It’s funny how life works out. A few years back, if someone had told me that I would be paying for my kids’ school trips to a motorsport venue, I would have thought they were joking. I would have never, ever, considered that I would one day become a parent of four and be paying for school trips to a motorsport venue, especially since I didn’t even own a car at the time.
When my wife and I heard that the Pocano Speedway was offering a school trip discount, we jumped at the chance to take the family for a fun-filled evening. Since my oldest is a teacher, we knew that she would appreciate getting the school trip discount, so we ended up paying only $16 for four of us to attend. That still might seem expensive to some people, but trust me, it was well worth it.
Here’s how you can get a similar discount – or even better prices – for your family trips to the ballpark, the museum, or the science center.
Know The Correct Dates
To get the discount, your family will need to attend one of the following dates:
Nov. 3 – 7, 2020
Dec. 3 – 7, 2020
Jan. 3 – 7, 2021
Jul. 3 – 7, 2021
The sooner you know these dates, the better. That way you can make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity. If you do, you’ll have to pay full price for the school trip.
Book Your Accommodation Early
Accommodation is one of the main costs associated with a school trip. To get the most from your trip, you’ll want to book a hotel room well in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to find a hotel. Research the best rates and availability online before making your booking. If you go in person, also find out the best times to visit the hotel so you don’t waste any time. For example, if you want to see the hotel pool, make sure you visit it during the day when the hotel is busiest. That way you can be sure that you’ll have lots of people around to help you enjoy your trip.
Take Your Own Car
You might be thinking that public transportation will be easier for you and your family to get around during the school day. While it might be convenient for the kids, it can be tricky to get your parents to their destination in one piece. Especially if you’re picking them up from the airport and taking them to your house for the night. In that case, you will have to take your car.
The cost of gas and parking will add up. Worse still, it might get cold or rainy season, so you’ll have to worry about wet streets and car break-downs. For all these reasons, it’s best to take your own car. This will be more convenient for you and your family, save you money, and offer more security. If you do decide to drive, be sure to pack a few plastic bags to hold your belongings in case of an accident or other travel emergencies.
Get A Group Rate
If you’re traveling with a group of friends, you might want to get a group rate for your hotel rooms. That way you can split the costs of the rooms and have someone drive you home after the concert. Or if you’re renting a private room at a hotel, you can ask the hotel staff to get you a group rate. That way you can enjoy the perks of staying at a fancy hotel without paying for a single one of its perks.
Use An Airline Credit Card
Many credit cards give you bonus points for a certain number of domestic and international flights. If you’re getting the card for travel purposes, it might be worth investigating what kind of rewards you get. That way you can make the most of your travel benefits and get the most from your next trip.
Some credit cards give you 1,000 bonus points when you make your first purchase with the card. The American Express Venture Plus card gives you 2,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on food and gas. This is worth considering if you’re planning on driving to the ballpark or other places that don’t have easy access by public transportation. In that case, you’ll have to make a few purchases with your credit card before you can reap the benefits of the rewards program.
Check The Parks And Recreation Department
Parks and recreation departments often get overlooked when it comes to school trips. That’s a mistake. They can often be the best source of information about the best times and places to visit. Check with the parks department at your local school. They will know the best times to visit the different landmarks and parks in your area. Or, if you’re not in a city, contact the parks department in the nearest town. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know about the best places to go on a nature walk or a bike ride.
Consider An Annual Pass
If you visit the same places and the same attractions regularly, you might want to consider an annual pass. This will save you money in the long run. It will also allow you to get into certain places that you might not be able to get into individually. If you’re not familiar with them, visit the websites of the pass providers to see what kinds of deals they have going on. You might be able to get a good discount if you’re a teacher or a parent. Or, if you’re a student, you can get a certain number of free admissions per year. That way you can enjoy your school trips without worrying about paying for everything.
Once you’ve followed the guidelines above, it’s time to reap the benefits. You can book your school trip today and budget yourself some money to enjoy the trip without worry. And if you do miss some of the discounts, it won’t hurt your wallet too much. Just make sure you do your research first so you don’t waste any time or gas going to places that are already closed for the season.