Summer Travel for Military Families: Save 50% This Season
This summer, military families can enjoy incredible travel savings of up to 50% on flights, hotels, cruise packages, and more. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, exploring historic cities, or setting off on a cruise, service members—active, retired, or reserve – and their dependents have access to exclusive deals that make travel more affordable than ever.
1. Flights: Free Bags + Extra Savings
Major airlines offer generous military perks:
Free checked baggage—usually 2–5 bags depending on fare class and destination.
5%–10% off base fare, often with no advance-purchase requirement on select carriers.
Priority boarding and lounge access for active-duty personnel.
These benefits mean immediate savings and fewer stress points during check-in and boarding—especially welcome for families traveling with children.
2. Hotels: Military Rates & Elite Status
Hotels frequently roll out special military discounts—anywhere from 10% to 20% off the standard rates:
Chains like Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Motel 6 offer military family rates. Booking codes like “MILVET” can unlock deeper savings of 10–15%.
WeSalute members (for a small annual fee) can earn extra reductions with Choice, Wyndham, Red Roof, and others.
Some hotels award military families with elite status, bringing perks like late checkout, lounge access, and bonus points (e.g., Best Western Gold, Choice Gold).
Booking ahead and using appropriate rate codes can significantly reduce vacation costs.
3. Car Rentals & Bundles
Membership services (such as WeSalute) offer 35% off car rentals and enhanced loyalty program status
Military-focused booking platforms like Armed Forces Vacation Club provide affordable rental packages
Bundled vacations—including flights, hotels, and cars—can yield savings of up to $150 or 3% off when booked through providers like ALG Vacations and Funjet
4. Cruises & Full Packages
Summer cruise vacations are especially worthwhile:
American Forces Travel, the DoD’s official leisure travel portal, offers up to 50% off hotels, flights, cars, packages—and up to 80% off cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Military Appreciation Program gives active and retired U.S. (and Canadian) military members 10% off cruise fares, plus perks like unlimited open bar and free airfare
Other cruise lines and third-party vendors, like Military Cruise Deals, often feature 40–50% discounts and free insurance for family members
When combined, these offers can reduce cruise-package prices significantly, with added perks for families and veterans.
5. Space‑A and MWR – Even Simpler Options
Space‑Available (Space‑A) travel, coordinated by Morale‑Welfare‑Recreation offices, allows active-duty families to travel for free—or pay minimal charges—on military flights. Though seats aren’t guaranteed, this option remains a budget-friendly classic
MWR (Morale-Welfare-Recreation) offices across military bases offer discounted tickets, resort stays, cruises, and more through organizations like American Forces Travel and AFVC
6. Speak With a Travel Agent – Why It Helps
You might wonder: why call a travel advisor?
✅ Expert guidance & personalized support
Not all deals populate on public websites. Travel agents specializing in military travel (especially with Travel Advisor Internationals) can:
Help verify eligibility and documentation
Combine multiple discounts and booking codes
Add family perks, travel insurance, and add-ons
Assist with itinerary tweaks, upgrades, and emergency adjustments
✅ Time-saving
Military families juggling PCS moves, schedules, and deployments don’t always have hours to sort flights, hotels, and rental codes. An agent does the heavy lifting—letting you focus on planning fun.
✅ Access to unpublished offers
Agents often receive exclusive coupons—like Military Star badge hotel perks or hidden cruise fare codes—not available elsewhere.
✅ Emergency backup
If plans change—weather cancellations or flight delays—agents are there to rebook on the fly, reducing stress and hassle.
Sample Itinerary: Florida Family Fun
| Category | Typical Discount | Estimate Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 5% base fare + 2 free bags | $100 on a $2,000 booking |
| Hotel Stay | 15% military rate + elite upgrade | $200 on a 7-night stay |
| Rental Car | 35% off mid-sized SUV | $100 |
| Cruise Add-on | 50% on family cruise package | $500 |
| Total | — | ≈ $900 saved |
* Estimates vary by destination and season.
What You Should Do Next
Verify your eligibility – Confirm active, retired, reserve, or dependent status with valid military ID or documentation.
Connect with our agent – Call Travel Advisor Internationals today to discuss destinations, travel dates, and family needs.
Ask about bundle deals – You may combine flights, hotels, cruises, and car rentals for EVEN deeper discounts.
Plan shopping vs. booking timing – Summer’s peak travel time means booking early often saves the most.
Request updates and backup plans – If unexpected delays occur, an agent can rebook or swap options quickly.
✨ Why Act Now?
Summer is peak travel season—deals can vanish fast.
Early bookings secure better rooms, seating, and availability.
Travel plans leave room for deployments, TDYs, or PCS orders—an agent can help adjust seamlessly.
Booking now locks in military rates before schedules tighten later.
In Summary
Military families enjoy a suite of benefits this summer:
Up to 50% discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises
Free or reduced baggage fees and priority boarding
Hotel elite perks, like free breakfast, late checkout, and lounge access
Emergency support and planning help through a trusted travel advisor
Don’t miss out. Families, talk to one of our agents today at Travel Advisor Internationals—we’ll help you plan a stress-free, unforgettable summer vacation while maximizing the savings you deserve.
