Whenever possible, use military discounts for family travel. The military family life can be hectic, to say the least, and very unpredictable. There is a lot of “hurry up and wait” and it takes a toll on the soldiers and their families. One of the things military families can count on (mostly) is the beloved 4 day weekend! Four-day weekends give you the quality family time you are missing during the long hours at the motor pool and weeks away at training or school.
Maybe it isn’t feasible to go overseas or to the Caribbean on a 4 day weekend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out of the house and go somewhere you have never been, or always wanted to go. I know as well as anybody, most soldiers want to sleep and relax during their 4 days, but who says you can’t do both? This will require some research and plenty of planning, but the experiences are more than worth it. Also, studies have shown that travel can increase tolerance for uncertainty among other benefits! Think about it, when traveling things don’t always go as planned, but you are able to roll with the punches and still enjoy yourself. It literally helps train your brain to be more accepting of constantly changing circumstances, and what is military life if not uncertain? Let’s get into the science of it too! Travel has been proven by The Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Assn. to decrease depression, and the risk of heart attack and promote brain health. Travel has also been proven to reduce stress, lower anxiety, and lead to a generally better mood for even weeks after just a few days away! With everything that military families are faced with, the least we can do to take care of ourselves is travel.
For families, military life is hard on the kids as well. Often times they move around more than others. They go weeks, months, or longer without seeing one or both of their parents, they tend to be farther away from extended family, and so much more. I am proud of my “army brats” they are strong individuals that have dealt with more in their young lives than most adults. Children deserve the break as much as their parents do, if not more. Did you know that traveling helps build creativity by broadening your horizons? It introduces them to things they don’t normally interact with like different climates, cultures, wildlife, and more. Travelling provides kids and adults with real-life education. Travelling improves social and communication skills as well, and being introduced to different communities and cultures helps children learn to communicate better in all different situations. All these benefits create a more confident well-rounded child, and with the struggles, military children deal with, 4 days can make all the difference.
So take the time to reconnect as a family. With Militaryfares.com, we offer great deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals! A quick getaway with the family will do wonders for your family, and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.