One of the best ways to save extra on any goods or services is to take advantage of coupons. Today, e-commerce sites of all stripes offer plenty when it comes to coupons for food, entertainment, clothing and much more—and you’re on one now.
But saving money by using subscriptions, cashback deals and getting into loyalty programs isn’t the only way to get things done. Of course, it’s always wise to be aware of which deals are circulating—but sometimes it pays to work smarter rather than harder. So, what does this look like?
Let’s take a look at group-based activities as an example. We’re listing out five fun ideas that usually involve a lot of time and energy to organize—only we’re exploring how to make these activities cheaper and more accessible, without skimping on the excitement. Here’s a hint: think virtual.
Poker Games
One classic reason to gather with friends is to play a few games of poker. In fact, the game is played worldwide by friends and pros alike. But gathering everyone for a basement game or meeting up at the local casino isn’t always on the cards—pun intended. Instead, registering friends to play from home is another viable option that will save time and money.
Poker home games, on offer from platforms like PokerStars, allow groups to sign on remotely and play straight from their device at home. Chat and other social features make it feel like it’s just another Friday night—except you’re saving time and money.
Escape Rooms
Just like playing poker, organizing a night out at an escape room takes a bit of organizational dancing. It can be hard to gather friends and nab a reservation at the right time, plus many escape rooms now charge a premium. But, as with poker, virtual options offer convenience and savings without taking away from the excitement.
So, how do virtual escape rooms work? Simply find a provider that meets your needs in terms of group size and theme, such as horror or history, then schedule a time slot. In fact, some escape room buffs prefer the challenge of virtual platforms because they offer greater variation in theme, level of challenge and even the ability to partner with strangers.
Scavenger Hunts
Group scavenger hunts are usually part of a corporate onboarding scheme—and not all hit the mark in terms of team building. However, scavenger hunts are a fantastic option for a DIY friend’s night. If you’re looking to avoid hitting a pricey new restaurant or spending at a concert, these activities can help you save a lot on money.
Even better, a DIY scavenger hunt lets a group of friends create an adventure that touches on their own inside jokes and histories. Don’t have any ideas about how to craft a scavenger hunt? Just like with poker and escape rooms, there are other groups handling the minutiae for you. For example, Let’s Roam and the Virtual Amazing Race will help you craft the perfect hunt—all while saving big.
Food Tours
Food tours have become one of the most popular ways to explore new locations for tourists. Not only do they showcase local specialties, but tour guides usually throw in a few added factoids to the delight of their audience. Unfortunately, most food tours also charge a premium.
To save on expenses while traveling without missing out on local delicacies, you can once again think virtually. However, keep in mind that self-guided and virtual food tours may vary by city. For example, Barcelona is a popular enough destination that virtual food tours are now available.
Museum Visits
Lastly, let’s touch on some of the world’s most sought-after locations: museums and cultural landmarks. These dot the globe, from metropolises like Mexico City to the remote ghats of western India. Obviously, there’s no way for travelers to see it all—except, once again, through the magic of virtual experiences.
Google’s Arts & Culture department has done stellar work in creating virtual tours of many top-tier locations and museums. They’re ready for you to explore—and most are absolutely free.