotels worldwide. Premium memberships are $119 for the year or $249 for a 3-year membership.

SPACE-A

WHEN IS COMING BACK FOR MILITARY FAMILIES?

BY STEPHANIE MONTAGUE

The world is reopening, travel to many countries is now possible, and civilian flights have resumed their routes. Many military families are now asking, “When will SpaceAvailable (Space-A) travel reopen?” We posed this question to Air Mobility Command and here, we will share their response, plus help you prepare for the eventual resumption of this popular benefit.

As many in the military community know, Space-A has been restricted due to COVID-19 since March 2020, and as of this writing, it is still only an option for active duty on

emergency leave and a few other specific cases. All other travelers require an Exception to Policy letter from an O-6 or higher.

According to Capt. Christopher Herbert, AMC Public Affairs, AMC does not yet have an approved timeline for reopening of Space-A flights.

“United States Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command continuously monitor the environment for the potential to ease restrictions on the Space-A program. We are hopeful that the Space-A program will resume soon and in a

capacity that balances risk to the force with the use of this valuable benefit,” Herbert said.

When Space-A travels reopens, it may not be at prepandemic levels right way.

“We anticipate a scaled approach to the resumption of AMC Space-A flights,” he said.

Also, any restrictions from host nations that are still in place will also apply to Space-A travelers. If a country is not accepting tourists, you won’t be able to fly there using Space-A.

“Restricted access to such

countries will remain in place until the host nation authorizes leisure travel,” Herbert said.

While we don’t know exactly when Space-A will resume, it’s good news that AMC is actively looking for a way to reopen the program. In the meantime, there’s a lot you can do to get ready for the day when you can pack your bags and head over to the military passenger terminal to “compete” for a seat.

1. Learn the ins and outs of Space-A travel

Flying Space-A is an entirely different process from taking a civilian airline.

Airman 1st Class David Newgent, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals a C-17 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN TRYPHENA MAYHUGH

You must get to know the process. Start by visiting the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Space-Available Travel page to figure out your category. Your category determines your priority for Space-A travel and where you are eligible to fly.

The AMC website also has a list of passenger terminal social media pages, where many terminals post their 72-hour flight schedules. Review those pages to learn which bases have the most flights and where they fly most often.

Familiarize yourself with the sign-up options on the AMC page linked above. Also, read through the FAQs linked in the upper righthand corner of the page.

Finally, review the full Space-A process to learn

what you should do on the day of your flight, how to “mark yourself present,” and what to do if you don’t get a seat.

2. Research your departure and arrival terminals

Know what to expect when you get to the military passenger terminal at both ends of your journey. For example:

• Does the terminal have eateries or vending machines?

• What local transportation is available to get you to/ from the terminal?

• Where are your lodging options?

• If you’re flying to an overseas location, what are the immigration procedures, and what base facilities are you eligible to use?

Research your Space-A location in advance so you’re not trying to figure these things out when you’re jetlagged and have cranky kids in tow.

3. Know what to wear and what to pack in your carry-on

When flying Space-A, you may not know in advance what type of aircraft you will get, so it’s best to prepare for all possibilities. If it’s a cargo plane (C-5, C-17) or tanker (KC-10, KC-135), chances are good that it will be quite cold for most of the flight. Wear long pants, and dress in multiple breathable layers so that you can adjust your clothing to the temperature.

After the aircraft reaches altitude, the crew may allow passengers to stretch out on the floor or across the seats, so bring a lightweight,

inflatable sleeping pad and a blanket or thin sleeping bag. You may also want an inflatable pillow.

If you’re traveling with kids, bring plenty of snacks, water bottles, and airplanefriendly activities. You may have to wait in terminals for hours, and some military passenger terminals do not have good WIFI, so download movies and books to your electronic devices in advance.

Finally, make sure you have all of the required documentation and paperwork.

Space-A travel is not “hard,” but there is a lot to learn about how the process works. Do your research now so when Space-A reopens, you and your family are prepared for your next adventure.

Passengers traveling through the Air Mobility Command terminal check in for their flight at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Wash.

PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN TRYPHENA MAYHUGH

Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea

With ancient temples, museums, cool bars, and an innovative culinary scene, Seoul is a bustling city that has it all. The Dragon Hill Lodge is located in the heart of downtown and is a 10-minute walk to major subway lines. The facility offers in-house dining, an on-site bakery, concierge services, a pool, hot tub, fitness area, a basketball court, and a 2,000 square foot playground.

LODGES, RESORTS, AND CABINS BEST OCONUS

BY SUSAN MALANDRINO

Okuma Beach Resort in Okinawa, Japan

These rustic cottages feature a private beach on the calm, turquoise, waters of the East China Sea. The Sunset Cafe, a nine-hole golf resort, and a campground are on-site. Additionally, you will find areas to play tennis, basketball, kayak, snorkel, and golf. From bike riding along the picturesque East China Sea to taking a glass-bottom boat tour and seeing the exotic fish below, Okuma Beach is the perfect getaway.

Tama Hills Recreation Area in Tokyo, Japan

This former WWII ammo depo is tucked within 250 acres of forested terrain just outside of Tokyo. The facility features 11 cozy cabins and camping facilities. The reasonably priced Tama Lodge offers hotel-style suites. Horseback riding, mini-golf, archery, and an onsite golf course provide plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Guests can cook their meals if staying in a cabin or enjoy BBQ to go. The Kiji Restaurant, Hillcrest Lounge, a cozy bar that features a pool and darts, are also available for a night out.

New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan

Centrally located in Tokyo, the New Sanno is a gem that provides luxurious amenities at an unbeatable price. The facility boasts 149 rooms, a pool, fitness center, a shopette, NEX, and multiple dining options. One of the best things about the New Sanno, and there are many, is its location near Shinjuku station. It’s the perfect oasis to explore all of Tokyo’s charms.

Explore the world and save money in the process. Check out these nine lodges available to services members, their families, and retirees.

Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in GarmischPartenkirchen, Germany

Resting at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort is a resort destination designed for eligible military personnel and their families. With 258 rooms and suites, vacation cabins, and dogfriendly accommodations, the facility has sweeping mountain views. Nearby sights and adventure include all that the Bavarian Alps have to offer, such as hiking, skiing, the Alpine Coaster, local breweries, and Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

Air Station Borinquen Cottages in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Located two hours west of the San Juan Airport, USCG Air Station Borinquen offers two, three, and fivebedroom guest houses and individual rooms. Activities include horseback riding on nearby beaches or visiting Camuy Caves, which has has the world’s largest underground river system. Visit a local coffee plantation or tour Serralles Castle, the options for adventure and leisure are plentiful.

Seward Resort in Seward, Alaska

Situated between the Kenai Mountains and the waters of Resurrection Bay, Seward is a quaint harbor town in Southcentral Alaska. From towering tidewater glaciers to pods of orcas and breaching humpback whales, nearby Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s top destinations. The Seward Resort offers motel rooms, cabins, tents, and yurts. The facility offers charter fishing tours, stand up paddle boarding, scenic air tours, as well as dog-sled tours.

Hale Koa in Waikiki, Honolulu, on Oahu, Hawaii

The Hale Koa is nothing short of paradise. An oceanfront retreat for military members and their families on the sunny shores of Waikiki Beach, the facility has 72 oceanfront acres of tropical gardens. With two swimming pools, a fitness center, a day spa, and the beach, this is the perfect family vacation spot. The tour desk is happy to book island adventures for you and your family. Just make sure you are back in time for the authentic, familyfriendly, Island Luau held in the evening.

Barking Sands in Kauai, Hawaii

Leave the bustle of Oahu behind and hop over to the island of Kauai, Hawaii — dubbed the “Garden Isle” because of its luxurious foliage. Navy Getaways Barking Sands offers beach cottages for a relaxing stay on some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Don’t forget to check in with the travel office for discounted tickets for a variety of island attractions.

