Teacher Discounts on Travel (Updated for Fall 2024)
As an educator, you dedicate much of your time to shaping young minds, but taking time to relax and recharge is just as important. However, the reality of a teacher’s budget often means that dreams of travel and adventure can seem just out of reach. Fortunately, many travel brands celebrate the work you do by offering special discounts to make trips more affordable. With exclusive rates on hotels, resorts, and car rentals, you can rejuvenate and explore the world without breaking the bank. Gaining access to these discounts is often as simple as presenting your teacher ID or verifying your status on platforms like ID.me.
In this guide, updated for Fall 2024, we’ll explore how you can take advantage of these deals, as well as a few new savings opportunities to help you plan your next adventure.
Educator Discounts on Travel and Lodging
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Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago provides Illinois teachers and homeschool parents with free access to the museum.
How to redeem: Complete the Educator Admission Request form using your current school ID or Illinois Education Association card to receive your free entry voucher.
Good to know: This exclusive free admission is limited to Illinois educators and cannot be used for student tours or group tours.
Caesar’s Family of Casino Resorts
Caesar’s welcomes teachers and students with year-round discounts, offering up to 30% off on your hotel stay.
How to redeem: You can verify your status through ID.me and book your stay via the Ceasar’s website to take advantage of this discount.
Good to know: The discount excludes Caesars Rewards loyalty member offers, room packages, and promotions that include room add-ons or inclusions, such as show tickets, food credits, or resort credits.
Disneyland
Teachers planning a trip to Disneyland in California can benefit from 2% cashback on their travel expenses.
How to redeem: Verify your teaching status through ID.me to enjoy these savings on your vacation.
Good to know: The use of coupons or promotional codes not associated with ID.me may void the cashback offer. Additional restrictions may also apply.
Disney World
At the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan resorts in Florida, teachers are offered a 25% discount on their room rate at the time of booking.
How to redeem: Book your stay at either the Dolphin or Swan resorts and present your teacher photo identification at check-in to redeem this offer.
Good to know: This discount is specifically for room rates at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resort and is subject to availability.
Expedia
Educators can take advantage of special hotel and vacation coupons on select Expedia purchases.
How to redeem: Sign up and verify your status as an educator on the Expedia website to discover these exclusive offers.
Good to know: These deals are curated and can range in saving amounts. Deals change regularly so checking the discount page often is recommended.
Explorica
Specializing in educational trips, Explorica offers teachers financial assistance, personal fundraising, and a variety of resources to make student trips enriching and accessible. With Explorica, planning an educational excursion is made easy and affordable.
How to redeem: Visit Explorica.com to discover available tours and prices tailored for educational groups.
Good to know: Explorica offers monthly payment plans for trips with rates as low as $149 per month.
Going
Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights, is a service that finds low-cost flight deals and offers educators a 25% discount on its Premium membership.
How to redeem: Verify your eligibility by clicking the “Verify with ID.me” button on the Going website. Sign in to your account or follow the steps to verify your identity and create a new one.
Good to know: After verifying through ID.me, a promo code will automatically be applied to your cart. With Going’s Premium service, you’ll receive flight deal notifications to help you save even more on your next getaway.
Hertz Car Rentals
Hertz offers teachers and school faculty up to 25% off base rates for eligible car rentals.
How to redeem: Verify your educator status through ID.me, then book your car rental on the Hertz website.
Good to know: Discounts apply to base rental rates only and may vary based on location and vehicle availability. Other promotions or loyalty points cannot be combined with this offer.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton offers a teacher appreciation rate at participating locations to give eligible educators the best rates on their stay.
How to redeem: Verify your teaching status through ID.me and book directly through the Hilton website.
Good to know: This discount is available at select Hilton properties and is subject to availability. Confirm discount eligibility when booking.
Hyatt
Hyatt offers a 15% discount to teachers at its more than 1,300 hotel properties nationwide.
How to redeem: Use ID.me to verify your teaching status and receive this discount.
Good to know: A minimum stay of two nights is required to qualify for the Hyatt teacher discount.
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Hotels offers educators up to 25% off stays at select locations.
How to redeem: Book your stay and present your photo ID with proof of your teaching status on it at check-in to redeem this deal.
Good to know: The Marriott teacher discount is available at select Marriott hotels and certain restrictions may apply.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises occasionally offers reduced fares to educators, allowing teachers to explore the world at discounted rates.
How to redeem: Verify your eligibility through SheerID on the Princess Cruises website. After verification, qualified teachers will receive email offers with applicable discounts.
Good to know: Teachers must work at a K-12 school or a degree-granting university in the United States and must be registered with a Captain’s Circle Number from Princess Cruises.
Tips to Save Money on Travel and Activities
Explore local, lesser-known attractions
Venturing to local, off-the-beaten-path attractions not only adds unique experiences to your travels but can also be more cost-effective. These hidden gems often have lower entrance fees compared to more popular tourist spots and can provide a more authentic glimpse into the local culture and environment.
Save by traveling off-peak
Traveling during shoulder seasons—typically spring and fall—means fewer crowds and significant savings on flights, hotels, and activities. Off-peak travel not only stretches your budget but also allows for a more relaxed experience at popular destinations. Consider booking trips during school breaks that align with off-peak times to enjoy both convenience and savings.
Always ask about educator discounts
Never hesitate to ask about educator discounts wherever you go. Many places, including hotels, museums, rental services, and even some restaurants, offer discounts for teachers. Always carry your teacher ID with you and ask about potential savings – you might be surprised at how many places value and reward educators with special rates.
Consider staycations or day trips
Staycations or day trips can be an excellent way to break your routine without the cost of extensive travel. Exploring local landmarks, parks, or new activities in your city can be refreshing and budget-friendly. Plus, it eliminates the need for pricey accommodations and long-distance travel costs.
Join travel deal newsletters
Subscribing to travel deal newsletters from sites like Skyscanner and The Points Guy can keep you informed about the latest deals and travel tips. These resources are fantastic for staying updated on discounted travel opportunities, special promotions, and practical advice on making the most of your travel budget.
Enjoy your getaway
You deserve the opportunity to relax and explore new places. By traveling during off-peak times, taking advantage of group rates, and utilizing the many discounts available, your travel dreams can become a reality. These trips are more than just a break from routine—they offer a chance for personal growth and renewal, helping you return to your daily life energized and inspired. Embrace these opportunities and confidently plan your next adventure!