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MilitaryBridge's TOP ELEVEN VACATION IDEAS with Military Discounts!

31 January 2017 by

MilitaryBridge's TOP ELEVEN VACATION GETAWAY IDEAS with Military Discounts 

Vacation is so important, especially when you are in the military.  It is so important to have time off to unwind and stay connected.  So, make today the day.... Time to plan your next Vacation Getaway.  

You know how it goes, if you don't get it in the calendar it more than likely won't happen.  Plus, there is nothing better than having something to look forward to!

We hope our list of Top Eleven Vacation Ideas with Military Discounts will help you plan your best and most affordable trip yet!  

(1) Armed Forces Vacation Club

You can't go wrong with AFVC when planning your perfect vacation getaway!  They have something for everyone whether you are looking for sun or snow they have you covered.  And, you simply can't beat the price.  

Armed Forces Vacation Club is a FREE membership club open to active duty, guard, reserve and retired members of the Armed Forces as well as civilian employees of the DoD. AFVC provides access to Space-A resort rentals worldwide for just $349* per week – that’s per unit, which sleeps 2-8!   If you are a Veteran, don't worry they have a site dedicated to veterans as well.  Visit Veterans Holidays to start planning.

Start Planning Your Perfect Vacation Getaway with AFVC Today.  Get Started!

(2) Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks, North Carolina has made our list of Top 5 places to plan your next Vacation Getaway for several reasons.  First, it is located close to many military installations on the East coast making it a drivable vacation destination which is a great way to save money.  Second, for those looking for a beach town, Outer Banks is a great choice.  There are beautiful beaches, great restaurants, fun things to do, quaint shops, and relaxation.  

Learn more about The Outer Banks, North Carolina at OuterBanks.org

MilitaryBridge has partnered with Two Vacation Rental Companies in The Outer Banks that offer Military Discounted Vacation Rentals.  Vacation Rentals are a very popular way to stay in the Outer Banks.  

(1) Soutern Shores Realty:

Welcome to the only resource you need to vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina!  We offer600+ Outer Banks vacation rentals in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.  From simple beach cottages to luxury vacation rentals, we have the perfect OBX vacation homes for everyone and any budget.  Booking your Outer Banks rental home has never been easier! 

MILITARY DISCOUNT VACATION HOMES!

Southern Shores Realty thanks all active and retired military for their service to our great nation. Your courage and bravery are the cornerstone to our nation's freedom, and without it, worry-free vacations would not be possible for anyone to enjoy.  

Start Searching MILITARY DISCOUNT HOMES at Southern Shores Realty!

Here's to vacation!

(2) Resort Realty-Outer Banks

Resort Realty proudly represents some of the finest rental accommodations along the coastal Outer Banks of North Carolina.  With homes ranging in size, amenities, and pricing we are sure to match the right property with your needs.  

Hometown Heroes Offer

Participating homes in the Hometown Hero Discount Program allow active duty, retired, and reserve individuals in the US Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard and active or retired police officers, firefighters, nurses, educators, and civil servants to save 5% off the listed rental rate for a full week reservation.*

CLICK HERE to view a list of participating homes that offer a Military Discount and learn more about Resort Realty Outer Banks.

(3) Orlando, Florida

This just wouldn't be a Top 10 Vacation Getaway list without Orlando, Florida. Everyone loves to visit Orlando, Florida.  What's not to love?  Great weather, beautiful beaches and Disney World.  However, it can get expensive when you factor in airfare, hotel, Disney, activities, and food.  We have put together a list of Top 32 Discounts at Orlando Resort Hotels to help make your vacation a little more affordable.

Start searching Military Discounted Resort Hotels in Orlando, Florida HERE!  

Now that you have your lodging all lined up.....check out our post on 2018 Disney Military Discounted Tickets

Disney Salutes U.S. Military with Special Ticket and Room Rates for 2020

(4) The Armed Forces Recreation Centers - Military-owned and operated

The Armed Forces Recreation Centers are Joint Service facilities which are operated by Army MWR for the purpose of providing affordable Rest & Recreation facilities for US military members.  There are Four AFRCs worldwide: Dragon Hill Lodge in Korea, Edelweiss Resort and Lodge in Germany, and the Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World.

Dragon Hill Lodge: Nestled in the heart of Seoul, Korea, Dragon Hill Lodge is the gateway to Asia's mystical culture. Visit internationally acclaimed museums and art galleries, attend sporting events, or simply enjoy world-class shopping! Experience Asia in style.

Edelweiss Lodge and Resort: Long revered as one of the most desirable destinations in the Bavarian Alps and Germany's premiere sports center, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area is an idyllic location nestled at the foot of sweeping Alpine vistas and home to the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.

Hale Koa: Whether you're strolling barefoot on the sand, sunbathing lazily on Waikiki Beach, or simply relaxing comfortably, you'll simply be dazzled by this Polynesian paradise. Come discover the spirit of Aloha.

Shades of Green:  Go ahead. Pinch yourself. You're not dreaming. Experience the warm Florida sun, cascading waterfalls, lush tropical gardens, spectacular views, or a dip in the pool. Doesn't this sound like the total vacation to you?

These resorts are first class, full service hotels.  You simply can't beat the accommodations and price.  There are great dining options, entertainment, and activities.  The AFVCs all operate solely on internally generated funds; no taxpayer money is required for upkeep or operations. You can't go wrong planning your next Vacation Getaway through AFRC.

(5) Take a Cruise with a Military Discount

There are several great things about a cruise.  First, many offer a military discount.  Second, it is often a very affordable way to vacation since it is all inclusive.  I also have found something very relaxing about a cruise, not having to worry about daily duties such as cooking and cleaning.  Here are a couple Cruise Lines that support the military community through a fantastic military discount program.

