Tax-Free Shopping by State:

• Alabama – 7/17/26 – 7/19/26 – Clothes, computers, textbooks, school supplies, school art, and school instructional material
• Alaska – No state sales tax – Some locations may waive local sales tax
• Arizona – None scheduled
• Arkansas – 8/1/26 – 8/2/26 – Clothing, electronics, school supplies, school art, and school instructional material
• California – None scheduled
• Colorado – None scheduled
• Connecticut – 8/16/26 – 8/22/26 – Clothing
• Delaware – No state sales tax
• Florida – 8/1/26 – 8/31/26 – Personal computers and accessories, wallets, backpacks, school supplies, learning aids, and clothing
• Georgia – None scheduled
• Hawaii – None scheduled
• Idaho – None scheduled
• Illinois – None scheduled
• Indiana – None scheduled
• Iowa – 8/7/26 – 8/8/26 – Clothing and footwear.
• Kansas – None scheduled
• Kentucky – None scheduled
• Louisiana – None scheduled
• Maine – None scheduled
• Maryland – 08/09/26 – 8/15/26 – Clothing, footwear, and backpacks.
• Massachusetts – 8/15/26 – 8/16/26
• Michigan – None scheduled
• Minnesota – Proposed but not enacted – 7/1/26 – 7/31/26
• Mississippi – 7/10/26 – 7/12/2026 – Clothing, footwear, and school supplies
• Missouri – 8/7/26 – 8/9/26 – Clothing, computers, and school supplies
• Montana – No state sales tax
• Nebraska – None scheduled
• Nevada – None scheduled
• New Hampshire – No state sales tax
• New Jersey – None scheduled
• New Mexico – 7/25/26 – 7/27/26 – Clothing, shoes, computers & software, school supplies
• New York – None scheduled
• North Carolina – None scheduled
• North Dakota – None scheduled
• Ohio – 8/7/26 – 8/9/26 – Clothing, school supplies, school instructional materials
• Oklahoma – 8/7/26 – 8/9/26 – Clothing items
• Oregon – No sales tax
• Pennsylvania – None scheduled
• Rhode Island – None scheduled
• South Carolina – 8/7/26 – 8/9/26 – Clothing, accessories, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, and computers
• South Dakota – None scheduled
• Tennessee – 7/31/26 – 8/2/26
• Texas – 8/7/26 – 8/9/26 – Clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks
• Vermont – None scheduled
• Virginia – 8/7/26 – 8/9/26 – (Virginia Department of Taxation website not updated as of 6/15/26)
• Washington – None scheduled
• Washington D.C. – None scheduled
• West Virginia – None scheduled
• Wisconsin – None scheduled
• Wyoming – None scheduled

Prefer to shop on base? Military families can prepare for the back-to-school shopping season with double the savings on back-to-school essentials at Exchange Stores during their state’s sales tax holiday.

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If you’re planning a February escape, these three destinations deliver romance, culture, and unforgettable memories, many of them completely free.

Puerto Rico: Tropical, Adventurous, and Passport-Free

Puerto Rico is an ideal February destination for military couples who want warmth and adventure without the stress of international travel. While there, my husband and I explored El Yunque National Forest, ATV’d through the rainforest, and swam in the cool natural waters. It was one of those experiences that pulls you fully into the moment and reminds you how good it feels to step outside of routine. In Old San Juan, we shopped, walked cobblestone streets, and studied the historic culture and architecture that tell stories of resilience and history. February weather is sunny and comfortable, flights are often affordable, and no passport is required, making this destination especially military friendly.

New York City: Cold Weather, Cozy Love, and Free Experiences

We traveled to New York in February, and it quickly became one of our favorite trips. Winter slows the city down and makes it feel intimate. We visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, grabbed classic hot dogs, and walked through Central Park bundled up together. We rode bicycles over the Brooklyn Bridge, explored DUMBO for dope photos, and admired the stunning architecture inside Grand Central Terminal. So many of the best moments were completely free. February hotel rates and flights are often lower, making this a surprisingly affordable anniversary or Valentine’s trip.

