For military members, veterans, and their families, quality time together is invaluable, and enjoying new experiences can be an excellent way to relax and bond. Fortunately, many businesses recognize the sacrifices made by the military community and offer travel and entertainment discounts as a show of appreciation. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or just looking for affordable ways to enjoy time together, these discounts can help make your plans more budget-friendly.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best travel and entertainment discounts available to military families.
1. National Park Passes
National parks provide stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and a great way for families to spend time together while exploring nature. The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass offers a free annual pass to active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents, giving them access to over 2,000 sites, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
Eligibility: Active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families.
Benefits: Free access to all national parks, lands, and waters managed by federal agencies.
This pass allows you and your family to enjoy incredible destinations like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains without any entrance fees.
2. Airline Discounts
Several airlines offer special discounts or perks for military members, veterans, and their families, which can make air travel more affordable and convenient.
American Airlines offers discounted fares for military personnel, and veterans enrolled in Veterans Advantage can also access special rates.
Delta Airlines provides discounted fares and sometimes waives baggage fees for active-duty military members.
Southwest Airlines offers special military fares and waives baggage fees for active-duty members.
These discounts vary by airline, so it’s always worth checking with your chosen carrier when booking a flight. Additionally, some airlines offer lounge access to active-duty members and their families, adding comfort to your travel experience.
3. Cruise Line Deals
For those looking to set sail, several cruise lines extend discounts to military members and veterans.
Carnival Cruise Line offers reduced fares for active-duty and retired military, including their families, on many of their cruises.
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also provide discounts to military personnel, with special rates and sometimes additional onboard perks.
With these discounts, you can explore destinations from the Caribbean to Alaska at a lower cost, allowing your family to experience relaxation and adventure on the open sea.
4. Amusement Park Discounts
Amusement parks are a favorite destination for families, and military members can find special offers at many popular parks across the country.
Disney’s Armed Forces Salute: Both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida offer the Military Salute Ticket program. Active-duty military, reservists, and retirees can purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to five family members or friends.
Universal Studios: Both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando offer discounts for military families, including promotional ticket prices and reduced rates for hotel accommodations.
SeaWorld: Active-duty military and their families are eligible for Waves of Honor, which provides one free admission per year to SeaWorld locations.
These discounts make it easier to plan exciting trips to top theme parks without breaking the bank.
5. Hotel and Resort Discounts
From city stays to beachside resorts, many hotels and resorts extend military discounts, making accommodation more affordable for families.
Marriott Hotels: Many Marriott hotels offer military discounts to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Marriott also includes military-specific deals for their vacation club properties, like Marriott Vacation Club.
Hilton Hotels: Hilton provides a Military Family Rate for active-duty members, veterans, and their families across participating hotels in the U.S. and worldwide.
Wyndham Hotels: Wyndham Rewards offers special rates for military personnel, with up to 15% off the best available rate at over 8,000 properties globally.
These discounts can significantly lower lodging costs, whether you’re planning a vacation, traveling for a family event, or taking a much-needed weekend getaway.
6. Discounted Tickets for Shows, Sports, and Attractions
Military families can enjoy discounted tickets to concerts, theater shows, sports events, and other entertainment options through organizations dedicated to providing affordable experiences to service members.
Vet Tix: The Veteran Tickets Foundation, known as Vet Tix, offers free and discounted event tickets to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. These tickets cover a range of events, from concerts and theater performances to major sports games.
Tickets for Troops: Some venues and event organizers offer free or heavily discounted tickets through the Tickets for Troops program, providing a chance to enjoy live entertainment without the high costs.
These programs make it possible for military families to enjoy a night out or attend a game with friends without stretching the budget.
7. Museum and Cultural Institution Discounts
Many museums, zoos, and cultural attractions provide free or discounted admission for military families, allowing you to explore educational and historical sites together.
Blue Star Museums: In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families at over 2,000 museums across the country from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Smithsonian Museums: Located in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian museums are free to the public year-round, and military members can access special exhibits and programs.
From art museums to science centers, these discounts allow military families to access enriching experiences at a reduced cost.
8. Travel Insurance Discounts
Military families may benefit from special rates on travel insurance, ensuring that their trips are protected in case of last-minute cancellations or delays.
USAA: USAA offers travel insurance for members and their families, often at discounted rates. This can cover trip cancellation, interruptions, and emergency medical expenses.
American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA): AAFMAA offers financial services, including travel insurance, to military families, providing peace of mind during travel.
Travel insurance can be especially valuable for families dealing with the unpredictability of military life, ensuring that any changes in travel plans are covered.
Conclusion
For military members, veterans, and their families, traveling and enjoying entertainment together is more affordable and accessible than ever, thanks to a variety of discounts offered in appreciation of their service. From exploring national parks and theme parks to catching live events and staying in discounted hotels, these benefits make it easier for military families to create meaningful memories together.
Before booking your next trip or purchasing tickets for a family outing, take advantage of the discounts and programs specifically designed for military families. Not only will these benefits save you money, but they’ll also ensure that your time together is filled with exciting and enriching experiences.
Written By: HelpVet.net
Photo Credit: Canva
