This is a sponsored blog post with 1 Natural Way. All opinions expressed are mine alone. Best freebies and discounts for military families.
I always say that being an active duty military family is living a life of extremes. The good stuff, like getting to see different parts of the country, building deep friendships, and free or low-cost medical care are all extremely great. The hard stuff, like living away from family, unwanted PCS locations, and having to set up life every couple of years can be extremely hard. This article is going to focus on one of the extremely fun things about being an active duty military family—that is the deals, discounts, and freebies available because of our family’s service. Here are my Five Best Freebies and Discounts for Military Families.
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- Waived Credit Card Fees
Did you know that there are many travel/rewards credit cards that wave annual fees for military families? We have been able to fly our family of five for the price of one ticket more than once because of our travel credit card, for which we pay no annual fee. Earlier this month, a military spouse friend of mine purchased a hotel room for the both of us to stay in during a conference. We got a free upgraded room, free parking, free Uber credit, and free lounge service with a cocktail hour just because of her credit card! But unlike others who have to pay the annual fee to have that card—she pays nothing. Check out which travel cards that waive military fees might be right for you.
2. Free Respite Care for Qualifying EFMP Families
Okay, this one is a bit controversial because the laws are always changing and the different military branches have different rules when it comes to respite care for families of children with special needs or disabilities. However, for us, respite care has been a game-changer. We have a son with Down syndrome and another son with complex medical needs. Right now, with the Air Force, we get 40 hours of free respite care a month with this program. The providers have to go through training, several certification courses and they are also highly paid, which make us comfortable using the service. 40 hours is a more recent development for Air Force families, and who knows if it will change again, but right now we are using it to the fullest extent possible. It’s allowed me to work more, manage my kid’s appointments more effectively and my husband and I get to go on a date once a month.
3. Free Classes, Breast Pumps and Accessories For New and Pregnant Military Moms
Military hospitals often offer a wide range of free pregnancy and parenting classes you can take before your baby arrives. Check with Women’s Health to inquire. Don’t pay for baby items you can get for free. Did you know you can get a free breast pump through 1 Natural Way? This company offers the popular Medela, Spectra and Kiinde brands, as well as accessories and other postpartum care supplies. All breast pumps are covered under your TriCare insurance plan and are completely free. Fill out this short form. It takes less than 5 minutes and 1 Natural Way will take care of contacting your physician and TriCare for you!
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4) Military Resorts and Other Military Travel Perks
Have you ever stayed at a military lodge or resort? We have stayed at the Navy Lodge on Coronado Island just outside of San Diego several times and it is fantastic. We stayed in a cottage on the beach for dirt cheap prices. These resorts are highly discounted from a typical hotel in the area. There are military resorts all over the world—Florida, Germany, Japan, Hawaii and more. The resorts book quickly, so make plans far in advance.
Check out the ITT (Information, Tickets & Tours) office before booking a vacation. You can usually land great deals—like highly discounted four-day park hopper passes for Disney Land and Disney World, cruise packages and more. You can also look into the Armed Forces Vacation Club—which allows you to have the benefits of a timeshare without having to own one. The only catch is that most places make you book for a week. Also, get discounted tickets at VetTix.org
Stop by the Moral Welfare Recreation office on base (MWR). MWR facilities on base include pools, bowling alleys, golf courses and other recreation facilities on base, but they have services off base as well. You can rent campers, canoes, kayaks and more through the MWR centers for a great deal. They also run group trips—I have friends who have climbed Mount Fuji and camped inside the Grand Canyon through this service.
Did you know you can get your family into Sea World, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place for free once a year if you’re active duty military? While staying on Coronado Island, we took advantage of the Sea World Passes. The San Diego Zoo also offers a day pass. View a list of theme parks that offer free admission or discounted rates, here.
Don’t forget you also get free admission to national parks as an active duty military family! We have taken advantage at the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Yosemite National park using the free military pass.
Space-A-Travel. You can hop aboard a military flight for free or for little cost with Space-A-Travel. The flights are unpredictable, but if you have flexible plans and a limited travel budget, this is an option worth looking into.
5) Discounts at Stores
According to Brad’s Deals, there are over 230 stores and services that offer military discounts. When we first became active duty family, I knew to ask at restaurants, however, I had no idea that some of my favorite clothing stores, home improvement stores, baby stores and others also offer discounts. When I asked Facebook friends for their favorite military discounts—they said: Lowes, Home Depot, Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic, free race registration with Active.com, Rue, Waffle House, Goodwill, Michael’s, Brewsters, Thrive Market and Khols. You can also use this website to prove you are military before online shopping. Bottom line—no matter where you go, always ask, or look up before purchasing!
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Read my other military articles: Survival Tips for New and Pregnant Military Moms, How to PCS Like a Boss and Why Military Wives Make the Best Friends