JAPAN KOREA

What to look for in a kid’s club

BY MEGAN CHAPA

Close your eyes and imagine eating a hot meal with two hands, a calm moment to talk, or not talk, all while the kids are happily engaged in activities catered to their interests. Sounds like a vacationer’s dream, right? It can be your reality if you pick an all-inclusive vacation with a kid’s club.

The trick is to identify the right resort with appropriate children’s programming for your family.

All-inclusive resorts are created with personalities — each one catering to a specific demographic of vacationing family. If you have little kids, does the resort have pint-sized activities to keep them engaged? Do they offer more robust programs for tweens and teens? These resorts are not created equal so a little upfront investigation will go a long way to achieving maximum vacation happiness.

In most cases the old adage, “You get what you pay for” will apply to all-inclusive

resorts children’s offerings. Extreme budget options will potentially offer play equipment but in a parentsupervised setting. Drop-andgo childcare can be limited.

Resorts that offer excellent children’s programming allow you to have family time together and pockets of time to explore individual interests. Everyone can enjoy what suits them while still having a family vacation.

For active children, kid’s clubs have come a long way. Karisma brand, Azul, offers My Gym programming. Want to step the adventure up a notch further? Try a Club Med property offering circus school, CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil.

Blooming young chefs can enjoy cooking classes at Generations Resort. Daily offerings will include visiting the resort garden and picking their own ingredients.

Cartoon fanatics will appreciate Nickelodeon and Beaches properties

for their character interactions. Nickelodeon features SpongeBob, Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. Beaches Resorts offer engagements with Sesame Street characters, including parades, Baking with Cookie Monster, and other activities. VIP packages are available for purchase to include character breakfasts, bedtime tuckins, and more.

For teens and young adults, a property to consider is Hotel Xcaret for its unlimited access and shuttle service to area attractions. Programming includes visits to water parks, cenotes, and historical sites, and dance parties. For teen lounges and programming, check out Generations and Beaches Properties.

Resorts are also working toward being inclusive of special needs. At the forefront is Beaches Resorts offering Autism-Friendly camps. Additionally, their food concierge will cater to guests’ dietary wants and needs.

The choices at all-inclusive resorts are extensive and can be overwhelming. And while this article is a jumping-off point, a travel professional can provide detailed information and personalized all-inclusive recommendations.

What shouldquestions

I ask about a resort’s kid’s club?

• At what age does supervised care begin?

• What options are there for babies and toddlers?

• If it’s in-room nanny care, what training do employees have?

• Can you drop kids into the club and then go on an excursion?

• Is late-night care offered?

• Can your child check themselves out and roam freely?

• Are programs structured or will it be screen time all day?

TRAVEL DEALS

FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

BY AMERIFORCE STAFF

PLANES, TRAINS, AND CARS

Airfare discounts for military families

Many airlines offer discounts to military service people and their families. Call the airlines directly to inquire about specific offerings.

Space-Available flights

Service members and their families can use Space-Available flights to travel with flexible schedules and great planning skills. Contact your closest Air Mobility Command passenger terminal for specific information. Most terminals have a Facebook page where they post flight information, including the 72-hour flight schedule. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here.

Baggage fee discounts for military families

Many airlines — Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and JetBlue — will waive or discount baggage fees for military families. After booking a flight, check the airline’s rules for checked luggage.

Travel perks through American Express

Platinum

American Express now waives its annual fees on its credit cards, including its Platinum credit card. The card provides concierge booking services, five times the points for flights, worldwide airport lounge access, a $200 airline fee allowance, monthly Uber credits, and reimbursement

VACATION DEALS

for the TSA Precheck fee. Apply for the credit card and be sure to request its service member benefits.

Travel perks through Chase

Chase now waives its credit card fee for the elite card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, for military members. The card comes with a variety of travel perks, including a $300 travel credit, Global Entry or TSA Precheck fee credit, car rental privileges, and complimentary airport lounge access. Apply for the credit card and be sure to request its service member benefits.

AmericanForcesTravel. com

This travel booking website, the co-brainchild of Priceline and the Department of Defense, provides an easy platform where military families can easily access unique rates on hotels, airfare, rental cars, vacation packages, and cruises.

