Affordable Travel Made Easy
A new Web site consolidates military travel discounts.
By Julie Steed
“You can’t afford not to travel this year!” says Erica Pena-Vest, Navy spouse and founder of GuideToMilitaryTravel.com. Thanks to Pena-Vest, the single largest collection of military travel discounts is now online. We caught up with her to find out more about the Web site and exclusive travel deals for military members and their families.
MSM: Tell us about your website.
Pena-Vest: We currently have the largest collection of military discounts available, with over 850 listings online, and hundreds more added monthly. We offer recommendations on where to stay and eat, what to do, and what to take for popular travel destinations.
MSM: When did you realize a need for a military travel website?
Pena-Vest: For many years, my family and I have taken advantage of military discounts, but I was surprised that other military families were unaware of the travel incentives available. We live in an age of unprecedented patriotism, where discounts for the military are everywhere, but I quickly discovered there was no resource on the web that collected these discounts in one place. With my contacts and experience in the travel industry, I was in a unique position to build such a web-based resource.
MSM: Should we visit your Web site with a travel destination in mind, or do you recommend browsing first?
Pena-Vest: Yes to both. We have a list of travel discounts covering popular locations, so whether you have a chosen destination or you are looking for a lead on your next trip, we have something for you. If no discounts are listed for your chosen destination, contact us. We will do the research for you.
MSM: What are your top three travel tips for families who are PCSing?
Pena-Vest: Don’t rush. Enjoy the sights and allow your family a chance to experience America beyond the interstate. Use your PCS as an excuse to take a vacation. Take a vacation when you arrive and get acquainted with your new duty station.
MSM: Top three tips for those planning a vacation?
Pena-Vest: If you have young children, never forego naps. If you have older children, use your vacation to bond, doing something or going somewhere that interests them. If you have no children, consider an all-inclusive cruise or resort.
MSM: What is the one travel destination you recommend for 2010?
Pena-Vest: If you have a destination that you’ve always wanted to visit but thought you couldn’t afford it, now is the time. This is the year to fulfill travel dreams.
MSM: What is your favorite “military-friendly” travel destination?
Pena-Vest: Currently, Orlando. Sea World and Universal Studios offer free tickets to the military, Disney World offers heavily discounted tickets and over 50 hotels in the area have military discounts.