Cheap Travel Hack: Not Just in a Book
If you want to sight-see in your local area there is one place you should check in at first.
No, I’m not talking about your local visitor center or travel agent (though those are good resources). I am talking about a place where you can score tickets, state park passes, and attend events all for free.
Where?
Your local public library of course!
Libraries offer so many resources. And today, much like the Fast Food Secrets Club, I am going to let you in on some resources you may not know exist. These resources go beyond reading books set in faraway places or checking out travel DVDs.
Before we dive into what those resources are, you have to do one thing first. Go get yourself a library card from your local public library.
Got it? Great. Let’s get going.
Arts and Cultural Event Tickets
Many libraries offer free tickets to patrons for local community events. I have received tickets to see local community theater productions and ballet productions. All I had to do was ask at the library front desk.
Libraries vary on if and when they offer these tickets. Just ask! Each library location may also only have a limited number of tickets to give out, so if you know your library does offer tickets, be sure to ask early.
State Park Passes
Want to get free access to a state park in your area? Your library may have state park passes you can check out.
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California has vehicle day-use passes available to everyone in the state through libraries. Residents of many counties in Minnesota can get a 7-day park pass! (Check if your county is on the list here.) If you live in Colorado, your library may even have a whole backpack full of resources to use!
With a free vehicle permit, you can finally visit that state park in your backyard. These passes may not include costs for camping or other activities, so double-check before you go.
Don’t see your state mentioned? Your local library may still have state park resources available for your community. Check out the library website or give them a call.
Library Events
Never underestimate the events your local library may offer. Many libraries host events featuring speakers and topics perfect for those of us with wanderlust.
An event featuring a park ranger might inspire you to visit that park in person. Once, a local dance company did a Nutcracker story time complete in costume at my local library. Some libraries host travel clubs where like-minded people can share videos and artifacts from their recent trips and learn more about new places.
Even if your library doesn’t currently offer these types of events, ask. When library staff receive ideas, they may start to offer travel events in the future.
Libraries: Your Ticket to Travel?
Your local library may help you travel in more ways than one. Libraries may start by inspiring your next trip and helping you plan for it though books and online resources. Look a bit closer and your library may offer other travel benefits as well.
From theater tickets to state park passes to travel events, your library may save you money on your local travels.
When did you last stop by your local library?