Amtrak rail discounts for military families

Military families are eligible for a 10% discount on the lowest available fares, and military children up to 12 years old are eligible to receive a 10% discount on top of the standard children’s 50% discount.

Greyhound fare discounts for military families

Active and retired military service members and their families receive 10% off full-price tickets when purchased at the station.

USAA car rental discounts for military families

USAA touts that it can save people up to 25% on car rentals, or even up to 35% if the car is paid for in advance. Plus, fees for additional drivers are waived.

LODGING DISCOUNTS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

Sandals and Beaches Resorts

The all-inclusive resort company offers a yearround 10% discount that is added to any existing promotional rate for all military personnel.

DOD lodging

The DOD has hundreds of places to stay around the world, sometimes in basic accommodations and other beachside condominiums, all for military-only guests and at genuine deals.

Armed Forces Vacation Club

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation offers a free membership program to military families. These condominium-style timeshares are located around the world for prices as low as $349 per week. Applications are required.

Prestigious military clubs around the world

For a nominal membership fee, military families can gain access to Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel in San Francisco, only a few blocks from the Golden Gate Bridge. Reciprocal clubs around the world include the Victory Services

Club in London and New York Athletic Club in Central Park.

Vacation for Vets

The nonprofit In Honor of Our Troops Foundation offers free weeklong vacation accommodations for active-duty service members once a year. Restrictions apply.

Free and discounted campsites

Fees at various campgrounds across the nation are eligible to be waived or discounted. For instance, state parks will often waive day use and camping fees on a walk-up, first-available basis and via reservations if a military ID is presented. Tents for Troops is another nationwide program that connects the military with a minimum of two-night complimentary RV and tent sites. Other camping organizations, like KOA, may offer discounts on a location-by-location basis.

ADVENTURE DISCOUNTS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES Military Epic Pass

The following resorts offer the Military Epic Pass, which costs $189 for active-duty, retired military, and dependents, as well as $579 for veterans and their adult dependents: Beaver Creek Ski Resort in Colorado, Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado, Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado, Vail Ski Resort in Colorado, Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe and Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont.

Discounted ski passes for the 2021-22 winter season

A variety of other discounts are available on the slopes, including:

• Attitash Mountain Resort in New Hampshire,

• Bear Mountain Resort in Southern California,

• Camelback Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania,

• China Peak in California,

• Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire,

• Crystal Mountain in Michigan,

• Diamond Peak, located in northern Lake Tahoe,

• Dodge Ridge, near Pinecrest, California,

• Eagle Point in Utah,

• Grand Targhee Resort, located in the CaribouTarghee National Forest in Wyoming,

• Homewood Mountain Resort, located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe,

• Hunter Mountain in New York,

• Killington Resort in Vermont,

• Monarch Mountain in Colorado,

• Mt. Shasta Ski Park in California,

• Sierra at Tahoe Resort, located in California south of Lake Tahoe,

• Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in California,

• Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire, and

• Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia.

FREE ADMISSION TO SELECT AMUSEMENT PARKS

The Waves of Honor program permits any activeduty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman and three of their dependents to one free admission per year to Sea World, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place. Guests must present a military ID to participate and need to apply for the program in advance online through its Troop ID program.

Blue Star Museums

Museums across the U.S. commit to giving military families free access. Click here to find participating locations.

Veterans Advantage membership

The Public Benefit Corporation provides a wide variety of discounts ranging from car rentals, hotels and resorts, dining, movies, and especially for theme parks including Universal Parks, Six Flags, Seaworld, Legoland, and more.

Dollywood theme park discount

For country music fans and adrenaline junkies alike, Dollywood offers 30% off a one-day theme park ticket to active duty, retired, disabled veterans, reservists, and dependents.  Govx.com

and theme parks. It also offers discounted tickets for sports events like baseball, basketball, or hockey games in addition to race registrations and concerts. The membership is free.

