Happy Thursday, friends!
I’m not going to lie … my regularly scheduled post for this week fell through. I held out hope until 1 p.m. yesterday that the source who promised she would get back to me by this Monday would still get back to me.
But, she didn’t.
And so, I found myself scrambling through the archives of “never-found-a-home” pitches, which is how I came across the following (totally wonderful, I’d say) money-saving tips from real-moms who have used them when traveling with their kids. I sent them in a 2014 pitch memo that never got picked up. I’m happy that they will see the light of day here.
In the name of a memorable, not-going-to—totally-break-the-bank summer, here are a few ways that real moms have saved on family travel.
“Look up restaurants and activities in cities for kids eat free nights and buy one, get one free specials. Parents often know these specials in their hometown, but forget to research them for cities being traveled to.” — J.B. in Houston, Texas
“Most major cities offer a free day of the week to visit museums, or have a ton of other free activities available. The Smithsonian and war memorials are all free in D.C. In San Francisco, the [Golden Gate] Fortune Cookie Factory is free. The Golden Gate Park has tons of free stuff to do, and pretty walking paths. We were in Sonoma and they had an open concert in the town square. In Boston we walked the Freedom Trail, hung out in Boston Commons, went to the Cheers restaurant. All free.” — E.B. in Long Beach, California
“During our trip to Maine, the kids received adorable little lighthouses that I ordered online ahead of time. I tucked them away in our luggage and surprised the kids with the gifts as we got to the Portland Head Light. I only spent $3 on each lighthouse, while the same lighthouses at the gift shop were $20 each. They never knew the difference.” — M.B. in Wellington, Florida
“Gas stations that are right off the highway exit tend to charge higher prices. I use GPS and search apps on my phone to find gas stations that are maybe a half mile off the exit, and they’re usually much cheaper.” — M.B. in Atlanta, Georgia
“Before each vacation, I told our daughters how much money I was giving them for souvenirs, candy, t-shirts, etc. I wrote their names on the front of an envelope and kept them in my purse. When someone asked if they could buy something, I gave that child her envelope. It kept us from being nickel and dimed to death, and saved us money because they knew they only had what was in the envelope.” — J.C. in Dallas, Texas
“Take advantage of memberships to museums, gardens, parks, and science centers in your area that offer reciprocal benefits elsewhere. After planning a travel route, I could easy research to determine if a participating attraction was nearby which would save us 50 to 100 percent off admission prices. We’ve saved as members of the Association of Science and Technology Centers, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass [now called the America The Beautiful Pass].” — T.P. from Mansfield, Ohio
You guys. You guys. YOU GUYS!!!!
An author copy of my next/third children’s book — “Purple Potatoes Will Turn You Into a Witch!” arrived in the mail last week, and it. is. glorious.
I had a book booth at the BAZAAR this past Saturday that took place in the park behind Denver Beer Co. on Lowry. It was almost 100 degrees, but so much fun. I even brought my single copy of “Purple Potatoes” with me to show off, and had several people ask when it would be available to buy.
We saw “The Princess Bride” at Red Rocks on Monday and it was incredible. 10/10 recommend the experience of watching a classic movie with your family at this iconic venue. (Nevermind the nightmares Lotte had that night, all due to a certain scene involving R.O.U.S. IYKYK.)
I cannot believe how busy we will be in October for the launch of “Purple Potatoes Will Turn You into a Witch!” Nor can I believe that I am already booking those events.
Before that happens, though, we have lots of summer to live! Next up: Taylor & I will be at the Little Blue Pigeon, a gorgeous new bookstore on Larimer Street in Denver, on June 18th at 9:30 for a story time and book signing!
More money (or money-adjacent) stuff …
What is Juice Jacking, and Why You Should Care When You Travel
How to Create Lasting Habits, Courtesy of America’s Best Freediver
Next Thursday will be my last newsletter before taking a couple weeks off for vacation. We’ll be headed to New York to hang with family, then Maine, then my girls fly to Australia with their dad straight from there. That leaves me with two whole blissful weeks of solo time.
Whatever will I do with myself? I’m sure I’ll think of something ;)
Until then … bis bald, friends!
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