Three Ways Travel Discounts Usually Work

Knowing how the discount works can be just as important as knowing that it exists.

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1. Get a Pass

Some of America's best travel benefits come from an annual or lifetime pass that you obtain before your trip and use again and again.

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2. Buy Before You Go

Some military and Veteran attraction discounts require advance purchase, verification or use of an authorized ticket program.

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3. Ask & Show ID

Museums, attractions and other destinations may offer discounts at the ticket window. Ask before paying and have appropriate identification ready.

START HERE

You May Already Qualify for One of America's Best Travel Deals

The America the Beautiful interagency pass program can provide entrance or standard day-use access at more than 2,000 participating federal recreation sites.

America the Beautiful Passes

Participating federal lands include sites managed by agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Depending on the site, a pass may cover entrance for one private vehicle or the passholder and accompanying passengers under applicable program rules.

Important: passes do not necessarily cover lodging, concession-operated tours, private outfitters, transportation, parking or other additional charges.

Pass Who It Is For Cost Entry Some Amenity Discounts
Military Lifetime Veterans and Gold Star families Free Yes Generally no expanded amenity discount
Military Annual Current military and eligible dependents Free Yes Generally no expanded amenity discount
Senior Lifetime U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62+ $80 Yes Yes — discounts may apply to certain expanded amenity fees
Senior Annual U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62+ $20 Yes Yes — discounts may apply to certain expanded amenity fees
Access Pass U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability Free Yes Yes — discounts may apply to certain expanded amenity fees

Veteran AND 62 or Older?

The free Military Lifetime Pass may already provide the federal recreation entry benefit you need.

However, the Senior Pass or Access Pass may provide discounts on certain expanded amenity fees such as qualifying camping or other recreation charges.

That means the question isn't only: "Which pass gets me through the gate?"

Also ask: "Which pass gives me the benefits I actually use?"

DISABLED VETERANS

Check the Access Pass Too

Veterans with a permanent disability may qualify for the free America the Beautiful Access Pass.

This is important because the Access Pass may offer more than federal recreation entry. It may also provide discounts on certain expanded amenity fees, including qualifying camping and other recreation services.

Eligibility is based on a medically determined permanent disability and is not limited to Veterans. Proof requirements apply.

If you have a service-connected disability, check the Access Pass requirements before purchasing another recreation pass.

CHECK ACCESS PASS ELIGIBILITY

National Parks & Federal Recreation Sites

One pass can open the door to destinations throughout the United States.

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National Parks

Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, Everglades and many other federal recreation destinations participate in the interagency pass program.

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National Forests & Public Lands

The interagency pass can also apply at participating national forests, wildlife refuges, BLM lands and other federal recreation areas.

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Camping

Senior and Access passholders may receive discounts on certain expanded amenity fees. Always verify the campground and operator before booking.

Your Pass May Get You In — But Not Pay for Everything

Federal recreation passes generally apply to qualifying entrance and standard day-use fees.

They may not cover:

  • Hotels and park lodges
  • Private tour companies
  • Rafting or adventure outfitters
  • Some transportation and ferry charges
  • Concession-operated services
  • Some parking charges
  • State parks
  • Theme parks and privately operated attractions

Ask what the pass covers before you pay for additional services.

BEYOND THE NATIONAL PARKS

Museums, Attractions & Theme Parks

Don't assume the advertised ticket price is the only price available.

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Museums & Historic Sites

Some museums, historic sites and cultural attractions offer military, Veteran or Senior admission programs.

Ask about eligibility and have appropriate identification ready.

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Theme Parks

Military and Veteran theme-park savings may require advance purchase or eligibility verification.

Check before arriving at the ticket window.

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Zoos & Aquariums

Many local attractions establish their own Veteran, military and Senior admission policies.

Programs can vary significantly by location and time of year.

Before You Buy an Attraction Ticket

  • Check the attraction's official website.
  • Look for Veteran, military and Senior rates.
  • Check whether advance purchase is required.
  • Check whether eligibility verification is required.
  • Compare the discount with other available promotional or membership rates.
  • Check whether the offer applies to family members or additional guests.
  • Check blackout dates and restrictions.
  • Ask whether parking or other charges are separate.
BEFORE EVERY TRIP

The 5-Minute Travel Savings Check

Five minutes before booking could be worth real money during your trip.

  • Veteran or military rate
  • Senior rate
  • AAA, AARP or other membership rate
  • Loyalty or rewards-member rate
  • Direct-booking rate
  • Attraction or destination discount
  • Federal recreation pass eligibility
  • Local Veteran or Senior offers
  • Identification requirements
  • Restrictions, blackout dates and exclusions
EXPLORE AMERICA & SAVE

Destination Savings Guides

America is too big for one discount page. Explore our growing collection of destination guides for Veteran and Senior travelers.

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California

Explore potential savings around Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, San Diego attractions, Yosemite, Death Valley and other California destinations.

EXPLORE CALIFORNIA

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New York & Washington, D.C.

Explore the Smithsonian, National Mall, Statue of Liberty, Cooperstown, Niagara and other destinations.

EXPLORE NY & D.C.

Texas

Discover potential savings at Texas parks, San Antonio attractions, Space Center Houston and other destinations across the Lone Star State.

EXPLORE TEXAS

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Arizona, Utah & Colorado

Grand Canyon, Zion and an incredible collection of national parks make this one of the best regions in America for putting a federal recreation pass to work.

EXPLORE THE SOUTHWEST

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Tennessee, Smokies & Branson

Explore the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Branson, Silver Dollar City and other popular regional destinations.

EXPLORE THE REGION

🌴 Traveling in Florida?

Senior Vet Discounts already includes Florida and Orlando attraction information inside the app.

Use the app to explore potential savings and travel information for popular Florida destinations.

OPEN SENIOR VET DISCOUNTS

GOING SOMEWHERE?

Search Before You Leave

Your travel savings don't have to stop at the attraction entrance.

Use Senior Vet Discounts to search for participating businesses and potential savings by ZIP code or region.

Search the area around your hotel, destination or next stop before you leave home.

You may discover restaurants, stores, services and other businesses that support Veterans and Seniors.

SEARCH SENIOR VET DISCOUNTS

Find. Show. Save.

Not a Veteran or Senior?

You can still use Senior Vet Discounts.

Search for businesses that support Veterans and Seniors and choose to support those businesses with your own purchases.

Support the businesses that support them.

Always Verify Before You Travel

Travel discounts, admission programs, eligibility requirements, prices and restrictions can change without notice.

Offers may also differ for active-duty military, Veterans, retirees, disabled Veterans, spouses, dependents and Seniors.

Senior Vet Discounts provides information to help you discover potential savings. The individual business, attraction, agency or program determines eligibility and current terms.

Verify the current offer directly with the provider before making travel plans or purchases.

Page reviewed: September 2026.

Before You Travel — Ask Before You Pay

The National Park pass is the travel version of "Ask Before You Pay."

Get the right pass first. Then ask at every museum, attraction, hotel, restaurant and ticket window along the way.

A few minutes of checking could save you money throughout your entire trip.

Find. Show. Save.