WeSalute Review: Your 2025 Holiday Travel Guide on How to Save More and Stress Less on Your Getaway

The holiday season is officially in full swing. While the golden rule of travel is usually "book early," we know that military & veteran life doesn't always adhere to a strict schedule. If you are just now finalizing your plans for Hanukkah, Christmas, or New Year's, don't panic. Preparation is still the key to a stress-free vacation, and even at this late stage, knowing where to look can lead to significant savings.

Drawing on WeSalute’s 25+ years of experience advising members on military discounts, this WeSalute Travel Guide is designed to ensure every trip you plan is smart, safe, and affordable for the whole family! If you are new to WeSalute, start by creating a free account to gain access to hundreds of offers. If you want even more benefits, including exclusive discounts you can’t find anywhere else, sign up for WeSalute+ today!

1. How Can You Secure the Best Airfare Rates?

The price of an airline ticket can fluctuate wildly, especially this close to the holidays, but a smart strategy — and the right membership — can help you lock in a great deal.
 

Exclusive Member Savings: Stop searching multiple sites and start with your guaranteed benefits. WeSalute+ Members save 5% OFF + 2 free bags on JetBlue Airways flights — a discount that applies even during high-demand periods. Flying regionally? All WeSalute Members can snag 15% OFF Breeze Airways fares. These aren't "whisper discounts"; these are savings negotiated directly with our partners to secure greater Respect, Recognition, and Rewards for you and the military community.

These are just a few of the many discounts packed into your WeSalute+ Membership. Once you land, we have you covered on the ground too. Members enjoy significant benefits on rentals globally, including up to 35% OFF car, truck, and SUV rentals with Avis and Budget. WeSalute+ Members also receive a complimentary annual upgrade to Avis Preferred Plus status, enhancing savings and the overall travel experience. Your WeSalute+ Membership also includes exclusive access to a Personal Benefits Specialist for dedicated support, to ensure you maximize all of these benefits and more as A Real Thank YouⓇ for your service!

Late-Season Tips:

• Flexibility is Your Superpower: Since we are already in December, flexibility is now your best friend. Flying on the holiday itself (Christmas Day or New Year's Day) is often significantly cheaper than the days leading up to it. Avoid departing on the busiest days — typically the Friday or Saturday before Christmas. If you can extend your trip and return on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than the peak Sunday after the holiday, you can often find substantial savings.
• The "Search & Save" Strategy: Smart travelers know how to use the right tool for the job. You can use public trackers like Google Flights or Kayak to scout your ideal dates and routes — but when you are ready to book, switch over to WeSalute+ Travel. This ensures you lock in members-only pricing, including up to 70% OFF hotels and resorts and airfare discounts on leading carriers worldwide.
• Check Nearby Airports: If you are visiting family in a major metro area, check all surrounding airports. A slightly longer drive on the ground could save you hundreds of dollars in the air.

2. Is Travel Protection Worth the Investment for Your Journey?

Many travelers make the mistake of assuming their standard health insurance has them covered wherever they go. Unfortunately, most domestic policies, including government-funded health insurance, are not accepted outside of the U.S. border.

"The time to discover your policy doesn't cover you isn't when you're in a foreign emergency room," advises Steve Cosgrove, a veteran travel industry expert.

While many people worry about losing the cost of their flight (Trip Cancellation), the far greater financial risk is a medical crisis abroad. A solid safety net should consider:

• Trip Cancellation: Reimburses prepaid expenses if your trip is scrapped.
• Emergency Medical & Dental: Covers costs if you get sick or injured.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: The most critical coverage. The cost to medically transport you back home can be astronomical, easily reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

WeSalute Travel Protection: Prioritize your safety. WeSalute Travel Protection is available to cover you anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Whether it's a medical emergency or travel assistance, this protection ensures that an unexpected event doesn't turn into a financial disaster. It’s the easiest way to safeguard your holiday plans against the unexpected.

3. How Can You Plan a Cruise Vacation with Confidence?

Looking to escape the cold? Cruises are a fantastic, all-in-one vacation, and WeSalute has secured incredible offers to get you out on the water for less.

Exclusive Cruise Offers:

• Carnival Cruise Line: WeSalute+ Members can salute their service with up to 40% savings on cruise rates, plus up to a $100 onboard credit to spend on spa treatments, specialty dining, or excursions.
• Sonesta Cruise Collection: For a bucket-list adventure, explore history with the Sonesta Cruise Collection on the Nile River and enjoy an exclusive 15% OFF for all WeSalute Members.

To ensure smooth sailing wherever you may go, keep these modern tips in mind:

• Match the Ship to Your Style: The "devil is in the details." Are you looking for high-energy nightlife and Broadway-style shows, or a quieter experience with classical music? Do you want a mega-ship with water slides for the kids, or a smaller, intimate vessel? Research the ship to avoid surprises.
• Modern Dining Etiquette: Most ships offer incredible dining variety. Many lines have moved to "flexible dining," allowing you to eat when you want rather than at a fixed time. While formal nights still exist, the dress code is often more relaxed than in the past.
• Pack Smart: In addition to weather-appropriate clothing (remember that a Caribbean cruise from New York in winter will have cold sea days!), pack essentials like a portable power bank and any necessary medications.
• Understand What's Included: Your cruise fare covers your cabin and main meals, but soda, alcohol, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are typically extra. Check your cruise line’s specific tipping policy beforehand so you can budget accordingly.

Ready for Takeoff?

WeSalute is here to help you plan your next adventure! For those whose active lifestyles demand a full range of benefits, you can check out the WeSalute Marketplace for many more military discounts ranging from hotels and Flixbus & Greyhound bus travel to our WeSalute Travel Protection mentioned above.

Not a WeSalute+ Member yet? Now is the best time to ensure you get the deepest savings available to you!

By following these travel tips and leveraging your WeSalute benefits, you can focus on making memories and avoid the headaches. This comprehensive approach to travel is at the heart of what we do. As a registered Public Benefit Corporation, WeSalute is committed to serving the military community with integrity and transparency. We are more than just discounts; we are your partner in ensuring you and your family receive the comprehensive support and recognition you deserve.