(This article originally appeared in the September 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine.)

My military service has taken me to a lot of places.

Some places I loved, and some places were just part of my mis­sion. Whether I found myself in Iraq, Afghanistan, England, or Italy, my world travels allowed me to experience so many var­ied perspectives, societies, and cultures.

Out of uniform, travel re­mains an important part of life for my wife, Garrety, and I, made only better through an opportunity to serve as your association president. In this role, Garrety and I have been fortunate to travel with many of you on one of our Signature MOAA Vacations.

There is always a double ben­efit of these trips. First, you’re traveling to incredible places - experiencing historic sites, amazing cuisine, and rich cultures. But then you’re doubling down on that because you’re traveling with fellow MOAA members who share so many similar life experiences.

On a typical vacation, it might take a couple of days to really get to know someone new. On a MOAA vacation, within 10 or 15 minutes, you’ll find common ground.

And if you’re considering a trip but haven’t traveled in a while, we are fortunate to have a trusted partnership through MOAA Vacations. Every MOAA traveler receives a gold standard of service and atten­tion before, during, and after your trip - available 24/7.

Here is a closer look at our upcoming travel schedule. Learn more about all of these trips at MOAA.org/MOAAVacations.

Western Europe Yacht Cruise

• Where: Dublin to Porto, nine nights
• Dates: Oct. 1-10, 2026
• Details: Visit historic destina­tions and lesser-known gems as you explore natural wonders  and centuries-old buildings across Western Europe.
• MOAA leaders on the trip:  Adm. James Foggo, USN (Ret), board of directors; and Capt. Jim Carman, USN (Ret), vice president for Council/Chapter and Member Support

Castles Along the Rhine

• Where: Amsterdam to Basel, seven nights
• Dates: April 25-May 2, 2027
• Details: Cruise along the fabled Rhine with Germany on one side and France on the other. Marvel at castles and visit historic cities as you enjoy the region’s fabulous food and winemaking tradition.
• MOAA leader on the trip: Pete Magnuson, vice president of Communications

France and Spain Yacht Cruise

• Where: Nice to Barcelona, eight nights
• Dates: July 19-27, 2027
• Details: Spend nights along the Ligurian Coast. Delve into French art. Bike through Saint-Tropez. Immerse your­self in shimmering Ibiza.
• MOAA leaders on the trip: Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), president and CEO, with his spouse, Garrety; and Col. Jim O’Brien, chief operating officer

Circle Iceland Yacht Cruise

• Where: Reykjavik to Dover, 11 nights
• Dates: Sept. 14-25, 2027
• Details: Experience a blend of arctic adventure with cen­turies of culture and history as you voyage from Iceland’s rugged wildness to the historic charm of the British Isles.
• MOAA leaders on the trip: Sarah Ferris, chief information officer, along with a board member

Battlefields of World War I and World War II (Bus and Rail Trip)

• Where: London to Munich, nine nights
• Dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 4, 2027
• Details: Explore iconic battlefields and culture treasures of the U.K., France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany.
• MOAA leaders on the trip: Lt. Col. Ginni Guiton, USA (Ret), vice president of Human Resources, along with a board member

Editor’s note: As of this writing, this trip was almost sold out.

We often say that MOAA membership is camaraderie with a purpose. And our main mission remains protecting and preserv­ing the benefits you earned as part of the uniformed services and veteran community. But it’s nice we can also come together for an unforgettable experience abroad and that unmatched ser­vice camaraderie.

Please consider joining us on an upcoming adventure, with old and new friends.