Castle Hot Springs Morristown
Before it shuttered in 1976, this classic resort saw the likes of Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts. After a multimillion-dollar renovation, it reopened in early 2019 as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The new look added to the allure of the hot springs near the property. Readers voted for this resort for many reasons the farm-to-fork dining, Sonoran desert adventures, and naturally socially distant accommodations but mostly because they found a real sense of escape there. “A true desert oasis in the heart of Arizona that embraces the great outdoors in every way, shape and form,” one reader wrote. “Truly restorative. Those hot springs are a miracle.”
Score: 95.00
Adventures By Disney Explore The Mysteries Of Egypt
Family vacations dont get any better than an overseas trip with Adventures by Disney, the small-group tour operator known for its authentic experiences, attentive guides, and kid-friendly activities. And family vacation ideas dont get any more big-ticket than Adventures by Disneys 10-day Egypt vacation.
Imagine exploring the world-famous Valley of Kings, standing in awe before the Great Pyramid at Giza, visiting the Temple of Isis at Philae, snorkeling in the Red Sea, sailing the Nile on a felucca, shopping at a 700-year-old night market, and learning to cook traditional Egyptian dishes in a chef-led class. Now imagine it all without any of the hassles or hangups you might expect on even the best family vacations. Thats part of the magic of traveling with Adventures by Disney.
In 2022, these Egypt family vacation packages begin in March 2022. This is a true bucket-list family vacation with a price tag to match: Adults rates are $10,199 per person and children cost $9,689.
Cruise Ships With Water Parks
For families with young kids and tweens, nothing beats a cruise ship water park when it comes to keeping everyone happy and refreshed on days at sea. And while pools and water slides come standard on many cruises nowadays, not all of them are a good fit for families with tweens or kids under 10 years old. The cruise lines that go above and beyond for families in this category are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruises.
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Reduced Cruise Fares And Kids Sail Free Deals
When it comes to family cruise deals, its hard to beat free, which is exactly what you get on select voyages from some family cruise lines. Many others offer significantly reduced fares for young children as well. Youll often find these deals on family-friendly cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC, which also cater to the younger set with kids clubs, family-oriented entertainment options, pools and water play areas, menus built with kids palates in mind, and even kid-centered spa options.
Vacation With Mwr Recreational Lodging
Military benefits entitle service members and their families to stay at MWR recreational lodging around the world. From cottages at the beach to cabins in the mountains, there are plenty of affordable destinations for a great trip. With a little planning, a family vacation is in your sights at an affordable price.
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Private Group Tours And Guided Family Vacations
Like all-inclusive vacations, theres something liberating about letting a small group tour company handle all the details of your family vacation. Its especially welcome when youre dreaming of a family vacation to someplace youve never been before. Here are a few family vacation ideas that are perfect for small groups led by professional guides.
Free Travel Apps For Families
Although everyone should unplug on their next vacation, we know you wont be leaving home without those smartphones. Enjoy technology-free time with the kids, but be sure to consult useful apps for stress-free travel find the closest restroom, easily navigate traffic, compare parking prices, and more with of these must-have travel apps.
1. PackPoint Packing List
Pack like a pro with PackPoint Packing List. This app suggests what to pack based on weather conditions in your destination, planned activities, and the number of nights youll be away. For more tips, you can also note if youll have access to laundry facilities, if kids will be repeating outfits during the trip, and if youll be traveling internationally. PackPoint is free on Apple and Android smartphones.
2. GateGuru
Manage your flights and layovers with GateGuru, which offers real-time flight information, including security line wait times and details for terminals and gates. The app also allows you to reserve rental cars and nearby hotels. GateGuru is free on Apple, Android and Windows phones.
3. MyTSA
Check flight delays, carry-on rules, weather conditions, and more with MyTSA. The Transportation Security Administrations free app helps families get through security quickly and easily, and passengers can even provide feedback about their experience. MyTSA is free on Apple and Android smartphones.
4. Waze
5. USA Rest Stops
6. HopStop
7. Uber
8. SitOrSquat
9. KIDzOUT
10. BestParking
11. ATM Hunter
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Find Discounts For Hotels Rental Cars Flights Packages Event Tickets And Cruises Through American Forces Travel
American Forces Travel lets service members, their families, veterans and DOD civilians book their leisure travel and vacations completely online, and at a discount, through its service provider, Priceline. Potential bookings include:
- Flights inside and outside the U.S.
- Hotels around the world
- Rental cars
- Vacation packages
- Cruises
- No-fee tickets for concerts and sporting and theater events through the Secondary Ticket Marketplace
Military travelers using American Forces Travel experience significant savings. By booking through American Forces Travel, users get:
- Hotel rooms for up to 60% off
- Cruise packages with up to 80% savings
- Discounts on car rentals averaging $10-$18 per day
In general, military community members booking through American Forces Travel enjoy lower booking fees, have a best-price guarantee and get deals on prepaid car rentals.
