Planning a vacation while in the military might seem overwhelming. There’s a lot to juggle to get it right: making sure the timing works with career responsibilities and other family obligations, deciding where to go, and planning your finances accordingly. To help you with your planning, we’ve collected some of the best military travel resources that can save you money so you can enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
Off-Duty Military Travel Planning Tips & Resources
Before you or your servicemember requests leave, review your budget to see if it will accommodate a vacation. If not, start planning how you will fund your time away. The more you plan ahead, the more money you’ll have to spend on your trip. Taking the following steps can help you get your finances organized so that you can set aside as much money as possible:
- Do some research. If your budget is flexible, taking time to look up approximate costs, including everything from airfare to the cost of meals in the area you want to travel to, can help you determine an approximate amount that the trip will cost. Be sure to include a little extra money for souvenirs and a buffer for unplanned expenses, such as a last-minute side trip or an extra night at a hotel.
- Plan a fixed-cost vacation. If your budget is less flexible, calculate how comfortable you are with the amount you will need to spend, and then plan your vacation from there. Consider taking along supplies for picnic lunches and simple breakfast items that travel well to limit restaurant meals.
- Take advantage of military discounts and planners. There are many ways that both active servicemembers and Veterans can use their status to enjoy discounts for vacations and travel.
- Start saving as early as possible. While planning ahead isn’t always feasible for servicemembers, as life in the military can be unpredictable, if you prioritize setting aside a dedicated amount of money every month, you’ll soon see your savings grow. Once you hit your target, you’ll be ready for a vacation and request some time off.
- Create and stick to a vacation budget. Vacations may seem like a luxury, but they’re an important part of recharging and resetting your mind and body. For families, they are a way to reconnect with one another, especially after a long deployment, so think of your vacation budget as untouchable while you’re building it.
- Seek financial help. There are many financial apps available that can help you plan and maintain a budget so you can plan a vacation. Armed Forces Mutual has a variety of financial planning resources available in our Learning Hub.
Using Military Discounts Strategically
As a servicemember, family member, or Veteran, part of your vacation planning should involve looking for military-specific discounts. If possible:
- Utilize Space-Available travel: Take advantage of Space-A flights, which let you and your family fly on military aircraft at little to no cost when there’s space available. This is ideal for flexible travelers.
- Seek out membership opportunities: Organizations work with various travel providers to offer military-specific discounts.
- Plan ahead: When possible, booking travel as far in advance as you can often scores you the best rates and availability.
- Combine discounts: Stack multiple discounts where possible, such as using a military discount on top of a sale price. For example, some airlines offer free checked bags and priority boarding for military members, which can be combined with promotional fares for additional savings.
Travel-Specific Savings Accounts or Military Perks
Beyond the discounts listed above, several military-related programs and partnerships are designed to help you maximize your travel budget:
- Savings Deposit Program (SDP): For those deployed in designated combat zones, the SDP allows deposits of up to $10,000, earning a 10% annual interest rate. This program offers a great way to grow your savings for future vacations while you’re still deployed.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): While primarily a retirement savings plan, the TSP offers both traditional and Roth options, so you can save a portion of your pay pre- or post-tax income for future travel plans.
- Military travel credit cards: You may be eligible for a credit card tailored for servicemembers. These often feature benefits like no annual fees, rewards points on travel purchases, and special financing options.
Defense Travel System (DTS)
You can use DTS to manage your trips. DTS not only allows you to search for and make travel reservations, but it also lets you check per diem rates and prepare travel documents for yourself and your family members.
Discount Programs and Military Vacation Packages
Certain private travel services offer deep discounts on vacation packages for servicemembers, Veterans, and military families. Knowing these discounts ahead of time will help you budget for your trip.
Information, Tickets, and Travel Offices (ITT)
ITT offices are located on many military installations and offer assistance with planning leisure travel, as well as discounted tickets to local attractions and events. This service isn’t only for active-duty personnel; reserve and retired servicemembers can also use ITT.
Military Morale, Wellness, and Recreation Benefits
Recreational lodging and outdoor recreation programs on military installations around the globe offer unique and often affordable lodging options for military families. From lakeside cabins to oceanfront bungalows and ski lodges with plenty of amenities, these recreational opportunities are designed and intended for military families to enjoy vacation time.
TSA PreCheck®
Your military ID entitles you to TSA PreCheck®, a service that expedites your security screening process at airports. Note that you do not need to be in uniform to use your TSA PreCheck. You can also bring your dependents 12 and under with you through security via your TSA PreCheck. For children 13-17 years old, you must make sure they are on your reservation and that your TSA PreCheck indicator is on their boarding pass.
Travel Safety, Documentation, and Readiness Tips
In addition to budgeting, servicemembers must pay particular attention to leave approvals, documentation, and travel insurance during their trips. Here are the key factors to consider as you plan your travel:
Documentation and ID Requirements
When traveling, especially internationally, you must have appropriate identification and documentation. For military personnel and their dependents, this includes military IDs, dependent ID cards, passports for all travelers (including infants), and any necessary visas if traveling abroad.
Make sure you bring your leave forms and travel orders, as they may be required to verify your authorized absence and travel purpose.
Finally, before you go, double-check that everyone’s documents are up to date and accurate.
Safety and Emergency Readiness While Traveling
Unfortunately, medical emergencies sometimes happen on vacation. Preparing ahead of time can help you get through them.
- Verify that your health insurance, such as TRICARE, provides coverage at your destination.
- Take time to understand the procedures for accessing medical care abroad.
- Carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.
- Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates on the safety of your destination and assistance in emergencies.
Armed Forces Mutual Members Get More
Whether you’ve just enlisted or are a long-time Veteran, Armed Forces Mutual can help you manage your financial decisions. Our Members enjoy a wide range of benefits for every stage of their lives and service.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you manage your finances so you can plan for the future.