(1) Carnival Cruise Line

We're saluting our soldiers — check the calendar below to find Carnival's best
Military fares, by date, for any stateroom type, departure port or destination.

(2) Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers a Military Discounted Rate on select sailings for military personnel.  All guests traveling in the same stateroom are eligible to receive the military rate. No additional staterooms, other than the one that is occupied by the military person is eligible for the military rate. Spouses, parents, in-laws, children or other family members or friends are not eligible for the military rate without the eligible military person occupying the stateroom.  

Learn more about The Royal Caribbean International Military Discount Program

(3) Disney Cruise Line

In honor of the brave men and women who serve this country, Disney Cruise Line is proud to offer special military rates on select Disney cruises.

Special military rates are limited to a maximum of one stateroom per military member, per sailing.  Save on Select Military Sail Rates for 2017.  

Search Fares

(6) Sandals Resorts & Beaches Resorts

Definitely on my bucket list.  These resorts are amazing.  Again, all-inclusive is a great way to really get yourself relaxed!  No cooking, no cleaning, no worries.  

In appreciation of your services and commitment, Sandals Resorts would like to extend a great offer just for you! Enjoy a well-deserved vacation to the Caribbean with endless white sand on some of the world's most exquisite beaches, savory dining experiences, lush accommodations, unlimited refreshing beverages, exciting watersports and much more.

At our Luxury Included resorts you can truly delight in love from Jamaica to St. Lucia, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados.

As a member of the U.S. and Canada military to include Active or spouse, Retired, Reserves, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Veterans, U.S. Department of Defense and Canada Department of National Defense, you will receive additional 10% savings on our already amazing current promotions.

Start searching your next vacation Here!

(8) Caesars Entertainment-Las Vegas

If you are looking for Action why not visit the Vegas strip?  There is a ton to do in Vegas from shows to dining to hitting the slots.  Many locations in Vegas also offer military discounts, like Caesars Entertainment.

Caesars Entertainment values the courage and sacrifice of United States active-duty military personnel, veterans, first responders, teachers and students. That is why Caesars Entertainment and ID.me have proudly partnered to provide year-round discounts on hotel reservations made online by these heroes who verify their identity through ID.me. In addition to any other promotional sales or hotel discount codes applied to your reservations, Caesars Entertainment will deduct another 10% off the price of your stay year-round.

Deal types not eligible for additional discount in combination include Total Rewards loyalty member offers, room packages, and promotions with property and/or room add-ons/inclusions (show tickets, food credits, resort credits, etc.).

To confirm eligibility to receive the military discount on your stay at any Caesars property, CLICK HERE! Looking for Entertainment Military Discounts in Las Vegas?  CLICK HERE!

(9) PLAN YOUR POWDER VACATION 

You better hurry for this one!  Time and snow is running out.  For those looking for a quick vacation getaway to the slopes check out our post for maximum savings for military and families. (stay tuned for 2020 updates)

25 SKI RESORTS OFFERING MILITARY DISCOUNTS ON LIFT TICKETS, LODGING, DINING & MORE!

(10) StayCation

Definition Staycation:  a vacation spent in one's home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.

Although this may not sound as exciting as your next Caribbean getaway sometimes a staycation can be just what the doctor ordered.  I truly believe that staycations can be just as important as destination vacations.  For military members & families being in the military often means frequent PCS moves.  Therefore, staycations can provide you the time to really explore your new duty station and all it has to offer.  But, if you are going to do a staycation for your next vacation days from work be sure to plan a couple things. Again, if it doesn't get planned or put on the calendar it often doesn't happen.  

Here are a couple tips to make the most out of a staycation:

1) Check out the Top 10 tourist sites for your military duty station and pick a handful to check out during your time off.

2) Pick an outdoor activity whether your area is known for hiking, biking, enjoying the water, or national parks pick one to enjoy during your staycation.

3) Plan a day trip.  These are always great because it gets you out of dodge but still close to home. Plan an entire day of events and include a great lunch or dinner spot.

4) Sometimes it's even nice to pick one or two items around the house that you have been meaning to get done and make them a goal.

5) Staycations are about balance: pick a couple fun activities, new things to do, chores around the house and WRITE THEM ON THE CALENDAR.  This will ensure you get the most out of your time off at home.  

For those located in the Hampton Roads, Virginia Area or The San Antonio Area here are our Blog Posts on Top Things To Do In The Area to help get you started!

Hampton Roads: Over 75 Things To Do While Stationed In Hampton Roads

San Antonio: 15 Military Discounts & Things To Do While Stationed in San Antonio

(11) The DOD Partners with Priceline to Offer Travel Deals for Military through Newly Launched American Forces Travel Website

Time to start planning your next vacation! We have some exciting news to share that will help you SAVE on your next getaway. The DOD has partnered with Priceline to create a new online travel booking site offering best travel deals possible for the Military Community. The new website launched on January 22, 2019.

American Forces Travel℠ is committed to providing high-quality and best value travel services to patrons affiliated with the Department of Defense as a way to thank them for their service and dedication to our country.

Learn more about this Military Travel Deal

**Need Airfare?  Many Airlines do offer a Military Discount.  Check out our post Military Discounts on Airline Travel & Other Travel Benefits and our post about MilitaryFares.com to learn more!**

Whatever vacation you decide, be sure to take the time to plan one.  Let this post be a reminder of how important time off from work is.  Especially in this military way of life!  Enjoy life, spend time with friends and family, and plan your vacation getaway today. You deserve it!

Disclaimer:  MB participates in affiliate programs therefore these listings may contain affiliate links which means MB receives a commission when you purchase from some of the online retailers.

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