Any travel suggestions for boot camp graduation?

[MelissaD(Ship 11 Div 089)]

Even though my son just entered boot camp I would like to get a head start on the plans for graduation because I will need to schedule the time off from work. We will be driving from Tennessee and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for the drive. Also any suggestions for lodging in the area? I am worried the weather will be too bad for the drive but I am praying everything will be okay.

[B'sMomLa(ship 11 div 090)]

Our sailor is scheduled for PIR on 2/7 and we are planning to drive from Northeast Louisiana.  Being from the south, we are a little unsure of what type of driving conditions to expect in early Feb that far north.  Any advice, suggestions?

[lemonelephant]

They do a pretty good job of clearing the roads when there is snow. Allow extra time and slow down if conditions warrant it.

[Rhonda]

we stayed at red roof inn in waukegaan they were real nice ppl and no bed bugs

[Sue M.]

My son's PIR is also 2/7.  We live in the San Antonio area and I'm not sure weather to drive or fly.  Budget wise, driving would be  better. It's only 18 hours and 5 of that is through Texas which I'm very familiar with.  I've driven in Canada in the winter only during the day and of course after the plows have been by, it wasn't so bad.  My biggest fear is ice.  What is the weather in early February in the area for those who live up north? Of course, weather is so unpredictable, but any advice would do.  

[lemonelephant]

They are good about clearing the roads. Slow down if conditions warrant it and you will be fine. http://www.weather.com/weather/today/USIL0492:1 gives the weather for GL.

Check your My Page.

[Fur&FeathersDVM]

My husband is stationed at Great Lakes. They do an excellent job plowing around here. I have around a half hour commute to my job and haven't had any major problems with the roads. We get a decent amount of snow each winter and the cities are used to keeping the roads clear. Honestly I would recommend driving if you can because if the weather is bad, they cancel a lot of flights in and out of the airports here. You can always leave a little earlier if you're driving, if your flight gets canceled you may be out of luck and miss graduation (unfortunately, that happened to some people for the January 3rd graduation). Just allow yourself plenty of time to get up here, drive as slow as you need to, and you'll be just fine! In early February you're looking at the possibility of snow but of course you won't know til closer to the date.

[lisab]

You should receive a form letter in the mail soon. It will give you all of that information. Date of graduation, how to get on base, and they also include a brochure with hotel suggestions. 

Hope this helps.

[lemonelephant]

Everyone with a recruit has received the form letter since there have not been any new recruits since December 13. The next new recruits will arrive at the RTC tomorrow.

[Hurleygirl]

I will chime in with what we have found for lodging.  I called several of the hotels in the area, and went on Trip Advisor to look at reviews.  We ended up booking at the Red Roof Inn due to the extremely nice person I talked to and the fabulous rate available. We are flying in from Seattle so 71.00 a night with taxes is a great rate to me.  That is for 4 people in the room.  They offer a free shuttle, free parking and a free continental breakfast each morning.  The reviews were also really good.  The Navy lodge for us would have been great also except we really wanted the shuttle option in the morning for graduation.  The very nice guy I talked to at Red Roof also said they would be happy to help plan anything we wanted while there for graduation weekend since my son is staying at GL for A school.  There is a train to Chicago on the weekends 5 minutes away for 7.00 a person and it runs almost every hour on the weekends.  Good luck in your travel plans and I am so excited that it is only 5 Fridays away!

[Rhonda]

Hurleygirl we stayed there and they were very nice.

 

[J's Mom]

We stayed at the Navy Lodge. The gal I called said the rates would be less if I booked on line (52.80 per night--holiday rates). It was a great room and they were very helpful. Breakfast at 5:30 the day of graduation. Close to the ceremony. Going to the "Meet and Greet" the night before with Sarge was helpful (listed under "events") we had a flat tire the morning of graduation., and everyone was helpful and Jesus was the most help.

[Victor's Mom]

Can't advise on the driving because we flew.  However we did stay at the Ramada Inn in Waukegan, ILL.  We found it to be a very reasonable, and comfortable place to stay.  They even offer free shuttle to and from the graduation and have a Meet & Greet for the families on Thursday night before graduation, and a free continental breakfast too.  Just be sure to mention Navy Graduation for the deals!  You can go on-line to book, but I would go on-line to get the direct number and call to make a reservation.  Book early so you are sure to get what you need to accommodate your needs.  The closer to graduation day, the more costly and less availability.  Hope this was helpful!  One thing for sure, you will be so proud of your Sailor on graduation day, it is truly an amazing experience.  God bless you and your family :)