The life of a milspouse is about embracing the unexpected, finding new ways to connect, and building solid bonds wherever you go. But staying close to friends after countless moves, career changes, and hectic schedules is another level. Keeping friendships alive is about effort and a whole lot of intentionality, something milspouses understand better than anyone. This is where the magic of annual meetups comes in. It’s like giving your friendships a boost, filling up on laughter, adventures, and stories, and heading back to your day-to-day life feeling a little lighter.
Why prioritizing an annual friends meetup matters
Choosing to prioritize an annual tradition with friends can be just what you need to keep a friendship alive across the miles. That’s because it’s a promise to yourself and the people who’ve been there through it all. Imagine looking forward to that one time of year when you and your besties pick up right where you left off. And, hey, it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant (unless that’s your vibe). These get-togethers are about making time and space to reconnect and laugh about that one inside joke for the millionth time.
Choosing the perfect “meet-in-the-middle” destination
The best friendships sometimes span miles and time zones. Picking a location that’s “in the middle” can make everyone feel seen and equal, no matter where they’re stationed or living. This doesn’t mean it has to be precisely equidistant; more like somewhere everyone’s curious about exploring.
Consider choosing a location that’s easy to reach by plane or car for everyone, especially if your group includes friends who might have longer travel distances. You could even change the location each year. One year, it might be a cozy mountain town; the next, it might be a lively coastal city. Think of places that offer a mix of things to do: hiking, cute cafes, or even just beautiful spots to relax and catch up.
A tip from one milspouse to another: places like Savannah, Nashville, or even a cozy Airbnb near a national park are all great options that bring a mix of energy, views, and cozy relaxation. Everyone brings a different part of themselves to a new place, and these memories stay with you longer than just photos.
Booking accommodations everyone will love
You’ve already done the hard work of picking a spot, so make things easier by setting up your accommodations early. Look for Airbnb options where you can all stay together, whether it’s a house with a great kitchen for communal breakfasts or somewhere with cozy outdoor seating for evening catch-ups.
For more of an adventure, try looking into glamping sites or cabins, especially if you all love the outdoors.
And since you’re milspouses, flexibility is second nature. Life happens. Having a game plan for rebooking if something changes is always helpful. Keep things simple and stress-free, allowing everyone to contribute ideas on where to stay so it feels like a shared choice.
Planning activities with a balance of fun and relaxation
Your reunion doesn’t have to be jam-packed with activities. If anything, balance is key. Mix in group outings with plenty of downtime, so no one feels like they need a vacation after the vacation. Look up options in your destination that’ll make everyone excited but also leave room for those spontaneous moments.
For instance, plan a chill morning grabbing coffee and breakfast at a local spot, followed by an afternoon adventure like a scenic hike or a beach day, depending on where you’re meeting up. Even a low-key activity like a craft night at your Airbnb can be super fun and everyone gets to take something home as a reminder.
Another idea? Do a mini “memory jar” session where everyone jots down their favorite moments from the weekend. Later on, when you’re missing your crew, you can look back and remember all the laughs and moments that might have otherwise slipped through the cracks.
Keeping memories alive with a shared folder
Start a shared photo album or Google folder where everyone can add their favorite snapshots, videos, and even little inside jokes that popped up throughout the weekend. It’s something small, but when you’re having a rough day, scrolling through those memories can feel like a little burst of joy.
A shared folder also doubles as a planning space for future meetups. This way, when the year is winding down and everyone starts to miss each other, you have a place where ideas and plans are already laid out. Maybe someone posts a dreamy beach pic and captions it “next year’s destination?” Even if it’s just in the idea stage, it keeps the tradition alive.
Setting the date for next year’s reunion before saying goodbye
Make it a habit to plan the next year’s meetup before everyone returns to their busy lives. The date and location don’t have to be finalized, but a rough idea of dates helps keep things in motion and gives everyone something to look forward to. This is also essential if anyone has a PCS coming up—you’ll be able to plan around it.
And when life gets busy, knowing you have that one weekend locked down for each other makes it easier to get through the weeks. It’s a gentle reminder that no matter how far apart you are, you’ve got a reunion in the works.
These annual meetups are more than just weekends away. They’re a reminder that milspouse friendships can be as steady even when everything else feels in flux. So pick a date, grab your besties, and start a tradition that’ll bring laughter, connection, and strength for years to come.