One of the best ways for military families to bond is on a family vacation. Whether it be while on leave or during life after service, spending quality time together may be exactly what you and your family need to relax and catch up with one another. The greatest aspect of vacationing as a military servicemember or veteran is the ability to take advantage of discounts provided by some major airlines and popular travel destinations.
There are plenty of frequented kid-friendly hotspots that offer military discounts as well. With so many options to choose from, where should you and your loved ones escape to? Here are a few ideas for families looking to save money on a trip and enjoy some much-needed time with their relatives.
1. Kid-friendly destinations
Walt Disney World currently offers military servicemembers a generous discount on four-day passes to the park. In fact, the pass is not limited to one of the parks located throughout Disney World, but allows families admittance to all four of the parks. Spouses of servicemembers are also able to participate while they are deployed. This is the ideal trip for military parents with children.
"Walt Disney World Resort is saluting U.S. military personnel by offering Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets," said officials from the Walt Disney World blog. "The Park Hopper Option is included, so you can come and go as you please through all 4 theme parks each day of your ticket!"
Sea World and Six Flags America are two additional destinations that offer military members discounts or even a free pass. Although these trips primarily cater to younger members of the family, there are also opportunities to spend quality time together as a couple. For example, the Walt Disney Resort offers parents babysitting options and kids' nights out while you and your spouse enjoy the spa or a massage.
2. The zoo
The zoo is an attraction that usually appeals to people of all ages. According to Care.com, the San Diego Zoo gives military members a one-day pass, free of charge. There are even discount packages available for the entire family. The passes and discounts usually include a tour of the land, where 3,700 rare and endangered animals roam.
The best part about being in Southern California is that after spending a day or two at the zoo, families can also check out the local beaches to relax under the famous SoCal sun.
3. A beachside paradise
Popular beachside resorts like Beaches in Jamaica offer a relaxing getaway for military families. If the kids are in tow, parents will have plenty of time to catch up, whether it be while lounging at the beach or being pampered at the hotel spa. Introduce your kids to a fun bonding experience by riding jet skis or engaging in other exciting beachside activities.
4. Camping
Camping is usually a viable option for military families that lack the funding to take off to a tropical destination or families who simply love nature. With the right camping gear, families can turn sleeping in the wilderness into a bonding experience.
"One of the bonuses of camping, though, is the price tag," Amy Bushatz told Spouse Buss on Military.com. "At about $20 a day, a hotel will never beat the price of a campsite. If our initial gear investment is our estimated $400 – about the cost of four nights at an economic hotel – it will only take a handful of uses on trips where we camp instead of lodge for us to break even."
The serenity of nature could also help veterans and active duty servicemembers who are experiencing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder relax.