Planning a trip is easier when you have a few insider tips, especially when they come from fellow educators who’ve already done the homework. From discounted hotel stays to guided tours with extra perks, NEA members have access to a range of member-only travel perks that make it easier to book with confidence and save along the way.
In this roundup, we’re spotlighting some of the most booked NEA travel discounts and the real reasons why teachers, faculty and school staff keep returning to these trusted picks.
1. Hotel Deals That Stretch Every Dollar
Hotels are one of the most frequently booked travel perks for NEA members—and for good reason. The portal makes it easy to find flexible, educator-friendly rates in just a few clicks.
One of the most popular benefits of the NEA Travel Hub is access to exclusive hotel rates. Members consistently book hotel stays through NEA Travel thanks to transparent pricing, flexible cancellation policies and added value like bonus Travel Dollars.
Many members also apply NEA Travel Dollars to their hotel reservations. NEA members can check their Travel Dollars balance by visiting the NEA Travel Hub and clicking, “Manage Your Reservation.”
2. Flights Made Simpler (and Often Cheaper)
Airfare can be one of the biggest barriers to travel, especially around school breaks and holidays. That’s why many educators rely on NEA’s flight booking tools to find great fares without endless searching.
Booking air travel through NEA Travel offers straightforward searching, making it a go-to for many. Lisa Hampton, an 8th-grade teacher from Florida, uses her travel time to reconnect with family and explore new places. Her family often combines practical trips—like visiting college campuses or attending family events—with mini-vacations. Through NEA travel benefits, she’s been able to make those getaways more affordable and more meaningful. “Taking that time away is critical to your sense of self and well-being,” she says. “You recharge your battery by getting away from the day to day.”
These exclusive NEA travel discounts offer flexible options and Travel Dollar rewards, which help save on travel with NEA beyond a single booking.
3. Guided Tours That Handle the Planning for You
For members looking for curated experiences without the stress of planning, guided tours offer a convenient and enriching way to explore new places, often with added NEA-exclusive perks. Guided tours booked through NEA Travel is another member favorite for those looking for a seamless vacation.
Michael Rosenberg, a high school social studies teacher in Queens, New York, travels annually with a college friend to destinations around the world. Their group has explored Italy, Las Vegas and New Orleans, embracing the planning process as much as the trip itself. “I think it’s important to be a well-rounded person and explore this great big world we have,” Rosenberg says. “If you stay in one place, you’ll get into a rut.”
Educators love that they can explore bucket-list destinations without the stress of coordinating every detail, and some tours even include bonus amenities for NEA members.
4. Small Perks, Big Confidence Boost
It’s not just the big bookings that matter. NEA members also appreciate the smaller travel perks that quietly improve their trips. Additional perks like bundled car rentals and 24/7 support offer small but meaningful benefits that simplify travel.
Fourth-grade teacher Shantelle Ford makes quick weekend trips to visit national parks or attend theater performances—and takes one major trip each summer. Last year, she traveled to Egypt and brought back photos to use in her classroom. “I love art and architecture,” she says, describing how she connected her vacation experiences to science lessons on erosion and history.
Hidden Gems Educators Shouldn’t Miss
While hotel deals and flights top the list for many members, there are several lesser-known NEA travel perks that are just as valuable, especially for those looking to save money or plan more easily.
- Cruise Packages: With member-only pricing and optional extras like onboard credits or excursion discounts, cruises booked through the portal can offer incredible value.
- Rental Car Bundles: Pairing your hotel with a car rental often unlocks deeper discounts and streamlines the entire reservation process.
- Educator-Exclusive Discounts: Throughout the travel hub, NEA members gain access to rates not available on public sites—especially useful during peak travel seasons.
These travel deals may not always be front and center, but they’re frequently praised by experienced members who’ve explored the full range of options available.
Travel Better—With Guidance from Your Peers
When you book through NEA Member Benefits, you’re not just accessing discounts—you’re joining a network of educators who understand the value of time off and the importance of planning smart. From quick weekend getaways to once-in-a-lifetime trips, members are using these benefits to travel more often, with less stress and greater savings.
Whether you're a new member just exploring your options or a seasoned traveler looking to maximize every dollar, NEA’s member-only travel perks are built to meet your needs. The most popular choices—like hotels, flights and guided tours—are only the beginning. Don't overlook the quieter benefits that add value in big ways.
Ready to find your favorite travel deals? Visit the Travel Hub, check your NEA Travel Dollars and see what fellow educators are booking. Your next great trip could be just a few clicks away.
