Guest Author - Sarah Fierro

Winter vacation doesn’t have to mean pricey hotels, flying long distances, and eating every meal at a restaurant. Save money and relax in comfort by finding out what military bases or schools near your destination have lodging available to service members and their families. Service members have the ability to stay at any Department of Defense (DoD) military facility. All of the base areas where lodging is offered are close to civilian cities, restaurants, or recreational areas. Choosing military operated lodging means you can count on cleanliness and maintenance often better than off-base hotels. Many lodging facilities include a kitchenette, and groceries can be bought on base at the commissary. You also have the security of knowing there is a protected gate at night, gas station, place to pick up emergency materials, and a staff you can trust.

Big Bear Recreation Facility is an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. Located on Big Bear Mountain, it is in the middle of some of California’s most popular snowboarding and skiing areas. Vacations here stay in wood cabins with plenty of room for the entire family. The cabins feature two stories of comfort and warmth, accented by a working fireplace!

Goldrush Inn is on Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. It is about 25 miles away from Fairbanks, so it’s a little bit secluded from the surrounding civilian cities. Goldrush Inn is beautiful when it is covered with snow, and is a great winter retreat. Reservations need to be made far in advance to secure a room.

Warrior Inn is on Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. It is only nine miles away from the Mark Andrews International Airport in the city of Grand Forks. 10 of the 27 rooms offered by Warrior Inn are large enough to sleep seven. The larger rooms include their own washer and dryer units and kitchenettes. These amenities make Warrior Inn a convenient place for family vacations.

Hanscom Inn is on Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Hanscom AFB is close to Boston – a city with amazing historical and political features. This makes the area the perfect place to educate children with a special interest in America’s foundations. The base has its own rental car agency on location for the convenience of its guests.

Mountain View Inn is on Hill Air Force Base in Utah. It is located in Ogden, but is only about 30 miles from Salt Lake City. This area of Utah is known for its winter sports resorts and shopping, like in nearby Park City. Salt Lake City is also famous for its cultural and religious buildings. Give Mom a break from the kids by setting an appointment with the on base massage therapist.

All American Inn is on McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. The surrounding city of Wrightstown is friendly to its visitors. All American Inn is also about 30 miles from neighboring Philadelphia, PA. The building looks like a large plantation house, and is currently under renovations. Rooms come with TVs, DVD players, microwaves and refrigerators, and are designed for comfort.

Sage Brush Inn is on Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. It is about 50 miles from Boise, and is slightly secluded. The inn itself is built on a large piece of land that is covered with snow during much of the winter. The outside rooms have large windows for a view of the white ground.

Shades of Green is at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The championship golf course and the magnificent landscaping truly make Shades of Green a beautiful place to stay. It is a welcome break for people who live in cold areas to visit during the winter months. While other mentioned lodging facilities are designed for visiting the base or family living there, this Armed Forces Recreation Center is meant for a fun family vacation at Disney World!

* Photos can be found on the official websites in Related Links below. Visit the links to make reservations at one of these military lodging facilities, or see others like them.