Inflation sucks. Here are 5 ways to find deals on things to do in Arizona this summer
Traveling feels more expensive.
Everything from airfares to rental cars is under pressure from staffing shortages and high demand.
But it’s possible to have a memorable vacation or staycation in the Phoenix area and save some money on the experience.
Phoenix tourism promoters offer a mobile passport that includes restaurant discounts and savings on hot air balloon rides and Grand Canyon trips.
And third party discount sites like Groupon and Travelzoo can help you save money on experiences like Jeep tours and spa days. Here's some inspiration.
Exclusive: The best resort deals in Phoenix and Scottsdale this summer
Curated deals from Visit Phoenix
Visit Phoenix, the city’s convention and visitor bureau, offers a mobile exclusive passport with a selection of discounts at attractions, restaurants and shops in Phoenix and elsewhere in Arizona.
Highlights include:
Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel: 20% off round-trip tickets for the train that takes passengers to the Grand Canyon from the Route 66 city of Williams.
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.: $20 off shared flights, plus a discount on summer sunrise flights.
Stellar Adventures: 10% off guided desert tours, including all terrain vehicle or utility task vehicle tours, Hummer tours and stargazing tours with night vision.
Across Arizona Tours: 15% off bus tours to the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Oak Creek.
Pomo Pizzeria: 20% off orders for the downtown pizzeria considered one of the best in the nation.
Get the passport at visitphoenix.com/plan-a-trip/deals.
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Families can save money with Pogo Pass
Some destinations have all-in-one passes that offer free or discounted admissions to multiple attractions. The Pogo Pass is one such pass for Phoenix and Tucson.
A Pogo Pass, valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, entitles a person to at least one admission for a variety of experiences, including two visits to the Phoenix Zoo, one visit to Golfland Sunsplash, two visits to regular season Arizona Diamondbacks games and one hour of bowling per month at 810 Billiards.
Pogo Passes are priced at $99.98, but the Pogo Pass Facebook page frequently offers coupon codes. Right now, it's offering 50% off pass purchases with an affiliate code. Keep in mind that you will need one pass per family member.
Find out more at pogopass.com/phoenix.
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Groupon deals: Sedona Jeep tours, Desert Belle boat rides
Groupon's deals on activities around Arizona include several big-ticket activities, including Jeep tours of Sedona. The best deals on Jeep tours are for group outings. For instance, a two-hour private tour with Earth Wisdom Jeep Tours for five people costs $345, originally valued at $530.
Groupon's offers in metro Phoenix include $17 cruises of Saguaro Lake aboard the Desert Belle, $20 admission for two at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum in Phoenix and $13 for a tour of SanTan Brewery and Distillery in Chandler. Go to groupon.com/browse/phoenix and enter your email to sign up.
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Travelzoo spa deals: Arizona Grand, Sanctuary, Princess
Travelzoo deals for members include spa experiences at area resorts. To join, enter your email address at travelzoo.com.
A $99 package at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix, valued at $169, includes one 50-minute treatment with the options of a body scrub, full-body custom massage, custom facial or mom-to-be massage. It also includes a glass of champagne and access to spa amenities. Not valid on weekends, holidays and from Aug. 14 to Sept. 2, when the spa will be closed for renovations.
A $155 package at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley allows guests to choose between a custom massage or a Sanctuary Jewel facial, both priced at $195 on the resort’s website. Travelzoo's package also comes with a $10 credit at the boutique, valid only on the day of service; two $30 spa credits for a future visit; and access to pool and spa amenities. Not valid on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays or holiday weekends.
A package at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale has no weekend blackout dates, though the weekends are slightly more expensive. The deal involves a choice of a 60-minute massage or facial, with options including three types of massages or two types of facials, for $159 Mondays through Thursdays or $169 Fridays through Sundays. Deals are also available on 60-minute deep tissue massages, which are $169 Mondays through Thursdays or $179 Fridays through Sundays.
Hot air ballooning in Cave Creek
Arizona Balloon Safaris, which allows guests to see the Sonoran Desert from a hot air balloon, has a Super-Saver Sale price of $179 per person, down from the standard $329 per person. Reservations can be made through December; available dates are limited. Call 480-502-7640 or visit arizonaballoonsafaris.com.
Reach the reporter at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @salerno_phx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Budget travel: Deals on things to do in Phoenix, around Arizona
