Travel – Resources

One of the benefits of military life is the unique experience to travel and explore the world. Service members may benefit from numerous resources that assist them in their travels and expeditions. Here is a sampling of services.

The Information, Tickets and Travel office

Your local Information, Tickets and Travel office is your key to living military life to the fullest without emptying your wallet. ITT is a resource that gives you access to:

• Discounts on hotels, car rentals, theme park tickets, vacation packages and cruises
• Savings on day trips to nearby cities and attractions
• Deals on not-so-faraway attractions, like sporting events, movie tickets and more

ITT personnel are certified travel agents. They can save you time and money by figuring out the details for your trip. Whether you’re destined for Vegas or a Disney theme park, the staff can get you there at the best rate. Or check out your branch’s ITT services at:

• Army ITT
• Marine Corps ITT Program
• Navy ITT
• Department of the Air Force ITT (for airmen and guardians)

American Forces Travel^SM is a the online version of the installation ITT office and your one-stop travel booking site. It allows you to book your next trip online, which funds current and future morale, welfare and recreation services.

Other recreation resources

No need to travel far to check out these great off-installation adventures:

• America the Beautiful passes give you free access to national parks. Go hike, climb, ski, surf, stargaze or relax.
• Blue Star Museums allow you to soak up history, science or culture across the country – for free.
• “Big Fun on a Small Budget” podcast will give ways to trim your budget while enjoying great adventures.

Military recreation lodging

Military families are eligible to use military recreation lodging around the world, ranging from cottages on the beach to world-class resorts or recreation lodging facilities. You may have more options than you realize — and you could save a little money — by choosing military recreational lodging.

Examples of military recreation lodging include the following Armed Forces Recreation Center resorts available around the world:

• On the East Coast, check out Shades of Green® in Orlando, Florida, near Walt Disney World®, Fort Fisher on the beaches of North Carolina or one of the coastal cabins maintained by the Coast Guard.
• On the West Coast and beyond, check out Seward Resort in Alaska, Big Bear in Southern California or Kilauea Camp and Hale Koa Hotel in Hawaii.
• In Germany, try Edelweiss Lodge.
• In Japan, consider the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo or the Okuma Recreation Center. Also in Asia is the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, South Korea.

A few things to keep in mind as you make your military recreation lodging reservations:

• Some military recreation lodging properties fill up fast. Do your research and make reservations as early as you can. Reservation requirements vary by facility and duty status.
• Pet policies may vary. If you plan to travel with your pets, make sure furry, four-legged guests are welcome before you book your stay.
• Mailing addresses are sometimes listed on military lodging websites or brochures. Request a GPS-friendly address when you make your reservation to avoid circling the block a few times before reaching your destination.

Campgrounds across the United States

MWR offers camping and glamping opportunities across the states. View the Best Kept Secrets: Joint Services Campgrounds and Facilities guide to choose your next relaxing destination. Each campground offers different activities, accommodations and amenities. You can rent recreational vehicle pads, pop-up camper sites, tents, yurts or even fully furnished cabins or hotels.

Other travel resources

Check out these other resources while you are researching your vacation plans:

• Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation
• Marine Corps Community Services
• Navy Gateway Inns and Suites
• Air Force Inns
• Department of Defense Lodging

Space-A travel

Space-Available flights, also known as Space-A travel, are a great resource for military families to fly at no or very low costs. Learn more through Military OneSource and the Air Mobility Command travel page and check out your options.

TSA PreCheck®

If Space-A travel isn’t right for your plans, take advantage of Transportation Security Administration PreCheck® to expedite your time at the airport when flying commercial. Simply use your Department of Defense ID as your known traveler number.