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Do you need an escape from the real world? If you are interested in a get-a-way as a couple, a girls’ trip, or a family vacation, look no further than the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. With so many islands easily accessible from the United States, it is a quick commute to paradise. Here are a few ideas on how to plan your Caribbean vacation utilizing a military discount.
Military Specific Travel Resources
Did you know there are travel booking resources available exclusively for the military? Most offer discounted rates on hotels, resorts, airfare, rental cars, vacation packages, tour excursions, and cruises. Check out American Forces Travel, GOV-X Travel, and GovVacation Rewards to learn how you can save on travel.
American Forces Travel offers discounts up to 60% off hotels and 80% off cruises. Booking through this resource helps support local MWR programs. GovVacation Rewards even offers an instant $250 credit when you register. You don’t have to do a lot of research to book a great vacation. These resources exist to help you and provide great discounts.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Our military family has been fortunate enough to be stationed on several tropical islands. Having lived in both Jamaica and The Bahamas, we have visited many all-inclusive resorts. The all-inclusive experience takes the stress out of vacation planning with options for both couples and families. You pay a straightforward rate to include food, drinks, taxes, fees, and gratuities. Some even include non-motorized water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and more. You book, travel, arrive, and enjoy. No need to worry about what each meal costs or how much you are spending on incidentals.
Two excellent options throughout the Caribbean are Sandals and Beaches. Sandals resorts are the adult-only resort option, while Beaches is a family-friendly version. Both resorts offer 10% off to military personnel on top of any current online promotions. This discount is available year-round. An island paradise exists that is sure to please any traveler with properties located in Jamaica, The Bahamas, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, and Turks & Caicos. Visit their website to learn more and book your vacation directly online.
Cruise Deals
Another convenient way to explore the Caribbean from many ports in the United States is to book a cruise. They are sailing again, and plenty of good deals exist if you know where to look. Cruising gives you the ability to visit several countries and islands during one vacation, allowing you to experience a little bit of each. Excursions can be booked independently or through the cruise line itself. When booking a cruise, there are options to include meals, drinks, activities, and tours. Once you set sail, you can truly relax, knowing everything is taken care of for you.
Several of the cruise lines offer reduced rates for the military. Visit the Carnival, Celebrity, or Norwegianwebsites to learn more. In addition, Disney provides a family-friendly cruise option and supports the military with special pricing to The Bahamas. Utilizing the exclusive government and military travel sites, you may be able to find the best deal.
COVID-19 Travel Requirements
Before planning any vacation, make sure to check the current CDC and United States guidelines for travel back into the country. It is also imperative to research and know what the entry requirements are for each foreign country. The tourism ministry in each is the best place to check whether vaccination, negative COVID-19 tests, or quarantine requirements exist for each destination. Mask mandates and curfews may exist at your vacation destination as well. Your resort and cruise line should also assist and provide accurate information regarding the current COVID travel requirements.
The status of the world seems to change daily, and travel looks different than it has in the past. However, you can still take a trip and do so safely. If you need a break, escape to the beauty of the islands in the Caribbean, filled with pristine beaches, fantastic food, culture, and people. Enjoying a military discount to get there makes paradise even more attractive.