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Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Spend Less on Your Family’s Must-Have Gifts with These Military Discounts

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‘Tis the season to give gifts. Showing your love and appreciation to friends and family with thoughtful presents is wonderful. Unfortunately, holiday giving can create a serious dent in your wallet.

Spend Less on Your Family's Must-Have Gifts with These Military Discounts

For many retailers, membership in either ID.me or Veterans Advantage is required to use discounts.

To save yourself a little money, grab your must-have gifts from stores that offer military discounts!

Stores Offering Military Discounts on the Must-Have Gifts This Holiday Season

Enroll in Military Discount Websites

Asking about a military discount at every store can take time. Scouring every online retailer’s website for military specials is overwhelming. Instead of wasting your time and gas on endless searches, enroll in ID.me. This is an all-in-one service for service members, first responders, teachers and students. With one log-in, you’ll have access to tons of great online discount opportunities. Best of all, ID.me is free.

Another one-stop-shop for military discounts is Veterans Advantage. This site has partnerships with many retailers and offers exclusive benefits for their members. It is free to join, but using many of the discounts requires a paid membership.

Note: For many retailers, membership in either ID.me or Veterans Advantage is required to use discounts.

Food and Flowers

Omaha Steaks: use your ID.me membership to verify your military status, then send steaks and tasty food to your friends at 10% off.

Hickory Farms: shipping to APO and FPO addresses is free, making it easier to send summer sausage to your family OCONUS.

1-800-Flowers: get your holiday bouquets at 20% off when you verify through ID.me.

1st in Flowers: claim 15% off your next floral arrangement when using the code USMILITARY

Godiva: gift luxury chocolate at 30% off through Veterans Advantage.

Clothes and Shoes

Nike: get your kids the must-have kicks for 10% off at official Nike stores, like Niketown and Nike outlets, when you show your military ID.

Old Navy: show your ID in store and save 10% off on cozy sweaters, fun PJs and brand new jeans when you shop in-store.

Professional Sports Shops: the MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA offer 10% to 15% off to military troops and veterans through ID.me.

Kohls: not every location offers a military discount, but it can pay to check with the on-duty manager just in case.

Babies and Kids

Disney: from holiday jammies to official merchandise, ID.me has several discount deals on sweet Disney merch.

Buy Buy Baby: splurge on the new baby in your life at a discount through ID.me.

The Children’s Place: stock up on essentials with a variety of discounts and deals when you verify online.

Crazy 8: let older kids show their personal style with discounts when you use ID.me.

HearthSong: use ID.me to get fun, classic toys for children for less.

Pottery Barn Kids: keep your child’s room functional and fashionable with 15% off in-store purchases.

DIY Gifts

Lowe’s: your resident fixer can get 10% off at Lowe’s when you also enroll in the MyLowe’s program.

Home Depot: from bathrooms to backyards, your home improvement projects can cost 10% less when you show ID at check-out.

Michaels: get art supplies and crafty things at a 15% discount when you show your ID in-store.

iRobot: using ID.me can help you save up to 15% on your next Roomba!

Jewelry

Helzberg Diamonds: put a little sparkle in your holiday season with 10% off jewelry.

Harris Jewelry: there are several tiers of specials and discounts when you purchase your special something through Harris.

Kranich’s: for those in the PA region, Kranich’s offers an unspecified military discount and promises exceptional customer service.

Zoara: military members can save 5% when you have an active U.S. military email address and use code USMILDISC.

Robbins Brothers: are you ready to pop the question? Save up to $400 when you purchase your engagement ring here.

Tiffany: don’t forget the croissants when you head to a U.S. store to pick out engagement or wedding bands at a 10% discount.

Tech and TV

Apple: Veterans Advantage members can take advantage of a 20% discount on select products.

Pro Sports Networks: get discount access to every game when use ID.me to sign-up for MLB, NFL, and NHL sports packages.

Travel and Experiences

Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards: this travel club is a free exclusive program designed to show appreciation to active duty, retired, Guard and Reserve. Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards lists special discounts that have been arranged exclusively for MilitaryShoppers members.

