Your military CAC is your life. It gets you into your shop, through the commissary and to medical for some Motrin.

Everything you’ve needed to do is handled by that one card. But now, you’d like to travel or maybe you’ve got an OCONUS tour in the works. Will your CAC get you onto the plane or train?

Do Active Duty Troops Need a Tourist Passport?

Short answer: everyone needs a passport for international travel. Generally, except for a few circumstances, passports are required to leave the US. Yes, that includes on cruises and jaunts just over the border to Canada or Mexico.

So, yes, even active duty troops do need a US Passport (or passport from their home nation) to travel around the world.

However, there are some instances that do not require a tourist passport for active duty troops.

• OCONUS PCS
• CONUS to OCONUS TDY
• OCONUS to OCONUS TDY
• Deployment, to and from deployment location
• Other official travel

Some Tourist Passport Exceptions

Under these very specific circumstances, active duty troops are not required to have a valid, current passport. That’s because you’ll be on official military business.

For travel to, from or around OCONUS locations on orders, you’ll need a copy of those specific orders and your CAC card. Make sure that your orders specify where you’re going to and from, the dates you’ll be traveling and have your personal information on them. You’ll be showing these documents to customs and immigration at your OCONUS destination, if traveling by commercial air.

If you’re PCSing to or from an OCONUS location, you’ll need to bring a copy of those orders, your CAC and your area clearance. For travel with dependents, they’ll need to be listed on your area clearance and orders, too.

Your family might be authorized “official” or no-fee passports. These are just for travel on orders to and from your next duty station(s). Even though they look the same, you aren’t really supposed to conduct personal travel with these special passports.

On deployment, you might be flying on a military-provided flight or via commercial airlines. But the same rule applies: copy of your orders and your CAC. That’s it. Yes, even if you’re coming and going from R & R and even if you’re IAD.

There might be other reasons for your official travel. Most will simply require your CAC and a copy of orders.

Times Active Duty Troops Will Want a Tourist Passport

Say you’re a service member and you’d like to go on vacation…

If you’re going outside of the US, you’ll need a passport. 100% and all the time for personal tourist travel. That’s it.

Applying for a passport is fairly quick and easy. There’s a handy online questionnaire that will guide you to the correct form and let you know all the fees upfront. All you’ll need to do is fill in the online application and make an appointment at your nearest passport office.

Some military bases might be able to help you process tourist passport applications, but often you’ll need to visit a federal passport office yourself.

Important Passport & Travel Reminders

Getting a passport is fairly simple, but there are important things that everyone should know before they go.

• Minor children need to have consent from both/all custodial parents or guardians; consent can be shown via additional forms for parents unable to appear in person
• You passport and your booking information should match, down to the middle name or middle initial; especially important for newlyweds or other name changes
• Passports can take 6-8 weeks between application and arrival at your door; plan your trip with this in mind

There are also special concerns for military troops and families.

• Foreign travel must be approved by your chain of command, with requirements and training varying by location or unit; see your CO or authorized unit member for guidance
• Some locations may be considered off-limits to troops; always check with your command and monitor the travel advisories issued by the State Department
• When traveling to/from your OCONUS duty station, military families should always carry a copy of orders, area clearance, a DoD ID and have a valid multiple entry stamp in their tourist passport

Passport + DoD ID Perks

When traveling, you might also want to consider bringing along your military ID, even though you’ve also got a passport. There are definitely some travel perks that could apply!

Some US airlines allow military troops and veterans, with ID, to board the plane first. Others allow complimentary additional baggage, even when you’re not traveling on orders! And sometimes, just sometimes, you might even score a small (or big) upgrade. Some troops traveling, both on orders and for personal reasons, report that they’ve scored class upgrades or been placed in seats with extra legroom.

Having your ID with you at check-in could also score you passage through the coveted TSA Pre-Check line! You’ll cut tons of time off your security clearance and be able to keep your shoes on.

What had you heard about passports for AD troops? We’d love to hear your best scuttlebutt!

