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. Read on to see what they're posting, and follow the link to join Waypoint and enter your ideas in the contest. (Editor's note: Military Times contributors are not eligible to win.)  

Complete entries — photos required — must be posted by Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

1. SNOWBOARD HAWAII

Mauna Kea, Hawaii

When you think of Hawaii, it's usually an image of paradise filled with palm trees and tranquil beaches. If you're looking for something different to experience in the tropics, take a trip to Hawaii island — and bring winter clothes. Big Island has four out of the five major climate zones in the world, and eight out of the 13 sub-zones. During winter months, the summit of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea can have freezing temperatures with blizzard conditions. The summit gets pummeled by high altitude storms and hammered with snow. When it does, I grab my board and head up the old volcano for an epic time.

The view from Mauna Kea is breathtaking. At 13,803 feet, every step near the summit is a struggle, and if the altitude doesn't leave you breathless, the view certainly will. Fortunately, it's possible to drive to the summit where astronomy observatories crowd the volcano's peak. Also, if the snow isn't cooperating, an alternative plan is touring the Keck observatories, which are the world's largest optical and infrared telescopes. They are a marvel of engineering and amazing to walk through. While it does snow enough on the summit to ski or snowboard a few times a year, you will need to pay attention to the local weather and be ready to go within a few days after snowfall. It usually lasts a week before the warming temperatures whisk it away.

If you are going to make the trip to Big Island and explore Mauna Kea, don't forget stargazing from the summit. If you want the guided experience, check with the Mauna Kea Tour Hawaii company. They offer military discounts and provide a great itinerary that lets you take it easy while enjoying the sights.

I've lived in Hawaii for 15 years, and visiting the summit of Mauna Kea is still my favorite adventure on the island. I highly recommend making the trip.

— Mike Caputo, Military Times contributor

2. WHY DRIVE WHEN YOU CAN GALLOP

Monument Valley, Ariz.

Although off the beaten trail, Monument Valley is the crown jewel of the Great Southwest and definitely worth the trek. Yes, there is a 17-mile, unpaved trail that visitors can traverse by auto, but the trip is wasted if you go that route. John Wayne would turn over in his grave if you didn't take the time and spend a little extra cash and to gallop through the valley on horseback. You'll be treated to the most spectacular views and transported into every great Western movie that has graced the silver screen. If you're lucky, a Navajo guide will dare you to chase her through the gullies and around the sandstone buttes of this most inspiring location.

— Mark Reisweber, Waypoint member

3. BLUES, BREWS & BBQ

Muscle Shoals, Ala.

American Indians living along the Tennessee River in Northwest Alabama called it the "Singing River" because they believed a woman who lived in the water there sang to them. Fast-forward a couple hundred years and the sleepy communities near Florence are rocking with the emergence of the Muscle Shoals Sound and The Swampers house band at FAME Studios. For more than a decade, FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios helped propel artists such as Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Bob Dylan, Etta James, Otis Redding, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, Traffic, Joe Cocker, Alabama and many others. Music lovers can tour these historic, intimate recording studios and hear remarkable stories about the creation of some of America's most enduring and influential music. FAME Studios are still in action, recording projects for artists such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Drive by Truckers, the Civil Wars and Jamey Johnson.

Between studio tours, get some must-have barbecue at Bunyan's in Florence. Hot dogs and smoked pulled pork are topped with a hot mustard slaw, and then with the buns pressed, panini-style, into a truly tantalizing taste. The place is nondescript from the outside, but the soul in the barbecue is pervasive. Speaking of local flavor and Southern cuisine heavy with a "wow factor," try the turnip greens soup at Claunch Café in Tuscumbia.

Drink like a rock star with a craft-brewed ale at Singin' River Brewery in Florence. The Bourbon Barrel Ale (8.9 ABV) was my bestie. Order a four-brew flight and figure out a favorite.

The immediate area is loaded with stuff to see, including the W.C. Handy Home and Museum, Ivy Green (the Helen Keller Birthplace), the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (cut your own single there for $10), and more. Many offer military discounts; admission rarely exceeds $10 at any one venue. All the big hotels — Marriott, Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Downtown, Hampton Midtown, Comfort Suites — offer the government per diem rate of $89 as their military rate. The Marriott is a resort-style property with live music nightly. Military members, veterans and their families can visit many attractions for free each Armed Forces Day. For a full rundown of what to see and experience, go to www.VisitFlorenceAL.com. Spend a couple days. It'll likely take "Wild Horses" (recorded in Muscle Shoals by The Stones) to drag you away.

— Ken Perrotte, Military Times contributor

4. A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

Carolina Beach, N.C.

There are not many coastal locations left in the USA like Carolina Beach. People here still smile and wave at each other, and many travel by bicycle — although cruising around in a golf cart to the beach, stores and restaurants is popular, too.

Everyone can find something to do in this town. You can surf fish from shore or the piers all year long. Or you can take a fishing charter out.

Surfing is a top choice by many here to even try on vacation. There are a few local surfing schools, but my personal choice is the Tony Silvagni Surf School. He is a local guy and gold medalist Olympic surfer who still competes worldwide. Yet in the summer, he is there seven days a week teaching.

There are some good local restaurants offering just enough to keep you interested. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is also a great spot to visit. Nearby, you will find Fort Fisher, a Civil War site, which borders the majestic Cape Fear River. People travel here just to take photos of the live oak trees that grow in the maritime forest.

Maybe you just like to roam a nice beach and shell collect. Well, the beaches here are known for the abundance of shells that wash up.

There are even two locations with four-wheel-drive access. Freeman Park on the North End will let you camp for $10 a night during the regular season and free on the off season.

During the summer, there are fireworks every Thursday night!

— Karin Harriss, Waypoint member

5. ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE (AND A GREAT LOBSER ROLL)

Boston

What better way for you and your family to explore the birthplace of American Independence than to tour the Freedom Trail and see where it all began?! Hit the road for a weeklong visit to see where the Shot-heard-Round-the-World "The Shot Heard Round the World" was fired, the Paul Revere capture sight, the Old North Church — "one if by land, two if by sea," remember that from your history classes? While in town, visit the site of the Boston Tea Party and grab a wicked awesome lobster roll, or some world-class Italian food in the North End. While there, quench you travel-weary thirst at the Sam Adams Brewery with a fine ale, then head up to Salem, to see the famous city known for the witch trials. Don't forget to see where it really all began at Plimoth Plantation, and while there, a must-do is to snap a selfie in front of Plymouth Rock! Both of these incredible cities are 45 minutes away from a wonderful place to base all these visits from — the lodging at Hanscom Air Force Base, just  minutes from Cambridge and downtown Boston. Get your Freedom on and head to Massachusetts! (Oh! And catch a game at Fenway; it, too, is wicked awesome!)

— Max Grindstaff, Waypoint member

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