Three inaugural crewmates in Military Times' new travel club are headed for the Caribbean.
More than most, military travelers know it's often not the final destination, but rather the journey that reveals the true gems and joys of our off-duty explorations.
That's the idea behind Waypoint, the exclusive new travel community we've had in the works in recent months and we're officially launching right here.
Equal parts social media site and treasure trove of travel deals and discounts, our hope is that Waypoint will become the online hub to share and discover great travel ideas — from and for — your own off-duty adventures.
To help beta test Waypoint, we invited Military Times readers to be among the first to post some of their favorite discoveries. We weren't disappointed. Among hundreds of posts, ranging from quick tips and useful suggestions to big road trips and exotic vistas, three entries in particular stood out.
Those members now will have more stories to share; they're the winners of the trio of seven-day, musically themed, Caribbean cruises — 80s, Smooth Jazz and Gospel — that were up for grabs. Each cruise package, for the winner and one guest, is valued at $6,000.
Our panel of judges was particularly impressed with Zachary Goldman's post on "Guam's Gems," winner of The 80s Cruise.
"I liked how he made it easy to read by listing the activities, prices, discounts. His photos were not only pretty but had a lot of substance," commented one judge. Specifics on MWR resources available on Guam were another plus.
Karin Harriss took top honors for the Smooth Jazz Cruise for her post on Carolina Beach.
That entry "was chockablock with local details that made me want to check out the location," wrote one judge.
"I thought her photos were amazing," raved another.
Riley Kramer's unique "Ireland, Land of Romance" post earned enough praise to win the Gospel Cruise. Standout words and photos telling the story of how he proposed to his fiancee made it hard not to fall in love with the idea of a trip to the Emerald Isle, judges said.
Enjoy these winning posts and start thinking about your own favorite Waypoints to share as we get underway.
Zachary Goldman, stationed on Guam, won The 80s Cruise.
Photo Credit: Waypoint member post by Zachary Goldman
Zachary Goldman is an active duty master-at-arms in the Navy stationed on Guam.
If you're visiting or getting stationed on 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. Watch a short video, do pre-flight checks with an instructor, then 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 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 and a guided snorkeling tour, use their water equipment, and hit an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.
- At SkyDrenaline, you can indoor skydive (for children three and up). It’s $350 for a family of four to get instructions and eight flights.
- 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 and before Kilo Wharf, where there’s an isolated beach that you can have all to yourself. It’s about a 30- to 40-minute kayak trip to Gab Gab, and an hour back, since you’re working against the current. On a calm day, it’s not that bad.
- Also at Gab Gab, if you swim straight out from the Ocean Pool, there’s some amazing snorkeling/scuba diving. If you’re just visiting, MWR rents all the snorkeling/beach equipment right on base on the way to the beach. There’s a once-in-a-lifetime view of the drop-off and reef. It’s like sticking your head into an aquarium.
- If you can’t actually get in the water, The Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti is like an underwater observatory, where you can walk down a staircase and look out the windows into the ocean.
- Another popular experience is the hikes commonly known on the island as "Boonie Stomps." You can go on guided stomps or go exploring with Boonie Stomp maps you can buy at the Navy Exchange. My favorite was Marbo Cave — it’s a short hike to a beautifully lit freshwater cave.
- On the night scene, I highly recommend going to a dinner show at the Sand Castle followed by visit to the nightclub next door, The Globe.
Army 2nd Lt. Riley Kramer won The Gospel Cruise.
Photo Credit: Waypoint member post by Riley Kramer
Army 2nd Lt. Riley Kramer is a quartermaster officer stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia.
Ireland provides something for everyone. Historic castles? Lively folk music? Sweeping scenery that makes for a once-in-a-lifetime proposal? It has it all. Our first trip to the Emerald Isle became the starting point for our lives together as husband and wife, and we hope others will travel to Ireland to experience the unique spirit of the country.
Our trip was filled with countless sights and sounds. We hiked the hills of western Ireland, tasted fish and chips along the coast, and golfed among the castles in Killarney. A trip from coast to coast is easily manageable within a day's car ride. Within one week, we zoomed from Dublin to Galway to Cork and back to Dublin without feeling rushed or hurried.
I proposed to my then-girlfriend at the world famous Cliffs of Moher. The views along the cliffs that spanned the Atlantic coast of Ireland were remarkable and offered the perfect romantic atmosphere for me to drop to a knee and begin my new life with my sweetheart, Erin.
Among all our experiences, the hospitality of the Irish people stood out. Families took time to get to know us while we stayed at cozy B&Bs. Bands at the pub welcomed us and played classic numbers such as "Danny Boy." And after I proposed (and she said yes), our local guide for the day insisted on buying the next round of Guinness pints for our entire family. All these efforts made Ireland feel like a true "home away from home."
Ireland is the perfect getaway for troops and their families stationed throughout Europe. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the warmth and peacefulness of this country. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a place to profess your love to your special someone, Ireland is the place to be.
Army veteran Karin Harriss won The Smooth Jazz Cruise.
Photo Credit: Waypoint member post by Karin Harriss
Karin Harriss is an Army veteran who served in the military police. She is married to a recently retired Army warrant officer.
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 take a fishing charter out.
Plenty of places offer military discounts, so be sure to ask. One local restaurant, Uncle Vinnys, offers 50 percent off to veterans and active-duty members. They have great pizza, pasta, and a full bar.
If you need special foods like organic or gluten-free while on vacation, the Veggie Wagon can help you out.
Surfing is a top choice by many to try on vacation here. There are a few local surf schools, but my personal choice is the Tony Silvagni Surf School. He's a local guy and gold-medal Olympic surfer who still competes worldwide. Yet in the summer he is there teaching, seven days a week.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is also a great spot to visit. Just before you reach it is 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. Nearby is the "Coquina Outcrop," one of three on the East Coast.
Maybe you just like to roam a nice beach and collect shells. Well, the beaches here are known for the abundance of shells that wash up.
There are even two locations with 4-wheel-drive access. Freeman Park on the North End even will let you camp for $10 a night during the regular season, and free during off-season. If you didn't bring your 4-wheel-drive, rent one at "Sun n Fun," which rents Jeeps for the day or week. You can even get a camping package with a tent! The jeeps come with passes to allow you access to both 4-wheel-drive locations. Fort Fisher State Park also allows this access; you just have to leave at dusk.
Army veteran Karin Harriss won The Smooth Jazz Cruise.
Photo Credit: Waypoint member post by Karin Harriss
