A summer vacation, winter holiday, or even just a weekend getaway can raise your spirits, relax your mind, or bring military families together to create lifelong memories. It's always the perfect time to take advantage of amazing vacation 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!
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.
Or, do your own research and search through military facilities near any destination you have in mind. The Department of Defense Lodging website gathers all of the branches’ properties and is a portal for reservations, not just for a PCS, but also for vacation plans.
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.
Photo from Canva
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 best (and free!) resources:
Navy Lodge North Island - photo from Navy Lodge
You can find 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 is an all-inclusive destination with gorgeous beaches, fabulous restaurants, and numerous entertainment options.
First, take advantage of affordable lodging at several bases in the San Diego area.
You probably know of the Waves of Honor program available at many United Parks & Resorts Inc. properties across the country, including Sea World, San Diego. “Waves of Honor permits any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman to one complimentary admission per year for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents.”
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 a bit higher than those of the other facilities mentioned, they are still considerably less than those of other hotels in the area. It is located in San Francisco, with easy access to cable cars and other attractions.
Shades of Green - photo from Armymwr.com
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) on Disney’s grounds.
This beautiful resort is in the middle of the 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.
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 AFB in Cocoa Beach are always popular, and with low nightly rates, this trip won't break the bank.
Hale Koa Pool Complex, photo from Hale Koa
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 can adjust your travel dates at either end of your trip, this inexpensive way to travel long distances could be the perfect solution.
NYC skyline - photo from Shutterstock
Many military families living on the East Coast (especially Washington, DC and North) often plan at least one trip to New York.
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.
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.
Photo from Canva
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.
With its rich history, Colonial Williamsburg has abundant cultural activities enjoyed and shared by multiple generations. Visitors often spend several days exploring hands-on exhibits and immersible 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.
In Williamsburg, you're also just 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. They rent recreational cabins and camping spaces and the chance to participate in various events and activities near the site.
If a relaxing vacation seaside 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 appreciate Virginia’s distinct seasons on the coast. They offer affordable prices for two and three bedroom oceanfront cottages for weekly rental during the peak summer months.
The Capitol and Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC. - photo from Shutterstock
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! Most attractions, like the Smithsonian collection, 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 Ft. Belvoir, close to the National Museum of the United States Army and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Photo from Edelweiss Lodge & Resort
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!
If 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.
When traveling, expenses add up fast, so sometimes, taking advantage of military discounts along the way is helpful, especially if you’re hungry! Some of your favorite restaurants, like IHOP, Applebee's, Red Robin, Red Lobster, and Chili’s, are known for offering discounted meals, but they vary by location and franchise.
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 brands’ prices before booking.
Many airlines charge fees for checked baggage, so it is 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.
Wherever your travels take your family on vacation we hope it’s a safe and fun journey! Want more tips and resources? Click the image below to download your free guide to military family travel.