PLAN YOUR GETAWAY: THE BEST VETERANS DAY TRAVEL DEALS FOR 2024
Unlike many other holidays, traveling during Veterans Day can be more difficult for families. However, for the military community, this can also mean freebies, discounts, and less stress. Veterans Day travel deals are available for attractions in your backyard and across the country. Check out our list of great, money-saving travel deals in 2024 for Veterans and military families.
8 Veterans Day Travel Deals You Won’t Want to Miss
Here at VeteranLife, we work to bring you the best in military culture, which includes Veterans Day travel deals. However, these third party offers are subject to change any time. Be sure to double-check any deal and read the fine print before you commit. Also, have your military ID at the ready. Nevertheless, here are eight great options to travel for less.
1. American Forces Travel
American Forces Travel is an exclusive online travel booking platform for the U.S. military community, providing substantial discounts and supporting Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs.
Through Priceline, active and retired service members, their families, honorably discharged Veterans, and DoD civilians receive discounted travel arrangements. This includes no booking fees and reduced fees when changing the following:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Rental cars
- Cruises
- Vacation packages
- And more
Priceline doesn't charge for bookings or cancellations, but other suppliers may have their own fees and terms. Regardless, American Forces Travel remains a bargain for the military community, enabling travel to a variety of locations worldwide at a fraction of the cost.
2. National Parks
Of all the Veterans Day weekend travel deals, it’s hard to argue that any are more patriotic than free admission to America’s National Parks. Free to enter on Veterans Day for Vets, both active-duty military and Gold Star Families receive free passes to see America the beautiful.
Events and tributes are going on all weekend long, with many of the sites in the National Park System involving our nation’s military directly.
Be it battlegrounds, military sites, or you’re simply looking to get outdoors, there are several options throughout the country.
3. Your Local Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears…oh, and deals! You can save money on Veterans Day travel far and wide visiting many of the zoos and aquariums found throughout the country.
However, each location may vary on its terms and conditions. Despite this, many zoos in the U.S. honor Vets by providing free admission. You can often find discounts and/or free admission for active duty military as well as families within the military community.
Here are some of the best places to go on an adventure and see some of nature’s most interesting creatures up close and personal:
- Akron Zoo
- Baton Rouge Zoo
- Birmingham Zoo
- Blue Zoo Spokane
- Buttonwood Park Zoo
- Cincinnati Zoo
- Columbus Zoo
- Indianapolis Zoo
- Louisville Zoo
- Montgomery Zoo
- NEW Zoo (Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo)
- Nashville Zoo
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
- Pueblo Zoo
- San Antonio Zoo
- Sedgwick County Zoo
- Sequoia Park Zoo
- Sunset Zoo (Manhattan)
- Tulsa Zoo
- Woodland Park Zoo
- Zoo Atlanta
- Zoo Miami
4. B&Bs for Vets
The Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP) offers Veterans and active duty military members BOGO and/or free overnight stays for Veterans Day weekend.
Furthermore, through the B&Bs for Vets Program, you can stay at one of the many bed and breakfast locations participating in the event. Although anyone who qualifies is allowed to participate, priority access is provided to those who have never used the opportunity before.
Therefore, if you have already participated in the program, and others have not, they will likely receive a turn should the available slots become full.
5. Expedia Limited Time Military Travel Deals
Expedia’s military-only travel deals are the company’s way of giving back to those who protect us every single day. Active duty and Veterans can enjoy this perk; however, here’s what you’re going to need to know:
- You can book hotels, flights, rental vehicles, or a combination of these accommodations.
- It’s important to note that these benefits aren’t always available.
- If you’re feeling impulsive and want to take a trip, Expedia is a great site to bookmark.
- However, if you’re planning a trip on short notice, you should also have other options.
Enjoy this perk on Veterans Day and all year long. Just be sure to check throughout the year and to always have a plan B.
6. La Quinta by Wyndham
La Quinta by Wyndham is offering active and retired military 12% off "Best Available Rate" at participating locations across the U.S.
This discount makes it the perfect opportunity for Veterans and their families to book that long overdue getaway. With the weather getting colder across the country, Veterans and their families can escape the cold and enjoy a tropical vacation during the holidays this year.
In addition to the 12% discount, and in honor of Veterans Day, Wyndham rewards members get a 1,000 bonus points for booking a stay by December 6th. You just have to redeem your stay by December 31, 2024.
7. Sandals Resorts
Next up on our list of exciting and affordable travel deals is Sandals Resorts.
Most likely, you have heard of Sandals through their TV commercials, showcasing great deals on all-inclusive Caribbean vacations for couples looking to get away, connect, and form lasting memories.
Well, from now to November 16th, they are offering active and retired military members (including Reserve and the National Guard) a 15% discount on top of their regular special promotions. This discount is applicable to all regular promotions. So, relax, kick back and enjoy your vacation in paradise.
8. Rental Car Companies
If you plan on going a lot of places, seeing various sites, and wish to relax on various beaches, then renting a car might be a desirable action. Having access to your own car, and not having to rely on a taxi or Uber service can be quite convenient. This is especially true if you have a packed itinerary every day of your vacation. Here are some rental car companies that are offering discounts and deals to Veterans.
Hertz is offering Vets 20% off the base rental rate if you book from November 7th through the 11th and pick up November 11th through January 31st.
Avis is not offering a specific Veterans Day deal this year, but the company does offer Veterans, active duty military, National Guard & Reservists and their families up to 25% off car rental for those who are Veterans Advantage members.
Enterprise also isn’t offering specific Veterans Day travel deals this year, but they do offer a 5% discount off base rates. If you meet the official government travel requirements, as set forth by Enterprise, you can qualify for specific contracted rates. Their goal is to help ease the financial burden of travel for military and government personnel.
Explore America for Less Through Veterans Day Travel Deals
Serving our nation means sacrifice. Thankfully, many organizations are recognizing what it takes. Furthermore, Veterans Day travel deals are a great way to see our nation without breaking the bank. Don’t forget, even beyond November 11, many companies offer discounted and free travel options for Vets and active duty military. So, while Veterans Day is a time when Veterans and servicemembers can find great travel deals, there are also several money-saving options to explore all year long. Be sure to check out your local museums, zoos, amusement parks, and restaurants to find more money-saving ways to celebrate and honor the Veterans in your life this year.
Updated by Lauren Piette
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