Cheap Traveling Tips for Military Families

Military families are among the most active travelers in the country, and they are generally also among the least able to afford the expenses of travel. Because the military is aware of both these problems, it has designed ways to ensure cheap military travel for its members and families.

Space-A Flights

If you don't have a fixed schedule, space-available flying could be the best cheap military travel deal for your family. It can be complicated to arrange, so you definitely want to talk to your MWR's Tickets Travel and Tours office, where they can give you realistic advice for what to expect, as well as the local offices to call for your space-A travel.

Space-A is free travel for military members and certain of their family members (accompanied or unaccompanied by the military member) designed to take advantage of open slots on regularly and specifically scheduled flights. You won't travel in a cargo hold; these are passenger flights on airplanes comparable to commercial flights. You will run a higher risk of being bumped from a flight, though, so your schedule must be flexible.

On-Base Lodging: Cheap Military Travel Stays

In cities like New York, where a night's hotel can cost as much as $300 or more for just an ordinary room, renting lodging on a military base can save you a bundle of money. For instance, the Navy lodge on Staten Island has rates that drop as low as $70 a night, and they're a short drive to the Staten Island Ferry. And any military member of any branch can get lodging with any of them.

The best amenities and prices awards both go to the Air Force Inn system, which is simply outstanding in every way. The Navy Lodge and Army Lodge systems both vary widely in cost and quality. The Marine Corps Lodge system tends to have lesser amenities but also lower prices. If you're fortunate enough to stay in a city with several different bases, compare prices as well as locations; you'll find a good deal somewhere.