This applies to those in the Massachusetts area that use the MBTA passes that are now called Charlie Cards. I know over the years there have been various promotions to encourage the use of the MBTA, but there is now a formal online free Charlie Card Discount Booklet that will tell you where to show your Charlie pass to get savings. Like the PBS card, the discounts range from shopping to attractions, and theater. You will want to compare your discounts to see which one provides the best options. Unlike some of the other discount options I have discussed, many of the Charlie Card discounts do not cover multiple users. Depending on the discount, it could be a way to add to the group savings or a great deal for one person wanting to save.
As I advice with all discount cards it is always best to call if you have any questions about what the discount covers or if it is still valid.
If you do not live in Massachusetts but have a transit pass in another state, check online to see if there are any similar programs.
Showing posts with label Traveling Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling Tips. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
PBS Member Discounts
While some people take advantage of the privileges of membership, some are not aware that becoming a PBS member offers more than just a charitable donation. It also can provide discounts depending on how well your local station markets itself to donors.
Our area is served by three stations. The Boston Station WGBH is the largest and offers an extensive lists of discounts available to members through their Perks program here. The discounts include activities for adults and families as well as shopping.
New Hampshire has a smaller list, but should be checked for updates. Click on the Member Card Website for an updated list. Some of the museums and other attractions popular in this state are covered for members.
Rhode Island surprisingly has a list that is highly competitive with Boston's. In fact, there are many Massachusetts’ attractions on Rhode Island's discount list.
Like the AAA discounts, they are not always as good as the library passes, but if you or family member is a member of your local PBS station, you should be using these discounts. Review your options and take the best discounts you have available to you. It is not a reason to join, but if you have spent the money, get the best value for your money by using the discounts for trips or shopping you already plan on doing.
Our area is served by three stations. The Boston Station WGBH is the largest and offers an extensive lists of discounts available to members through their Perks program here. The discounts include activities for adults and families as well as shopping.
New Hampshire has a smaller list, but should be checked for updates. Click on the Member Card Website for an updated list. Some of the museums and other attractions popular in this state are covered for members.
Rhode Island surprisingly has a list that is highly competitive with Boston's. In fact, there are many Massachusetts’ attractions on Rhode Island's discount list.
Like the AAA discounts, they are not always as good as the library passes, but if you or family member is a member of your local PBS station, you should be using these discounts. Review your options and take the best discounts you have available to you. It is not a reason to join, but if you have spent the money, get the best value for your money by using the discounts for trips or shopping you already plan on doing.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Library Museum Passes
This topic came up when we realized we were having an unexpected guest next weekend who would be staying for a longer than anticipated time. We needed an activity that was close and entertaining. We chose the Science Discovery Museum in Acton. For some reason I thought I had checked our library's list of museums, but I missed this one. Their website provides a list of libraries that have Discovery Museum passes. After realizing I almost missed a great money saving opportunity, I thought it was a great topic for a blog.
Many local charitable organizations provide passes to museums and other local places of interest for library patrons to borrow. The passes can range from discounts to free admission. The numbers of people they cover also vary.
These are some helpful tips to get better use from your local library passes.
Use the Online Library Services in the Convenience of Your Home.
If your library has an online service, start there. I have been in line more Saturdays while people struggle desperately to find an available pass. Library event passes are popular and they reserve quickly. Many libraries not only have the ability to research pass information, but actually to reserve the passes. Libraries vary in how far in advance you can reserve a pass. Once you know your intended date, you will want to reserve as soon as the system allows you to make a reservation. Popular passes go quickly, especially in the summer and during school vacations.
Read the Rules
The libraries and the institutions you are visiting have rules. Many libraries have instructions about when the passes can be picked up and dropped off. Our library has some stiff fines when passes are not picked up or they are dropped off late. This is to encourage people not to place a hold on a pass preventing someone else from using it that day. The goal is to reserve it and use it.
Our library is good about trying to list availability only on dates institutions are open. For instance if a museum is not open on Mondays, they try to "X" out that date so people cannot reserve the pass for those days. However, places do change hours and schedules. I have heard people complaining to the librarians that they were unable to use the pass as if it was the library's fault the place was closed. My advice is to check the website and call if you have any doubts. Some places are better than others about keeping their websites updated with current hours and schedules. The library has enough challenges just keeping up with the reservations and returns. They are not travel agents.
