If you saw my piece on Nashville on page 36 in RFM, you’ve probably figured out my travel mom map-clock trick to work your way around Nashville. I also use Google Maps to drill down on a destination to see where things are in a particular neighborhood – like hotels, restaurants, stores, and parking garages. Google Maps helps us save money because you can see all your options. Think: “Hey! Costco is just around the corner; let’s fuel up there!” or “Let’s use the day rate at this garage and explore this part of Nashville on foot.”
When traveling, we save on feeding the family by shopping at a trusted grocery store – Kroger and Publix are in Nashville – and then, we’ll picnic at a park or in the car on the way to something fun.
On the first day in a new place, I chill on an afternoon bus tour and soak up the info from the chatty local guide. I recommend a hop on/hop off bus like the Old Town Trolley Tours of Nashville or Gray Line’s Music City bus tour.
A tool that may work for your family is the Nashville Sightseeing Pass. If you’re planning to visit three, four, or more Nashville attractions, you’ll save about half off ticket prices. Visit sightseeingpass.com and search Nashville. Also check groupon.com for savings.
No matter where we travel, I’m sold on going to sleep early and waking up early. Traveling is expensive, so who wants to sleep away their money? I do have one exception: teens. You might let them get their needed sleep while you do something fun. (Because who want to grump away their money away, am I right?)
And another thing: Always know your destination’s busy season. Nashville is busy March through October. And the Country Music Awards (CMAs) happen annually on the second weekend of June.
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In Richmond, pick up your free RFM at your local grocery store – or hundreds of other places you shop, work, and play. You can also read Wendy’s RFM family travel piece on Nashville here, and catch up with more on family travel from Wendy at JellyFishinJuly.com.
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