Sandals and Beaches: go all inclusive for winter break with a 10% discount at each of these sister resort chains. Bring the kids to Beaches or have an adults-only getaway at Sandals, all food, drink and many activities included.

Disney World and Disneyland: visit your favorite mouse at a discount when you use the Military Salute tickets. You can even score discounts on your hotel when you stay at Shades of Green or some on-property resorts.

Air Travel: members of Veterans Advantage can get deals on Southwest, United and JetBlue flights. For non-members or other airlines, it always pays to call a representative and ask about military discounts or perks. Often, military members or dependents will be allowed free checked bags and occasionally seat upgrades!

Cruises: hit the high seas with Carnival or Princess cruises at a discount! Other cruise lines, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, offer discounts through ID.me and Veterans Advantage. You can also call a travel agent or cruise line representative to find out more details and offers on any trip.

Bush Gardens and Sea World: get your thrills and say hello to a turtle for free when you use the Waves of Honor program at Bush Gardens, Sea World and other parks.

Never miss a military discount by signing up for the Military Shoppers newsletter. Click here to sign up today!

Military Shoppers Offers Free Money-Saving Travel Website to Its Members

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My family loves to travel together. But we have different things that we love to do during our family vacations.

Traveling for me means finding restaurants featuring delicious local cuisine. Traveling for my children means visiting a children’s museum or science center, jumping on the hotel beds and swimming in the hotel pool.

Traveling for my husband means a break from military life. When we’re on vacation, he isn’t thinking about work. He’s focused on spending quality time with his family, far, far away from his military base.

But as much as I love traveling, planning a weekend getaway isn’t easy.

In fact, planning a vacation stresses me out.

And there’s the dreaded family vacation budget to consider.

There are so many cities that I want to visit, but many times I find myself asking “can we afford this vacation?”

According to American Express, the average vacation expense per person in the United States is $1,145 or $4,580 for a family of four. That’s nearly $5,000 for 1 family vacation!

There has to be a better way. I don’t want to cancel our family vacation because of sticker shock.

Free Membership for Military Families in Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards

MilitaryShoppers.com, a community that delivers money-saving tips to military families, is expanding their services. Starting November 2017, MilitaryShoppers’ members are entitled to a free membership in Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards.

Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards lists special discounts that have been arranged exclusively for MilitaryShoppers members.

How does Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards work?

Hotels and resorts often have unsold room nights that they can’t offer to the general public at such low rates but they can do it as a special military discount through MilitaryShoppers Travel & Rewards.

These incredibly low rates are not available on any other travel booking website. Members are encouraged to compare the Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards discounted rates with other public websites and military travel “clubs.” Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards said “you’ll find these are the lowest hotel and resort rates available anywhere!”

Since the cost of our hotel room is the most expensive part of our family vacations, I’m excited to book a discounted rate for a quality hotel. Knowing that we’re saving money on our hotel room encourages me to plan more family vacations in the future.

Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards members have access to a wide range of benefits and services that are designed to save military families money. Members earn points that they can use for extra discounts and fun activities.

Every free blue membership is preloaded with $100 in points that members can use immediately.

What’s the cost to join Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards?

This money-saving travel website for members of the military community is free. Members won’t pay an annual membership fee or be required to buy anything.

Using Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards is similar to using a travel website to book your hotel room. It offers the same convenience, except with Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards members will book their hotel rooms at much lower rates.

How do I sign up?

Members can sign up for free access to their benefits online at MilitaryShoppersTravel.com.

If you are already a member of the MilitaryShoppers’ community, check your email. You automatically received access through that membership. In your email, it will explain how to log in to MilitaryShoppersTravel.com.

As I said earlier, I love traveling. I love the adventure of it. I love retelling the stories of our adventures to our neighbors, family members and friends. But most of all, I love traveling as a family. Family vacations are when memories are made.

The only thing I love more than a family vacation is a family vacation where we enjoy ourselves without spending all the money in our savings account.

You don’t have to choose between your family vacation and monthly budget. You can have both with Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards. Sign up today!

