Military Travel Deals and Discounts

A summer vacation, winter holiday, or even just a weekend getaway can raise your spirits, relax your mind, or bring your military family together to create lifelong memories. It's always the perfect time to take advantage of amazing military travel deals and destinations discounted for military service members and their families. Why wait?

Use our guide to military vacation discounts to help you plan the epic trip you’ve daydreamed about, and hopefully, you’ll also be inspired to plan future trips you didn’t know you wanted!

Military Travel Resources to Plan Your Trip

Military Travel Guide U.S.A.

First, consider investing in one of Military Living’s travel reference guides. These provide all the information and contacts you need to enjoy military lodging, RV, camping, and Space-A travel. You’ll appreciate access to detailed information for years to come.

Department of Defense Lodging Website

Or, do your own research and search through military facilities near any destination you have in mind. The Department of Defense Lodging website website gathers all of the branches’ properties and is a portal for reservations, not only for a PCS, but also for vacation plans.

American Forces Travel

Another DOD resource that could turn up big savings is American Forces Travel, powered by Priceline. This official website gives eligible members access to discounts on hotels, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and event tickets. The partnership is only a few years old, so it's worth reviewing to catch great deals.

MilitaryByOwner Travel Resources

Travel is synonymous with military life, and MilitaryByOwner has an extensive collection of guides, blogs, and articles written by military spouses with first-hand experience. Learn about discounted travel to many of the popular destinations you’re thinking of visiting.

Take a look at a few of our free travel resources:

Guide to Military Family Travel: Do you know all your military family travel benefits? This free resource provides information about Space -A flights, military lodging, destinations, and military discounts worldwide.

Air Travel with Kids: Survival Tips for Parents and Fellow Passengers: Flying with small children can be stressful, whether you're the parent or another passenger. Try these ideas to help you cope!

10 OCONUS Military Resorts and Recreation Centers You Should Try: When wanderlust takes over, and you MUST experience overseas travel, read this list for descriptions of affordable locations you might be unfamiliar with.

Space-A Flights: Catch a Hop from These CONUS Bases: Hoping to catch a "hop" on a Space-A Flight? We're sharing the best CONUS bases for catching Space-A flights and their most common destinations.

4 Reasons to Use Military Campgrounds and Lodging for PCS and Leisure Travel: Safety, convenience, and low budget are some of the best words to describe travel. If you haven’t tried camping, now is the time!

See more MilitaryByOwner travel blog posts here.

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Military Discounts in Popular U.S. Destinations

California

You can find military travel deals up and down the coast of California, including areas around Camp Pendleton, the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, and installations near San Francisco.

San Diego

San Diego is an all-inclusive destination with gorgeous beaches, fabulous restaurants, and numerous entertainment options.

First, take advantage of affordable military lodging at several bases in the San Diego area:

Waves of Honor Program–SeaWorld San Diego

The Waves of Honor program is available at many United Parks & Resorts Inc. properties across the country, including SeaWorld San Diego.

Waves of Honor offers any U.S. active duty military, reservist, or National Guardsman one complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego, along with free admission for up to three direct dependents. Admission is for a single visit.

San Francisco

If your travels take you to Northern California, look for availability at the Marines' Memorial Club. The hotel isn’t an official military lodging facility but a club/hotel exclusively for uniformed service personnel, active duty, retirees, and their guests.

This hotel is a living memorial to Marines who lost their lives in the Pacific during WWII. Although its rates are slightly higher than those of the other facilities mentioned, they are still considerably lower than those of other hotels in the area. It is located in San Francisco, with easy access to cable cars and other attractions.

Florida

Orlando Area

A favorite destination for military families is always Walt Disney World in Florida. It’s a fantastic place to spend time with family, and there are phenomenal savings thanks to Shades of Green, one of the Armed Forces Recreational Centers (AFRC resort) on Disney’s grounds.

This beautiful resort is in the middle of Magic Kingdom and supplies free transportation to all Disney resorts. Two championship golf courses surround it, and a stay includes access to two pools and a fitness center. The resort also has dining, shopping, and laundry facilities.

If the resort is full on your desired travel days, they will help you find nearby availability. For more savings, check with the ITT office at your military installation to purchase discount tickets in advance. They also have discount tickets available for most Orlando-area attractions.

Space Coast

While in Florida, you may also want to visit the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral because there is so much to see and explore, like the Space Center. You can find discounted tickets at your local MWR office.

Reservations at The Space Coast Inn on Patrick SFB in Cocoa Beach are always popular, and with low nightly rates, this trip won't break the bank.

Hawaii

Ah, yes, Hawaii is a beautiful tropical destination that can cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy. But don’t get discouraged about the expenses. Excellent military facilities make this resort destination affordable.

The Hale Koa is another AFRC property on the beach at Waikiki, Oahu. Its mission statement is "to operate a first-class hotel and recreation facility at affordable prices for military members and their families." It almost sounds too good to be true, but many families vouch that it is everything it claims to be!

