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From Battlefield to Backpack: How Retired Army Veterans Are Turning Their Post-Service Lives into Full-Time Adventures
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 14:18 GMT by Travel + Leisure- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
From the Battlefield to the Backpack: How Retired Army Veterans Are Turning Their Post‑Service Lives into Full‑Time Adventures
Travel + Leisure’s feature on “Army veterans who travel full‑time after retirement” (published in early 2024) offers an intimate look at a growing cohort of former service members who have swapped their military routines for globetrotting itineraries. The article weaves together personal narratives, practical tips, and the broader cultural shifts that are making long‑haul, adventure‑style travel accessible to those who once spent decades in the trenches. Below is a comprehensive synthesis of the article’s key points, stories, and resources—aimed at veterans, their families, and anyone curious about the post‑military wanderlust phenomenon.
1. A New Chapter Begins
The piece opens with the familiar “After the last deployment, many veterans find the routine of civilian life stifling.” The author cites a 2023 study by the RAND Corporation that noted a 12‑percent uptick in retirees reporting “travel as a primary coping mechanism” versus the 2005 baseline. The headline story follows Captain James “Jax” Morales, a former Army Ranger who now spends his days trekking through Patagonia and hiking the Inca Trail. Morales recounts that the discipline and camaraderie of the military “translate directly to the logistics of backpacking,” and that the sense of purpose he found on the battlefield continues to motivate him on the trails.
2. Why Travel? Healing, Connection, and Purpose
The article identifies three core motivations behind this travel boom:
| Motivation | How It Manifests in Veterans’ Journeys |
|---|---|
| Healing & Trauma Recovery | Many veterans, such as Sergeant First Class Maria Sanchez, use travel to create physical distance from traumatic memories. Sanchez’s trip to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu allowed her to “reframe her perception of the world—seeing beauty rather than danger.” |
| Connection & Community | Veterans often travel with peers, forming “military‑centric travel groups.” These communities—like the Veterans Travel Network (VTN)—provide a support system in unfamiliar environments. |
| Purpose & Service | Some use their travel to give back. Lieutenant Colonel David Kim partners with Veterans Without Borders to facilitate volunteer projects in underserved regions. |
The article’s interview excerpts also highlight how travel can “act as a form of occupational therapy,” giving veterans a structured yet flexible outlet for stress management.
3. Funding the Journey: From VA Benefits to Crowdfunding
Travel + Leisure’s piece goes beyond the romanticism of the road and tackles the practical question of how veterans can afford full‑time travel.
a. VA Entitlements & the Post‑9/11 GI Bill
While the GI Bill mainly supports education, the article notes that the VA offers a “Travel Allowance” for service‑related medical procedures that can be repurposed for international travel. Veterans like Private First Class Angela Lee explain that she leveraged the “VA Travel Voucher” system to cover flights to Europe for a medical conference—a trip she extended into a personal vacation.
b. The “Veteran’s Travel Fund” (VTF)
A significant portion of the article is devoted to the VTF, a non‑profit created in 2015 that provides grants to veterans for travel and experiential learning. The VTF’s website, linked in the article, offers a “five‑question application” that evaluates a veteran’s travel goals, financial need, and community engagement plans. The article cites VTF’s success: “In 2023 alone, the VTF awarded 312 grants, totaling $1.4 million.”
c. Crowdfunding and Community Sponsorship
Several veterans—most notably Sergeant Alexei Petrov—turn to platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter to cover niche expenses (e.g., a rare permit for a remote Alaskan glacier). The piece stresses the importance of transparency: Petrov’s campaign lists a breakdown of costs, ensuring donors understand where the money goes.
d. Credit‑Card Rewards & Travel Hacking
The article acknowledges the “glitzy” side of travel—how veterans can maximize travel points by combining military credit cards (e.g., the Army’s “Armed Forces Visa”) with frequent‑flyer programs. An excerpt from a veteran travel blogger explains a simple “points‑pooling strategy” that can reduce flight costs by up to 40 %.
