So I have been asked How do I save on Vacation or Day trips? One of my best friend that is packed everywhere I go is a laptop. One of the biggest savings can come from your internet. Before any trip if I am visiting another state or several we sign up for their tourist packets-this will give you maps, list of events, etc. Also look on their websites they maybe running free tours, promotions, etc.
For Big ticket Events-musicals, zoos, museums, amusement parks, etc.
Sign up with Living Social, Groupon, and for me Denver Daily Deals just to name a few. Then just wait and watch their e-mails I am normally able to save anywhere from 50% up to 70% off on admissions.
Some of the deals I have snagged just to name a few:
Denver Zoo; Adult ticket cost $15, I paid $6 for one.
Butterfly Pavilion; Adult ticket cost $9.50 per visit, I paid for a family of 4 and 4 guest for the year $40
Botanical Gardens in Denver; Adult ticket $12.50 & child $9, what I paid for 2 Adults, 1 child $30 for 1 visit plus we got free admission into the Children's Botanical garden and a nature show.
For Day Trips
Visit your local visit center, they will be able to give you discounts or coupons for local restaurants, give you information for events or tours that you may not know is going on, etc.
Some examples of what I have found:
- Map to local and surrounding farmer stands
- Tours with wildlife personal, rangers, etc.
- coupons for 1/2 on meals for restaurants
Once I am at visit center I am able to get information for activities, hotels, etc plus I can inquiry if they have any deals.
Many times these centers have deep discount offers, you will find deals like the following:
- Visit xxx place and then get 1/2 off of this xxxx place.
- An example we were told to stop and visit a gift shop, once there we were given coupons for a BBQ shack to Buy 1 meal get 1 free and being a certain day of the week my dd was able to eat for free.
- Visit xxx hotel, motel or campground receive free meals or 1/2 on events like carnivals, musicals, etc. in this town.
- An example we stopped at a KOA campground got free breakfast and two free shows one for a musical and one for a magician.
- Visit xxx museum, get free or discount for xxx museum.
- An example we ended up on a museum scavenger hunt, we had to stop at all these museums along this route and at the end we were treated to a luxury meal.
- They are also great to let you know where to locate community events for free food and you get to meet some new friends and enjoy some fun.
- An example...Local Carnivals, festivals, big events that happened in that town such as a winning sports game, new business, etc.
- They are also great to tell you where local food stands are.
- Tip-strike up a conversation, let them know you are passing through. They will give you a taster and then a deal you can't resist for fresh food.
Deals we have come across when we inquired with a clerk:
Free gas at another stationFor Lodging...I have already mention a few of them though some other ways. Look up the name of the hotel or campground, many of these places have special discounts or incentives on their site. Always inquiry with the clerk they have special deals or discount coupons.
Free barbeque dinner
Free carnival with a meal
Free train ride
Luxury Hotel for $15 for the one night
Here are some examples of deals we have encounter:
- Free laundry
- Free meals
- If you look really disheveled or pathetic after driving for so many hours and with kids many clerks take pity on you and give you 1/2 on rooms and free meal.