With so many prime duty stations around the country, it’s easy to find a fun, easy staycation to enjoy as a family.

Summer is a great time to explore all the fun that’s waiting for you right outside your door. To help get you started, we found super cool staycation ideas at three military-heavy areas.

Easy Staycation Ideas for Military Families Coast to Coast

There is a huge cross-service population in our three spotlight regions, with almost every branch represented in each location.

• Washington, DC: our nations capital and the hub of military decision making at the highest levels
• Virginia: with bases all over the state, VA has tons of military-friendly staycation options
• Southern California: from Coronado to San Clemente, SoCal is the spot for the USMC, Coast Guard and Navy

Which easy staycation ideas will you try this winter?

Explore Washington, DC this Summer

Summer heats up fast in the city! But high temps and humid days shouldn’t deter your military family from enjoying everything our nation’s capital has to offer.

• Sunset & Evening Parades: head to Arlington Cemetery (Tuesday evenings) or 8th & I (Friday nights) for the USMC’s famous silent drill team. You’ll love the spirited marches and historic settings. Did you know that the small Marine base in DC is the oldest post in the Corps?
• Festivals on the Mall: tents go up all summer long for cool festivals on the Nation’s Front Lawn – the National Mall! From early July with the Folklife Festival right through the end of summer, there is always something happening here. Best of all, it’s free!
• Hike DC: head out into the wilds of DC, an unexpected place to take a nature walk. One great spot is Theodore Roosevelt Island, a nature preserve right in the middle of the Potomac.
• Museums Galore: escape the heat in one of DC’s many amazing museums. As a bonus, most are free! Explore the history of spies, gaze upon all 45 presidents, or learn about US history in and around the Mall.
• Honor at Arlington: with lush green trees and tons of grass, Arlington Cemetery is extra peaceful in the summer – the height of visitor season! Visit Robert E. Lee’s historic home, then head down the hill to pay your respects to the Kennedy clan.
• Georgetown Date: for a fun and easy date night, head to Georgetown. Stop at any of the yummy gourmet restaurants or pubs for drinks and appetizers before you grab dinner at Martin’s Tavern. It’s extra romantic because President John Kennedy proposed to his then-girlfriend, Jackie, here!

Enjoy Southern Hospitality in Virginia

From top to bottom, Virginia is practically bursting at the seams with military bases and troops! The heaviest concentration is in the southern Tidewater region and around the greater DC area, near Quantico.

If you’re in Northern Virginia, check out these fun staycation and day trip spots:

• Mount Vernon in Summer: take a river cruise and learn about farm life for George Washington! There are acres and acres to explore with your family!
• Go West to Wine: take route 66 west to a laidback wine region. In and around Delaplane, there are several excellent wineries crafting wine with local grapes. Brings your kids and pups to Barrel Oak for a whole day of holiday cheer!
• Explore Quantico: it’s more than a Marine base! Go to the National Museum of the Marine Corps and enjoy roaming the beautiful grounds. Then head to lunch at the Globe & Laurel before swinging into Potomac Point Winery to end the day.
• Enjoy the Great Outdoors: keep going west into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rent a cabin or enjoy a luxurious resort hotel. You’ll love hiking along the Shenandoah Mountains!

If you’re in Southern Virginia, we love these cool activities and adventures:

• Famous Hams: take a ride to historic Smithfield, home of the classic Smithfield ham. Tuck into a cozy resort or rental property. Take a hike near the river on beautifully maintained trails, then head into town for a tour of the Smithfield museum before enjoying a dinner featuring (what else) smoked ham.
• Colonial Christmas: step back to colonial Virginia in Williamsburg. It’s a super fun place to celebrate our nation’s independence, right in the heart of the action!
• Thrilling Adventures: use your Waves of Honor military passes to enjoy summer at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. You’ll love the hair raising rides, perfect for visitors of all ages!
• Step into the Triangle: learn about the very first British colony in America at Jamestown. Then take the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown. In one day, you’ll experience the beginning and the end of the American colonial period!
• Swim & Slide Inside: take a break from the heat and head to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. This super family-friendly resort includes an indoor water park that’s sure to please kids of all ages. Make sure to ask about their military discount program!