Read the Directions for the Pass
It is important to know what the pass does. Many libraries provide this information online. If you have any doubts, ask. Call the library and double check with the place you are visiting to make sure you know what is covered. Some passes provide discounts, others free entrance. Some passes will give you entry to the museum, but you have to pay for special exhibits. Some of these exhibits require separate reservations. Much of this information can be found on the institution's website. It is best to do your research before your trip.
Check Your Best Options
If you are traveling in a group, you may have multiple discount options. I am going to be discussing a few more of these in future blogs. Children and seniors often have discount offers based on age. You may want to use those discounts first and use the library discounts for the more expensive adults. You can always spread the savings around to make sure everyone gets benefits from the actual cost when buying the tickets. There are multiple ways to divide the savings. We tend to add up the cost of the tickets after savings and divide it by the number of adults. Then everyone gets to share in the savings. There are many other methods to maximize the discounts and free tickets. If people are traveling from different towns, research the library discounts available in those towns. Even if you cannot get your library passes, grandma or an uncle traveling with you might have better luck. If you get lucky, you may get enough passes to cover all of you. Just one word of caution, you are responsible for any loans made on your library card. It is best not to borrow any passes you will not be responsible for as you will be liable if they are not returned.
Flexibility Provides More Options
Weekends tend to be the busiest. If you have the option to visit during the week, you have a better chance of using a pass. Many homeschooling parents are aware of the benefits of weekday visits. For some sites, you do have to work around school group tours. That goes back to my warning about researching prior to scheduling your trip.
Many local charitable organizations provide passes to museums and other local places of interest for library patrons to borrow. The passes can range from discounts to free admission. The numbers of people they cover also vary.
These are some helpful tips to get better use from your local library passes.
Use the Online Library Services in the Convenience of Your Home.
If your library has an online service, start there. I have been in line more Saturdays while people struggle desperately to find an available pass. Library event passes are popular and they reserve quickly. Many libraries not only have the ability to research pass information, but actually to reserve the passes. Libraries vary in how far in advance you can reserve a pass. Once you know your intended date, you will want to reserve as soon as the system allows you to make a reservation. Popular passes go quickly, especially in the summer and during school vacations.
Read the Rules
The libraries and the institutions you are visiting have rules. Many libraries have instructions about when the passes can be picked up and dropped off. Our library has some stiff fines when passes are not picked up or they are dropped off late. This is to encourage people not to place a hold on a pass preventing someone else from using it that day. The goal is to reserve it and use it.
Our library is good about trying to list availability only on dates institutions are open. For instance if a museum is not open on Mondays, they try to "X" out that date so people cannot reserve the pass for those days. However, places do change hours and schedules. I have heard people complaining to the librarians that they were unable to use the pass as if it was the library's fault the place was closed. My advice is to check the website and call if you have any doubts. Some places are better than others about keeping their websites updated with current hours and schedules. The library has enough challenges just keeping up with the reservations and returns. They are not travel agents.
Read the Directions for the Pass
It is important to know what the pass does. Many libraries provide this information online. If you have any doubts, ask. Call the library and double check with the place you are visiting to make sure you know what is covered. Some passes provide discounts, others free entrance. Some passes will give you entry to the museum, but you have to pay for special exhibits. Some of these exhibits require separate reservations. Much of this information can be found on the institution's website. It is best to do your research before your trip.
Check Your Best Options
If you are traveling in a group, you may have multiple discount options. I am going to be discussing a few more of these in future blogs. Children and seniors often have discount offers based on age. You may want to use those discounts first and use the library discounts for the more expensive adults. You can always spread the savings around to make sure everyone gets benefits from the actual cost when buying the tickets. There are multiple ways to divide the savings. We tend to add up the cost of the tickets after savings and divide it by the number of adults. Then everyone gets to share in the savings. There are many other methods to maximize the discounts and free tickets. If people are traveling from different towns, research the library discounts available in those towns. Even if you cannot get your library passes, grandma or an uncle traveling with you might have better luck. If you get lucky, you may get enough passes to cover all of you. Just one word of caution, you are responsible for any loans made on your library card. It is best not to borrow any passes you will not be responsible for as you will be liable if they are not returned.
Flexibility Provides More Options
Weekends tend to be the busiest. If you have the option to visit during the week, you have a better chance of using a pass. Many homeschooling parents are aware of the benefits of weekday visits. For some sites, you do have to work around school group tours. That goes back to my warning about researching prior to scheduling your trip.
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