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Military families love military travel perks, and with good reason. Of course, the motivation for the travel depends on whether it’s a vacation, prepping for a military move, or both. It really doesn’t matter why you’re traveling, though. You can easily find resources to make your trip less expensive and stressful.
- An impending PCS often means a pre-move recon trip to the new duty station to shop for a new house.
- Many families also add vacation detours while en route to their PCS location.
- Military travel also looks like weekends exploring your newest duty station.
- School breaks or planned summer vacations count, too, if families take advantage of generous military discounts.
There are many reasons to love seeing new places, however you define military travel. What kind of travel is in your future? Here’s help planning your next adventure.
Your First Stop: American Forces Travel
Before we get into the specifics of military travel, remember to view the newest innovation from MWR and Priceline if you're considering reserving hotels, cars, or flights.
American Forces Travel was developed to offer military families affordable travel options. The program aims to widen hotel choices significantly, but also offers discounts on rental cars, vacation packages, flights, cruises, and event tickets.
The website is open to all five military branches, but you must confirm your active duty status through a DEERs portal on the login page. Here are even more reasons to love military travel.
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1. Military Discounts on Transportation
Commercial Airlines
Most major airlines reserve a limited number of discounted military rates for each flight. These aren’t advertised, and you’ll have to talk with a service agent on the phone or chat, but the discounts could be helpful, especially for last-minute travel. A small discount is better than no discount, right?
Airlines also offer various degrees of waived baggage fees for the military. They’re so varied that you’ll need to review each company’s policies, perhaps with verbal confirmation from an agent. Typically, the active-duty member’s luggage are the only bags that fly free, but now and then, ticket agents waive all fees at the counter for military families. It’s worth the ask.
Space-A Military Travel
Space-A travel (space available on military aircraft or a “military hop”) won’t satisfy a strict timeline, but if you have plenty of vacation days to use, Space-A travel takes military families far and wide for a fraction of commercial prices.
If you have the flexibility and money in the bank to ensure that the service member can fly home if Space-A leaves you stranded, it’s well worth looking at the routes offered—think Europe over summer break.
Train Travel with Amtrak
Amtrak extends a 10 percent savings for active duty military members and their dependents (and sometimes pets!) on the lowest price on most itineraries, but restrictions apply, such as trips partnered with VIA Rail Canada.
Another helpful perk Amtrak offers is discounted fares for the Auto Train. Transporting a car via rail makes a long-distance PCS a little easier. Amtrak also encourages military members to head straight to the front of the ticket line for faster check-in.
RV Travel: Paths Across America
Paths Across America is an MWR outdoor recreation website guide with information about vehicle parks and campgrounds on military installations nationwide.
The website describes each location and the amenities available, from access to water and electricity to cable television. Some recreation sites have access to MWR activities nearby, including admittance to base pools and gyms and information for scheduled tours in the area.
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2. Military Lodging and Discounts on Accommodations
Military Sponsored: Armed Forces Recreation Centers
If your family hasn’t taken advantage of one of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC), you’ll want to try one! The military rates are unmatched in the non-military world and deliver the comforts of home when traveling abroad.
Fees are calculated according to your pay grade and active duty status, but rest assured, the rates are far less than surrounding hotels and resorts in the same areas. You can travel to:
- Seoul, Korea: Dragon Hill Lodge
- Garmisch, Germany: Edelweiss Lodge and Resort
- Honolulu, Hawaii: Hale Koa Hotel
- Orlando, Florida: Shades of Green
These resorts are unique and affordable, but there are other cost-effective ways to travel, thanks to the military. Read about Hotel Alternatives for Your Military Travel, then click the image below to explore more lodging possibilities.
Non-Military Sponsored
Armed Forces Vacation Club
The Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) is a collection of discounted properties worldwide. A seven-day booking starts at $409, a fantastic price for a big adventure.
For AFVC planning, take some time to review your favorite resorts and hotels on a few other travel review websites. The reviews aren’t restricted to military members; other tourists will post opinions and thoughts on websites like TripAdvisor.
USAA Travel Planning
Perennial military member favorite, USAA offers its members a substantial travel planning resource. It has pre-vacation checklists, budget guides, and much more advice. USAA has also partnered with companies like Hertz and Travel Insured International to offer hefty discounts.
Major Hospitality Brands
Remember to check in with major hotel and resort chains about military rates. Some rates are more visible or substantial than others. For example, Sandals and Beaches Resorts gives military personnel a 10 percent discounted rate. For smaller chains or properties, it’s worth a phone call directly to the hotel to inquire, as they may extend a consideration not advertised.
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3. Military Discounts on Attractions
Installation Leisure Travel Offices
It's easy to forget the military Leisure Travel Office, but check in occasionally to see what discounts have been released. They have reduced fees on many events, from movie tickets to Disney vacations.
These offices offer discounts on nearby excursions, amusement parks, dinner theatres, and sporting events, in addition to national attractions. Leisure Travel Offices on installations near popular destinations such as San Diego, Washington, DC, and Tampa are stocked with discounts on expensive tourist activities.
Waves of Honor
Anheuser-Busch continues its Waves of Honor program with free admission into its family of parks. Although most military families are familiar with these great opportunities, plan wisely because it's a one-park-per-year access. The kids grow fast and may age out of some of the properties. For instance, Sesame Place in Pennsylvania is designed for kids aged two to seven. Don’t miss out on free admission because you weren’t aware of the park options.
When curious about military discounts, just ask! Sometimes, businesses are accommodating, even without a set military discount policy. Travel is one of the best perks of military service. Don’t wait for someday; make the most of these helpful benefits and tour the world!
Whether you're an experienced traveler or just beginning, you may not know all the travel benefits related to your military service. Get more information about Flying Space-A, military discounts, destinations, lodging, and more in our free resource below, Guide to Military Family Travel.
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