Sunny SoCal is a Staycation Dream

Located in or around San Diego? You’re smack in the middle of a prime vacation destination!

This winter, check out:

• Waves of Honor: hang with Shamu and company with your complimentary military admission tickets for SeaWorld. There’s even a special Sesame Street themed zone that’s perfect for little ones!
• Wind Down in Temecula: book a tour of wine country (or self-chauffer with a designated driver) in Temecula! Stay the night in SouthCoast Resort to enjoy their spa packages. This lovely little wine region is famously family-friendly, with several wineries featuring play spaces for little ones.
• Zoo After Dark: through September 2, visitors can enjoy the famous San Diego Zoo at night, with extended hours! Summer is a great time to stay later since many animals are nocturnal. Special shows and performances are also scheduled all summer long!
• Stroll in Gaslamp: make it a date night to remember in San Diego’s Gaslamp district. You’ll find almost any cuisine you can imagine here! After dinner, grab drinks at a breezy pub or stroll toward the Esplanade to listen to the waves.

What are your favorite staycation ideas for your duty station? We’d love to feature even more amazing locations in the future!

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, right? But when you’re chasing down small children or running around to tons of “must see” attractions, trips can turn into giant stress-fests.

It’s important to take a moment, or a few amazing days, away from the stress of the every day. Which is why girls’ (or guys’) weekends are perfect!

Seek Sanity on an Epic Girls’ Getaway Weekend Adventure!

We’ve scoured the country to find cool getaway destinations, near military duty stations, that pack lots of relaxation, fun and adventure into just a few days. Get ready for an epic girls’ weekend getaway that will restore your sanity!

You can find a relaxing place to lay your head when you join the Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards Club! We found all these hotels using a sample search for two adults in late June.

Santa Barbara, CA

Located north of LA (and within driving distance from major military hub San Diego), Santa Barbara is the epitome of classy California beach town. It’s a cool mix of eclectic artsy charm and dressed up elegance.

Getting There:

• By Car: located conveniently along the California coast, take the 5/101 from location south or just the 101 from locations north.
• By Train: take the Pacific Surfliner from LA and points south or the Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle; both routes hug the coast and are operated by Amtrak. There’s even a stop right in downtown Santa Barbara!
• By Plane: fly into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), just 8 miles away from downtown. You’ll need to connect through one of the major US hubs, like San Diego or LAX.

Where To Stay:

• Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront: just steps from the beach, you’ll love this recently renovated hotel for a relaxing weekend getaway!
• Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara: this city-center luxury hotel combines California casual with old world charm.
• La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Barbara: a laid back budget-friendly hotel, steps from all the major attractions.

These three hotels are just some of the many hotels, motels, B&Bs and inns available in Santa Barbara and the surrounding region. Many feature pools, spas and other luxury amenities.

What To Do:

• Go Wine Tasting: there are many boutique tasting rooms scattered throughout downtown Santa Barbara, many within walking distance from each other. Or hop on a chauffeured tasting tour beyond the city.
• Stroll through Culture: whether you’re enjoying the art museums or soaking up the history of the mission, Santa Barbara is full of incredible experiences, exhibits and locations brimming with adventure!
• Spa the Day Away: spend some quality quiet time at a luxury spa in Santa Barbara! From salt treatments to mud baths, you’re sure to find something that will complete relax you.
• Beach Day: set up camp on the beach for the day! Head directly to the Santa Barbara beaches or find a hidden spot farther along the coastline.

Charlottesville, VA

In the cradle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is a mecca for history buffs, scholars and adventurers!

Getting There:

• By Car: Rts 64 and 29 meet in Charlottesville! And it’s just a 2 hours drive west from DC.
• By Train: hop an Amtrak train for a direct connection through DC or NYC.
• By Plane: fly into Dulles or Reagan, then head west via car, bus or train
• By Bus: there are many bus routes that connect through DC and NYC with direct routes to Charlottesville.

