From D.C. to Zanzibar: A Retired Military Family’s Winter Escape
✈️ Departure: Washington Dulles to Istanbul
We left the United States on December 6, 2023, flying into Istanbul, Türkiye, and arrived the next day, December 7. For two nights, we stayed in a cozy rental condo tucked away in a walkable neighborhood overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. The highlight? A Turkish bath spa in the basement—perfect for unwinding after a long flight.
Our lodging arranged transportation to and from the airport, which made things much easier with a small child and elder traveler. If you're traveling with family, I highly recommend rental housing over hotels in Istanbul. It gave us space, comfort, and a local experience.
Visa Tip: At the time of our travel, we needed a visa to enter Türkiye. As of 2025, U.S. citizens may no longer need one—but always check the Türkiye e-Visa website or the U.S. State Department for the latest updates.
🌍 Istanbul to Zanzibar, Tanzania
On December 10, we flew Turkish Airlines to Zanzibar, arriving on December 11. We stayed until December 20, soaking in the beauty of the Indian Ocean and the warmth of the island culture.
🏡 First Stay: Oceanfront Townhouse
Our first five days were spent in a rental townhouse just 20 feet from the ocean. It had a full kitchen, in-ground pool, and two bedrooms with two bathrooms—ideal for adults, but a bit challenging with a small child due to its remote location and lack of nearby transportation.
Visa Tip for Tanzania: We secured our visas online about a week before departure. Each visa cost $100, required a passport copy, passport-sized photo, and was valid for multiple entries over one year. This applied to me, my daughter, and my mother.
🏰 Second Stay: Kholle House in Stone Town
For the second half of our Zanzibar stay, we moved to Kholle House in Stone Town, a former palace turned boutique hotel. We stayed in one of the apartments, which had two rooms, two beds, and one bathroom. The staff took immense care of us, ensuring we had fresh spring water and fruit daily, and they left no detail unattended.
This location allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture without needing a vehicle. We booked a GetYourGuide tour that gave us a rich history of Stone Town, included shopping with a local guide, and ended with a memorable dinner on our last night. (Link to tour coming soon!)
KholleHouse also arranged our airport transportation, and we never had to touch our luggage. For three women traveling together, this was an exceptional and safe way to end our trip.
🛫 Return Journey: Istanbul & Home
We flew back to Istanbul on December 20, stayed overnight at the Marriott, and departed for Washington Dulles on December 21. While the Marriott was fine for a short stay, the room was very tiny. I wouldn’t recommend hotel lodging in Istanbul if you're traveling with family—especially with small children. Rental housing is a much better fit.
🧳 Travel Tips for Retired Military Families
Rental Housing: Ideal for families, especially in walkable cities like Istanbul and cultural hubs like Stone Town.
Visa Prep: Start early and double-check requirements for each traveler, including children and seniors.
Transportation: Arrange airport transfers in advance, especially when traveling with young kids or elders.
Location Matters: In Zanzibar, proximity to amenities is key if you’re not renting a car.
Guided Tours: Local guides can enrich your experience and make cultural immersion easier and safer.
This trip reminded us of the joy of exploring new cultures and the importance of planning ahead—especially when traveling with loved ones across generations. Whether you're a retired military family or just looking for your next adventure, we hope our journey inspires yours.