2017 Veterans Day Meal Freebies and Deals

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In honor of your sacrifice and commitment, several restaurants offer free or discounted meals for Veterans on select days throughout the week.  Click the restaurant name below for additional information from participating restaurants.

Applebees

Bob Evans

Boston Market

Buffalo Wild Wings

Chipotle

Denny’s

Dunkin Donuts

Red Lobster

Red Robin

Ruby Tuesday

Texas Roadhouse

*Always be sure to call ahead and check with your local restaurant to be sure they are participating.

 

Military Discounts on Everything You Need for Your Holiday Season

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but those bills sure do pile up fast! Instead of pinching pennies, use a military discount to keep your budget in check.

Military Discounts on Everything You Need for Your Holiday Season

Here’s a list of military deals and discounts available to service members, veterans and military families.

Note: many deals require that service members, veterans and their family members verify their military affiliation through a third-party site, like ID.me or Veterans Advantage.

Food for Your Table

Omaha Steaks: use ID.me to save 10% on great steaks, along with other meats and sides.

Shari’s Berries: add something sweet to the table, near or far, with a variety of discount deals.

Peapod: save a little on the essentials and get everything delivered to your door. Holiday shopping never went so smoothly!

Cracker Barrel: no discounts are advertised, but several sources do note that a discount may be offered at the manager’s discretion. It never hurts to flash your military ID.

Boston Market: if you are enrolled in Veterans Advantage, you are eligible for a 20% military discount. Show your membership card to claim your discount and add a rotisserie chicken to your holiday menu.

Local restaurants: check with local restaurants in your area to see whether they offer any special deals or discounts to active duty troops, veterans or their families.

Stock Up on Socks (and Other Things)

Old Navy: known for jeans, tees and cozy sweaters, Old Navy offers a 10% military discount. Now your family will look super sharp for the holidays.

Aeropostale: get 10% off your purchase in store. Your teens and tweens will love the casual and cool styles.

Carters: get free shipping automatically on orders over $50, including to APO/FPO addresses.

Columbia Sportswear: snag your favorite sports gear at a 10% discount when you verify with ID.me.

Kohls: some locations offer a 15% discount to service members, veterans and families when you present your valid ID. Not all stores are participating, but it always pays to check.

Nike: get 10% off at Nike-owned stores, like NikeTown and factory stores, when you present a valid military ID. Now you can get those new shoes a little bit cheaper.

Under Armour: whether you purchase online or in person, snag a 10% discount. If you are ordering online, verify your military status with ID.me.

Sperry: get a 15% discount on their classic boat shoes and other quality gear when you verify with ID.me.

Send Your Love

1-800-Flowers: if you’re far from home, show you care with flowers. Save 20% when you verify your military status through ID.me.

1st in Flowers: get 15% off flowers when you use the code USMilitary at checkout.

Hickory Farms: families living OCONUS should share this deal with their family back home. Shipping to APO/FPO addresses is free!

Make Holiday Magic

Michaels: if you like to DIY, do it for 15% less every day when you show your military ID at checkout.

Joann Fabrics: when you need to redo your curtains or craft a cute tree skirt, get 10% off at checkout when you show your ID.

Take a Trip

Beaches and Sandals: if you’d like to escape to somewhere warm and sunny, where everything is included, look at this resort company. Beaches is perfect for families with children while Sandals caters to adults-only. Make sure you get your 10% discount by calling an agent to book.

Amtrak: skip the drive and save 10% on train travel. With routes all over the United States there may be a train station close to your holiday destination.

Carnival Cruise: get special rates on select cruises in the Caribbean. Check the calendar to find the best prices on a variety of staterooms.

Princess Cruise: you’ll have a little extra money to spend on board when you use the Military Cruise Benefit Program. Contact the cruise line or your travel agent to learn more.

Disney Parks: save on multi-day park passes to Disneyland and Disney World with Disney’s Military Salute.

Hotel discounts: most major hotel chains offer discounted rates for military troops and veterans based on per diem. Not all hotels will offer discounted rates or the same discount percentage. Be sure to inquire at your preferred hotel for discounted rates and availability.

