New Military Waypoint members are giving us some great travel ideas in hopes of winning one of three cruises — and to help launch this exclusive online community for military travelers. To read the full posts, join Waypoint and enter your ideas by Dec. 25, go to MilitaryTimes.com/travelcontest.
Editor’s note: Military Times editors and contributors are not eligible to win.
1. Northern lights & dog sleds
Narrowing down which part of Alaska to visit can be tough, but Fairbanks is a good place to start. There’s lots to do, but two activities are a must in my book: the Northern Lights and a dog-sled ride.
I went in March, but anytime during winter will most likely offer a chance to see the beautiful swirls in the sky. Even though I could see them driving near the city, a tour is worth it because you’ll be farther away from light pollution. The tour I booked through 1st Alaska Outdoor School was small, and we went to Murphy Dome, about 40 minutes from Fairbanks.
During the day, I had to try dog sledding because it seemed like quintessential Alaska. I booked an hour ride through Paws for Adventure. The sled is basic but comfortable enough, although I was not prepared for the backside view of the dogs in front of me.
Alaska might seem like a faraway, desolate place, but the scenery, activities and people make it so much more.
— Charlsy Panzino, Military Times editor
Grandfather Mountain provides a fun hike in North Carolina.
Photo Credit: Waypoint member post by Adam Bradford
2. Grandfather Mountain, N.C.
Hiking Grandfather Mountain is an amazing adventure! It’s an epic journey that includes beautiful scenery, thrilling heights, and a great museum and natural habitat. For the best experience in hiking Grandfather Trail to Grandfather Mountain, take two vehicles and park one at the top of the mountain. Drive back down to the base of the mountain with the other vehicle, then hike the 5.5 miles up. When you get to the top you can enjoy the accomplishment without having to hike back down.
— Adam Bradford, Waypoint member
3. Guam’s Gems
Guam offers many exciting activities for the whole family.
Photo Credit: Waypoint member post by Zachary Goldman
If you’re visiting or getting stationed in Guam, here’s a list of our family favorites we have found over the past two years and recommend checking out:
- For $90, you can fly a plane at Micronesian Aviation Systems. You watch a short video, do preflight checks with an instructor, then get to take off and fly a plane for about 15 minutes. Probably one of the coolest things I’ve done.
- Also $90 with your military discount (or purchase your tickets on base at the MWR), Alupang Beach Club has an all-day deal where you get to parasail, ride a banana boat, ride jet skis, go on a dolphin tour, guided snorkeling tour, use of their water equipment, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.
- On the cheaper side, grab a cooler and pack a lunch, rent a kayak from MWR on base, and kayak just past Gab Gab beach before Kilo Wharf — there’s an isolated beach that you can have all to yourself. It’s about a 30- to 40-minute kayak to Gab Gab, and an hour back — you’re working against the current on the way back — but on a calm day it’s not that bad.
— Zachary Goldman, Waypoint member
