Summer means vacation time for students, but as educators, we deserve a break too! Take advantage of the fact that you’re a teacher and make the most of your summer vacation with these tips and travel deals specifically for educators.

???? Save on Accommodations

One of the biggest vacation expenses is accommodation. Good news, educators! If you are a public school employee, you may be eligible for government rates at select hotel chains including Wyndham Hotel Group, Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. Save even more by doing a home swap or exchange with a teacher from a different state or country. Teacher Home Swap and Teacher Travel Web are great resources that provide a platform for educators to connect with like-minded individuals with similar vacation schedules.

???? Make Use of Teacher Discounts at Attractions, Car Rentals and More 

A variety of attractions around the country offer discounts for teachers and educators. If you feel like letting loose at a theme park, major discounts are available at Disney Springs resorts, but if museums are more your style, some places to check out are the Art Institute of Chicago, Boston Children’s Museum, Carnegie Science Center, the Boston Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium – all of which offer free admission or other perks for educators.

Check out this list by the NEA for 100 free attractions to visit in some of the top US cities for more inspiration. Being a member of the National Education Association (NEA) also entitles you to discounts on car rentals, cruises and even guided tours.

???? Traveling Internationally? Get an International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC)!

STA Travel, the world’s largest student and youth travel agency also covers educators. Apply for your International Teacher Identity Card and enjoy perks such as discounted admission, special tour deals, cheap flights and more.

Even if you’re not planning to travel abroad, the ITIC still gives you benefits at a multitude of locations within the US.

???? Browse Teacher Discount Websites

Websites have popped up all over the internet offering comprehensive guides of discounts available to educators. Teacher Travel Discounts is a dedicated website with a list of over 100+ businesses that offer promotions, exclusive deals and special rates for education staff.

Teacher.org showcases deals and discounts for teachers, not only related to vacation and travel, but also insurance, clothing and teacher supplies. Popular travel planning site Expedia also offers verified K-12 teachers, faculty and other professionals in the education industry special deals that are worth checking out.

☎️ Just Ask!

It is always worth the time and effort to call ahead and ask any hotels, museums, attractions or places of interest that you’re thinking of visiting if they have discounts or promotions for educators. These may not always be advertised on their websites or brochures, but may still be available for those who ask. Just remember to get a written confirmation of discounted rates and a contact person to make sure the discount is applied when you turn up.

What are you waiting for? Put these resources (and the fact that you’re an educator) to good use and start planning that vacation you’ve always dreamed about!