Where to Wednesday: 10 Thrifty Tips for Planning Summer Day Trips

School’s out for summer! For us, summer means long days at the pool, playing in the yard and trips to the beach. Summer is also a great time for fun day trips and exploring new places not too far from home. Even though they are only trips for “a day”, day trips can get costly. Here are a few tips for saving money when planning summer day trips: 

1. Trade in credit card points for tickets to popular attractions. For example, American Express has Busch Gardens, Legoland, etc

2. Check out the Free Zoos List 

3. Join Hip Tix for Broadway: For super cheap Broadway show tickets, join the Roundabout Theatre’s Hip Tix program. People 18-35 can join and purchase tickets for themselves + guest for only $20! It’s free to join. 

4. Pack snacks & drinks! Buying food and drinks at the attractions you visit or at rest stops along the route can get very costly. Packing stuff from home can save a lot. 

5. Visit Kids Bowl Free.com for free places to bowl this summer. There are locations all over the country. 

6. AAA for tickets, including Hershey Park

7. Free Museum Passes: I was shocked to find out that my Bank of America debit card could be used for FREE entrance to so many museums around the country (the 1st weekend of each month). Another place to get free museum passes: your local library. Many libraries have annual passes to museums that they lend out. 

8. National Parks – many are free or plan your trip on National Park day

9. With little ones: plan a day trip to a cool new FREE playground. I found a great list of awesome playgrounds to travel to in NJ and I’m sure other states have similar lists. 

10. Check out local deal sites like Amazon Local, Living Social and Groupon. There are always great deals in the travel sections for day trips.