Where To Stay:

• Holiday Inn Charlottesville Monticello: these comfy rooms feature a mini-fridge and a small kitchen-like area, which makes this a great base camp for your adventures!
• Omni Charlottesville: stay in luxury just steps from the center of the action, with two pools and a spa!
• Dinsmore House: experience a unique B&B in midtown, with beautiful rooms and stunning grounds.

There are tons of great places to stay in and around Charlottesville, including AirBnBs and quaint inns!

What To Do:

• Presidential Homes: visit Monticello, Montpelier and Highlands – homes of Jefferson, Madison and Monroe respectively – are close by to Charlottesville!
• Take a Hike: hit the rocky trails through Shenandoah National Park to be awed by the beauty of the mountains and valleys of Virginia.
• Quaff Local Beverages: Charlottesville is a hub for wineries, breweries and cideries (aka place that make hard cider). Take a tour with a DD or pick 1-2 places to picnic and enjoy the whole day!

New Orleans, LA

Are you ready to party? Then NOLA is the spot for your group! There’s always live music, a hopping club and yummy food in the pretty streets of the French Quarter.

Getting There:

• By Car: drive through the highways and byways of the US from your current location! Many places in the southeastern US are just a few hours from NOLA.
• By Train: grab an Amtrak from most major cities and transportation hubs to New Orleans.
• By Plane: fly into Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY)

Where To Stay:

• Intercontinental New Orleans: this classically modern hotel brings lots of jazzy notes with a major dose of Southern charm and a rooftop pool!
• DoubleTree by Hilton French Quarter: just steps from the heart of the French Quarter action, this pet friendly hotel is also close to yummy spots to grab a bit or a beverage.
• The Cornstalk Hotel: indulge your luxurious side in a classic New Orleans home, updated with all the modern amenities and maybe a ghost or two in the bargain!

There are so many cute, quaint and effortlessly charming hotels in and around historic New Orleans!

What To Do:

• All That Jazz: you’re in the heart of jazz, so head out for a night of music at a club or on most street corners, too.
• Ghost Hunt: you can’t skip a ghost tour in the most haunted city in the US!
• Grab a Drink: New Orleans is the home of many classic cocktails, from the hurricane to the Sazerac. Grab dinner, and a few of these locally-created drinks, with your friends.

Newport, RI

Gilded age mansions, fresh seafood and incredible uppercrust luxury are just the ticket for a fun girls’ weekend in Rhode Island!

Getting There:

• By Car: Newport is an island, and off the beaten traffic corridors on 195, 95, and 395. Take Rt 24 to the island and follow the signs.
• By Train: hop off Amtrak in Providence or Kingston, RI, then take a cab or limo to Newport.
• By Plane: land in Providence at TF Green (PVD) – about 30 minutes away – or Boston’s Logan Airport (BOS) – about 60 minutes away.

Where To Stay:

• Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina: stay right on the Brickwalk shopping area and the working waterfront in a Newport classic known for elegance and service.
• Pelham Court Hotel: slip inside a historic home in the heart of Newport that offers multi-bedroom suites with luxurious details.
• Hotel Viking: escape to the spa or just relax in your plush guest room, with a basket featuring gourmet treats!

Splash out on a high end luxury hotel or stay farther away from the heart of Newport at a more modestly priced (but still elegant) hotel.

What To Do:

• Step Back in Time: Newport mansions are synonymous with Gilded Age elegance. Visit one, or all, of the beautifully preserved homes of the Astors, Vanderbilts or Belmonts.
• Walk the Cliffs: stroll just below the beautiful mansions along the edge of rocky cliffs, with the crashing waves directly below the path. It’s a beautiful 3.5 mile walk or run – if you’re daring!
• Gourmet Indulgences: with the incredible coastal location, Newport is the place to go for insanely fresh seafood. Try the famous chowder at 22 Bowen or grab clam cakes at Flo’s.

Where will you and your friends go for your next girls’ weekend getaway?

