I'm picturing short sleeves and flip flops. I'm feeling warm breezes and imagining evenings out on the back porch. With each snowfall, my yearning for the spring weather grows and grows.
Seems to me that a lot of people are coming down with "cabin fever", which means lots of planning, daydreaming and waiting. I was with a group of Moms the other night, chatting about our summer plans with the kids. I learned a GREAT money-saving tip for all of you travelers with kids .....
I can sum it up in one word for you. Reciprocity. That's right, my frugal friends. We're talking about free trips to zoos, aquariums, museums and historical sites all around this great country of ours. If you purchase a membership at a participating attraction, you may have a full network of other places around the country that you can visit for FREE.
For example, I have a membership at one of the local children's museums. Any time that I travel (outside of 90 miles from my “home” museum) I can visit one of the other children's museums that are a part of the Association for Children's Museums for free. So, visiting the in-laws in Florida with the kids? We're heading to the museum for a day. Going to the mountains for a week's vacation? You got it! Hitting the museum for free.
Vacations with your family are so important. Yet we all know that trying to find different activities for the kids can get expensive. In these economic times, it's important to spend more quality time with your family while spending less money on the activities. Here is a list of organizations that offer reciprocity programs … check them out and give your checkbook a rest.
Association of Children's Museums: Once you contribute a minimum of $100 to your local museum, you are eligible for this reciprocal program. There are more than 165 participating locations around the United States.
Association of Science — Technology Centers: Their “Travel Passport Program” gives you free admission to over 209 participating venues.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums: This website also features a list of Zoos and Aquariums with Free Admission; a nice bonus.
“Time Travelers”: Historical Sites and Museums located in 43 states with over 250 individual participating locations.
What are some of the ways that you save while on vacations with your family? Spread the wealth! Send us your tips and suggestions.
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