Military Veterans Can Win Free Travel Franchise

Military veterans can win a free travel franchise from Dream Vacations, as the travel agency is recruiting military veterans to enlist in its 14th annual, award-winning “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest and is accepting entries through September 1, 2025.




The number one franchise opportunity for veterans will award three military veterans a free travel agency franchise, continuing a tradition that has given away 64 franchises valued at more than $787,200 dollars since the contest began in 2012.

For the first time, Dream Vacations franchise is partnering with Carnival Cruise Line® to provide this year’s three recipients with a complimentary Carnival cruise that includes an ocean view stateroom for two on sailings up to eight days, as part of their grand prize package.

“At Carnival, honoring our military members and their families is a part of who we are. Our commitment goes beyond a single moment – it’s about creating a lasting tradition of gratitude,” said Janet Wygert, senior vice president of sales and trade marketing for Carnival Cruise Line. “From our Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, a popular venue on many of our ships that are dedicated to honoring our military heroes, to appreciation gatherings on every sailing and year-round community support for nonprofits and veterans, we strive to show our appreciation in meaningful ways. Through this partnership with Dream Vacations, we’re proud to give even more military members the chance to relax and recharge with the kind of fun only Carnival can deliver.”

The Dream Vacations franchise contest is open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the U.S. To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and an introductory phone interview with a Franchise Development Manager. Candidates will be required to submit a candidate profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before the winners are selected.

The entry form and all contest details can be found online.

Three winners will be notified in September 2025. Each grand prize is valued at $12,300 and includes the Carnival cruise and complimentary Dream Vacations franchise with a waived $10,500 initial start-up fee and monthly administrative service fees for the first year. After completing Dream Vacations’ New Franchisee Training, the winners will be armed with all the tools and knowledge they need to begin their next journey as small business owners creating dream vacations.




“I’ve always had a passion for travel, especially cruising, and I’ve relished in the fact that cruise lines like Carnival go above and beyond to honor veterans. They do this not just through words and discounts, but through meaningful connections with veterans in onboard ceremonies and gatherings that create a real sense of community,” said Josh Bauer, Minnesota Army National Guard veteran and one of the 2024 Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General winners from Saint Cloud, Minn. “Dream Vacations didn’t just open a door, they flung it open by flying us to training, providing the necessary tools to own and operate a home-based travel agency, and then continuing to surround us with unmatched support. Now, just months into launching my franchise, I’m not only planning dream vacations but also sharing my cruise experiences with fellow veterans and educators, helping them discover the joy and incredible power of travel.”

Military veterans and Gold Star families interested in starting a work-from-home business immediately can purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business now at a 30 percent discount, receive an enlistment package valued no less than $5,000 and will have their administrative fees waived which is valued at $1,800. In addition to having access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and veteran-themed marketing assets, all veterans and Gold Star families receive a waived training fee for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.

“At Dream Vacations, we’re proud to honor our military heroes—not just with words, but with real opportunities,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “With Carnival joining us as a partner for the 2025 Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General contest, we’re more energized than ever to support veterans in building a successful future. This partnership strengthens our mission to give back to those who’ve served by helping them launch their own travel businesses and gain the freedom and flexibility they deserve.”

The only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR-ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. Dream Vacations has ranked first or second out of 150 franchises nationwide in Entrepreneur magazine’s top franchise for veterans since 2017. Other recent number one rankings include Military Times and Forbes. In 2024, Dream Vacations was named the No. 1 travel agency franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for adapting and evolving when facing the unique challenges and changes that shaped the franchise industry over the last year. Additional recognitions include inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans,” US Veterans magazine’s “Top Veteran-Friendly Companies”, USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans” and recognition by MSC Cruises in its Seaside Salute Award. The “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” program won gold from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise and want to be considered as a candidate for the “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, please visit www.OperationVetrepreneur.com or call 888-249-8235.

Photo: (from left to right) Brad Tolkin, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of World Travel Holdings Inc.; U.S. Army Veteran Josh Bauer of Saint Cloud, Minn.; U.S. Army Veteran David Conklin of Spring, Texas; U.S. Navy Veteran Jonathan Oringdulph of Elkins, W.Va.; Debbie Fiorino, Chief Operating Officer of Dream Vacations.