Free National Parks pass

The annual pass, normally $80, is free for active-duty military members and dependents including reservists and National Guard members. Obtain the pass in person at any recreation site by showing a valid form of military ID.

Legoland amusement parks discounts

Both Legoland resorts offer 10% off admission tickets for active military personnel when purchased at a ticket booth when a valid military ID is presented. Legoland Florida Resort & Water Park, though, gives activeduty service members free admission to its park without any restrictions or blackout dates and can be redeemed at the ticket booth.

Knott’s Berry Farm military discount

This California amusement park offers discounts on admission tickets to active-duty personnel when a military ID card is presented. They also offer a Military Tribute Days program that gives free admission to active-duty service, retirees, veterans, and one of their guests on specific days throughout the year.

Princess Cruises military benefit program

Princess offers up to $250 in onboard spending money, depending on the length of the stay, for free. The benefit must be applied for in advance no less than 14 days from the departure date.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival offers reduced deposits, free room upgrades, and up to $50 onboard credit for trips booked months in advance. One must submit documentation to prove eligibility in advance otherwise benefits could be rescinded.

Food discounts for military families

Major restaurant chains like Hard Rock Cafe and Applebee’s often offer a significant discount on the overall bill if a military ID is presented before paying.

Retail, gas, and camping discounts for military families

With the Good Sam Club membership, which is more than half off its normal cost of $29 for active-duty military, people can access discounts on fuel at Pilot Flying J gas stations, Camping World SuperCenters, Good Sam parks and campgrounds, and other retail locations.

Disney military discounts

Check specific sites for details.

This internet retailer website not only provides discounts on tactical gear, tools, and accessories but also on travel-related items like rental cars, hotels, cruises,

Walt Disney World offers special military pricing on four- and five-day tickets that include the Park Hopper option so families can come and go from resorts as they see fit.

BY SUSAN MALANDRINO

TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO Disney 5 THINGS

Walt Disney World holds a special place in Coast Guard spouse Sarah Scritchfield’s heart — so much so that she’s made 100 visits to the park and even got married there. As a travel agent with Main Street and More Travel, a Disney earmarked agency, she brings this passion to help others craft their perfect vacation.

“Walt Disney World is a special place. We know we can go and forget about the challenges of the military life, of deployment, of 24hour duties, and the stresses of life,” Scritchfield said.

We’ve gathered her top five Disney tips to make the most of your vacation.

1. Look for discounts before you go

Scritchfield recommends checking out the Armed Forces Salute Tickets, which when combined with a hotel stay can offer more than 50% savings for activeduty military and retirees. Take note the terms change year to year so be sure to read the fine print. These 4- and 5-day tickets are open to active-duty service members, their families, and retirees.

Another of Scritchfield’s tips? Buy Disney gift cards at major retailers like Sam’s Club and BJ’s when they are discounted.

“That’s essentially free money since you’ll be spending money in the park,” she said. “Consider giving the kids one small gift card to spend. They are going to want the latest and greatest toy and there are souvenir stores everywhere. This way, they have to decide how to best utilize that precious spending money for the trip.”

2. Consider your lodging

If it’s within your budget, Scritchfield recommends staying on Disney property.

“Just for the convenience factor, it is sometimes worth the extra price to stay in the bubble. Depending on the hotel where you’re staying, Disney offers transportation including the monorail and Skyliner. It’s just an easier convenience.”

Staying off property can often be less expensive. Scritchfield says to remember to factor in additional time (typically 30 to 45 minutes to park) and to add the additional parking costs to your budget.

3. Make the most of your time at the park

“You’re going to walk at least 20 miles a day, so wear comfortable shoes,” Scritchfield said, noting that Walt Disney World is 46-square-miles.

“Sometimes I change my shoes twice a day.”

Here are her additional tips for making the most of your time while in the park:

• Fast passes: While these are currently on hold due to the pandemic, they may be back by the end of the year. Monitor the Disney site for the latest information.

• Dining: You can book dining reservations 60 days in advance of your visit. According to Scritchfield, restaurants fill up quickly so don’t wait. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you have the added perk of booking your dining for the entire length

of your stay 60 days before the day you check-in, which gives you an additional benefit of booking before others.

