If you are going to a city to explore its cultural essence, you need to budget appropriately. If you are planning on attending a theme park, theater, zoo or science center, you need to be aware of the initial and related costs as well as times and opening and closing hours. To discover how much each event, museum, gallery, show, theme park, and other cultural or entertaining venue costs, you need to combine your methods of research. Going online will provide you with updated information. If you have access to a local newspaper or tourism web site, you can find similar information.

Be sure to go to the specific site of each museum or event. They should contain precise information on times, dates and special exhibits or displays. Local museums and art galleries are sometimes free of charge or ask for a donation. Their site will also note if they are having free or reduced days.

The same is true for many fairs, expositions and theme parks. Their home page will tell you not only the cost, but also when they offer reduced fares. For some theme parks certain days of the week are less expensive. You can also sometimes save money if you arrive later in the day.

Tourism web sites, newspapers and periodicals or brochures are also very helpful. They can reveal the data you need. They can also help you reduce the overall cost. Locate the desired site by typing the name of the place or region together with the word tourism. You can also try www.towd.com, the Worldwide Directory of tourism offices. It, however, includes only the larger sites. Some smaller towns or areas are excluded. Nevertheless, the Worldwide Directory is a great starting point. This is particularly true if you are still not exactly sure about where you wish to go.

Once you have located your tourism site take your time to look around it. See if they have any special offers for the days of your summer vacation. These can reduce the cost. If they have coupons providing reductions in entry fees, rides or other entertainment items, be certain to first check the expiry date. Once you are sure of the validity of the offers, print them off and place in a safe place such as your summer vacation folder.

Travel magazines may also contain discount coupons. The magazines often contain information and reviews on specific venue sites. They frequently note special prices, half-price days and similar reductions in entry fees as well as other related items. Clipping and using the coupons they offer can go a long way toward reducing the economic cost of your vacation. Be sure you note the dates are correct before you cut them out. You may also find similar savings at travel shows or Expos.

Another source of discount tickets is maybe a little risky. Some online sites sell various articles related to trips. e-Bay, Kijiji and Craig’s List are 3 common sites offering “deals” on various items. Go search your particular destination and type in coupons or gift certificates. You may come up with tickets and other related items. You can then bid on them. This will allow you to buy tickets and certificates at a much lower price than you would pay for in retail. If you decide to go this route, make sure the tickets are valid and you are truly getting a deal.