Summer is just around the corner, and we bet you’re itching for a vacation. Lucky for you, active duty and retired military personnel and their families can access various travel assistance resources and savings. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or hike in the mountains, there’s a way to travel more for less. In this blog, we share online booking resources and other tips exclusive to military personnel and their families, so you can enjoy a trip without breaking the bank.
Travel Resources for Military Families
American Forces Travel is a convenient, one-stop online travel booking website exclusively for active and retired service members, their families, honorably discharged veterans, and Defense Department civilians. They offer military discounts and help fund other current and future MWR programs. Offerings include the following:
- Domestic and international flights (no booking fees)
- Hotels worldwide
- Rental cars (free cancellation on postpaid cars)
- Vacation packages (check out their trip planning tool)
- Cruises (exclusive deals on top cruise lines)
- Concerts, sporting events, and theater tickets (with no fees)
When you book through American Forces Travel, savings include the list below:
- Hotels rooms up to 50% off
- Cruise packages with up to 80% savings
- Discounts on rental cars averaging $10-18 per day
Another online booking resource is the Armed Forces Vacation Club. Becoming an Armed Forces Vacation Club member gives all active, retired, and veteran military members access to exciting vacation destinations worldwide with exclusive discounts on resorts, hotels, and more. And the best part is - membership is free. However, they offer a premium membership members can upgrade to which offers more benefits and deeper discounts.
Other Ways to Travel & Save
In addition to the travel services we mentioned above, there are other ways to help stretch your vacation budget.
Military Discounts
Before you go on a trip, research hotels, car rentals, and event/attraction tickets (like Disney World and Colonial Williamsburg) that take military discounts in the city you’re visiting. Many hotel chains, including some of the largest in the world, offer military discounts.
Staying on Bases
Speaking of lodging, service members and their families can stay at hotels on military bases nationwide, helping you save on rooms.
Enjoy Airport Lounges
Many major U.S. airports offer United Service Organizations (USO) lounges, offering free snacks and drinks, internet, and a place to relax between flights.
National Parks
Active-duty personnel along with veterans and their families get free access to National Parks. There may be a small fee to reserve a campsite if you decide to camp there. This is a wonderful perk that’s perfect for a quick summertime trip.
There are many benefits of being an active, retired, and veteran military member, and many organizations there to help. In addition to military discounts and exclusive travel deals, military members can enjoy better rates on home loans, exceptional retirement plan options, and healthcare at low to no cost.
Military Member Benefits with GEA
At GEA, we provide government employees and their families with valuable healthcare benefits at an affordable cost. Our TRICARE and CHAMPVA Supplemental plans wrap around existing TRICARE and CHAMPVA insurance plans, which can help cover medical-related costs that aren’t covered. GEA members are also eligible for our Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance plans, with dental plans starting as low as $15/month and vision plans starting at $12/month. Check if you’re eligible and explore more GEA membership benefits today.
