‘Save Money on Travel’ Series: Chicago

save money in chicagoAre you thinking about Spring Break and how to save money on travel (and Staycations, too, for that matter)?  I’ve had a few questions about how to save money in Chicago, specifically, so let’s quickly recap my recent trip.

  • Transportation: Considering fuel prices, the cost of parking in Chicago, and hoping for a few extra hours of relaxation, we decided to take the Amtrak from GRR (a 4 hr trip). LOVED it. Once you’re there, pay only $5 for 24hrs of unlimited travel on city buses & elevated trains with a CTA Visitor Pass.
  • Free Things to Do in Chicago: (and other major cities, too) Excellent resource. We found free admission to The Art Institute of Chicago and The Museum of Science & Industry, among other things.
  • Attractions: If you want to see/tour the major attractions, get a CityPass and save 50% on tickets. Again, available for other major cities, too.
  • Do you have any other Chicago-specific travel and savings tips to add?

We’ve already started planning and booking our trip to Boston/Maine in May.  Over the next few days, I’ll show you specific resources to save money on air fare, hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and entertainment for Spring Break, Staycations, or anytime travel.  Don’t forget, the key is often using a cash back site!

4-star hotels. 2-star prices. Save up to 50% with low Hotwire Hot-Rates!

Thanks for clicking through my links. Please see my disclosure policy.

Eversave: Handbags 68% Off or More (Free Shipping)

baghaus coupon eversaveThe first handbag I truly loved was a Big Buddha. You can get this Sasha Clutch (reg $65.00) for only $13 shipped today with the deal below. Or choose from Baghaus’ extensive collection and get $40 worth for only $18 – $5 Eversave signup bonus = $13 with FREE shipping.

Today’s Eversave deal is $18 for $40 worth of handbags from Baghaus including Big Buddha and Steve Madden among others. FREE shipping for Eversave customers and deduct $5 for signing up. Plus, earn $10 credits for each person you refer that makes a purchase.

See today’s Groupon, Seize the Deal, and LivingSocial deal for YOUR city here.

Thanks for clicking through my links. Please see my disclosure policy.

#GRDates: Local Music Dates for $25 or Less

#GRDates is a weekly series highlighting fun & frugal dates in Grand Rapids and around West Michigan for $25 or less! Because I love West Michigan and want to experience everything it has to offer, but I do have to stick to a budget.

There’s always something happening on the Grand Rapids music scene whether it be local artists or at local venues. We need to check more of them out! Have you done anything on this list already?

Friday Nights at GRAM – Art, live music, conversation, and cash bar at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Fridays from 5-9pm. FREE for members, $5 ea for non-members.

Salsa Pachanga & Grupo Aye CD Release Party – Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the JW Marriott GR at 8pm. 10 piece salsa band & dancing! $10 per person.

Mega 80′s at The Intersection – Saturday, March 5 at 8pm. $10 per person. I went for the first time ever last month and it was a blast! PS Dress up. Do it.

Mara Rosenbloom Quartet – Mexicains sans Frontieres. Wednesday, March 9 at 8pm. I’ve been wanting to check out Hugo Claudin’s venue for a long time. Have you been there?

SHOWCASE: Ribbons of Song/Brie Stoner/Fiona Dickinson/the Wildfire – Ladies’ Literary Club. Friday, March 11 at 8pm. $5 with student ID, $10 without. I LOVE BRIE!!

What is your favorite venue to check out local music?

Final Price $25 or less

What do you have planned? Get more #GRDates ideas here. Have you already done this date or do you have other ideas? Let us know in the comment section of this post.

Nike: Extra 20% Off Clearance Prices

trail run nike coupon

First trail run of the year 2/28/11

Two days ago, I did my first outdoor run of the year on the ice and snow. It reminded me how much I can’t wait for the snow to melt!  But before we get to fair-weather running, it really is a great time to stock up on cold-weather workout gear for next year.

Get an additional 20% off clearance items at Nike with code 3PTSHOT through 3/7/11. FREE shipping on orders of $100+ for Nike members (free) with free returns.

Don’t forget to shop through Ebates for 6% cash back, log in (or create an account for a $5 sign-up bonus!), type Nike into the search box, and shop through the new window that opens. *If you’re not familiar with Ebates or Shop at Home, please read this tutorial on cash back sites.

Spring Break Giveaway: Swimsuit & Tote Bag

It’s that Spring Break time of year. Whether you’re going away on a tropical vacation or lounging poolside on a staycation, treat yourself to new swimwear at a discounted price.

Long-time reader Nancy is offering a 25% discount to her swimwear & beachwear website, Pei2o! Use coupon code GRANDPEI. She’s also giving away two prizes to Savvy Chic Savings readers:

  • One winner will receive a $50 credit to her site to redeem on anything you choose! (prices start in the $40 range)

spring break swimwear coupon

  • A second winner will receive a 16″ x 11″x 5″ embroidered canvas beach tote bag like the one pictured below.

swimwear coupon code giveawayTo enter, you must do the following:

  • Visit pei2o.com swimwear and then come back here and tell me what you would spend your $50 credit on: swimwear, beachwear, coverups, etc.

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

  • Like Pei on Facebook and then come back here and tell me you’ve done so.
  • Follow Pei on Twitter and then come back here and tell me you’ve done so.
  • Tweet “Win a $50 @PEIItweets swimwear & beach tote #giveaway from @SavvyChicSaving http://ow.ly/46TjS Ends 3/8 #SpringBreak” Leave a comment that you tweeted.

Entries will close on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 11:59 pm. The winner will be selected via random.org and notified via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected. Good luck!

Disclosure: I was compensated for hosting this giveaway. This post is linked to Things I Love Thursdays.