The Great Annual Pass

 I love annual pass deals for things as they are so cost effective and make such great financial sense.

Over the years we have had them for a range of things. Our first taste of a pass was in 1999 when we travelled to the UK. We bought a NZ Historic Places Trust membership and we were able to use this card to get into any National Trust Property. In the first 2 days we had our money back after visiting Knole House, Chartwell and Sissinghurst Garden so the rest of our visits were all for free.

Back home once we had children we bought various ones over the years including one to our local wildlife park and one for the local gondola and tram ride service. Because we have paid for them up front I make sure we then get our money's worth and visit a each place several times. This made for free entertainment once the initial purchase price was covered and ensured we went and did things with the kids. I also found that with each visit we saw new things and had different experiences, or could pop in for a short visit rather that a whole day because it wasn't costing any extra and therefore meant we did it more often.

Over the last 2 years the annual pass we purchase is for the local hot pools in the town where we have a holiday rental. As rate payers we get a discount on this price and although it is still a reasonable sum of $359 up front we have well and truly got our money's worth. In the last year we have been so many times we have got about $400 worth of free visits after recouping what we spent. It means we can visit the pool anytime we want and stay for as long or as short as we want and I love going there. It is only 500m walk from our house so easy to get to and feels like having a large collection of hot tubs on hand that we can pop down to when we want to (albeit we have to share them with other people but they are big enough so we don't mind!)

This was my view today from one of the pools and it was wonderful! I tried out a new pool I had never sat in before and I relished the hot water. There are big shade umbrellas so I was able to stay out of the sun and when I had had my fill I went and enjoyed a hot shower and came away feeling very refreshed and relaxed - all for free! 

Due to the COVID lock-down, when the pools were closed, they have extended the pass until the end of March so I am sure we will get in several more visits before then. This is one pass I will definitely be renewing as it is one of my happy places and even better when it costs so little spread over the year!

What annual passes do your local attractions offer that you could make the most of - supporting a local business, creating a reason to go on family outings and saving some money in the long term as you find new things to see each time you go?