Ellen Phillips photo for ConsumerWatch column that runs every Sunday - Please use this photo from now onJust in time to celebrate those who have served our country, today's column continues with more discount information, this time concerning travel.
* ACE Rent-Car offers a 15 percent rental in select offices (check online or call before reserving).
* Alamo Car Rental gives discounted rates to the military and their families. If the former are traveling on orders, they also receive a Collision Damage Waiver and no extra driver fees.
* American Airlines Cargo allows pet shipment for 50 percent off regular rates; military families may avail themselves of this service, too.
* Amtrak gives a 10 percent discount to active duty personnel and their families but can't be combined with other offers.
* Avis Car Rental allows federal government workers, as well as military personnel, to get free collision/LDW insurance coverage, no underage driver fees, unlimited mileage, and competitive rates on personal or official business.
* Beaches by Sandals save an extra 10 percent to U.S. and Canadian military members and their families.
* Best Western provides hotel rates based on the U.S. government per diem and is available to the military and civilian/government employees, whether on official business or relaxation.
* Budget Car Rental and its offer code BCD U088801 offer discounted rates when booking online.
* Choice Hotels offer discounted rates at its 2700+ hotels; however, military members and vets can join the Privileges Program as Elite Gold members which entitles them to exclusive be fits and rewards points.
* Clipper Vacations provides discounted vacation packages to the Pacific Northwest to members of the military and one guest by booking online with the promo code HERO.
* Delta Vacations helps plan an anywhere-in-the-world trip to save $50 to $200. To get this monetary savings, along with discounted airfare and bonus mileage points, contact Delta Vacations and have on hand a valid military email address.
* Disney Parks allow active military and spouses, retired military, national guard and reservists (and their families) room discounts and admission tickets.
* Disney Cruise Lines offers special military discounts on certain visits to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It's important, though, to check Disney's official site (disneycruise.disney.go.com) as these promos aren't always available.
* Dollar.com offers discounts, including car rentals and fee waivers, to vets, active duty personnel, national guard/reservists, and families.
* Hertz Rental Cars gives discounted rates and unlimited mileage to members of the military. If space is available, Hertz also allows free upgrades.
* Hyatt Hotels, if provided active military ID upon check in, gives a special rate. The amount is based upon the hotel and the rate is based upon availability.
* Jellystone Parks give 5-20 percent discounts to active duty and retired military families at most of their campgrounds.
* Marriott Hotels say to check their Military Per Diem Rate Qualification Guidelines to see the amount of savings.
* The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass offers a wealth of savings. Available to all U.S. military and their families, as well as most members of the Reserve and National Guard, the Pass covers entrance to Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service sites that charge entrance fees. Additionally, enter gratis at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation sites. As well as during other military holidays, most state and federal parks grant free access this same time next month (Veterans' Day).
* Norwegian Cruise Line offers up to 10 percent off to active duty military and their families, veterans, national guard members, and reservists.
* Park Ride Fly USA provides airport parking discounts to all vets, armed forces personnel, and their families.
* Red Roof Inn helps active duty and retired military with a 10 percent room rate.
* Royal Caribbean provides special cruise rates to active military and their family members. Just be sure that eligible military members tay in the same stateroom to qualify for the discounted rates.
(Also, thanks to a member of Discount Soldier for writing me about its great phone app. Not only does it provide year round discounts to military service members, veterans and their families but also brings special treats just in time for Veteran's Day on Monday.)
To all our service men and women - past and present - and their families who also undergo their own sacrifices, we salute you!
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfree press.com