There is no greater honor than serving your country and we thank you for your service. However, before your deployment, consider going on a vacation with loved ones at one of these amazing places in the United States. Relax, recharge, have fun, and do all those things that you won't be able to do for the next several months in a deployment zone!
Where To Go for the Best Pre-Deployment Vacation in the U.S.
Stay at an amazing property like this one when you head to Park City to explore the outdoors.
1. Park City, Utah
Whether it’s summer or winter there is always something to do in Park City. If you’re vacationing in the warmer months then try your hand at fly-fishing or soar above the mountains in a hot air balloon. Play a round of golf on one of the courses. Or go exploring around the mountains on foot, bike or horseback. If you visit in the cold months, go skiing or snowboarding down one of the many mountains slopes. Check out the boutique shops and the world class dining. You can also check out the Sundance Film Festival, which showcases independent films and filmmakers every January.
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Chill out all day in a cabana at this great Vegas property before going out to explore the city at night!
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
It might sound cliché, but Las Vegas is a mecca for some of the best shopping, restaurants and nightlife in the US. There’s a reason why it’s America’s Playground. You don’t have to enjoy gambling and playing card games to love this city and have a great vacation. There are hundreds of theater and entertainment performances to choose from each night! During the day, check out the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio. Or go on a sightseeing tour and find everything there is to know about this iconic city.
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Spend some time soaking in the views of the Chicago skyline on the 38th floor of this gorgeous rental.
3. Chicago, Illinois
In the heart of the Midwest on the shores of Lake Michigan, there’s no place like Chicago. From eating a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at Gino’s East to taking selfies in the mirror-like side of The Bean, the fun is just getting started. Go up to the top floor of the John Hancock building for a full 360-degree view of the city. Explore Navy Pier and take a ride on the Ferris Wheel and be sure to watch the summer fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Some other great places to eat are Erie Café, Nana Organic, Café Selmarie, Cité, and Purple Pig.
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Spend the night in a room with a lake view at The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island.
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
You’re not getting here by land, well not entirely! Air and water are the only means of getting to Mackinac Island. The car was banned decades ago and there’s no bridge that connects the mainland to the island. Ferries take you to and from the mainland. Once you step off the boat, you will be transported back in time to the Victorian era where the carriage is now your mode of transportation. However, there’s more to this island than fudge shops and carriage rides. There are amazing boutique shops of all kinds all of over the island. Go for a hike or bike ride around the island. Have lunch at the Iroquois Hotel on the patio overlooking the water. Sit on the patio of the Grand Hotel or rent a carriage and drive yourself around the island. I suggest staying at the Windermere Hotel and then staying up late having a rumrunner drink at the Pink Pony. When you walk back to your hotel, look up to see all the stars. You might even catch the Northern Lights.
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Exposed brick walls in this New York City apartment will make you feel like a local in Midtown Manhattan.
5. New York, New York
Museum-strolling, theater-going, bar-hopping – the options are limitless when you travel to the Big Apple. Broadway and Off-Broadway premiere some of the greatest theater productions of our time, including some of the classics. The restaurant options, alone, put NYC on the map for having some of the best food. When you need a break from the bustling streets and soaring skyscrapers, take a walk through Central Park. You might even forget you’re in a city. Also taking a tour of the Statue of Liberty is a must when you visit!
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With a pool like this one at the Havana Hideaway, you may not even want to hit the beach in Key West!
6. Key West, Florida
The Florida Keys are, in general, a vacation hotspot, especially during those long cold winter months. Known for the Key Lime Pie and breathtaking sunsets, Key West is by far the best of the Keys. As the southernmost point of the continental U.S., there’s never a dull moment in Key West on land or on the water. Every night there is a sunset festival on the west side of the island on Duval Street. There are boat rentals and private charters which can take you all around the island. There are so many things to do while you’re here. Be sure to try these restaurants: Sloppy Joes, Pepe’s Café, Grunts Bar, and Smokin’ Tuna Saloon.
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7. Orlando, Florida
If you have a family, consider taking a trip to Orlando. There’s more here than just Disney World, but that’s a great place to start. It truly is the most magical place on earth! Children and adults will be captivated by this happy place. Also there’s more to Disney World than just the Magic Kingdom. Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Blizzard Beach Water Park are all apart of the Disney World in Orlando. Aside from Disney there is Universal Orlando Resort, which most notably has the new attraction: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Even if you’ve been to these parks before, it is an amazing experience each and every time.
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This article was written by Alina Dix.