• Utilize rider switch: Traveling with a child who isn’t tall enough for the rides? Check out this service to accommodate families.

• Disability access service (also known as D.A.S Pass): DAS is intended for guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in a conventional queue environment. This service allows guests to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction.

4. Mark your calendars for October 1, 2021

It’s Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.

“Disney loves to celebrate and this is going to be 18-months of celebration in all of the parks,” she said.

5. Planning is key

“Availability is starting to become slim especially for October, November, December,” Scritchfield said.

She recommends planning at least 11 to 12 months before your visit. Additionally, consider if you’d like to celebrate any special holidays such as Halloween or the holiday season.

“Disney does special events, decor, and experiences for the holidays like no other,” she said.

For more tips or to connect with Sarah Scritchfield, check her out on Facebook and Instagram.

ADIRONDACKS SNOWMOBILING Your perfect winter getaway:

BY CHRIS ADAMS

People are through with their pandemic fatigue. They’ve had it. They’re traveling. And even though it’s summertime, people are already considering their winter travel plans.

And forget about skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Think snowmobiling.

Though it’s not likely that snowmobiling falls in the top three on the winteractivity enthusiast’s sports list, it should. Cruising down trails at automobile speed limits behind 150 plus horses can be an exhilarating experience. Especially if done in the resplendent Adirondack Mountains and Park: one of the best regions in the country for snowmobiling.

“The Adirondack Park’s snowmobile trails are special due to the fact that they are located in the largest tract of New

York State-protected land making up 6.1 million acres,” said Jim Rolf, trail coordinator with the New York State Snowmobile Association, said in an email.

Rolf said the mountains provide the perfect backdrop to the snowmobiling experience, and the vast landscape comprises a plethora of secluded trails, lakes, streams, rivers, partiallyfrozen waterfalls, rock cliffs, and “some of the nicest small communities in the entire State.” The Adirondack Mountains also possess the largest protected natural area in the contiguous United States, sans Alaska.

“Narrow, winding snowmobile trails through forests in the Park (private and publicly-owned) and also across the frozen bodies of water give the winter riders a completely different vantage-point to the winter snowmobile trail

opportunities that they see in other parts of NY,” he said.

And by the way, there are 750 miles of trails to glide through.

Some of the best scenery in upstate New York can be viewed by renting a snowmobile in the communities of Old Forge and Spectacular or the Tri-Lakes area, Rolf said, adding that it’s the best place to start for the novice snowmobiler. Experienced riders will be able to hop on a machine and hit a trail loop but the inexperienced should hook up with a guided snowmobile tour operator, he said.

C&C Adirondack

Snowmobile Tours in Chesterton, New York offers tours designed for the beginner crowd that lasts between one-to-two hours. Based in the southern zone of the Adirondack Park, in the popular Lake George region, C&C is just three hours from New York City.

“What we do is we cater to our riders,” said Craig Kennedy, who co-operates the snowmobile tour

company with his wife, Cathy. “The experience is all based on how you ride your snowmobile.”

He said some people ride circles in their yard while other riders prefer kissing the elements.

“Others want to have a little more wind in their hair, wind in their face, go a bit faster.”

C&C can steer the tour based on the experience and desires of any given group.

C&C guides ensure that riders are comfortable with the snowmobile, even taking them out for practice laps beforehand, Craig said. Tour sizes range from one person to 24 total, with a maximum of 12 snowmobiles deployed. Two guides staff each snowmobile.

Snow comes early to the Adirondacks, due to their proximity to Lake Ontario and the lake-effect snowstorms it produces, Rolf said. The preferred window of time to ride is from late December through March.

“Usually, the months of January and February are the busiest months for snowmobile trail riding in the Adirondacks, but March is also a great time to ride,” Rolf said.

According to the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council’s Visit Adirondacks website, the Adirondacks consist of 12 unique regional destinations that offer skiing, sledding and snowmobiling in the winter, and extensive hiking and endless canoeing and kayaking during the warmer months.

