As summer approaches, many people are starting to plan their vacations. Whether it’s a road trip, beach getaway or international adventure, we all know that travel expenses can add up quickly. Luckily, military personnel and their families have access to lots of special discounts and offers that can significantly reduce the cost. And with Military Appreciation Month in effect, it’s the perfect time to explore ways to save on your next summer adventure.
Summer travel and the military community
Summer travel offers a chance to unwind, explore new destinations and create lasting memories with loved ones. For members of the military community, many airlines, hotels, car rental companies and tourist attractions offer special discounts for military personnel and their families. These discounts can range from reduced airfare and hotel rates to complimentary upgrades and additional perks. By taking advantage of these offers, military families can stretch their travel budget further and enjoy more experiences during their summer getaway.
Navy Federal Credit Union: Supporting military families
One institution dedicated to supporting military families is Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). As the largest credit union in the United States, Navy Federal offers a range of financial products and services tailored to the unique needs of military members, veterans and their families.
Navy Federal provides exclusive discounts and benefits for its members, including special offers on travel-related expenses. From discounted hotel stays to rewards on travel purchases, NFCU helps military families save money on their summer adventures. Additionally, NFCU offers travel insurance and assistance services to provide peace of mind while traveling.
Tips for saving on summer travel
Check out these tips for service members and their families to save money on summer travel with military discounts:
- Plan ahead: Research the available military discounts and offers before booking your trip. Many airlines and hotels have specific procedures for claiming military discounts, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with their policies.
- Join loyalty programs: Sign up for loyalty programs offered by airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Many of these programs offer additional discounts and rewards for military members.
- Use military-friendly travel agencies: Some travel agencies specialize in serving the military community and offer exclusive deals and packages for military personnel and their families. A couple of examples are Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs on installations and Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC),
- Be flexible with travel dates: Military members only have so much wiggle room when it comes to logistics of when and where they can travel. But when possible, flexibility with travel dates could open the door for significant savings. Consider traveling during off-peak times or taking advantage of last-minute deals.
- Maximize credit card rewards: Use credit cards that offer rewards on travel purchases, such as the NFCU Flagship credit card, to earn points that can be redeemed for future travel expenses. In fact, you could earn a $50 bonus when you join Navy Federal and open a credit card within 14 days of joining.
- Explore military recreation facilities: Military bases often have facilities and resorts that offer affordable lodging and recreational activities for military personnel and their families. Visit Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts for more information and list of participating locations.
- Take advantage of Military Appreciation Month: May is Military Appreciation Month, and many businesses offer special discounts and promotions to honor military members. Don’t forget to ask when eating out if a restaurant has a military discount. These often range anywhere from 10% to 50%. Keep an eye out for these deals and plan your summer travel accordingly.
Military families can enjoy unforgettable summer adventures without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting city getaway, there are plenty of opportunities to save money and create lasting memories with loved ones.
As you get ready for the summer, take advantage of Military Appreciation Month and the exclusive discounts offered by Navy Federal Credit Union to make the most of your summer travels. With careful planning and smart budgeting, you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams without a spending nightmare.
This article was sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. Image used for representational purposes only; does not imply government endorsement. Portions of the image were blurred for security or privacy concerns.