Skywalk Observatory
What did you do on you summer vacation? Here are some ideas - all with a military discount.
Colorado Biking Excursions
Veterans can mountain bike free at Granby Ranch, a mountain getaway less than two hours from Denver, in the heart of Mountain Bike Capital USA.
Downhill and cross-country trails accommodate riders of every level, with expert instruction from Devon Nesselroth. A member of the Marine Corps on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nesselroth initiated the biking program for fellow veterans, especially those experiencing traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD. "I have been through TBI and PTSD, and being on the trail crew at Granby Ranch, being outside in nature and exercising really helped,” said Nesselroth. "We want to create a positive environment for vets to share experiences, make friends, and help each other cope with the effects of PTSD and TBI."
Bike tickets, rentals, and kits, plus camping accommodations for two-day excursions are included. The program is offered Aug. 5-6, Aug. 19-20, and Sept. 16-17. Call (888) 850-4615 for more information.
Wellness Retreat On California's Central Coast
The New Self-Health Movement hosts wellness vacation retreats in beautiful Pacific Grove in Monterey County Sept. 25-28 and Oct. 2-5.
Events include presentations by health coaches, authors, and speakers, including Alexandra Roach, author of “Healing the Military Soul: How Warriors can Regain Strength from Within.” Sunrise yoga and meditation are offered each morning, and “get-acquainted” fireside events are held in the evening.
The regular price for a four-day pass is $997, but active duty and retired servicemembers pay $317 (a 70-percent discount). Use coupon code 4DAYMIL.
Or come for just a day: The one-day Saturday Wellness Workshop Retreat is regularly priced at $297, but active duty and retired military personnel may attend for $97.) Use coupon code 1DAYMIL.
Prices do not include accommodations or meals. Military ID required at registration. Call (510) 493-6064 for more information.
Jungle Adventure In The Philippines
“These travels are not for everyone,” admits Johan Bergman, founder of The Path Adventures, an extreme eco-adventure company that specializes in jungle expeditions in the Philippines.
Armed with nothing more than a backpack, adventurers cross deep rivers and swashbuckle their way through old mangrove swamps in the virgin rainforest.
Retired and active duty servicemembers get a 50-percent discount off these extreme adventures, which regularly start at $5,479. (Your price is $2,739.) The offer is valid through Dec. 31, 2015. Find more information at the website.
Skywalk In Boston
Afraid of heights? You might want to avoid The Skywalk, New England's tallest observatory and Boston's only sky-high vantage point. The 50th-floor observatory offers panoramic views (up to 80 miles on a clear day), interactive exhibits, and a theater. The Dreams of Freedom exhibit and video tell the story of Boston's immigrants from colonial days to the present. (Did you know that one out of five Americans has an ancestor who arrived to America via Boston?) Admission at the Skywalk is regularly $17 but free to active duty military personnel and those with dependent cards.
Facing A One-Armed Bandit
Station Casinos, with off-strip hotels, casinos, and resorts throughout the Las Vegas area, offers an ongoing 20-percent discount off hotel rates for active duty servicemembers and veterans. Hotels include Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch Resort, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, and Wild Wild West.
As part of the Military Mondays program, servicemembers who apply for a free Military Boarding Pass (a player's club reward program) get an array of extra discounts on food, beverage, gaming, bowling, and other benefits.
Check out the resorts' Operation Thank You website, where you can book a room at “Patriot Rates,” get your Military Boarding Pass, and view current Military Monday offers. For reservations and information, call (702) 862-3154 or (800) 678-2846 and mention the discount. Valid ID is required upon arrival.
Sip And Cycle In Sonoma
Randy Johnson, owner of Getaway Adventures in Northern California Wine Country, offers servicemembers a $25 discount off his lineup of wine-tasting bike and kayak tours. There are tours for casual riders, such as the relaxing Sip 'N Cycle, and rides for more serious bikers, such as the Velo 'N Vino. Prefer pints to pinot? Try the Pints 'N Pedals tour. “The craft beer industry is rocking!” Johnson says. Or kayak in the area's beautiful rivers and lakes. Tours include a fabulous Wine Country style picnic. All tours are described on the website, or call (800) 499-BIKE for more information.
More Adventurous Options
Want more ideas for your great escape? These previously published deals still are valid, with offers in Mount Kilimanjaro, off the coast of Maine, Ecuador, Greece, and more. See “Vacation Your Way,”“A Really Big Adventure,” and “Far-Flung Destinations.”