Each day firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), law enforcement officers, and other civil servants put their lives on the line to ensure that the citizens in their neighborhoods are safe.
According to 2016 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 807,000 police officers, 248,000 EMTs, and 327,000 career firefighters (plus another 814,500 volunteers) in the US acting as our first line of defense against all manner of emergencies.
Being a first responder can be an incredibly stressful line of work, which means that taking some time for rest and relaxation is especially crucial. And, many businesses have discounts available to help you kick back and thank you for your tireless service to our communities while you travel.
Of course, many of these discounts are offered locally, by word of mouth, or at individual business owners’ discretion. It’s a great idea to check with different businesses to see if they offer these discounts, particularly if you happen to be in uniform or have your badge or ID with you when you do business with them.
It’s also a good idea to check with your favorite attractions and amusement parks to see if they have special offers for first responders since many businesses do annual heroes week events during which first responders get free or discounted tickets.
However, there are plenty of businesses out there that advertise their discounts for first responders openly which is why we’ve compiled this guide of the best discounts on travel-related expenses for first responders. Here’s what you’ll get in this guide:
Four of the best discount programs with tons of discounts for first responders
50+ discounts on hotels, campgrounds, and camping gear
35+ discounts on travel, amusement parks, and entertainment
20+ food and dining discounts
There are a handful of programs out there that offer verified first responders exclusive discounts on everything from travel to apparel to tickets to events and more. These discount programs are a great way to save money on everyday purchases:
Not only does ID.me offer a free digital wallet service, but they also have exclusive discounts for first responders that aren’t available anywhere else on the web. All you have to do is sign up, verify that you’re a first responder, and start saving.
ID.me has tons of offers for every kind of vacation, including coupons for Harrah’s and Caesar’s palace, discounts on camping gear from Cabela’s and Campgear.com, and a bunch of deals on hotels, rental cars, and travel accessories. Members also receive cash back on purchases from tons of different businesses.
GovX offers discounts specifically for first responders and other civil servants. Membership is free and all you have to do to sign up is send them a photo of your department-issued ID. Non-members aren’t able to see the specific discounts, but their website promises deals on travel including rental cars, theme parks, hotels, and family activities.
Sheer ID is another website that has exclusive deals and discounts for first responders. You’ll need an ID and a few other pieces of information to get verified, then you’ll have access to all of the deals they have to offer.
Members of the Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP), a law enforcement organization, get special discounts on travel including cruises, tours, and resort stays. Their benefits are managed through Travel Perks, and you can find a full list of their exclusive deals here.
There are tons of hotels and resorts that offer special rates for first responders as a thank you for your service. Check these out:
Heroes Vacation Club is program from Wyndham Worldwide Corporation that offers discounted week-long resort vacations for first responders starting at just $349 per week. Check out their deals here.
Westgate Resorts offers a 10% discount to first responders at any Westgate resort. Use code: FIRSTRESPONDER10 when you make your reservation and present your ID at check-in.
GovX members get up to 15% off best available rates at all Choice Hotels locations.
GovX members get a 15% discount at all Omni Hotel and Resorts locations.
Members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), active US and Canadian police officers, and active FEMA receive an additional 10% discount at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts on top of their special discounts. You can also find Sandals promo codes here and Beaches promo codes here.
ID.me members get a 10% discount at any Caesars location and discounts can be combined with other promotions. That includes Harrah’s, The Cromwell, Bally’s, Planet Hollywood Resorts, and all other Caesars affiliated resorts and hotels.
Police, fire, and rescue workers are offered a “hero rate” at the Tropicana Las Vegas which includes up to 15% off your stay, two-for-one comedy tickets, 10% off at all of their restaurants, and more with a valid ID.
Get 15% off your hotel room at the Zia Park casino, racetrack, and resort in New Mexico.
Book a vacation from now through Sept. 18 at the Disney Springs Hotel and get special first responder room rates starting at $82 per night plus extra Magic Hours benefits and 60 days of Fast-Pass service with a valid park ticket.
First responders receive a 15% discount on reservations at the Panama City Beach Resort (a Holiday Inn resort) from now through December 22.
The Sheraton Orlando Airport has a 20% discount for first responders on a spacious two-room suite plus complimentary evening cocktails.
Pelican Beach Resorts Florida offers a 15% discount to first responders.
Tucked in the Florida Keys, the Cheeca Lodge and Spa resort has a 10% discount for all first responders.
Also in the Florida Keys, first responders can get a room on any weeknight at Hawk’s Cay Resort for $129 per night from August 26 through the end of the year.
Drift Hotel in Key Largo offers a 10% discount for all first responders.
At Naples Grande in Naples, FL, First responders get a discounted rate of $139 per night.
South Seas Island Resort in Captiva Island, FL offers a 25% discount, free daily breakfast for two, and a coupon book worth over $250 for first responders.
Get a discount of 20% off the Leisure Rate at La Siesta Resort Islamorada Resort & Florida Keys for first responders. Blackout dates do apply.
At Hilton Boca Raton, first responders get a spacious two-room suite at 20% off plus complimentary breakfast buffet and evening cocktails.
At Marriott Courtyard Savannah, get valet parking, a free hot breakfast buffet for two, and 50% off beverages at the hotel bar.
Dresser Palmer House in Savannah, GA offers first responders a 10% discount on rooms with photo ID.
Mountain Laurel Cabin Rentals, located in North Georgia, has a 10% discount for first responders who present a badge or ID at check-in.
Country Inn and Suites in Portland, Oregon offers special rates for first responders which includes free hot breakfast, free WiFi, access to the fitness center, and parking.
The Radisson Martinique hotel in the heart of Manhattan offers a 25% discount off their best available rates for first responders.
The Holiday Inn Westbury offers a 15% discount off their best rates for first responders at their Long Island hotel.