New Orleans: Romance, Culture, and Mardi Gras Magic

February in New Orleans is electric. Mardi Gras season brings music, color, and celebration, and you don’t have to spend much to enjoy it. Couples can walk the French Quarter, listen to live street jazz, explore historic neighborhoods, and admire the architecture around Jackson Square. Parades, people-watching, and spontaneous moments fill the days, while boutique hotels and local food spots help keep costs reasonable. New Orleans proves that romance doesn’t have to be quiet. It can be joyful, cultural, and full of soul.

These destinations make sense for military life because they offer:

• Easy Logistics – Straightforward travel and minimal planning stress when leave days are limited.
• Flexible Budgets – Options for modest hotels, short stays, and flights that don’t require premium pricing to feel special.
• Plenty of Free or Low-Cost Experiences – Museums, architecture, parks, parades, culture, and nature are where the best moments don’t come with a price tag.
• Memories That Feel Intentional, Not Rushed – Space to slow down, reconnect, and be present together instead of chasing expensive activities.

Military couples understand that love is built in the moments in between. Leave days, quiet walks, and shared adventures. Sometimes love looks like rainforest trails and natural waters, sometimes it’s snowy city streets and warm food, and sometimes it’s music in the air and beads flying past. Wherever February takes you, choose the place that lets you pause, reconnect, and celebrate choosing each other again.

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Here’s the thing—Disney isn’t just for civilian vacationers with matching T-shirts and color-coded itineraries. Thanks to some seriously good military discounts, a Disney trip doesn’t have to cost your entire BAH, all your TDY per diem, and your firstborn’s college fund.

So, consider this your official intel briefing on how to do Disney the military way—saving money, dodging blockouts, and maybe even turning ride photos into your new family challenge coins.

The Big Three Discounts:

• Military Salute Tickets
  • Deeply discounted 4–6 day Park Hoppers at Walt Disney World & Disneyland.
  • Valid most of the year with a few blackouts.
  • Buy at Shades of Green (located at Disney World) or at your local ITT office (limit six per ID holder).
  • Translation: enough tickets for the whole squad…plus that one “battle buddy” you met at the FRG potluck.
  • For awareness, you will need to activate these vouchers for the actual tickets once you get on property.
• Memory Maker for $98
  • All your park photos for less than a single EPCOT margarita run.
  • Capture every moment—yes, even the one where you’re screaming like you just found out you’ve been voluntold for weekend duty.
  • The best part? Mom finally gets to be in the pictures too, instead of every vacation looking like a solo dad and kids trip!
• Resort Room Discounts
  • Special military rates at select Disney Resort hotels most of the year (plus early park entry, where available).
  • Disneyland offers similar deals—because why settle for one AO when you can conquer both coasts?

Shades of Green = Your Disney FOB

• This DoD-owned gem sits right on WDW property with tax-free tickets, wallet-friendly lodging, and a staff fluent in every dialect of military spouse stress.
• Basically, it’s the MWR of Disney—minus the mandatory fun, plus way better snacks.

Quick Tips for Maximum Mission Success:

• Plan around blackouts – The enemy’s most cunning tactic.
• Get Memory Maker early – Every ride photo counts toward your scrapbook and blackmail material.
• Use early park entry – Fewer crowds, fewer meltdowns, and more rides before nap time.
• Know Disneyland’s separate deals – Different AO, different intel.

For us, these deals mean more magic, less budget shock. We’ve rope-dropped like it’s a PT test, navigated parades like a convoy through the motor pool, and turned ride photos into actual family challenge coins. With Disney’s military perks, you can do the same—just pack snacks, patience, and a solid exfil plan for when the sugar crash hits.

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If that sounds like your kind of day, then why aren’t you doing it? No grill? Telling yourself it’s too expensive, you don’t have space, or you move too much? You’re not out of luck. Being in the military or former military, you’ve got a secret weapon most civilians don’t even know about: MWR – Outdoor Recreation.

