Where to find travel arrangement help for PIR 12/30

[Ellen Isabel Hudgins]

I'm currently living in Mexico, and my mom received my son's graduation information. All I know is that he graduates on Dec. 30th, but I have no idea if he's PIR & GO, as I've read here below. She's going to scan the docs she received so I'll look for that info there.

I'm totally ignorant of where to stay and how to plan my trip. I can look for flights online from here, to ORD or MKE, and the cheapest one to date is US airways via PHX. But when it comes to hotels & local transportation I'm lost. I'll be traveling alone.

I've tried to to open the bootcamp.navy.mil/upcoming_grads.asp website to no avail. It just won't open and all others that are navy.mil won't open either. I don't know why, my internet is working fine.

Any suggestions are welcome, thanks!
Isabel

[Melissa (Tucson)]

I wouldn't make an reservations (unless it's refundable) until you hear from your son that he will be graduating on time. He'll know if he's "Grad n Go". My son was grad n go and I spent 2 hours with him after PIR. Join the "Boot Camp Mom's" group and see if there is a group for PIR on 12/30. All your questions can be answered by Mom's who are trying to make plans also. Southwest has a reasonable fare into Midway. You'd need to rent a car. I stayed at the Navy Lodge ($62 night, no taxes). If your son isn't grad n go, you may want to find a nice hotel where he can relax.

[Ellen Isabel Hudgins]

Thank you Melissa!

[Navy Mom]

have you heard of any div yet that are grad and go?

[AG]

If having problems opening the military websites download firefox, it is free and they should open. A lot of us have had the same problem when using internet explorer for some reason.

[Wiley]

There is also another website you can go to. Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department at Naval Station Great Lakes is always willing to help. They may not always have the cheapest rates, but they can at the very least get you started. I talked to them about a lot of the planning for my trip, but we did end up making our reservations on our own. Don't for get you may want to rent a car. Public transit will run you more than an economy car. Good Luck. I hope any of this helps.

[Wiley]

sorry forgot to add the link


www.mwrtravelplus.com

[coffeenosugar39]

Hi, I have looked for flights from El Paso, Texas. I too will be traveling alone & have no clue how i will get around. I found a flight leaving El Paso on 12/29/09 @ 6am arrives at chicago o'hare at 11:40 am. I noticed that the red carpet inn is 1 mile from base graduation and will provide transportation to the graduation. I'm a bit nervous because my next question is how do i get to the hotel to begin with?

[Tabitha]

hi coffeenosugar39:my hubby also PIR's on 12/30 and i am debating on the same thing! It's just me and our 2 year old coming...I am thinking about renting a car but it's so expensive and my hubby said he doesn't want me taking public transportation w/our son(which i understand) Maybe we could work something out and you can hitch a ride with us? If we end up renting a car...I am sending u a friend request!

[James' Mom]

Do you have AAA auto Insurance? They have an amazing coupon CODE, $30.00 off in their magazine for Hertz, plus another 10% off. We made the reservations on line and a phone call to them too. We ended up paying $16.00 for 2 days. We rented a Mazda 3, 4 door, which was very nice, the trunk handled all our luggage and was roomy for my husband & I, and our Sailor. It handled very well in the Snow and Ice = front wheel drive what a wonderful invention.

[Navy Mom]

my son in also graduating Dec .30th. We are dreiving from MS. We hav made reservations at Hotel Indigo. It is close to base and in a safe neighborhood. You can call them directly and and ask for the navy graduation rate and it is reasonable and very nice!

[coffeenosugar39]

Thanks, I called Hotel Indigo, they do not schuttle to the graduation. :(

[Mariab]

We just left the base after spending Thanksgiving day with my son. Fly into Milwaukee for sure!!! Smaller airport, VERY easy to get around, and it's easy to get to the base from there also! No tolls!!! Navy Lodge is probably the least expensive place to stay, we stayed at Residence Inn 99. A night. Car rental with Avis was pretty cheap, and with GPS you would have no problems! Just know that things change frequently with the recruits, so def do refundable tickets! Hope that helps! Maria B