This list is just a small sampling of possible military deals and discounts available to troops, veterans and their families.

You can access more benefits by joining Veterans Advantage, although there is a fee associated with membership. There are many Veterans Advantage exclusive discounts and deals, which could help your membership fee pay for itself.

ID.me is a free program that helps retailers verify your military affiliation.

Are you a person who loves a military discount? Sign up for the Military Shoppers newsletter to have deals and savings delivered to your inbox.

 

9 Military Discounts for Those Who Love to Craft

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Are you a crafty military spouse on the hunt for great military discounts? We are too and that’s why we’re sharing our favorite craft stores to shop at and which ones have military discounts.

DIY Military Spouses Can Score a Military Discount at These 9 Stores

Michaels

Simply present your military ID card at checkout and the clerk will give you a 15% military discount.

Previously, there was a special day of the week that this military discount was eligible to be used, however; they have recently changed it to a daily discount.

AC Moore

AC Moore has a 15% military discount. It is available every day and can be used on regular priced items as well as discounted items. Be ready to show your ID card at the register to receive this military discount.

A fantastic addition is that you can use their item discount coupons along with the military discount for an even better savings.

Lastly, AC Moore has a rewards program. Ask your cashier for a rewards card at the checkout. Scan it each time you shop at AC Moore and you will receive a certificate for money toward your future purchases.

9 Military Discounts for Those Who Love to Craft

Do you ask for a military discount when buying craft supplies?

Jo-Ann

Service members and their family members that have a military ID card can receive a 10% military discount that can be applied to regular, sale and clearance items. Some things are excluded from using a military discount such as classes, magazines and cutting machines.

Yankee Candle

Some crafters use candles in their projects. Yankee Candle offers a 10% discount to all active and retired service members. A military ID card is required to make the purchase in person. You can also use the military discount for purchases made online.

Overstock

Overstock does not have a specific military discount. They do however provide free Club O membership for military personnel.

With that, military spouses can get 5% reward dollars every time they make a purchase and enjoy free shipping as well as extra reward dollars. Overstock has many items for crafty military spouses. You can order cutting machines, sewing machines, scrapbooking items and more.

Lowe’s Home Improvement

It might surprise some military spouses to see Lowe’s on the list for craft supply stores. Though it is not your typical craft store, there are so many possibilities here.

Working on a craft project that requires wood? They’ll cut it down to size for you.

The super store has many items that can be used for craft projects. They have friendly staff that can take you right to the item you’re looking for as well.

They’ll even give you a 10% military discount when you check out.

Home Depot

Home Depot offers a 10% military discount. You’d be surprised how many things you can make out of non-traditional craft items here.

Home Depot even has a section of their site dedicated to craft ideas and products to use to make them if you need some ideas.

Old Time Pottery

Old Time Pottery has a vast selection of items that appeal to creative military spouses. Their prices are very low and they even offer a 10% military discount.

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams offers a 15% military discount on paints, stains and painting supplies. There are endless possibilities for crafters here.

Feeling inspired? Head out to one of these stores and get creative. Make sure you take a picture of your project to share with us.

Do you love to take photos? Enter your favorite picture in this month’s photo contest with MilitaryShoppers. Click here to enter to win.

15 Military Discounts for a Great School Year

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The back-to-school ritual of buying school supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, sneakers and clothing can take a bite out of your budget. I know I had sticker shock when buying school supplies for my 2 children. The total cost was insane.

And we still needed to buy new tennis shoes for both of them. I pray that they don’t grow out of their shoes before Halloween.

Military Discounts for a Great School Year

We’ve compiled a list of military discounts to help your child have a great school year.

The costs of getting your kids back to school is no joke. Once school starts, the expenses don’t end. There are still the after-school activities and possibly hiring a tutor to help get your student through chemistry or French.

You can reduce these growing expenses by shopping at stores that offer a military discount. We’ve compiled a list of military discounts to help your child have a great school year.

