Travel deals are everywhere. They’re hiding in resident rates, library cards, attraction bundles, train passes, memberships and hotel perks you may already be paying for. While we focus on California travel deals here, residents of other states can use these tips and tricks to seek out similar deals where they live.
Highlights
- Locals can get discounts, attraction bundles, wine passports and seasonal kids-free offers.
- Save on transportation by comparing airports, travel dates, rideshares and Metrolink fares.
- Check hotel perks, senior passes and library benefits before paying for extras.
1. Ask for the California Resident Rate
Your California driver’s license could save you money on your next getaway.
- AutoCamp: California residents can save up to 20% at Joshua Tree, Sequoia, Sonoma and Yosemite locations.
- Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara: Offers a California locals-only rate on select dates.
- Disneyland: Eligible Anaheim residents can currently buy specially priced one-day tickets.
- Need to know:
2. Buy a Wine Passport
If you’re planning more than one wine tasting, a passport can quickly pay for itself.
Temecula SIP Passport
- $59 for three winery tastings.
- $79 for five, with advertised savings of up to $60.
- Delivered by text or email; no app required.
- Tastings can be spread across multiple visits.
- Need to know: Valid Monday-Friday and excludes major holidays.
Garagiste Wine Passport
- $69 for the 2026 passport.
- Includes buy-one-get-one-free introductory tastings at 61 California wineries.
- One passport works for two people.
- Includes wineries from San Diego to Mendocino, with options around Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara and Paso Robles.
- Several of the participating tasting rooms allow passport holders to visit without reservations.
3. Bundle Catalina Boat and Hotel
Before booking Catalina Express and your hotel separately, check the packages.
- Catalina Express offers hotel packages that include round-trip boat transportation for two plus accommodations.
- Participating properties include Bellanca Hotel, Hotel Metropole and Catalina Canyon Inn.
- Some packages add extras such as breakfast, bikes or beach gear.
4. Bundle Southern California attractions
CityPASS has made its Southern California options more flexible. This deal, of course, is available to anyone who visits SoCal.
- The Southern California CityPASS lets you choose Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood or both.
- Then add two attractions such as LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park.
- A separate San Diego CityPASS combines SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND with three additional attractions.
- Advertised savings can reach up to 48%, depending on the package.
5. Take Advantage of Kids Free San Diego in October
October is one of the best months for saving money on a San Diego family trip, thanks to the city’s Kids Free San Diego promotion.
- More than 100 hotels, attractions, restaurants and other businesses participate in Kids Free San Diego .
- Kids 11 and under get free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park with a ticketed or member adult.
- Each adult can bring up to six eligible children at the Zoo and Safari Park.
- Belmont Park offers a free child wristband with the purchase of an adult wristband.
- Hotels and restaurants offer additional perks such as free meals and credits.
- Need to know:
6. Stop Checking Uber and Lyft Separately
I used to open Uber, check the price, close it and then open Lyft.
Now I check Obi.
- Obi compares rideshare and taxi prices in one place.
- You can also compare estimated pickup times.
- It is especially useful for airport transfers and longer rides, where price differences can be significant.
7. Fly Monday Through Wednesday
The old rule was “buy airfare on Tuesday.” While that is still true — Google’s airfare data says that buying airplane tickets on Tuesday saves about 1.3 percent over buying on Sunday. You can also save about 13 percent by flying Monday through Wednesday rather than on the weekend.
8. Google Flights Can Search Multiple Airports at Once
Flight comparison tools like Google Flights make it easy to play around with departure days across different airlines and multiple airports to find the best airfare. We Southern Californians have so many airport options! By using Google Flights, I can search them all at once:
LAX + BUR + SNA + LGB + ONT
- Enter five possible departure airports and five arrival airports to get 25 possible combinations.
- Check the Cheapest tab after looking at the regular Best results. Cheapest may uncover alternate airports, connections or less convenient schedules.
9. Make the Hotel Part of the Experience
The lowest room rate isn’t always the least expensive trip. Sometimes spending a little more on the room means spending less once you arrive.
A friend and I stayed at the Kimpton Shorebreak in Huntington Beach, where the hotel gave us plenty to do.
Amenities and activities included:
- Beach cruisers
- Beach chairs and gear
- Daily social hour
- Fireside s’mores
- Fitness facilities
- Easy beach access
When comparing hotels, look beyond the nightly rate and price out:
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Resort fees
- Bikes and recreational equipment
- Classes
- Food and drink credits
- Beach equipment
- Transportation
10. Take the Family Around Southern California for $20
Metrolink is one of the easiest family travel bargains to overlook. Part of the fun is pulling up the map and deciding where the train can take you.
- The Weekend SoCal Day Pass is currently $10 per adult for unlimited systemwide rides for the day. The price rises to $12 on October 5, 2026.
- On weekends, each fare-paying adult can bring up to three kids age 17 and younger free .
- That means 2 adults + up to 6 kids = $20 in train fares.
- Metrolink tickets also include free transfers to many connecting transit systems.
11. If You’re 62+, Ask About the Senior Rate
Some excellent travel discounts begin at age 62.
America the Beautiful Senior Pass
- $20 for an annual pass.
- $80 for a lifetime pass.
- Available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 and older.
- Covers entrance fees at participating federal recreation lands.
12. Check Your Library Card Before Buying Attraction Tickets
Your library card may be worth more than free books. The Discover & Go program gives participating library cardholders access to free or discounted admission at museums, zoos, aquariums and cultural attractions.
Log into your library account and search Discover & Go before buying admission. Participating California venues can include:
- de Young Museum
- California Academy of Sciences
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- The Broad
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
We’re constantly finding travel deals that don’t necessarily show up when you search for a destination.
That includes:
- Hotel discounts
- Cruise deals
- Attraction offers
- Travel products
- Limited-time promotions
We’ve recently sent emails letting our subscribers know about everything from 40% off travel products to Caribbean cruise fares starting around $499. Sign up here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by checking California resident rates, attraction bundles, hotel packages, and seasonal promotions. Flexible travel dates and alternate airports may also lower costs. Before booking, compare the discounted offer with regular, AAA, and advance-purchase rates to confirm it is actually the best deal.
Yes. Some California hotels, theme parks, and other attractions offer special rates for state or local residents. Eligibility, travel dates, and discounts vary, and proof of residency may be required. Always check the offer’s restrictions before booking.
Airfare varies by route and season, but flying Monday through Wednesday is often less expensive than traveling on a weekend. Use Google Flights to compare nearby airports and shift your departure or return by a day to uncover lower fares.
Your public library may offer free or discounted attraction admission. Hotel stays may include bikes, breakfast, beach equipment, credits, or activities. Travelers age 62 and older cn buy the America the Beautiful Senior Pass and other senior rates.
SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
Related Reads
