Resources we use to research, plan, and book excursions:
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences
I usually take this a step further to try to save a bit more money if I can. Once I find a tour or experience I am interested in, I look to see who the tour operator is. Then I look up the tour operator and try to find their own website. Once I find it I look to see if the experience is cheaper if booked directly. This sometimes can be important when it comes to pricing for children. Sometimes Viator will have a set price per person, but the tour operator may have a cheaper price for kids.
If there is no difference in price by booking directly with the agency, or if it is practically the same cost, then I use Rakuten as a shopping portal to book so I can get an added bonus back. I might even choose this method if, for example, Rakuten is having an elevated cash back bonus. It might work out in my favor- always do the math!
If you don’t already use Rakuten, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a way to earn cash back (or Amex points!) on shopping you were already doing. Just click the link of the store you want through Rakuten and earn! I choose to earn Amex points, and as you can see it really pays off!
I recently bought my San Diego Zoo tickets on Viator, but I went through Rakuten because there was an elevated offer- and I earned 7,050 Amex points (or $70.50 cash back). That helps take the sting out of paying $300 to go to the zoo! Another strategy I use to offset costs.
If you don’t have it, its free and easy to sign up.
AND you can get a free $30 (sometimes as high as $50) bonus by using my referral to sign up: www.rakuten.com/r/GLICAT11?eeid=28187
There are, of course other shopping portals you can use as well. And you should be using them if you have access. I know many people shop through the American Airlines portal to earn points. I don't simply because we rarely fly American.
I do, however, always keep my eye on my Capital One shopping portal. This is on my Capital One app, through my Venture X card. I usually take a look to compare it to Rakuten and then use whichever has the higher bonus. Occasionally, Capital One will have some really awesome bonuses. I recently saw one for 35x on Viator! I took this as an opportunity to book our excursions for our upcoming trip to Tokyo. An boy did it pay off! This is what I mean by staying in the know, and double checking things. It is tedious, sure, but it only takes a few minutes to scroll through offers- especially if you are about to make a big purchase.
If you are interested in applying for the Capital One Venture X please consider using my referral link. I will get a referral bonus if you are approved, and this is a free way you can support my work.
If you have questions about the card before applying, I am happy to answer those, shoot me an email: info@travelswithchildren.com