Travel is always an exciting venture, and opportunities with armed forces are wide through organizations like the Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC). The club offers great travel discounts and benefits to military personnel and their families. Whether planning a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous ski trip, or a special romantic getaway, this club has something appropriate for you.
Membership Benefits
The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a free membership travel club for active duty, reserve, guard, and retired members of the U.S. military, including civilian employees of the Department of Defense. Membership in the AFVC offers benefits like exclusive offers on resorts, hotels, and other associated travel services.
Premium Membership Benefits
While standard AFVC membership is absolutely free, there is an option of upgrading to premium that has more benefits. Premium members enjoy further reduced discounts on vacations, exclusive access to more inventory, and other special perks. For example, the premium member can secure an R&R vacation at a price cut more down to $399 weekly. Such an upgrade might be invaluable for the frequent traveler trying to cut costs and get a great choice.
R&R Vacations
R&R Vacations Another of the grand features of AFVC is the R&R vacation, previously termed Space Available. These run about $419 each week. These vacations have multiple resort selections located worldwide. The accommodations are spacious with most of these rooms having full kitchens and some with balconies.
High-Demand Vacations
For those who wish to travel during peak times or to highly sought-after destinations, AFVC offers High-Demand vacations. These are for larger units and are offered during holidays and other busy times of the year. While these might be a bit pricier than R&R vacations, they still tend to offer hefty discounts over standard travel rates.
Short Stays and Last Minute Deals
AFVC also caters to those looking for shorter vacations. The Short Stay options are perfect for few days’ trips, lasting less than a week on average. There’s also the Last Minute Deals that will come with jaw-dropping discounts to encourage last minute travelers. Sometimes these packages feature small properties—like hotel rooms or studios—while others offer large places at slightly higher rates.
All-Inclusive Resorts
AFVC has numerous options for those who would prefer to have everything in the cost. Mandatory All-Inclusive Resorts mean that the member must have an all-inclusive package, meaning paying for the all-inclusive service before they go, along with additional charges paid at check-in. Optional All-Inclusive Resorts allow an individual to determine, once they arrive, if they want to avail of the all-inclusive offerings. All these ensure that you can enjoy food, beverages, and several amenities without really worrying about extra costs during your stay.
Resort Vacation Certificates
Another of the distinctive features of AFVC is Resort Vacation Certificates (RVCs). RVCs are for seven-night stays at affiliated resorts and are specially designed for off-peak or offseason travels, although availability may stretch to the whole year in regard to particular destinations. RVCs are ideal in ensuring one is secured with accommodation in preferred vacation spots minus the intense crowding that is often characteristic of peak seasons.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Members eligible to join the Armed Forces Vacation Club include active duty, guard, reserve, and retired U.S. military personnel, as well as civilian employees of the Department of Defense. Additionally, those who are a part of Gold Star families and members of associations like the Association of the U.S. Army may register. This eligibility will include immediate family members of each.
Booking and Availability
Reservations with AFVC can be made from three days to a year in advance, depending on availability. Since the process is based on first-come, first-served, it is good to make earlier bookings so that one has the opportunity to arrange for popular destinations and peak times of travel. Besides, if your desired location isn’t available at the start, checking back regularly will be worth it as changes might be quite common.
Planning Resources
AFVC provides great resources for vacation planning, including tips for budget traveling, ideas on places to go, and best practices on how to get the most out of your PCS moves. The idea is to help our members more easily plan the perfect trip with minimum stress.
Exclusive Discounts and Savings
AFVC membership includes access to substantial discounts on more than just accommodations. Members can save on the cost of hotel stays, car rentals, and cruises, making it possible to plan a complete vacation. For example, up to 60% off for a hotel stay and car rental provided by over 30 major brands at discounted rates.
That adds up to quite a savings, helping members stretch their budget and do more activities during their vacation.
Reward Dollars Program
AFVC members also get Reward Dollars, with which you can earn up to $25 in Reward Dollars each month and spend these on shopping, dining, entertainment, and local deals. This program just enhances your vacation experience and brings more value to you over the year. Apply Reward Dollars toward everyday purchases or for something extra on your time away.
Travel Planning and Support
Planning a vacation can be intimidating, but AFVC makes it easy with vast support and planning resources. The Vacation Planning Resource Center is a treasure trove of information, inspiration, and practical tips for all kinds of vacations. Whether it’s advice on budget travel, tips for a romantic getaway, or how to make the most out of a family vacation, the resource center has all that covered. Also, the AFVC customer support team is always there to help with anything one might need or to answer any questions; travel planning is thus smooth and completely devoid of stress.
How to Join AFVC
Signing up with the Armed Forces Vacation Club is a piece of cake. Just visit the website for AFVC and create an account. You will need to verify eligibility—meaning you would need to provide some proof of military status or affiliation to the Department of Defense. So create your account, then browse through what’s out there and make reservations for your next awesome getaway. Its user-friendly simple website helps you fish among the vacations according to destination, date of travel, and type of accommodation, so that you get a perfect fit according to your traveling needs.
A Community of Travelers
Being a member of the AFVC means that I belong to a community with people who are of my mind on different issues. There are shared experiences and stories passed on by other military families, which happen to give many pointers and suggestions. Travel tips can be shared among fellow members via the social media channels and online forums of AFVC. This feeling of community enhances value in the experience, inculcating a spirit of togetherness and mutual support among travelers.
