While military families all around the world can face relocation at any point in the year, the summer months see more Permanent Changes of Station (PCS) than any other time of year. Even though it can seem daunting, PCS is a great opportunity to enjoy some family time. Many military members take up to 30 days of leave when they relocate to make sure that their move goes smoothly. Without the responsibilities of a job calling you away, you can finally see the sights, visit extended family, and spend the days with your spouse and children. It is also a great time to learn about your new surroundings, find the perfect home to buy or rent, and wait for your household goods to arrive. But where do military families stay during a multiple week vacation? IHG® Army Hotels can meet all of your needs as you travel to your next duty station. Extended stays in even the best lodging can take a toll on your sanity, but IHG Army Hotels can help you love your PCS adventure.
Your morning routine
If you are staying in a hotel as a family, getting showered and dressed in the morning can be challenging. Try designating a time slot for each member of the family to have their time in the bathroom. A simple timer app can let everyone know when their turn is up. This keeps things moving in the morning and allows every member of the family to have the opportunity to get ready for the day and feel great. For families, I recommend getting a suite if possible. This allows a separate space for family members to have breakfast and make a plan for the day. It also provides some much-needed privacy throughout the day and night. A spouse or older child can use the dining area to prepare complimentary coffee and juice to get the family started on the day.
Meal planning
One of the best things about staying in an IHG Army Hotel is the ability to prepare your own meals. Dining out can get expensive and unhealthy by the end of a 30-day vacation. Save some money and keep your family’s energy levels up by preparing delicious, healthy meals in your room. Suites with a fully-equipped kitchen are available in many locations. Enjoying meals around the family table during a transition time can keep everyone grounded in what is truly important. Fuel up for a day of exploring with the complimentary breakfast. Pack up some extra snacks to keep everyone in the family from facing a mid-morning hunger attack. Need to pick something up on your way out? All IHG Army Hotels are located on post, so it is easy to swing by the Commissary to pick up any essentials before you start the day, and many hotels also have a vending area, well-stocked with on-the-go snack items. During a PCS, making things easy and accessible can mean the difference between counting down the minutes and enjoying every second of this special time.
Enjoying downtime
Kiddos all tucked in? Enjoy some quiet time in the separate living room of many suites in the IHG Army Hotel system. For those traveling with young children, having a separate space to decompress after a long day of tending to their needs can be a lifesaver. Throwing in a load of laundry in the on-site laundry facility, then relaxing in the outdoor area is a great way to keep things organized and enjoy a moment to yourself. You can also participate in weekly guest socials or use the business area to keep up with email or even print documents if needed. You can enjoy all of these amenities without having to leave the area. If you are lucky enough to be relocating to a tropical locale, such as Hawaii or Puerto Rico, you may be able to soak in the tropical breezes on your own patio or balcony. Spend some time in the hotel’s outdoor space to take a deep breath and appreciate the journey in front of you.
Bringing your four-legged family members
Finding pet-friendly lodging can be a big challenge. But if you are relocating, you want to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. IHG Army Hotels are pet-friendly and allow guests to bring cats and dogs along with them. Talk to your hotel to check on availability and required documentation. Pack some extra towels or a pet bed to provide your beloved pet with their own comfortable place to sleep. Having some familiar items will help them feel safe and secure in a new location.
Keep things tidy
Staying in a hotel for longer than a day or two means that you need to take extra steps to keep things clean and organized. IHG Army Hotels provides standard hotel housekeeping services, but it can be essential for your sanity to also tidy up on your own each day. Unpack your clothes and put them in the dresser, organize your toiletries on the bathroom vanity, and put food and groceries away in a designated space. Taking just a few minutes at the end of each day will help you stay focused on the fun of your adventure rather than the clutter of your stuff. It’s not easy to leave familiar people and places behind to travel into the great, wide world. Even though a PCS comes with emotional highs and lows, as well as logistical challenges and triumphs for every member of the family, finding a hotel that takes care of the small inconveniences of living a temporarily nomadic life can help everyone see a PCS as an adventure. Happy travels!
