1. Catch up with ex-comrades and old friends

For some, transitioning into civilian life can be tough. Catching up with friends and peers who have had similar experiences can provide comfort. 

James, a Veterans Railcard holder from West Sussex, found that having a Railcard has played a “crucial role in easing the transition back into civilian life”. Recounting fond memories of reconnecting with fellow ex-service people, James said: 

“Leaving the armed forces was a major life change. One of the most memorable experiences facilitated by the Railcard was a reunion with some of my former comrades. We hadn’t seen each other in years, and the discounted travel made it possible for all of us to gather and reminisce about our time in service.”

James has gone on to plan more trips with his ex-service pals, saying:

“The savings from the Railcard have allowed us to enjoy weekend getaways and day trips, enriching our post-service lives with new memories and experiences.” 

2. Travel further afield to job interviews 

Looking for a new job can be tough, but the Veterans Railcard can make it a bit easier by helping you to save 1/3 on most rail fares*.

Both James, and Army Veteran Jim, also from West Sussex, found that having a Veterans Railcard has helped to open up, not just discounted rail travel, but job opportunities further afield as well. Jim said: 

“When I left the Army, I was really keen to get back into the civilian world and enjoy all that life in the UK had to offer. Since receiving my Veterans Railcard, it has made me much more mobile and able to take full advantage of the rail network. I have used it to travel to interviews for civilian jobs at a vastly discounted rate.”

3. Enjoy days out with family 

Many Veterans Railcard holders love to take advantage of family-wide savings that can be made, opening up new adventures across Britain.

A Veterans Railcard allows you to have 1 other named adult companion on the Railcard who will also get 1/3 off their rail fares when they travel with you. Travelling with kids? Up to 4 children can get 60% off their fares when they travel with you, too. 

James explained that the Veterans Railcard has significantly benefited both himself and his family. James said:

“We’ve been able to visit friends and family more frequently and explore different parts of Britain without worrying about the travel costs.” 

Many Veterans also use their Railcard on travel to attend some of the fantastic Veteran and Armed Forces events across the country every year. 

Frances, a former Wren from Cornwall, travels with her Husband (a former Royal Marine) to see the Royal Marines Band play every March at the Mountbatten Festival of Music at Royal Albert Hall. Similarly, Frances was able to benefit from her Railcard savings when she was given the lucky invitation of attending The King’s Coronation Garden Party, saying:

“Getting 1/3 off the rail fare makes the whole trip more affordable to us.”

 

Rosemary, from Yorkshire, has family members across generations who have both served and are currently serving in His Majesty’s UK Armed Forces. Rosemary travels across the country regularly on days out by train with her dad, Alfred, a Veterans Railcard holder.

In the last year, both Rosemary and her father were able to travel to London to watch her daughter, a musician in the Irish Guards, play at Trooping the Colour. Commenting on the benefits of the Railcard, Rosemary said: 

“We bought my 93-year-old dad a Veterans Railcard, and he has had a fabulous time using it. [The Veterans Railcard] has made the travel much more affordable for us. It has also helped to give my darling Dad a new lease of life.” 

4. Get back into old hobbies, and pick up something new

Picking back up an old hobby or doing something new can be great for your wellbeing. Hobbies can help with social opportunities, carving out me-time to delve deeper into your interests. And if you like to keep active, hobbies can be a great way to stay fit!

Furthermore, a 2023 study by Nature Medicine(external link, opens in a new tab) found that people with a hobby reported “more happiness, better health, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction”, compared to those without a hobby**.   

Veteran Railcard holder, Jim, a self-confessed “train afficionado”, makes the most of his weekends with his Veterans Railcard by spending time engrossed in the world of locomotives at some of the country’s many railway museums. Jim said: 

“Since the Veterans Railcard was launched in 2020, I was one of the first applicants. Being a bit of a secret train afficionado, I took any opportunity I could get to experience the British rail network, and the Veterans Railcard is incredibly good value. I even visit heritage railways at the weekends in case I hadn’t got enough of trains in the week!”