Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Without this pass, these attractions would have cost me $170 USD. I saved 45 percent by using the Lon-
don Pass, and I didn't even use it for everything it offers.
I have many examples of when tourism cards saved me money. They may have an up-front cost, but
even if they save me just $1 USD, I buy them.
Most travelers never think of these passes because they aren't very well advertised or promoted. I hardly
ever used them during my first trip around the world. It was only when I got into travel writing that I learned
about them. In fact, I don't think I've ever met a backpacker who has gone out and gotten these. Now, if I
know someone is going to see a lot of things, I shake them and say, “Save money; buy a tourist card!” They
are the single best way to save money if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing.
Free Museum Days
Most museums have special discount times or free nights. Even famous museums like the Louvre and the
Guggenheim offer free entrance. If I don't have a tourism card that offers free entrance into the museum I
want, I look up the museum on the Internet to find out which days and times it offers free entrance.
Before you go anywhere, make sure you look on the museum website to find out if they offer free visiting
hours.
Use Discount Cards
The discount cards mentioned in Chapter 8 all offer discounts at museums, attractions, and activities
throughout the world. It's important to get those cards, since they can be used for a large majority of at-
tractions. As mentioned earlier, these cards can get you 50 percent off regular admission, adding up to a
substantial savings over the course of your trip.
Make sure you also visit the local tourist office. They usually have discount cards for major attractions
and can let you know what deals are happening at that time. While at the tourist office, take some of those
advertisement brochures that offer discounts. Most of them (especially the maps) contain ads for discounted
tours and meals.
Local tourist offices can be found at airports, the main train stations, or usually around the city center,
where the main tourist attractions are found. When arriving in a new city, head to the information booth at
the transportation hub you arrived at and ask where the tourism office is—they will know.
Get a Personal Tour Guide
Connect with local guides and hire them for unique experiences through Vayable (vayable.com). A rating
system for the guides allows you to know in advance if the guide/tour is worth your time. I enjoy and like
this site because it allows me to experience niche, offbeat, and interesting tours that bigger tour companies
might not run (like a street art tour in Los Angeles). Plus the groups tend to be very small, making for a
more intimate experience.
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