Contribution by MilitaryByOwner
There’s a good chance your military family was used to the busy travel life prior to the onset of the pandemic, so travel restrictions were particularly brutal on morale. By now the wanderlust has probably conquered your home and everyone is bursting with pent-up travel energy. You’re not alone; it seems almost everyone has at least one trip planned in the coming months.
One of the perks of living in the military is the plethora of discounted military travel options, from Discounts on hotel stays and RV rental at reduced prices for flight and event tickets. There are definitely more than a few ways to save some money while on vacation or even PCS travel. Sometimes the problem is just remembering them. Tuck away this guide to military travel discounts so you won’t forget about it on your next trip.
Go-to travel resources for military families
Let’s start with the time-tested discounts you’ve probably heard of or used several times. While you probably know about these, it’s a good idea to check out how their prices, amenities, and restrictions have changed.
Armed Forces Recreational Centers
Yes, you’ve tried Shades of Green (probably several times) and sought refuge at Dragon Hill Lodge, but have you thought of planning a German adventure in the Alps at Edelweiss Lodge in Garmisch? Or are the Hawaiian Islands on your bucket list? Now is the time to use the rank and eligibility booking system to maximize your discounts.
- Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu
- Green shades in Orlando
- Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany
- Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, South Korea
If you are stationed in or near Japan, you may want to head to Tokyo and check-in at The New Sanno. It’s not part of the AFRC but offers resort-style stays at family-friendly prices.
You know you heard about this club but didn’t sit down to investigate because you wonder if you can really rent a room or condo on a resort for $ 379 for seven days. Yes you can. Visit US travel hotspots like Orlando and Las Vegas (and everywhere in between), but you can also tour OCONUS to see if the Dominican Republic or Mexico are viable options on the shortlist for retirement destinations.
New and updated military travel resources
Now let’s introduce you to some military travel resources that you probably haven’t heard of. They could become your next stop for a family vacation or during a PCS trip.
New in 2021, all branches of the military are invited to try the new MWR and Priceline program, created to extend military discounts to all forms of travel, including hotels, rental cars, package tours, flights, cruises and event tickets. The website is open to all five branches of the military, but you will need to confirm your active service status through a DEERS portal on the login page.
RV and camping destinations
More than ever Military families love the RV and camping life, not only for vacation, but unfortunately also to fill gaps in apartments during the PCS transitions. Living longer in campsites can be stressful, so it’s a good idea to inquire about amenities and availability before boarding.
Don’t forget, if you are renting an RV or RV for a road trip, ask for a military discount. Companies like Bates International, American Dream Vacations, and Roadrunner RV Rental offer military and veteran discounts on active duty.
Camping and rental of military bases
Check the MWR or Outdoor Recreation Centers of your nearest military base. More and more bases are offering mobile home and mobile home rentals for daily and weekly rentals. Check out these options.
- Fort Belvoir, Virginia, (near Washington, DC) has well-known touring campers starting at $ 104 per night.
- NAS Corpus Christi RV Park, Texas offers parking for $ 20.
- Common Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Outdoor Recreation Center rents RVs for $ 107 per day in addition to caravan and boat rentals.
If you weren’t ready to take to the streets, now should you be! There are many cheap travel options across the country. You just need to know and plan ahead because you won’t be alone. Military and civilians alike are screaming to get away, so make reservations early!
Stay up to date with military discounts
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