Priceline will not charge for bookings or cancellations. But while Priceline is waiving all its fees, suppliers may have their own fees, terms and conditions.
Club Med Punta Cana Punta Cana Dominican Republic
At Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, kids ages 11 to 17 get their own space called Club Med Passworld, which offers activities like horseback riding, water sports, archery, and even learning to swing on a flying trapeze. Its a great vacation option for families with hard-to-please teens and tweens.
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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 active-duty service members free admission to its park without any restrictions or blackout dates and can be redeemed at the ticket booth.
Vacations For Vets Provides Free Accommodations For Families And Friends That Can Save You $1900 To $5600 Per 8
depending on when and where you travel. Only one dwelling per eligible applicant. Lodging only, travel-related services are NOT included. Processing fees cover the cost is for the personnelthat match the exact location, dates, family and special requirementsin your application with a Resort home away from home.
Active Duty: $75Veterans and Widows with Proof of Active Service: $100 DoD Civilians supporting Active Duty: $150Processing fees are non-refundable because they are used to pay for work in progress or work completed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
applying on or during holiday periods is not recommendedaccommodations only, not travel-related services!beforeIHOOTnotConfirmations and/or certificates only
I have read, understand and agree to comply with the Rules and Guidelines. I understand that the processing fee is used to pay for work that has been completed or work-in-progress, therefore is non-refundable. If I dispute the charge to my financial institution, IHOOT Attorneys will file a rebuttal and my eligibility will be permanently revoked regardless of the outcome. If a new location and/or dates are requested requiring an existing confirmation to be canceled for any reason , a new application and processing fee is required unless the Resort was temporarily closed due to the Pandemic. Processing fees are non-refundable!
Select Payment Type
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Aulani A Disney Resort And Spa Oahu Hawaii
On the island of Oahu in Hawaii, family vacations get a decidedly Disney spin at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, where the resorts mostly all-inclusive rates include nightly bonfires, character experiences, live entertainment, walking tours, ukulele lessons, a kids clubs, and a game roomto say nothing of its many kid-friendly pools, lazy rivers, and splash pad.
Note The Changes Due To Coronavirus Disease 2019
Due to COVID-19 circumstances, some travel product inventory has been reduced or may change. Refer to the following for the most current information on AFT products:
- Cruises: Visit for rescheduling your cruise and get all the cruise line offers, plus exclusive deals. You can also explore new health protocols and flexible cancellation policies as cruise lines are preparing to sail again soon. Opt in for weekly emails to be the first to know about limited-time deals and sailing updates.
- Hotels, flights, rental cars and packages: For managing existing bookings, refer to or call 877-477-7441. For future product availability, visit .
- Event tickets: For future event ticket inventory, visit . For other inquiries, call 833-221-8865.
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The Best Vacations For Military Families In The Us
MyMilitaryBenefits
Planning a family vacation can be a lot of fun. You know you will make some amazing memories. In addition you will see parts of the country you havent seen before and let your children experience more of the world. Here are some of the best family vacations for military families in the US.
Club Med Columbus Isle San Salvador Island Bahamas
The beachfront Columbus Isle from Club Med is favorite among active families. Here the opportunity to go kayaking or paddle boarding, learn to sail or windsurf, join a fitness class, or enjoy scuba diving is all included. Bocce, beach volleyball, basketball, and soccer areas are also available. And older kids and teens can break off from the family for a bit to enjoy organized events arranged by the resort.
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Free Retreats For Military Families And Veterans
Note: I may earn money or products from the companies, products, or links mentioned in this post.
I recently met a friend here in Colorado who is a wealth of amazing information and resources. She knows so much about getting care for the special needs children in our area and she is a military spouse too! Being prior army and having a husband who is currently active duty, she has learned a lot about the ins and outs of military life and how to take advantage of the free resources available to military families.
One of the things shes told me about is the free retreats for military families and veterans. She is going to one in a few weeks with her whole family. Its six days long and there was absolutely no cost for them. Their lodging, food, activities and many other things will be completely covered.
Now, I dont know about you, but this sounds amazing! An all-expense paid vacation? Sold! Here are some free ones that she told me about. I plan on signing up, how about you?
Club Med Sandpiper Bay Port St Lucie Florida
In Port St Lucie, Florida, Club Med Sandpiper Bay offers something for everyone in the family: multiple pools, water sports, golf, a spa, a kids club, and private beach access. And should you ever want to leave the all-inclusive oasis, the resort is just two hours away from Disney and Universal Studios.
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Restaurants That Offer Free Food To Military Members
Looking for restaurants that offer free meals for active or former military members?
There are a few out there!
Some restaurants offer free food, usually on or around Veterans Day, to active duty military personnel and veterans.
If you ever wondered what fast food restaurants offer military discounts or freebies?, this is for you
On Veterans Day, Applebees offers free meals to veterans and active duty military.