Military life isn’t always ideal for owning a full-sized grill. Maybe you’re in the barracks, PCS’ing every few years, or just don’t want to haul a smoker around. That shouldn’t stop you from grilling up a good time.

Your local MWR Outdoor Rec office offers rental grills, outdoor cooking equipment, and everything you need to throw a proper cookout without making a long-term commitment or spending a fortune.

Each installation is a little different, but here’s the kind of gear you’ll often find available:

• Propane and charcoal grills (portable and full-size)
• Flat-top griddles
• Smokers
• Coolers, tables, chairs, and canopies
• Cooking accessories and utensils
  

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a big unit event, or just a weekend grill session with friends, MWR’s got the gear to get it done.

Here are some quick tips for renting your equipment:

• Reserve Early: Weekends and holidays can book up fast.
• Check the Fuel Situation: Some rentals include propane and others you’ll need to bring your own.
• Clean Up Before You Return: Keep it in good shape and clean it up after use.

We all know that grilling isn’t just about the food, it’s about the vibe. It’s about being outside, slowing down, and sharing something good with your people. Thanks to Outdoor Rec, you can fire up a feast without owning a thing.

Want to take it a step further? Check out Find Your Reset: How Budget-Friendly Camping Heals More Than You Think, where you find out more about how you can rent a tent or camper and take your grilling game to the great outdoors.

So whether you’re TDY, newly stationed, or just not ready to commit to your own grill, don’t let that stop you. Head to MWR, rent what you need, and Grill & Chill like a boss!

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If it is just yourself and a spouse, or a travel buddy, get a car with no actual back seat and just enough room for a large suitcase or two smaller bags suitable for a weekend. You’ll get everywhere you need to go and be able to park almost everywhere. Your gas cost will be much lower, freeing up money for a nicer hotel, meal, or additional beer.

Do you have a family that includes an infant? Then, you’ll need a larger vehicle to accommodate the car seat, the diaper bag, and the portable crib. Nowhere in Europe did we find a hotel bed that comfortably fit two parents and a child larger than 20 pounds.

Germany – Large sedans are best for the Autobahn, and driving a Mercedes at 100 MPH is a lot of fun. That’s 161 kilometers per hour if you’re interested. Most of the tourist destinations were fine for large vehicles. Parking near the Brandenburg Gate was easy to get into and out of.

France – The main roads are wide and fun to navigate with even an American full-size van, but some side streets are difficult with a large vehicle. A European-sized sedan is a much better choice, especially if you don’t need a portable crib. It also makes parking far easier in Paris, where there are, in my opinion, three cars for each spot within walking distance of your hotel. As a side note, some French tow truck drivers will take a gratuity to release your vehicle if you catch them during their morning coffee break, and they’re expecting a busy day anyway.

Italy – Good grief, go as small as you can get. We once drove a Dodge Grand Caravan down a side street in Florence (we had a one-year-old with all the gear I mentioned above). I flattened the side mirrors and continued on when it got tight, keeping the driver’s side about an inch from the wall. It got so narrow at one point that my wife and I could see the tires touching the curbs on both sides of the van.

We had a lot of fun and never broke our budget, except once. That wasn’t due to the rental car, but to being able to shop at Louis Vuitton in Paris. It was worth it, though. Twenty years later, my wife still has her two bags, which is another benefit to traveling in Europe.

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Beaches: A trip to the beach can be budget friendly and fun for your little ones and furry family members. Typically, a beach day doesn’t require much money, and you can pack a picnic lunch to save even more. The earlier you arrive the better options will be available for parking which will save you some cash as well. Be sure to research ahead of time as some beaches may have leash regulations. You’ll also want to be mindful of the time of day you visit the beach, as you may need to be aware of the currents and waves. Taking a trip earlier or later in the day may help avoid large crowds.