Plenty of amenities and accommodations are available for the overnight traveler and snowmobiler. Lodging in enticing picturesque and bucolic towns throughout the region is a no-brainer.

“Traveling back in time within those communities is something not all snowmobilers in NY have gotten to enjoy over the year, and when they have the opportunity … they take it,” Rolf said.

Adirondack towns and villages provide restaurants, places to stay and interconnected trail systems that serve the recreational winter-sports tourist and community. Visit Adirondacks said vacation and dining packages exclusively catering to snowmobilers visiting the region are available. Adirondack Experience indicates that several local businesses offer reasonable lodging packages for riders.

With COVID-19 limitations subsiding, virus revenge travel has emerged. A diversity of folks are seemingly seeking something new in the outdoors.

“This past season was amazing,” Kennedy said. “We thought it was going to be the opposite. We’re starting to see folks from all over, which is really cool, and all walks of life.”

For additional information about snowmobiling in New York, visit www. nysnowmobiler.com.

THE FUTURE OF WHAT FLOATS NOW: CRUISING

BY MEGAN CHAPA

Much like the gymnasts competing in Tokyo during the 2021 Summer Olympics, the cruise industry is contorting, stretching, and jumping to find new ways to perform. Figuring out a return to cruising is complicated and includes examining each ship’s occupancy, COVID-19 protocols, ports of call, crew, and passenger vaccinations. Exponential variables make getting approval to sail a bit like winning the travel Olympics.

As of press time for this article, Royal Caribbean Group was the first to set sail from the U.S. since the start of the pandemic. Additionally, a new luxury ship called the Celebrity Equinox is set to depart Fort Lauderdale, Florida, later in July, according to a press release.

Uncertainty remains

“It’s cruise line to cruise line approval based on the plan they propose to the CDC … followed by successfully implementing the CDC recommendations,” Valerie Gossett, owner of Premier Resources Vacation Group, said in a recent interview. Currently, she takes four calls a week with the major cruise lines to keep up with the ever-changing policies.

Containment and prevention is a hard job. For up-to-date information regarding the return to sailing consult the CDC website.

Please follow the rules

Cruisers need to be flexible, adaptable, and committed to following rules as set by the cruise line and ports of call. A poorly-planned restart to cruising may jeopardize American cruisers being welcomed into ports around the world.

“Please abide by the rules. … Don’t veer off on your own. Cause guess what? You won’t be getting on that ship again,” Gossett said.

“That will hurt this industry and we want to cruise in our future.”

Vaccination status

Cruises will resume with fully vaccinated passengers and crew as unvaccinated passengers.

Vacationers who wish to sail on fully vaccinated cruise ships should confirm with their cruise line the sailing vaccination status.

Passengers who wish to sail unvaccinated should be aware of proposed additional costs incurred for repeat COVID testing while sailing to meet CDC’s, individual port, and country requirements. Additional masking may also be required. Some ports require cruisers to be fully vaccinated to disembark. Unvaccinated passengers will stay on board during those port days.

Ready for vacation

New Mexico-based Air Force spouse Emily Swinehart is ready for vacation and has two cruises booked for later this year. Already vaccinated, she is confident she and her husband can follow masking requirements and enjoy themselves.

Swinehart’s too-youngto-be-vaccinated children cause her hesitation.

“I do not want to go on a vacation where they have to

be masked the entire time. That is not a vacation for them,” she said noting that she’s monitoring the cruise line’s policy for children.

As of now, children sailing, unvaccinated, will likely be asked to mirror guidelines for unvaccinated adult passengers in terms of costs, testing, and masking.

Bargain hunters beware

The combination of extended downtime from canceled cruise guests in a constant rebooking cycle may equal higher ticket prices. Travel agents are an excellent filter for finding the best deals. They can also book it for you if the deal is legitimate.

“Book it now!” Gossett said.

“That’s when you are going to get your best price. You aren’t going to find the budget rooms. People are ready to go and there are hardly any rooms left!”