15 Military Discounts for a Great School Year

Dressing for Success

Old Navy. If you are looking to buy school uniforms (or comfortable school clothes) for your military child, be sure to stop by Old Navy and take advantage of their 10% military discount. This offer is valid for active duty, retired, reserve and military spouses. You must present your military ID card at the time of purchase at the store. This discount is not available for online purchases.

Nike. Nike offers a 10% military discount on Nike.com as well as at Nike, Converse and Hurley stores.

Foot Locker. Foot Locker offers a 20% military discount.

Finish Line. Finish Line has a 20% military discount.

Payless. This shoe store offers a 10% military discount.

Stride Rite. If you have preschoolers, don’t forget to ask about Stride Rite’s 10% military discount.

Adidas Shoes. Adidas Shoes offers a 10% military discount.

Under Armour. Under Armour offers a 10% discount to active duty and veterans on their website and in all Under Armour stores. Online purchases are verified through ID.ME.

Abercrombie & Fitch. The military discount at this store may be 10% or 15%, depending on the location.

Aeropostale. This clothing store offers a military discount of either 10% or 20% depending on the location.

American Eagle Outfitters. American Eagle Outfitters has a 10% to 15% military discount that is available, at the manager’s discretion.

Claire’s. They have a 20% military discount on accessories and jewelry.

Kohl’s. Kohl’s offers a 15% military discount at select stores nationwide.

Gap. The Gap offers a 10% discount on the first of every month. It is available in store only.

When Your Child Needs Help on His Homework

Tutor.com. Active duty service members and their dependents (grades K-12) can receive free tutoring and homework help through Tutor.com. Tutor.com says that “Students can get personalized help in 40 Math, Science, Social Studies, English and World Language subjects, including Algebra, Statistics, Biology, Essay Writing, Spanish, German and French.”

Tutors are also available to help students prepare for the SAT and ACT.

Students can connect with tutors online through their smart phones and tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available every day except on January 1, Thanksgiving and December 25.

This free service is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) MWR Library Program, the DoD Navy General Library Program, the DoD Voluntary Education Program and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.

Hire a military spouse. Let’s say your wife is the math whiz in your house, but she’s away for training when your teenager is asking you questions about his geometry homework. Consider hiring a military spouse to temporarily or occasionally tutor your child.

Many military spouses have degrees in education and because of various circumstances they aren’t working full-time. They may be interested in spending 5 hours a week teaching your military child. This can be an affordable option for face-to-face tutoring for military families.

Preparing for College Testing

eKnowledge. Is your military child dreading the ACT or SAT test? Consider enrolling her in eKnowledge’s SAT and ACT College Test Preparation Programs. This interactive, multimedia and online course is available to military dependents for free.

When You’re Feeling the Pinch of Private Tuition

Many private schools offer a military discount, but you need to ask for it. Before you pay the enrollment fees, be sure to speak with a school administrator. Parents should be ready to explain their situation (active duty family, one income) and then ask directly if there’s a possibility of a discount.

Did we miss any great military discounts for this list? Please tell us in the comments section.

Military Discounts for Water Parks, Swimsuits and Life Jackets

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Whether you want to spend the day at a water park, on a lake or in your backyard, we’ve gathered 21 great military discounts you need to know about to have a great time with your family.

Looking for a new swimsuit, life jacket or raft? Make sure you shop with a retailer that has a military discount. Plan on going to a water park? Check out our list below for a military discount before you head out the door.

21 Military Discounts for Water Lovers

Water Parks

Great Wolf Lodge offers a military discount through a program they call Howling Heroes. It provides up to 30% off on rooms and park passes for military families.

Big Surf Waterpark has military tickets for $19.99 instead of $32.95 but you can only purchase them in person; this military discount is not available online.

Dollywood’s Splash Country offers a great military discount of 30% off one day water park pass to all reservists, active or retired military, disabled veterans, and spouses and dependents with valid military IDs. These tickets must be purchased at the gate.

Splashin’ Safari at Holiday World has a military discount for anyone with a valid ID for $12 off full-price general admission tickets. They can also get $5 off guests that are under 54” as well as senior tickets, up to 6 tickets per visit.