The Inn at Great Neck in Long Island, NY has special rates and discounts for first responders through the end of 2018.
At Crystal Springs Resort, located in New Jersey, first responders get a 20% discount at all resort properties.
Arbors Pigeon Forge Hotel offers a 20% discount for firefighters using code: HEROES.
The Diamond Mountain Rentals Gatlinburg, TN hotel offers a year-round 10% discount for police and emergency responders except during major holidays.
The Hometown Heroes discount at Elk Springs Resorts, also in Gatlinburg, gives you 10% off on your stay.
At Hemlock Hills Cabin Rentals in the Smoky Mountains, get a 10% heroes discount for first responders.
Boxwood Inn of Williamsburg, VA offers a 5% discount to active Military, Firefighters, and Police Officers.
First responders get a 10% discount on campsites at the Gettysburg Campground. Spend 10 nights and get one free.
The Fairfax in Washington, D.C. offers discounts of up to 50% off their best rates for active police and firefighters.
Get a 10% discount for first responders at Eden Crest Vacation Rentals Smoky Mountains rentals.
Camping is a fun and relatively inexpensive option for a vacation that’s especially good for nature lovers. These campgrounds and outdoor supply stores have discounts for first responders:
Readyman gives discounts on their camping and outdoor gear to first responders. You can also save 15% by signing up for their mailing list.
YETI offers exclusive discounts on their coolers, chairs, and other outdoor gear for ID.me members. Find other promo codes here.
ID.me members get a 20% discount on Moosejaw hiking gear, outdoor apparel, and all other items. Other promo codes available as well.
Many Jellystone Parks offer discounted rates for first responders, particularly during their Heroes Weekend events. Check with your campsite for details.
If you’re looking to travel by bus or by car, these companies have discounts available for you:
First responders get a 15% discount off adult Peter Pan Bus fares with a valid photo ID. More Peter Pan Bus promo codes.
Police and government officials get a 5% discount on all Sixt Car Rental rentals. More Sixt Car Rental coupon codes.
Not exactly a travel discount, but if you’re moving as a part of your adventure, Budget Truck Rental offers a 15% discount on one-way moves or a 20% discount on local moves for first responders.
GovX members get discounts of up to 25% at these rental car companies:
If you’re planning a road trip and want a car to own or lease, Ford offers a $750 cash back bonus on new car purchases.
If you’re looking for fun activities to do on your vacation, these amusement parks, zoos, sports teams, and other attractions offer discounts for first responders:
Vacations to Go members can get access to exclusive discounts for police and other first responders on travel, lodging, and entertainment.
Busch Gardens has a special promotion where first responders get free admission plus 50% tickets for up to four other adults during the month of May.
Police, EMTs, and firefighters get up to a 30% discount at any Great Wolf Lodge location using the code: heroes.
Living Coast Discovery Center (Chula Vista, CA). First responders and their family members get 20% off admission year-round.
Indiana State Fair. August 13 is First Responders Day at the Indiana State Fair where first responders and their families get free admission.
Many local establishments offer discounts for first responders, particularly if you show up in uniform, so be sure to ask at places where you eat whether they offer this discount. Some chain restaurants also offer discounts for first responders that they don’t necessarily make public. These chains have been reported to take a percentage off your meal:
Golden Corral. Some locations offer a 10% discount. More Golden Corral discount codes.
Shoney’s. Offers a 15% discount for first responders at participating locations.
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. First responders get $1 off drinks at most locations. More Coffee Bean promo codes.
Norma’s Cafe (Texas). Offers a first responder discount year round.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex. Participating locations offer a 20% discount for first responders.
Texas de Brazil. Has a 20% discount for first responders at their locations throughout the US. Offer is valid for up to four people per table.
Burgerim. All locations offer a 50% discount for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs who are in uniform/on duty.
Texas Roadhouse. Many locations offer first responders nights where police, firefighters, and EMTs can get discounts of up to 30% off of their meals. More Texas Roadhouse promo codes.
Schlotzsky’s. Offers a 15% discount on orders for first responders at some locations. More Schlotzsky's discount codes.
Firehouse Subs. Firefighters who show up in uniform get a free drink with their order.
Lone Star Steakhouse. Some locations offer a 15% discount for first responders on Mondays.
Chick-Fil-A. Many locations offer a discount for first responders at the owner’s discretion.
Johnny Rocket’s. Some folks have reported discounts of up to 50% for police and firefighters. Check with your location to see if they have any special offers for first responders. More Johnny Rocket's discount codes.
Norms (Locations around Los Angeles). Offers a discount for officers in uniform at most locations. More Golden Corral discount codes.
Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurant (York, PA). Offers a 20% discount every day for firefighters and police officers with uniform or valid ID. More Golden Corral discount codes.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino Restaurants (Erie, PA). Get 20% off all casino restaurants while in uniform or a 10% discount out of uniform.
Mexican Village Restaurant (Shelby Township, MI). Police officers get a 10% discount on all orders.
Gondolier Italian Restaurant (London, KY). Offers a 20% discount for police, EMTs, and firefighters.
Scioto Downs Brew Brothers (Columbus, OH). Get a $3 discount on all orders with a valid ID.
Maggie’s Waterfront (Philadelphia, PA). First responders get a 50% off on most orders and 25% off seafood and steak. Does not include alcoholic beverages.
An amazing vacation is waiting for you, and these discounts can help you plan a great trip for you and your family that won’t break the bank. It’s a great idea to combine several of these special offers or seek out these businesses while you’re traveling to save some extra money on your vacation.
If you’re interested in finding ways to save money and more amazing lists of discounts on just about everything, be sure to keep up with the Dealspotr blog and check out the Dealspotr homepage while you’re at it!