By Marguerite Cleveland

Cruising is a very popular vacation and each year the cruise lines up their game with new ships launching each season. While very popular it can be a pricey option for travel especially as military families we can rarely plan a year out to get all the great free offers. So how can you snag the best deals?

 The first thing to do is…

Plan your trip based on where you live.

You want to pick a cruise that leaves from a port within driving distance of your home. This saves a fortune on airfare especially if you are traveling as a family. There used to just be a few U.S. departure ports but now there are so many choices. When you are stationed on the East Coast, this is when you want to travel to Bermuda, the Bahamas or the Caribbean. You can depart from New York, Bayonne, New Jersey, Boston, or Baltimore.  In the southern states try Charleston, or five different cities in Florida. For Caribbean, Mexico and South America you can depart from Tampa, New Orleans or Galveston, Texas. From the West Coast you can cruise to South America, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. Departure ports include San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.  All these departure ports are within driving distance of many military installations.

For many military families your only option is to book last minute. This can help you end up with some great deals. Living near Seattle I watched cruise prices to Alaska for 2 years and leaped when I found a great deal three weeks out from the departure date. Track the prices on cruises you are interested in so you know a good deal when you see it.

People often book the lowest priced inside cabin but often the last minute deals will give you upgraded cabins as the less expensive sell out first. For me a balcony cabin is worth it as I like to get away from all the people and have some privacy. Other people I know book the cheapest cabin as all they do is sleep in the cabin spending all their time using the ships amenities.

Also, don’t forget to book with Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards. The savings are undeniable and the points add up quick. You can read more about the travel program here.

 A few insider tips. Make sure you have the proper documents. Every time I have cruised I have seen people turned away because they don’t have the proper documentation. This often occurs when only one parent is traveling with their children. Plan to arrive at the port of departure as early as you can. Ships typically depart around 5 p.m. but processing begins as early as 11 a.m. You won’t be able to board right away but the lines are usually shorter and you can get your bags packed. Make sure to put swimsuits and sunscreen in a carry on bag for warmer trips. This will give you almost a ½ day more on your cruise. Once you board around 1 p.m. you can have lunch and explore the ship before it departs. Many of the amenities and often the pools will be open.

I want to take a cruise to Mexico out of San Diego. Where is your dream cruise destination?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

After a long, cold winter (for most of the US), it’s finally spring! Which means flowers, sunshine and fun spring break vacations for military families all over the world.

But…where to go? There are so many options, often right in your own back yard. It can be super hard to choose just one cool thing to explore!

Discover cool options near and far with the Military Shoppers Travel Rewards program! With flexible search options, you’ll be getting a sweet deal for spring break adventures into the bargain.

Get a Sweet Deal for Spring Break with Military Shoppers

I spend so much time searching online for ideal vacations, reading review sites and playing with different dates or lengths. Even then, I’m not quite sure what I’m getting myself into sometimes.

Flexible Searches for Tons of Destinations

I love that I can search by weeks and change the dates super easily. Plus, I can make my search as wide or narrow as I’d like. From searching the whole US to looking just in the New Hampshire mountains, it’s simple to check out a ton of options. There are international options, too!

I’m able to price compare dates at one hotel or between hotels to find the best price with the best amenities. Then I can try to tailor my vacation to the lowest prices across flights and lodging.

I loved that I could search throughout a whole state, like Virginia, or narrow it down by city or region, like inland or coastal. Again, keeping it flexible in terms of where we’ll be traveling because military life.

Best of all, the lodgings, activities, air and cars are all sourced from major retailers. And members can leave reviews to share their experiences. It’s so helpful when you’re stuck between hotels or even two different destinations.

Military Shoppers Travel program does require that you sign up for the service. The entry level is free and, best of all, earns points with every booking you complete through the website. To earn more points with each vacation, you can level up your account with paid memberships.

When you book, you can redeem points to decrease the cost of your trip. Each point takes one dollar off the final total.