Soak City at King’s Dominion provides a military discount to anyone with a valid military ID for single day tickets. These can be purchased online or at the gate. The park also hosts special military appreciation days where all those with a valid military ID get in free, such as on Memorial Day Weekend.

Wild Waves Water Park offers a military discount at the gate to those with a valid military ID.

Deep River Water Park is offering free admission for active duty, veterans and their families on any Monday or Thursday this year as well as on two Sundays, June 18 and August 13. You must print their coupon or show it on your phone along with your military ID to get in for free.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has a program known as Waves of Honor. Instead of a military discount, they offer one day free entry to all active duty, reservists, and National Guardsman as well as up to 3 dependents each year. You need to register online or at the park to get free admission.

Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park offers a military discount of $7 off a one-day pass for any person with a valid military ID.

Wild River Country has a military discount of $5 off admission to those with a valid military ID. These tickets must be purchased in person.

Swimsuits, Life Jackets, Pools and Water Accessories

Aeropostale offers 10% military discount on purchases with a valid military ID.

Columbia Sportswear offers a 10% military discount online and in store.

Old Navy has a 10% military discount available to all those with a valid military ID.

Under Armor gives a 15% military discount in store with a valid military ID.

L.L. Bean provides a 10% military discount to anyone with a valid military ID at most stores.

Gander Mountain offers a 10% military discount to anyone with a current military ID.

Overstock.com has a military program known as Club O Gold where military families can receive 5% reward dollars on purchases as well as free shipping. You can purchase anything from life jackets  and swimsuits to swimming pools and boats on their site.

Bass Pro Shops has a military discount that starts on the 15th of every month and runs for one week. There are many items that are excluded from the discount. You must show a valid military ID to receive the discount.

Lowe’s offers a military discount of 10% off to anyone with a current military ID.

Home Depot has a 10 percent discount, up to a $500 maximum, to all active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID.

Sam’s Club offers a $15 gift card to military families that purchase a membership. You’ll find anything from goggles and fins to rafts and beach towels to satisfy your water fun side.

There are many more water parks and retailers that offer military discounts. Make sure you remember to ask before paying full price for your water fun this summer.

Have you used any of these military discounts? Give a shout-out to your favorite store or attraction that offers a military discount in the comments section.

Military Discounts for Your Military Wedding

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It was the perfect date followed by the perfect proposal. Or maybe it was a casual conversation that revealed you both couldn’t imagine a life without the other.

Whatever the circumstances, congratulations on your engagement! Now all that’s left to be done is pick a date, plan the wedding, go on your honeymoon and live happily ever after.

Did you know the average wedding in the United States costs about $30,000?

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of cash just sitting around waiting to be spent. What I do have, however, is a list of great military discounts for your wedding that can help you drop the cost while still having an amazing day.

Military Discounts for Your Military Wedding

Save money on your military wedding with these military discounts on everything from your engagement ring to your ceremony venue.

Military Discounts for Your Wedding

The Ring

Diamonds or gems, simple or ornate, an engagement ring and wedding bands can take a healthy chunk of your budget. Stretch your dollars while still finding the perfect ring by checking out these fine retailers:

The Dress

Wedding dresses don’t come cheap, but these retailers offer discounts to military brides.

In addition to military discounts, many national and local retailers regularly offer free or deeply discounted dresses to military brides.

Do a Google search for “free military bride wedding dress” and visit any interesting links. If you’re planning on a long engagement, set up a Google alert for the search so any new opportunities land right in your inbox. (Thanks to NextGen MilSpouse for this great tip!)

The Tux

The bride isn’t the only one who gets to dress to the nines at their wedding. Check out these discounts on both purchase and rentals of tuxedos for the big day.

The Venue

Many national hotel chains offer military discounts, so don’t be afraid to ask if they will extend that discount to their ballrooms and entertainment areas.

Destination wedding venues often offer military discounts. Check out this great list of wedding venues complied by MOAA. Each one offers a great military discount on wedding packages.