Legoland Florida Resort & Water Park
Active duty service members get free admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort & Water Park. Just show your military ID at the ticket window.
Also, non-active duty, veterans and family members can get deeply discounted tickets, such as a second day free.
Active military and up to three dependents can get free single-day admission to Sesame Street theme park, Sesame Place.
If youre a veteran, you can save 50% on single day admission too.
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Your First Family Cruise Vacation
Disney Cruise Lines two smallest ships, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, are enchanting without being overwhelming, especially for first time cruisers and those with younger children. On all of its ships, including the forthcoming Disney Wish, youll be treated to Broadway-calibre live shows, Marvel and Star Wars-themed activities, and some of the best floating water parks in the world. Disneys private island, Castaway Cay, is another highlight for families.
Staying Off Wdw Property
Staying off Walt Disney World property brings up the topic of transportation.
Airport Transportation Those not staying at a Disney Owned Resort are responsible for their own transportation from the Orlando International Airport.
I have some suggestions on my Transportation Overview Page
Theme Park Transportation The Westgate resorts offer free transportation to the theme parks.
If youd like to have the use of Magic Bands to act as your park tickets and FastPass Plus tokens, youll need to buy your own Magic Bands. You can do so at the Disney Store.
Please note in the past the Westgate website has been overwhelmed by the traffic volume. Military Disney Tips is not associated with Westgate, Im only passing the info on to you and I have no control over sign up and cannot help you if that occurs!
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Austin Adventures Uncover The Secrets Of The Incas At Machu Picchu
It doesnt matter how many pictures youve seen of it before you arrive. Nothing in the world can prepare you for the moment you first glimpse Machu Picchu in real life. This is the ultimate in big-ticket, once-in-a-lifetime family vacation ideas.
Austin Adventures nine-day Machu Picchu family adventure goes light on the physical exertion and all-in on the cultural immersion, with private guided tours of ancient ruins, chocolate making classes, local market shopping, and class II and III whitewater rafting on a trip designed with the needs of families in mind. The minimum age is 10 years old, and the trip features stays at upscale family-friendly hotels like Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado and the sensational Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
When you finally reach Machu Picchu on day seven of what might be your best family vacation ever, its not the rushed experience you get with many other family tour operators. Instead, you have an entire day to explore the sacred mountain-top city with a private guide.
Austin Adventures Machu Picchu family adventure will run on select dates in June and August 2022. The company sometimes offers teen-only versions of these family vacation ideas as well. The cost is $3,698 per adult and $3,398 for kids.
American Forces Travel Eligibility
Anyone who can use MWR programs and services can use American Forces Travel, including active-duty military, National Guard and reserve, U.S. Coast Guard, retired military, eligible family members, DOD appropriated fund and nonappropriated fund civilians. For a full list of eligible patrons, click Who is Eligible on the American Forces Travel webpage.
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Military Vacation Deals For Visiting Relatives
I know, I know, visiting your family may not be high on your list of luxury vacation destinations. But lets be honestmany military families use their vacation time to visit relatives when they are stationed far away.
It can be a wise choice, since you never know when the military will station you even farther away and make it even more difficult to get back home.
If youre driving, consider turning it into a road trip by visiting the Blue Star Museums that are free to military families all summer long. You can also get free admission to Sea World or Busch Gardens once per year through the Waves of Honor program.
If you are flying, check out the airline discounts on the brand new travel website for military families: American Forces Travel.
They have teamed up with Priceline to offer discounts on airfare, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages. These discounts are available to active duty, retired military, and dependent family members. That can add a lot of savingsand a lot more funinto your trip to visit family.
No matter how or when you plan to take a vacation, military families can always find great deals. Use these ideas as inspiration to plan something fun and affordable for your family this year!
How Freedom Alliance Impacts Military Families
After the terrorist attacks of 9-11, Deane felt called to serve his country. He went to see a recruiter and enlisted in the Army Reserves. Before that he was working as a heating and air conditioning contractor. He was making a good living and providing for his family. But the attacks on American soil angered him, and he wanted to serve.
As a Reservist, Deane deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. While fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom, he fell from a Chinook helicopter and suffered injuries to his back and legs that left him physically disabled and confined to a hospital bed.
His injuries were obvious, and hard work was needed to rehabilitate his battered body. But Deane had other problems. His marriage was strained and being tested.
Deane is married to Stacy a devoted wife and a wonderful mom to their children. Deane and Stacy love each other, but the wounds of war can threaten even the strongest relationships.
Freedom Alliance met Deane and Stacy while Deane was recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center. We helped with some expenses they incurred while in the hospital. Later, after Deane was cleared to travel, we sent them to the beach for a much-needed respite.
The whole trip was amazing, Stacy told us. She said they enjoyed their favorite activities and shared some overdue laughs. But the best part came later in the week.
Then they found a dock in a quiet spot. They sat down in the moonlight and continued their conversation. Stacy explained it this way:
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