4. The Veteran Travel Communities That Make It Possible
A key part of the feature is the discussion of community platforms that help veterans coordinate travel plans, share resources, and offer emotional support.
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Veterans Traveling Together (VTT) | A Facebook group with over 15,000 members where veterans post itineraries, travel hacks, and meet‑ups. |
| Global Veterans Expedition (GVE) | An annual volunteer‑travel program that sends teams to build infrastructure in developing nations. |
| Army & Air Force Alumni Travel Club (AAATC) | A more exclusive network that offers member‑only travel discounts and “mentor‑trip” pairings. |
The article quotes the founders of VTT, who say that the platform is “like a command‑and‑control center, but for wanderers.” A 2022 survey cited in the piece found that 73 % of VTT members felt “significantly more connected to their fellow veterans” after joining.
5. Destinations That Resonate
The Travel + Leisure piece lists a handful of destinations that are particularly popular among veteran travelers, citing the psychological and logistical benefits each offers.
| Destination | Veteran Appeal |
|---|---|
| Patagonia, Argentina | Rugged landscapes provide a “combat‑like” challenge while offering solitude for reflection. |
| Borneo, Malaysia | Remote rainforests and unique wildlife create a sense of “exploring uncharted territory.” |
| New Zealand | A “post‑war peace” environment, with low crime and supportive tourism infrastructure. |
| Sahara, Morocco | A “desert pilgrimage” that resonates with the notion of “long‑term endurance.” |
| Japan | A blend of tradition and modernity that “mirrors the dual nature of many veterans’ experiences.” |
The article also highlights the “Veteran‑Friendly Travel” tag on TripAdvisor, which helps veterans locate accommodation with safety and accessibility features.
6. Tips for Veteran Travelers
In a handy “cheat sheet” format, the article offers actionable advice:
- Prioritize Mental Health – Seek out therapy or peer‑support groups while abroad.
- Use Veteran‑Specific Travel Agencies – Many agencies now specialize in itineraries tailored for military travelers.
- Book with the VA – Keep a record of travel vouchers; they can be applied retroactively to travel expenses.
- Secure Travel Insurance – Veterans with pre‑existing conditions should opt for a plan that covers “military‑related medical emergencies.”
- Plan for Connectivity – Secure an international roaming plan or local SIM to stay in touch with family and support groups.
The article quotes Chief Warrant Officer Kevin O’Connor: “Planning is everything. Once you’ve mapped out the logistics, the adventure begins.”
7. The Bigger Picture: A Cultural Shift
The article concludes by framing this veteran travel boom as part of a broader cultural shift: “the post‑service identity is no longer limited to ‘retirement’ but is increasingly a phase of exploration.” By combining the discipline of military life with the openness of travel, these veterans are redefining what it means to retire.
8. Further Resources
Readers are encouraged to explore the article’s linked resources for deeper dives:
- Veteran’s Travel Fund – https://veteranstravelfund.org
- Veterans Traveling Together – https://www.facebook.com/VTTVeterans
- Global Veterans Expedition – https://www.gve.org
- VA Travel Voucher Guide – https://www.va.gov/benefits/travel/
The original Travel + Leisure piece also includes a photo essay featuring veterans on iconic trails, a list of recommended travel gear for veterans, and a short video interview with a VA travel advisor.
In summary, Travel + Leisure’s article provides a nuanced portrait of retired Army veterans who have turned to full‑time travel as a means of healing, connecting, and finding purpose. Through a blend of personal stories, practical funding strategies, community resources, and destination highlights, the piece paints a compelling picture of a new generation of “military nomads.” For anyone looking to follow in their footsteps, the article serves as a valuable starting point, offering both inspiration and the logistical roadmap to make the journey a reality.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/army-veterans-retired-travel-full-time-11743928 ]
