Each summer, I ask my children if they have some favorite places they would like to visit locally. Their answers vary from destinations we visited the year before, Cedar Point (a summer tradition for us), local pools and of course they try to throw in Florida every time. I don't consider Disney World a local destination for us, but hey, can't blame them for trying, right? This year, we are spending summer in Northeast Ohio, since we are in the unpredictable process of adoption and we may need to travel to Ghana for our children. So in the spring, I started to compile a list of websites that I could check for travel discounts.
1. GROUPON
Groupon is a website that I keep a close eye on all year long. They feature a daily deal that might be for a restaurant, an attraction, movie rentals, sporting events, concerts etc. and it is arranged by city. There is an option for Cleveland or Akron/Canton and I also look at cities where we might be going for work or leisure in the future. With groupon you purchase a gift certificate (or a ticket) at a discount and there may be limitations on use, so always read the fine print!!!
2.LIVING SOCIAL
This website claims up to 90% savings on restaurants, spas, theaters and other local events. I have used them mostly for local restaurants (I love going out to eat, but hardly ever pay full price) and the deals are pretty good. I get their daily deal via e-mail every day, so I can keep an eye out for good deals year round.
3. Radio Station Websites
Cleveland and Akron area radio stations run some great deals on local events and attractions. Some of my favorite sites for this include The Fish Half Price Deals and Salem Supersavers
4. Membership Reciprocity Agreements
We love our local zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, especially now that the new elephant exhibition has finally opened! We have found that the family membership pays for itself quickly and we go to the zoo year round. In the winter time we focus more on the rainforest building, since it is indoors. Because of the membership, we can make quick trips to the zoo and never feel like we have to "do it all" in a day. Couple of hours in one area is a perfect summer afternoon for us.
As a zoo member, we also have free or discounted admission to other area zoos. We like to visit the zoos in Akron, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Columbus and any other city we may pass through while visiting family and friends. Here is a complete list of participating zoos.
Reciprocity agreements are also used with your other memberships such as Natural History Museum and the science centers.
5. Free Admission Days
When planning you summer day trips, see if your destination offers free admission days. These may be limited to resident of certain counties or have other limitations, but it's a nice savings for families. Just be prepared though to experience larger crowds and long lines.
6. Employer Discounts
Another hidden gem when planning family travel is found right at work. Many employers participate in benefit programs that offer discounts each year to amusement parks, plays, concerts, restaurants and even car repair. A family member is able to get us tickets to Cedar Point for $24 through their employer, but the tickets are good only during a specific week. Since we planned this ahead of time, the trip will be much more affordable than originally thought:)
I will continue to add to this list, as I find other websites or resources. What are the ways that you save on family travel?
~Jenni~
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