Whether you’re heading out on a summer vacation, tackling a cross-country PCS move or making that final drive into civilian life, road trips can get expensive fast. Between gas, food, lodging and keeping everyone entertained, military families can burn through cash before they even hit the halfway point.
But many service members, veterans and military families forget they already have access to travel perks that can significantly cut costs on the road. From free national park access to discounted military lodging, here are some of the best military travel benefits to use during your next summer road trip or PCS.
1. Stay at Military Lodges, Resorts and Campgrounds
Most military installations offer some form of affordable temporary lodging, campground or RV park. During peak PCS season, advance reservations can fill quickly, but many bases keep a limited number of last-minute rooms available for travelers.
If you’re flexible with your route or overnight stops, military lodging can save you a substantial amount compared to off-base hotels. Many campgrounds also offer tent sites, RV hookups and dry camping areas at rates far below civilian campgrounds.
Before you leave, map out military installations along your route, including those of other branches of service, and check their lodging policies and availability. Military campgrounds and resorts are often clean, family-friendly and conveniently located near highways or tourist destinations.
2. Save Money on Gas and Groceries at the Commissary and Exchange
One of the easiest ways for military families to save money on a road trip is to stop at a commissary or exchange along the route.
Gas prices at military exchanges are often lower than nearby civilian stations, especially in high-cost travel areas. Commissaries can also help families restock coolers, grab snacks and avoid expensive convenience-store stops.
For PCS moves or long-distance family trips, even a single commissary stop can help reduce overall travel costs.
3. Rent Camping Gear, RVs and Outdoor Equipment Through MWR
If you’re planning a camping trip, beach getaway or outdoor adventure, your local Morale, Welfare and Recreation office may have affordable rental equipment available.
Many MWR Outdoor Recreation programs rent out:
- Campers and RVs
- Kayaks and paddleboards
- Tents and camping gear
- Bikes and sports equipment
- Trailers and moving equipment
RV rentals tend to book quickly during summer, but smaller gear and outdoor equipment are often still available. Renting through MWR is usually far less expensive than commercial rental companies.
4. Visit Museums for Free Through Blue Star Museums
Military families traveling during the summer can also take advantage of the Blue Star Museums program, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families.
The program offers free admission to active-duty military families at thousands of museums nationwide between Armed Forces Day and Labor Day.
Participating museums include:
- Children’s museums
- Art museums
- Science centers
- Historic sites
- Cultural attractions
For families traveling with kids, Blue Star Museums can provide a fun and affordable break from long hours in the car while exploring local communities along the way.
5. Get Free Access to National Parks
One of the most valuable military travel benefits available today is free access to national parks and federal recreation lands.
Current service members, veterans and Gold Star families qualify for a free America the Beautiful pass through the Department of the Interior. The pass covers entrance fees at:
- National parks
- National wildlife refuges
- National forests
- Bureau of Land Management sites
- Other federal recreation areas
Military families planning summer travel can save hundreds of dollars by incorporating national park stops into their road trips.
Popular military-family destinations include Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Bottom Line
Summer road trips and PCS moves can put serious pressure on military family budgets, but taking advantage of military travel benefits can help offset some of those costs. Whether you’re staying at military campgrounds, saving on gas at the exchange or exploring national parks for free, a little planning can make the journey both cheaper and more enjoyable.
Planning a summer road trip or PCS move? Take advantage of these military travel benefits to save money along the way and make sure your vehicle is ready for thousands of miles on the road with help from Discount Tire.
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