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U.S. Travel Resources for Veterans

Plan, travel, and get help anywhere in the United States

Trusted links, health access, benefits, and checklists—built for veterans on the move.

Jump to Quick Links VA Locator Map Wallet Card Checklist Trip Folder
Find care fast

Mini VA Locator Map

Search an address (or use your location). Then jump to official VA tools for facilities or in-network urgent care.

Open VA Facility Locator near map Open VA Urgent Care info
Care on the move

Health & Urgent Care

  • Emergency: Call 911. Let providers know you’re a veteran and share any service-connected conditions that affect care.
  • VA Facility Locator: Use the tool above to find hospitals, clinics, and Vet Centers along your route.
  • Urgent Care in the Community: Eligible veterans can visit participating clinics without a referral for minor illness/injury. Bring a government-issued photo ID and confirm the clinic is in VA’s network the day of service.
  • Telehealth: VA Video Connect can help you meet providers while traveling. If possible, bring a backup hotspot.
  • Prescriptions: Refill early via My HealtheVet. Consider delivering to a secure pickup (hotel front desk or trusted contact).
Tip: Pack a “meds go-bag” with a current list of medications, dosages, allergies, and your preferred pharmacy.
Save receipts

Travel Pay & Lodging

Travel Reimbursement (Beneficiary Travel)

  • Eligible veterans may qualify for mileage, tolls, meals, and lodging for VA-approved appointments.
  • Keep itemized receipts and submit promptly. Note appointment date/time and facility.
  • Use the VA’s online portal (link above) for submissions and status.

Lodging Options

  • Hoptel/VA-arranged lodging: Some facilities coordinate low/no-cost lodging—ask your clinic.
  • Hotels: Many offer veteran/military rates (bring ID). Policies vary by brand/location.
  • Fisher House: Primarily for families of hospitalized service members/veterans; availability varies.

Eligibility and documentation rules differ by facility. When in doubt, call the clinic on your appointment letter.

Be ready to verify

IDs & Documents

  • Accepted Veteran IDs: Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), state driver’s license/ID with “Veteran” mark, or other government ID. Keep a copy of your DD214.
  • Digital Records: Save key files (DD214, ratings letters, vaccine records) to your phone and a secure cloud folder. My HealtheVet’s Blue Button can export health records.
  • Insurance: Carry insurance cards (VA, Medicare/Medicaid, TRICARE, private).
VHIC DD214 Blue Button State Veteran ID
Stay connected

Benefits on the Road

  • Appointments: Ask your clinic to convert routine visits to telehealth while you travel.
  • Claims & Evidence: File supplemental claims or upload evidence online wherever you have a secure connection.
  • Mail: Consider a temporary mail hold/forwarding; monitor VA letters in your online account when possible.
Getting around

Transportation & Tips

  • Airports: Many airports have USO lounges (see Quick Links). Arrive early if traveling with medical devices.
  • Road Trips: Plot VA facilities and urgent care along your route. Keep a paper map as backup.
  • Public Transit: Some systems offer reduced fares to veterans—check the city or transit agency site and bring ID.
  • Driving with Equipment: Secure mobility devices and keep adaptive equipment manuals handy.
Discounts for veterans vary across airlines, bus lines, and rail providers. Ask at booking and bring your ID.
Enjoy the journey

Parks, Recreation & Discounts

National Parks & Public Lands

Veterans and Gold Star Families may be eligible for free access to national parks and federal lands.

Learn About Passes

State Parks

Many states offer discounted/free entry for veterans. Check your destination state’s parks website.

Attractions & Events

Museums, stadiums, and tours often have veteran discounts—always ask and carry your ID.

Recreation & Gyms

Some fitness centers and recreation programs offer veterans’ rates—availability varies.

Peace of mind

Safety & Emergencies

Important Numbers

  • Emergency: 911
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1 (chat/text available)
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Travel Safety

  • Share your itinerary with a trusted contact.
  • Keep meds in original labeled containers; pack extras and a copy of prescriptions.
  • Use hotel room safes or a small cable lock for bags.
  • Enable device passcodes and “Find My Device.”
If you experience thoughts of self-harm, call 988 and press 1, or use the Veterans Crisis Line chat immediately.
Local expertise

State & Local Veteran Help

State Departments of Veterans Affairs (and many counties/cities) provide benefits guidance, tax info, and local resources.

Find Your State Office
Ready, set, go

Pre-Travel Checklist

  • ☐ Confirm appointments; ask if telehealth is possible while traveling.
  • ☐ Pack IDs (VHIC, driver’s license with veteran mark, insurance cards) and a copy of DD214.
  • ☐ Refill prescriptions; bring an updated med and allergy list.
  • ☐ Download health records via My HealtheVet (Blue Button).
  • ☐ Map nearby VA facilities and in-network urgent care locations on your route.
  • ☐ Set up secure access to your VA/benefits accounts from your phone.
  • ☐ Save receipts for potential travel reimbursement (if eligible).
  • ☐ Share itinerary and emergency contacts with a trusted person.
  • ☐ Pack a small first-aid kit and extra device chargers.
  • ☐ Verify accessibility needs (mobility devices, service animals).
Heads up

Disclaimer

This page is informational and not legal or medical advice. Always confirm eligibility, coverage, and network participation before receiving care.