National or State Parks: A hike or visit at a State or National Park is a great getaway for the family and your pets especially if your pets are at home all day and don’t get out often to stretch their legs or get much fresh air. These parks typically don’t cost much for admission and there are many discounts that you may be able to find specifically for military families. To find a National Park near you or find out more about discounted passes be sure to visit the National Park Service website.

Don’t let the summer months pass you by. Plan your next getaway today! You can also find more great tips and information by joining the Military Pet Club!

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How It Works:

• Traveler Rewards: Service members and civilians can sign up to earn reward points for every dollar spent at participating restaurants.
• Redeem Points: Points can be exchanged for gift cards at popular retailers and restaurants.
• Mobile App: The Dinova mobile app helps travelers find participating restaurants and track rewards.

Signing up for the DoD Dine Smart Traveler Rewards program is quick and easy! Here’s how you can enroll:

1. Visit the Enrollment Page – Go to Dinova to register with myDinova Rewards.
2. Link Your Travel Card – During registration, connect your Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) to the program.
3. Download the Dinova Mobile App – Use the app to find participating restaurants and track your rewards.
4. Start Earning Points – Every time you dine at a participating restaurant and pay with your GTCC, you’ll earn 1 point per $1 spent.
5. Redeem Rewards – Points can be exchanged for gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Target, Outback Steakhouse, and Jersey Mike’s.

You can find DoD Dine Smart participating restaurants in a few ways:

1. Dinova Mobile App – Download the Dinova app to search for restaurants near you. The app is DISA-approved for DoD-issued devices.
2. Online Search Tool – Visit Dinova’s restaurant search to browse over 23,000 participating locations.
3. Defense Travel Management Office Website – Check the official DoD Dine Smart page for program details and updates.

While using DoD Dine Smart restaurants is not mandatory, travelers must use their GTCC for all expenses, including meals, per Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) §010204.

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Here are the top ten lessons I learned from this OCONUS move to Alaska, which, by the way, is still technically connected to the continent via Canada! Crazy, right? 

1. From Sunshine to Snowstorms: Wild Weather 

The weather was the biggest shock. I had never seen snow before and was about to be surrounded by it for nine months every year. One lifesaver? Winter tires. Make sure to switch when temps hit 45 degrees. 

2. Groceries in the Last Frontier: Cost of Living 

Alaska’s cost of living is higher since many goods are imported. Luckily, the Army provides a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), which, along with budgeting and a Costco membership, really helped us adjust.

3. Sponsorship 101: What You Need to Know Before You Go 

Before moving, my husband had to get me command-sponsored, which allows family members to join service members overseas with full benefits. This also ensures that the location can provide any necessary medical care. Military One Source has some great information about command sponsorship.

4. Catch Flights, Not Feelings: Planning Flights to Visit Family 

With family so far away, we made sure to budget for annual flights home. Living far from loved ones was tough, so saving for Christmas trips became a priority.  Check to see if you can utilize and Space-Available Travel (Space-A Travel) to help cut costs!

5. Find Your Tribe: Making Friends in The Frontier

Finding friends was a game-changer. I joined Chi Alpha at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and found more connections through work. Putting myself out there kept me from feeling isolated. 

6. Stay Strong: Prioritizing Your Physical and Mental Health 

With long winters and the potential for isolation, it’s essential to prioritize mental and physical health. During the winter, the gym became my best friend, while summer hikes and bike rides with friends helped me stay active and connected. 

7. #OOTD: Winter Wear and Breakup Season

Alaska’s extreme seasons taught me to dress in layers. Wear a fitted base layer under a loose shirt to block the wind, and keep your hands and feet warm. For the breakup season, get XtraTufs—they’re essential for keeping your feet dry and warm. A good rain jacket is also a must for hiking! 

8. Alaskan Wildlife: Staying Safe Outdoors

From bears to moose, wildlife encounters are common in Alaska. My husband and I invested in bear spray protection and educated ourselves on what to do when encountering these majestic creatures. 

9. Summer Bummer: Adjusting Your Home for Better Sleep 

With almost 24-hour sunlight in the summer and long, dark winters, optimizing your home for sleep is essential. Get black out curtains and put foil on your windows if you have to, it will make a huge difference. 

