Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day and the travel industry is demonstrating its deep appreciation and gratitude to all who have served our nation by offering an impressive array of exclusive benefits, spectacular deals, and complimentary experiences designed to honor U.S. military personnel, veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with meaningful opportunities to travel, explore, and create lasting memories together during this important holiday and throughout the entire month of November.
This week, and continuing all month long in many cases, travel brands across the country are honoring U.S. military personnel with an extensive selection of valuable deals and perks, ranging from significantly discounted hotel stays to free entry to premier attractions, national parks, museums, and family-friendly destinations that make travel more accessible and affordable for those who have sacrificed for our country.
Here are some of the top travel deals to take advantage of this Veterans Day 2025.
Hotels and Resorts Veterans Day Discounts
Eligible military members can score impressive deals at hotels across the country this Veterans Day, with numerous chains and independent properties offering special rates to show their appreciation for military service.
For example, the Boardwalk Inn & Suites in Daytona Beach, Florida, is honoring veterans by offering a generous 35 percent off stays during the entire month of November, making it an ideal option for those asking “What are the best Veterans Day hotel deals?” and seeking beach vacation opportunities in Florida.
Extended Stay America is also celebrating Military Family Month this November with substantial savings of up to 50 percent off regular rates, providing excellent value for military families planning extended stays or longer trips during the holiday period.
Other notable hotel chains that have offered military discounts in the past include La Quinta and Super 8 by Wyndham hotels in addition to Red Roof brands, all of which have historically recognized Veterans Day with special pricing. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts offers eligible military members 15 percent off its best available rate this holiday season across its extensive portfolio of properties nationwide.
Armed Forces Vacation Club Special Offers
Meanwhile, Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC)—a free membership travel club exclusively for U.S. military members and their families—is commemorating Veterans Day with two limited-time offers that provide exceptional value for military travelers.
New members who join AFVC by December 31, 2025, can save $65 off a seven-night ‘R&R’ resort booking with promo code AFVC65 at checkout, making luxury resort stays more affordable for military families. What’s more, from November 5-14, AFVC members can book seven-night stays at select ‘R&R’ resorts worldwide starting as low as $329 per week, representing extraordinary value for international and domestic travel.
“Veterans Day is a moment to recognize the tremendous commitment and sacrifice of our nation’s service members,” Amy Lipka, SVP Travel Solutions, Armed Forces Vacation Club, said in an official statement. “We’re proud to honor their service by making it easier for military families to access the restorative power of travel. Whether it’s a much-needed couple’s escape or an extended-family getaway, these offers are designed to help our members reconnect and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Museums Offer Free Veterans Day Entry
A plethora of museums across the country are opening their doors to armed forces members and their families this Veterans Day, providing educational and cultural experiences at no cost to those who have served.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, is offering free entry for veterans and active-duty military personnel from November 7-11, allowing service members to explore this significant historical institution during the Veterans Day week.
Many other museums nationwide are participating in similar programs, answering travelers asking “What museums are free for veterans on Veterans Day?” and “Where can military families visit for free?” with generous access to cultural attractions.
SeaWorld Military Silver Pass Launches
SeaWorld continues to honor the U.S. military and their families with the all-new Military Silver Pass, which is now available to both active-duty service members and veterans, offering unlimited admission for a full year to all SeaWorld parks across the country.
This comprehensive annual pass includes more than $1,000 in exclusive benefits, including complimentary parking at all parks, guest tickets to share experiences with friends and family, a digital photo download to preserve memories, exclusive in-park discounts on food, merchandise, and experiences, and access to special pass member events and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
The Military Silver Pass represents one of the most valuable long-term military benefits available in the theme park industry and addresses service members asking “What are the best annual passes for military?” and “Does SeaWorld offer military discounts?”
National Parks Free Entry for Veterans
Veterans Day marks the last free entrance day at U.S. national parks in 2025, providing a final opportunity this year for all visitors to explore America’s natural treasures without paying entrance fees.
What’s more, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and members of Gold Star Families are eligible for a Military Lifetime Pass that provides free access all year long to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and other protected lands.
This lifetime pass answers military families asking “How can veterans get free national park access?” and “What is the military lifetime pass for national parks?” with a valuable benefit that extends well beyond Veterans Day.
The free entrance day applies to all visitors, not just veterans, making November 11 an excellent opportunity for family outings to iconic destinations like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, and hundreds of other national park sites.
Zoos Offer Free and Discounted Admission
Many spectacular zoos across the country are offering free admission for veterans and discounted entry for their family and friends this fall, providing enjoyable experiences for military families seeking animal attractions and outdoor activities.
The Akron Zoo in Ohio is offering free admission with a valid military ID from November 7-11, with immediate family members receiving 50 percent off admission, making it an affordable family outing during Veterans Day week.
Other U.S. zoos offering free admission and other savings for Veterans Day include the Cincinnati Zoo, Montgomery Zoo in Alabama, Nashville Zoo in Tennessee, North Carolina Zoo, and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, providing options across multiple regions for military families.
These zoo Veterans Day promotions answer families asking “Which zoos are free for veterans?” and “What are the best Veterans Day activities for families?”
Additional Travel Benefits for Military
Beyond these specific Veterans Day deals, military members should remember that many travel brands offer year-round military discounts that extend beyond the holiday, including airline military fares with flexible policies, rental car discounts from major companies, cruise line military rates, vacation package savings, travel insurance discounts, and special rates at vacation rentals and timeshares.
Military travel websites like Military OneSource, AFVCLUB.com, and various service branch MWR programs provide additional resources for finding military travel deals throughout the year.
How to Claim Veterans Day Travel Benefits
To take advantage of these Veterans Day offers, military members typically need to provide proof of service such as a military ID card (active duty or dependent), VA health identification card, Veterans designation on state driver’s license, DD Form 214 discharge papers, or military retirement credentials.
Travelers should call ahead to confirm specific documentation requirements and verify that Veterans Day promotions are still active, as some offers have blackout dates or limited availability during peak periods.
Planning Your Veterans Day Travel
For those asking “Should I travel on Veterans Day?” or “What are the best Veterans Day weekend getaways?”, these deals make travel particularly attractive during the November 11 holiday weekend. Consider booking early to secure availability, combining multiple offers for maximum savings, checking if state parks also offer military benefits, looking for restaurant chains with Veterans Day meals, and planning trips that align with the valid dates of each promotion.
The combination of hotel discounts, free attractions, and special access to national parks creates opportunities for memorable military family trips at significantly reduced costs.
For more exclusive military travel deals, Veterans Day offers, discount alerts, family travel guides, and expert budget travel tips that help service members and their families explore the world affordably, visit The Inspiring Insight. Stay informed with our year-round coverage of military benefits, travel promotions, attraction discounts, hotel deals, and destination guides designed for military families. Subscribe for the latest Veterans Day updates, military appreciation events, and family-friendly travel recommendations that honor those who serve.
