Unlocking summer adventures: Saving on travel with Military Appreciation Month

Check out these tips for service members and their families to save money on summer travel with military discounts:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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),
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.