While there may be affordable lodging in Hawaii, including the many local base lodging options, you’re probably thinking about the airfare to get there. Well, this is where the real adventure comes in. You could consider Space-A flight travel.

While this mode of transportation is risky because you’re essentially flying standby, it's probably also the cheapest way you will ever fly. Consider this option carefully, but if you're able to adjust your travel dates at either end of your trip, this inexpensive way to travel long distances could be the perfect solution.

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New York

Many military families living on the East Coast (especially Washington, DC, and northward) plan at least one trip to New York.

New York City

The City That Never Sleeps is an accessible getaway that has the potential to be relatively easy via trains, buses, or airplanes, but plan ahead to avoid high prices and heavy traffic.

Take advantage of these military discounts to save money on events and lodging while in the city:

USO New York Ticket Program and USO Fort Hamilton: Local attraction tickets, including Broadway
Navy Lodge Staten Island: Free Staten Island ferry to NYC
Fort Wadsworth Lodging: Townhomes available for rent
Fort Hamilton Lodging: at the base of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in Brooklyn, with free on-site parking

Historic Hudson Valley

Although the Hudson Valley might not pop into your head first when planning a trip to New York, don’t forget about this gorgeous location, home to the Army’s esteemed Military Academy, West Point. Check out the IHG hotel on campus for savings and convenience.

The Hudson River provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities, wine trails, river cruises, and historic sightseeing.

Virginia

If U.S. history, days lounging in the sunshine, and amusement parks are some of your favorite travel activities, you’ll love the Tidewater region of Virginia.

Williamsburg

With its rich history, Colonial Williamsburg offers abundant cultural activities enjoyed and shared by multiple generations. Visitors often spend several days exploring hands-on exhibits and immersive replicas of buildings and businesses of the era. You can also visit the original homestead sites of some of the first European settlers in the U.S.

Colonial Williamsburg offers free and discounted tickets to military members, veterans, and family.

In Williamsburg, you're also minutes away from Water Country USA and Busch Gardens. Both parks are family favorites and belong to the Waves of Honor program. If you need lodging, take advantage of the excellent recreational facilities at the Cheatham Annex in Williamsburg, VA. You can rent recreational cabins and camping spaces, and have the chance to participate in various events and activities near the site.

Virginia Beaches

If a relaxing seaside vacation is more your idea of fun, then one of the facilities on Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story-Little Creek is the perfect location. These facilities provide an affordable seaside vacation for all military members and their families.

Choose from hotel rooms, cottages, or campgrounds, all with spectacular views and access to the Atlantic Ocean. If you stay at the Cottages at Dam Neck in Virginia Beach, you'll enjoy Virginia’s distinct seasons on the coast. The Cottages offers affordable prices for two- and three-bedroom oceanfront cottages for weekly rental during the peak summer months

Washington, DC

While in Virginia, venture north to visit our nation's capital. A few hours from the Virginia Beach/Williamsburg area, you'll find more to do in Washington, DC, than you have time for! Most attractions, like the Smithsonian museums, are free, making the trip affordable.

There are numerous military installations in DC, Virginia, and Maryland, so you should have no problem finding updated, affordable lodging. A good place to start is Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Historia Collection near Arlington National Cemetery, or at the Staybridge Suites on Fort Belvoir, close to the National Museum of the United States Army and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

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Military Travel Deals for OCONUS Destinations

Germany

Bask in the beauty of the Bavarian Alps in Germany. AFRC’s Edelweiss resort provides high adventure in one of the premier sporting areas in Germany. The resort has spacious guest rooms and cozy log cabins nestled among the picturesque Alps. You also enjoy access to a wellness club, pools, spas, dining, and guided tours. This is a picturesque place to visit year-round!

South Korea

If traveling to Asia appeals to you, the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, South Korea, is the perfect destination. Located in the heart of Seoul, you can explore the rich and diverse South Korean culture. Visit museums, art exhibits, teahouses, landmarks, and more. The AFRC resort has beautiful rooms and access to a health club, pool, dining, and lounges.

Hotel, Airline, and Dining Military Discounts

When traveling, expenses add up quickly, so taking advantage of military discounts along the way is helpful.

Some of your favorite restaurants, like IHOP, Applebee's, Red Robin, Red Lobster, and Chili’s, are known for offering discounted meals, but these vary by location and franchise.

Hotel and Lodging Discounts

Although military lodging is an amazing perk, availability is sometimes lacking, or the locations aren’t convenient for excursions. National brand hotels offer competitive military discounts. It's worth comparing prices before booking.

Hotel chains offering military discounts:

Airline Discounts and Travel Perks

Many airlines charge fees for checked baggage, so it's beneficial to check with the various airlines ahead of time to see if they offer waived fees for active-duty military personnel and their dependents. The websites also describe ticket discounts and partner services, like car rentals.

Airlines offering military discounts:

Making the Most of Military Travel Deals and Discounts

Wherever your travels take your family on vacation, we hope it’s a safe and fun journey! Want more travel tips and resources? Click the image below to download your free guide to military family travel.

Military Travel Deals and Discounts

Dawn M. Smith