The Best Vacations For Military Families in the US
Planning a family vacation can be a lot of fun. You know you will make some amazing memories. In addition, you will see parts of the country you haven’t seen before, and let your children experience more of the world. Here are some of the best family vacations for military families in the US.
Vacations for Military Families in the US
Orlando, Florida
Disney World will offer you a pretty amazing discount on a Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket or a 4-Day, 5-Day, or 6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket, with a Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus pass. They also offer military discounts on select Disney hotels. Shades of Green is a resort at Disney World specifically for military service members and their families, with affordable rates.
In addition to Disney, you can also go to Universal Studios Orlando, which includes unlimited access to up to three parks (Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay) through its Military Freedom Pass. Universal also offers vacation packages, which can include a hotel stay.
SeaWorld Orlando is also a fun choice, and with its Waves of Honor Military Discount, service members and three direct dependents receive annual free tickets to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Parks, and Sesame Place.
Disney World Military Discount
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Washington, D.C.
If you are looking for an educational and historical vacation, consider Washington as a destination. There are 11 museums and galleries on the National Mall, including the Smithsonian Museums, as well as six other museums in the area, and the National Zoo. You can also take a tour of the many war memorials in the city and Arlington National Cemetery.
With six major military installations close by, you can find affordable accommodations on base or look for military discounts on popular hotel chains.
Southern California
A trip to Southern California is an amazing experience for any military family. If you happen to be stationed nearby, you can have quite the staycation, too. In addition to amusement parks, you can spend time at the beach, go to the mountains, take a tour of Hollywood and Los Angeles, or enjoy San Diego.
Disneyland’s military discount allows you to buy a 3 or 4-day Park Hopper for both Disneyland and California Adventure. Discounts are also available at Disneyland Resort hotels. Aside from Disney, you can find other military discounts at amusement parks, including Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
You can find military lodging at many of the installations in the area, or look for military discounts at local hotels. Renting a car will be necessary when you visit, but that will also allow you to see more of the area and go on a few scenic drives.
National Parks
Going to one of the 63 National Parks can make for the ideal vacation. Whether you just got back from a deployment and want time to bond with your family, or you’re just ready for a nature-filled excursion, going to a National Park is always a good idea.
Military service members and their dependents are eligible for a free National Park Military Annual Pass or a Military Lifetime Pass, which is reserved for Gold Star Family members and veterans.
Since there are so many National Parks, you can go to the one closest to you, to your family, or even to one of the more popular parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite.
Beaches
Whether you go to the West Coast or the East Coast, you can always plan a beach trip. You’ll find affordably priced military lodging near many popular beaches in Florida, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, or any other coastal state.
The best part of a beach trip is spending time together in a relaxed setting, away from home. You don’t have as much pressure to get out and see everything; you can spend lazy days on the water or enjoy time in a beach cottage or campground. There are many lodging options on nearby installations and local condos you could rent for a week or two at a time.
Before planning your trip, visit your local MWR and ITT Travel Offices at your closest installation. There, you can purchase your amusement park tickets, book hotels, and learn more about the different vacations you can take with your family.
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
