Blog Posts by Poppin' Smoke

Osan Air Base is a hidden gem on the Space-A circuit. The culture, cuisine, shopping, and sites of South Korea rival major destinations around the world, plus the civilian airport is easily accessible from the base. Shuttle service from Osan AB to Seoul (the capital of South Korea) is inexpensive and convenient, making a hop to Osan a cheap and easy way to start your adventures in Asia. Whether Korea is your destination, or you’re just passing through, here’s what you need to know about flying Space-A to Osan AB, South Korea. If you are new to Space-A flying, read this Quickstart Guide to Spa... read more

In February 2019, we embarked on a journey to fly Space-A across the world. We had lived in Japan for the past 2.5 years and wanted a change. So, next stop: Europe! Our goal was simple: fly Space-A from Japan all the way there. It didn’t matter where in Europe we landed, because we planned to take commercial transportation from that point forward. Our only rule was that we weren’t going to “cheat” on the way by flying commercial before arriving in Europe. Yes, we made it! Here are the lessons learned from this trip. Summary of Our Journey We left our home in Fukuoka, Japan the third week of F... read more

Getting ready to take a military hop? Make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable, entertained, and travel-ready! Here’s how you can prepare for Space-A travel. Table of Contents Documentation What to Wear on a Space-A Flight Layer #1: Lightweight Shirt Layer #2: Thin Fleece Jacket or Vest Layer #3: Lightweight Insulated Jacket Layer #4 Windbreaker Other Clothing What to Bring Small, Lightweight Sleeping Pad/Mattress Travel Pillow Travel Blanket or Sleeping Bag Ear Protection Water Bottle Kindle or Other E-Reader Portable Charger For the Kids: Movies and Games Other Essentials Do... read more

9 Things to Know About Flying Space-A Via JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii Hawaii is a top destination for Space-A travelers seeking year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches, epic surfing, and world-class golf. But it’s also a frequent stop for travelers en route to and from bases in Japan, Korea, Guam and other U.S territories. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (“JBPHH” or “Hickam”) has the most Space-A flights of any military base in Hawaii and is an extremely busy hub. Whether Hickam is your destination, or you’re just passing through, here’s what you need to know about flying Space-A via Haw... read more

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and you’re probably thinking about where to shop. Before you buy everything at the major retailers, check out these businesses owned and operated by members of the military community. You can find thoughtful gifts and great deals, all while supporting veterans and military families. These companies offer a wide range of products, but in keeping with the spirit of Poppin’ Smoke, I’ve highlighted a few gift ideas for travelers. Even if you don’t buy anything from these retailers, please take the time to read their incredible stories and spread the w... read more