Military Travel Discounts

Everyday I am thankful for our military. To show their appreciation for those who serve (or have served) many resorts, attractions and hotels offer special discounts just the men and women who keep our nation safe. These current promotions and discounts are ongoing offers exclusively for armed forces.

Disney World Accommodations, FL – There are some great discounts offered by Disney directly, but something military families might want to look into is the military only resort located right next to the Magic Kingdom called Shades of Green! Michael from ‘Explore the Magic’ adds, “Families can walk to Disney’s Polynesian Resort for the night time camp fire (bring your own marshmallows for roasting), Electrical Water Pageant and outdoor movies which are all free!”

The Discount – It’s not so much as a “discount” as it is an exclusive deal for the military. Pricing has many variables and it is limited to military personnel.

Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA – It’s the oldest and largest living history museums in the nation which depicts life in an early New England town of the 1830s. All active and career retired military and their families (up to 6 people) receive free regular daytime admission, with an additional 25% off for others in the party. Old Sturbridge Village features historic buildings, water-powered mills, and a working farm. Authentically costumed historians, called interpreters, carry out the daily activities of an early-nineteenth-century community, and visitors can see cooking at the hearth as well as the printer, potter, cooper, tinner, blacksmith and shoemaker at work.

The Discount – Veteran military receive a 50% discount year-round with an additional 25% discount for others in their party.

Myrtle Beach, SC – As the former home to the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base for nearly 40 years, the Myrtle Beach area understands the pivotal role the Armed Forces play in keeping this nation safe and the sacrifices these brave men and women make every day. As a way of saying thank you to those who defend our freedom, the Grand Strand offers discounted rates at a variety of resorts along the destination’s 60 miles of pristine beaches.

The Discount – There are many hotels that participate in this promotion. The full list can be found by clicking here. Discounts hover around the 20% off range.

Virgin Islands, US – Enjoy warm weather year-round! Enjoy the historic St. Croix, tranquil St. John and the cosmopolitan St. Thomas. The territory has a variety of activities to offer everyone including sunset sails, snorkeling, hiking trails, ziplining and more. You can also enjoy the highest duty-free shopping allowance in the Caribbean.

The Discount – The USVI Department of Tourism offers all military personnel special offers including a $50 dining certificate, $50 retail certificate, and $50 activity certificate for water sports, golf, and more when you book your getaway and register at http://usvigetaway.com/military. USE reference booking code VIMIL10.

Aspen Meadows Resort, Colorado – Situated on 40 meandering acres, Aspen Meadows is only five minutes from the heart of Aspen in the historic West End. Home to the Aspen Institute, whose core ideals are to harmonize the mind, body and spirit, it is no wonder that this property is so serene, peaceful and a ‘gem’ of the Aspen community. Aspen Meadows Resort is comprised of 98 guest suites ranging from studios to two bedroom suites, all of which feature a private patio or balcony.

The Discount – Up to 30% off accommodations. Book via Dolce Salute to Heroes.

Another option military travelers can enjoy is Brown Paper Tickets Salutes. The crowdfunding program provides free event tickets for life for military families in cities across the country. That’s not just a discount for military — these are FREE tickets. Whether you are traveling to a fun destination and just looking for some fun events to attend, or they just want to have a great staycation and enjoy yourself, these free event tickets are available across the country! Those who want to give to US military families can also buy a ticket that will get into their hands, or they can choose to produce their next fundraiser or event with Brown Paper Tickets for free, and easily say Thank you to those who have served.

A wonderful source who deals with military life and traveling also gave me a wonderful perspective and tips to share. A special thanks to the Military Mom who added these great tips!

*Waves of Honor – This program is good at Sea World, Sesame Place, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and Water Country USA. Military and their dependents can visit one of these parks, once a year for free.

*Disney is awesome! You can lock on a Park Hopper pass through a MWR/ITT office and it saves so much money. I mean tons! You can also get special military promos through these MWR/ITT offices as well that civilians can’t get.

*Disney Cruise Line really takes care of military too. They have specific cruises set aside for military and it is really affordable. Other cruise lines such as; Norweigan, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity all have military discounts.

*For adventures in Hawaii, my biggest tip is to utilize the MWR/ITT offices for discounted, BOGO and “Kama-Aina” tickets. Avoid using promos for attractions, Luau’s, boat cruises from hotels or vendors; the Navy MWR/ITT and USMC MWR/ITT are great! There are the cottages on Bellows AFB. Tourists and Locals can’t get these and this is a part of Hawaii that cannot be overlooked. Waimea Falls are $5 off, Hanuama Bay Nature Preserve is free, with the exception of snorkel rental if you need it. There is the Hale Koa for military only lodging. Tons of tourist shops and local eateries also offer discounts.

*Navy Gateway Inn & Suites are great to stay at and are generally in very tourist type locations. They are clean, affordable and peace and mind of being on a base if you prefer that.

*Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio also offers a $15 discount.