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.
Suggested read: What Is Veterans Day 2023? Honoring All Who Served
5 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 five 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.
Related read: Find the Funniest Veterans Day Meme Here
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.
Read next: Are Banks Closed on Veterans Day? – Understanding Bank Holidays