10. Home Sweet Home: On vs. Off-Post Living 

Choosing between on-post convenience and off-post freedom? Consider what matters most to you. Without kids, my husband and I opted for a cheaper studio in North Pole, AK, prioritizing being closer to nature. This choice allowed us to frequently enjoy moose sightings and the aurora borealis!

I learned all these lessons during our three years in Alaska. While I wish I had known them sooner, we loved our time OCONUS and would return any day especially knowing what we know now!

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*School Buses are not the same, they are not big yellow buses like we have here in the U.S., but big vans or charter buses.

*Most schools, including public, all wear uniforms. However, a parent can be fined if their kids miss school, except for sickness.

*They don’t go by grades, but by years…for example my daughter is in 3rd grade, but here, she is in year 4. So, it can be a bit confusing!

*Tea is LIFE and electric tea kettles are a MUST-HAVE!!!

*Each village, especially living out near the Cotswolds, is so quaint and adorable. They always have a beautiful church, a pub, a small market, and a Post Office.  Something that is so special is that everyone takes pride of their village and its upkeep.

*The Post Office is more like an adorable gift shop. They have a little bit of everything, and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming.

*There’s nothing quite like spring in England- Every new month brings upon different blooms from cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, snow drops, bluebells, rapeseed, poppies and so many more! I have never seen a place so beautiful!

*Driving- Despite the obvious issue with driving on the other side, there are many other differences! The biggest adjustment for me…ROUNDABOUTS, they are EVERYWHERE!!! Thankfully, the drivers here are very polite and patient… in fact, it is considered rude to honk your horn.

*If living in England, becoming  members of National Trust and English Heritage ARE A MUST!!!-  Stonehenge is included within these and the price of tickets alone basically cover the membership, not to mention and there are so many amazing places to see that are FREE if you become a member.

*It is a very dog-friendly country! Dogs are welcomed just about anywhere, I have seen them inside pubs, stores, schools.

*Yes, it rained quite a bit BUT never all day, the sun usually made an appearance at some point or another

*It is a slower pace of life there, and I miss it terribly, it will always have a piece of my heart. 

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1. Check Your Eligibility

First things first, make sure you qualify: Active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and National Guardsmen usually do. Don’t forget to bring your military ID!

2. Use the Waves of Honor Program

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is part of the Waves of Honor program offering one free admission per year for active-duty military personnel and their families. Register online before you go.

3. Buy Tickets Online

Skip the ticket booth lines and grab your discounted tickets online. Check out the official Busch Gardens site or places like GovX or ITT (Information, Tickets, and Travel) for deals.

4. Look for Seasonal Offers

Busch Gardens often has special discounts during holidays or events. Keep an eye on their website and social media for the latest deals. Combining these with your military discount can save you even more.

5. Bundle Your Tickets

If you plan to visit more than once or want to hit up Water Country USA too, look for bundled ticket options. They’re usually cheaper than buying single tickets, and your military discount makes them an even better deal.

6. Consider Annual Passes

Live nearby or planning multiple trips? An annual pass might be the way to go. There are different levels with various perks, and you can use your military discount on these too.

7. Visit During Off-Peak Times

Weekdays or off-peak seasons mean shorter lines and often additional discounts. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the park without the big crowds. Check their newsletter (watch for the pop-up on their website to sign up for the newsletter) or their social media pages for special days near the holidays.

8. Check with ITT on Base 

Ask around at your base’s ITT office or local community centers for exclusive deals.

9. Group Discounts

Got a big group? Group discounts might apply on top of your military discount. Contact the Busch Gardens group sales department to see if you can stack these savings.

Using your military discount at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a great way to enjoy a fun day out without spending a fortune. Follow these tips to get the best deals and make the most of your visit. Thanks for your service, and enjoy the park!

Share these tips with your fellow servicemembers and their families, and drop a comment below if you’ve got any other great hacks for visiting Busch Gardens!

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