 The Honeymoon

  • Consider a cruise for your honeymoon and check out this list of cruise lines that offer military discounts
  • Sandals Resorts offer a 10% military discount
  • Environmentally conscious? Travel to Sri Lanka and take a private conservation tour, take a private cruise on a chartered yacht or learn to cook in Italy. Check out this great list of once-in-a-lifetime travel adventures perfect for a honeymoon — and all complete with military discount.

Other Ways to Save on Your Military Wedding

No matter the expense, it never hurts to ask for a military discount. Even 5% or 10% can really add up when your florist, cake baker, make-up artist, hairstylist, and photographer all offer you a special rate on your special day.

Search for Veteran or Military Spouse Vendors

Be it caterers, photographers, DJs or officiants, one great way to land a fabulous price is to look for service providers who are military spouses or veterans. Find veteran- and military spouse-owned business in your area by searching the Veteran Owned Business Directory. Many offer military discounts.

Get Married on Post

If you live close enough to an installation with a chapel big enough for your event, consider getting married on post. Typically, use of the on-post chapel is free and chaplains marry couples as part of their military duties. Some installations also have community centers or consolidated clubs capable of hosting wedding receptions.

Never miss a military discount. Sign up for the MilitaryShoppers’ newsletter today.

8 Free or Discounted Summer Camps for Military Kids

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Ahhhhhhh, summer! A time to kick back, relax and go insane when your children say, for the millionth time:

“I’m bored.”

Instead of listening to them complain about their free time, send your military kids to camp this summer. And do it on the cheap at these free or discounted summer camps.

8 Free or Discounted Summer Camps for Military Kids

Has your child attended any of these camps for military kids?

8 Free or Discounted Summer Camps for Military Kids

Operation Purple Camp

These are special camps just for military kids. They are held in a variety of locations around the country throughout the summer. Different camps run at different times and spots go quickly.

If you want to get your child into an Operation Purple Camp this summer, the time to act is now! Be sure to read the FAQs about who is eligible and the application process. While applicants are accepted mostly on a first-come, first-served basis, priority goes to kids with a parent deployed within the last year.

Armed Services YMCA

The Armed Services YMCA is a great resource for military families year-round, but it’s especially awesome in the summer. Through Operation Outdoors, the Armed Services YMCA helps to get military children enrolled in summer camps across the country.

To find out more about camp opportunities near you, contact your local ASYMCA branch.

American Wanderer Summer Camp

This camp is a super deluxe all-inclusive way to explore National Parks across the United States. Campers ages 11-17 can travel in “cabins on wheel” to different sites throughout each one-week session.

Military discounts and scholarships are available.

Camp Corral

This is a summer camp that is open to all military children, with priority given to the kids of wounded, injured, ill or fallen service members. With locations from California to Florida, Camp Corral can reach a great number of military children and families. Spots are limited, so be sure to register your child early.

Military Teen Adventure Camps

For teens ages 14-18, the typical summer camp experience might start to get old. That’s where these adventure camps come into play. With locations in several states around the country, military children can enjoy exciting new experiences with their peers.

These camps aren’t limited to the summer either. There are camping opportunities throughout the year! Find out more about the camps by location or date.

Camp Yellow Ribbon

Military children go through a lot. This Wisconsin camp, hosted by Easter Seals, aims to help ease that burden. Camp Yellow Ribbon is open to all military children! Find out more or register today.

Channel 3 Kids Camp

This is a camp just for military kids in Connecticut! Celebrate America and being a military child, over the week of July 4th at this camp. This camp has been around for several years and is part of Operation Purple!

Semper Fi Fund Kids Camps

These camps go beyond the summer by pairing high-school-aged military kids with younger children. They develop the bond during a summer session. Then they continue to connect throughout the school year in a mentor/mentee relationship.

The Semper Fi Fund Kids Camps are designed to help military kids learn coping skills and develop lifelong bonds to support each other. For more information, contact SffKidsCamp@semperfifund.org.

Ask for a Military Discount at Your Local Summer Camps

If your child isn’t attending one of these military child-specific summer camps, there are other options. Reach out to programs where you live and ask about military discounts. Some programs might not advertise their military deals or may offer them on a by-request basis.

