Every family deserves a memorable vacation. For our dedicated service members and their families, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy well-deserved getaways at discounted rates. From airfare to lodging and even amusement park tickets, military families can take advantage of a range of exclusive travel discounts that make vacations fit in your household budget.
In this guide, we will explore the best vacation discounts available for military families, including options through the ITT office on military bases, special offers from companies like American Express, theme park deals, and Department of Defense (DoD) lodging resorts worldwide. Use these tips to save big during your next military family vacation.
Use These Military Discounts on Your Next Vacation
Military-Specific Travel Discounts
When it comes to planning a vacation, travel expenses often account for a significant portion of the budget. Fortunately, military families can access various discounts to ease the financial burden. These benefits can translate into significant savings when booking flights, accommodations, and activities.
Companies like American Express offer exclusive deals for active-duty service members and their families, including reduced annual fees and special rewards programs. Many airlines offer special military prices on tickets, but you need to call customer service to get rates. Destinations like Great Wolf Lodge have significant discounts on packages for military families, making them a popular choice during PCS moves. When you’re planning your next military family vacation, always ask for military discounts!
ITT Office Discounts
On military bases across the country, Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) offices are a goldmine of information and offer a variety of discounts for military families. The ITT offices act as one-stop shops for all your vacation planning needs. From discounted tickets to local attractions to budget-friendly vacation packages, ITT offices cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Each office has discounted tickets for destinations around the country. The key is to stop by your local ITT office and inquire about their current offerings, which can include discounts on theme park tickets, cruises, and resort stays.
Amusement Park Discounts
Amusement parks are a fantastic destination for family vacations, and many parks across the United States offer military discounts. One such program is the Waves of Honor program by SeaWorld, which provides complimentary admission to active-duty service members and up to three dependents. Additionally, they offer discounted tickets to veterans and their guests. This initiative allows military families to experience marine life, thrilling rides, and live entertainment without breaking the bank.
Disney, the ultimate destination for magical family vacations, offers the Disney Military Pass to active-duty and retired military personnel, as well as their spouses and dependents. This pass provides substantial savings on Disney theme park tickets and resorts, making it possible for military families to experience the enchantment of Disney at a fraction of the cost. Planning a visit to one of the Disney parks? Don’t forget to check out their military discount offerings.
Department of Defense Lodging Resorts
When it comes to lodging, military families have access to a network of Department of Defense (DoD) lodging resorts worldwide. These accommodations, often called military resorts, offer reasonable rates and a range of amenities. These DoD lodging resorts provide military families with a unique opportunity to enjoy affordable vacations in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
Some notable options include:
Shades of Green (Florida): Located near Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Shades of Green is an affordable and comfortable resort exclusively for military personnel and their families. The resort offers special packages and discounts for military members, making it an ideal base for exploring the Disney parks.
Hale Koa Hotel (Honolulu): Nestled in the heart of Waikiki, this beachfront resort provides a slice of paradise for military families. Offering breathtaking ocean views and a variety of amenities, it’s a popular destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Hawaii.
Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (Germany): Located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Bavarian Alps. Offering a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, it’s a fantastic destination for those military families stationed in Europe.
Military families make countless sacrifices to protect our nation, and they deserve the opportunity to create lasting memories with their loved ones. From travel discounts to lodging options, theme park savings, and global DoD lodging resorts, there are plenty of options to ensure that military families can enjoy well-deserved vacations without straining their budgets
So, whether you’re planning a mid-PCS trip to a sunny Florida resort, a post-deployment adventure in Hawaii, or exploring the picturesque landscapes of Europe, these discounts and programs are here to make your dream vacation a reality. It’s time to plan your next adventure and create cherished memories with your family while enjoying the best vacation discounts for military families.
Want more money-saving and budgeting tips? GoVA offers free financial tools to military families through our membership program, The Edge. This smart technology recommends tools, courses, calculators, and everything you need to empower you to make better choices with your money. Membership is FREE for military families, thanks to scholarships from our sponsors. Sign up for The Edge for free here.
