One Word that Can Save So Much- Reciprocity

Our family is attempting to travel to all 50 states through creative road trips. We enjoy keeping our travel choices "middle of the road" meaning we are very focused on value. I love to save money while traveling so coupons and travel deals are right up my alley. But, we are willing to spend more if we see the value in our purchase.

This philosophy is what supports one of my favorite travel hacks. Have you maximized on the idea of reciprocity between attractions? In this post I will share how this concept has saved us hundreds and why we have held memberships for attractions states away.

Let me start with the savings from our most recent trip. We were traveling to visit Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. We were arriving in Wichita on Easter and the botanical garden in Wichita (Botanica) was hosting a Tulipfest. This seemed like the perfect activity for a beautiful afternoon.

Admission at Botanica for my family of four would have been $44 ($12 per adult and $10 per child.) Since it was a special event, Tulipfest tickets would also need to be purchased which would have added an additional $50 ($15 per adult and $10 per child.) Total for the Tulipfest: $94

We were already considering a membership to get the discounted Tulipfest tickets. But, here is where reading the fine print on memberships really pays off. The cost of a family membership is $75, but offers reciprocal admission to other gardens by participating in the American Horticulture Society (AHS) Reciprocal Network. We knew that we wanted to visit some other gardens on our trip so we decided to go for the membership. The cashier then gave us free Tulipfest tickets as new members which was a nice surprise. Choosing to get the membership for $75 already resulted in a savings of $19 with the surprise of free Tulipfest tickets.

Later in the trip, we visited Dallas and decided to visit the Dallas Arboretum. The Dallas Arboretum also participates in the AHS program which allowed us to visit for free. The price of the admission to the Dallas Arboretum would have been $83.80 (Adult (12 and over): $21.95 and child: $17.95.)

Adding in the savings from Botanica that results in a total of $102.80.

Further along in our trip, we visited Hot Springs, Arkansas. It had been recommended to visit Garvan Woodland Gardens. It was an easy decision to visit since it was also part of the AHS program. The membership allowed us to save on admission to Garvan Woodland Gardens. This provided a savings of $76 (Adult (12 and over): $22.00 and child: $10.00) Do note that prices are even higher if you purchase at the gate, but I compared online prices. With adding $76 to the prior savings, we are now at a savings of $178.80.

I know not every trip would include three trips to gardens and we got lucky that these were already on our itinerary. I am hopeful that the membership may also allow us to visit our gardens near our home in Indianapolis. However, there may be mileage restrictions.

However, there have been other times that we have chosen to consider a membership as well.

We have been members at the US Rocket and Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Two yearly Spring Breaks timed correctly allowed us two visits.

We have also been members at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona which allowed reciprocity to other science centers through the Association of Science- Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport program. We were also able to visit the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago through this partnership.

My recommendation is to always consider if a membership makes sense. I do offer a word of caution to read the fine print. Some memberships state no reciprocity within 90 miles of your home address or the location of the original purchase.

Below is a list of the common organizations that offer reciprocity:

• North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM)

• Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program

• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

• Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network

• American Horticultural Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program

• Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)

• Smithsonian Affiliate Reciprocal Membership

  
  

Definitely worth checking out the list before your next trip to see if a membership makes sense for your family!