Has your child attended any of these camps for military kids? Would you recommend them? Why or why not? Did we miss a great camp? Tell us in the comments!

Military Discounts for Your Disney Vacation

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When considering a Disney vacation, I thought about the amusing rides, the smiling family photo with Mickey and an epic family vacation that we would talk about for years.

During my husband’s deployment, we decided we may want to go to DisneyWorld to celebrate his homecoming. The key word in that sentence is “may.” Before making our final decision, my husband and I discussed a lot of options for a family Disney vacation:

  • Is now the right time to take the girls? Are they still too young?
  • Which resort should we stay at? Should we stay off-property to save money?
  • Which ticket package is best for us? Is a 4-day ticket enough time to see all 4 parks at Walt Disney World?
  • Why are we driving to Orlando to walk around the park when we can hop on a cruise and relax for 5 days?
  • Is an epic Disney vacation a terrible way to reunite our family after months apart? Or is it the bonding experience that we need?

In the end we decided that yes, we definitely wanted to surprise our daughters with a family vacation to DisneyWorld in early February.

Now came the really hard part: Budgeting for our family vacation.

Luckily for us and for you too, Disney offers fantastic military discounts that help reduce the cost of visiting these theme parks.

Here are the details on military discounts that you don’t want to miss when planning your Disney vacation.

Military Discounts for Your Disney Vacation

Many hotels near DisneyWorld and Disneyland offer significant military discounts (up to 40%) so always ask for one when making your reservation.

Specially Priced Tickets

When planning a Disney vacation, military families need to take advantage of specially priced tickets available to them. Each year Disney announces its military discounts on tickets for that year.

For 2017, a Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket is $224 and a Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket is $209 for DisneyWorld. The Park Hopper option is available for an additional cost. You can also add the Water Park Fun & More Option to your ticket.

If you live in California and plan to visit Disneyland, there are also discounted tickets available. A 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets is $156 and a 4-Day is $181.

Note: These tickets are nonrefundable and can’t be transferred.

These tickets must be purchased before December 19 at your military installation’s ticket office, commonly referred to as ITT. You can’t purchase more than 6 tickets at this discounted price.

This military discount is available to active-duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, Coast Guard, military spouses and retired service members. Be prepared to show your military ID card when purchasing these tickets.

Military Discounts on Hotels

Since it was our first Disney vacation, we decided to book a hotel at Shades of Green, the military resort near DisneyWorld. I’m really happy with our decision. The hotel is conveniently located near the parks and there was a bus shuttle to take us to the parks each morning.

I highly recommend making your reservations early, since Shades of Green can fill up quickly. Be prepared to submit your military ID card information when making your reservation.

Many hotels near DisneyWorld and Disneyland offer significant military discounts (up to 40%) so always ask for one when making your reservation.

Military Discount on Memory Maker, Disney’s Photo Package

When I first saw the price of Disney’s Memory Maker, I said, “No way. We’ll take our own photos. Thank you very much.” But then a friend told me that there’s a military discount on the photo pass.

For $84 plus tax, service members can purchase a DisneyWorld’s Memory Maker. The price is $49 plus tax at Disneyland.

This military discount on the photo package is only available at the Guest Relations office at the parks. The website said that there may be a 3-day delay between the date of purchase and activation, but we didn’t find that information to be accurate. We purchased our Memory Maker the night we arrived in Orlando and we were using it at Magic Kingdom the next morning. I hope that works for all military families.

Military Discounts for Your Disney Vacation

Did you know there’s a military discount on Disney’s photo service? Visit Guest Relations at any park for more information.

Because of this military discount, we decided to purchase the Memory Maker. With this pre-paid photo package we got photos of us on a few rides, including my favorite Tower of Terror and fantastic family photos with the Disney characters.

Planning a Disney vacation is a lot of work. But by spending some time researching military discounts, you can save money on tickets and hotels. That gives you more money to spend on souvenirs because everyone knows you can’t have too much Disney stuff.

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