Spring Break Locations on Military Shoppers

Spring break is coming up and that means you’re likely shopping for a great trip. To help you prep, we scouted a few great options for you to check out in prime vacation destinations.

• Virginia Beach, VA: Check-in to a beach-side resort and enjoy the start of summer in style! Hotels start at $39/night and many offers pools or other amenities. Enjoy local attractions like the Virginia Beach Aquarium, the Cape Henry Lighthouse and Neptune’s Park.
• Cape Cod, MA: It might be a smidge chilly in early spring, but it’s the perfect way to miss the summer crowds while enjoying all the fun – except maybe ocean swimming! Hotels start at $70/night and are often located near area attractions. Wander along the Cape Cod National Seashore, eat all the seafood and poke through local boutique shops.
• San Diego, CA: It’s a year-round vacation destination, and a top military hub! Enjoy sun, surf and an amazing food scene, with hotels starting from $58/night. You’ll love exploring the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and the USS Midway.
• Aspen, CO: Enjoy some spring powder in the Rockies! Ski or snowboard with your families, with rooms starting at $90/night. Rent your board or skis, try a ghost tour or explore Aspen’s history!

Year-Round Travel with Military Shoppers

We’ve had a great time traveling around Asia for the last three years, but we’re ready to explore the US with our family! Luckily, Military Shoppers has connections to amazing hotels and resorts around the States.

There are so many great ways to use Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards:

• PCS Hotel Stays: Locked out of on-base TLF? Use the Military Shoppers program to scout extended stay hotels near your next duty station! Make your search super specific to include your desired amenities, like kitchenettes or multiple bedrooms.
• Family Vacations: We love to check out different vacation spots near and far. I love that I can check options by the week and within a large date range – up to 60 days! It helps with finding a location that’s great for kids and is at a price point that work for our budget.
• Girl’s Trips: I’ve been plotting ways to get my friends together for fun adventures, without spouses or kids. With options to search in cool locations, like Charleston, New Orleans or Savannah, it looks like my next weekend getaway with friends is coming sooner rather than later!
• Holiday Travel: We’d love to be able to visit family during or around the holidays, but it can be tough to gauge the best prices and times to travel. I’m excited to use Military Shoppers to help make our holiday travel more affordable!

Do you use Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards program? Share your stories and tips with us!

By Marguerite Cleveland

As of August 18, 2018, 100% Disabled Veterans are now authorized to Fly Space-A   under H.R. 5515 – the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act.  The Veteran must have a permanent service-connected disability and have a DD Form 2765, Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (TAN).  Veterans are only authorized to fly within the continental United States (CONUS), Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories. This new benefit comes with a catch. It will be extremely difficult to use for a veteran with severe mobility issues.

Space-A travel is like a lottery ticket, you sign up and hope your number gets called. Veterans will be in the last Space Available Travel Priority of Category VI. Being in the last category means you are the last to be called for a flight. With the uncertainty of whether you will get a flight or not, many veterans may find this challenging.

For those Veterans requiring the assistance of another person to help them when traveling will find Space – A travel is not an option. Dependent family members of Veterans are not eligible to use Space-A travel. Crewman and staff at the passenger terminal can provide limited assistance but a veteran should plan to not have assistance. They can travel with those that have the status and documents to fly Space-A

 The Air Mobility Command (AMC) published AMC Boarding Requirements – August 2018 which details the requirements to board and disembark AMC aircraft. There are many physical challenges to fly on a military plane. You must be able to climb ladders and move within the aircraft as well as be able to exit in the event of an emergency. If slides are used you must be able to physically stop yourself before reaching the ground without assistance. You must also be able to climb from 14 to 36 steps to board the aircraft.

So while 100% Disabled Veterans can now use Space-A travel it may be challenging for them to actually use this new “Benefit”. Do you think Veterans should be able to travel with a caregiver?

For more information contact your local Passenger Terminal for further details. Many now have Facebook pages. You can also review travel information found on the AMC Travel Website for specific details on the Space Available Travel at www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/ .

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

Photo Credit: © Natalie Schorr/Adobe Stock