It's that time of year, in the homeschool world. Homeschool conventions and conferences have started across the country.
Our first year homeschooling I never thought I'd be able to afford a homeschool convention. But... soon we'll be leaving to attend our very first one (shhh... don't tell anyone that we are newbies to conventions)! Although we have sponsors for our trip, which I am working for, before, during, and after the event, we still are on a limited budget so I still am finding ways to save and be frugal during this trip. Here are my tips:
1.) Plan where you are going, staying, and sleeping way before the trip. Take advantage of advance hotel and/or the convention pricing on local rooms, if you need one. Sign up for loyalty programs or AAA to get discounts. Also, if you are planning to visit other places on your trip, like The Creation Museum, check into package discounts (
see their website for some). Shop around for the best deal!
2.) Buy your tickets for the convention/conference as early as possible. When registration opens online, usually months in advance, that's when tickets are the cheapest. Take advantage of those early-bird specials or when there is a coupon code to save a little extra. If there is specific convention, like
Teach Them Diligently, that you are interested in, then sign up for the email subscription, so you don't miss the great deals on registration.
3.) Pre-make or pack as many meals as you can. Pack a cooler or two with as many drinks, snacks, and meals that it can hold... better too much than not enough. Food at conventions and conferences can be pricy. Being prepared will save you on impulse buying, when everyone is hungry or thirsty. If your room does not have a microwave, then bring one (we will be) along with
mini-microwave meals. {I know, I know processed foods... blek!} In my defense, the hotel vending machines will have these same items... and I knew my kids would ask... so I bought them at the grocery store to save us money. While also buying healthy sides and drinks to go along with the meal.
4.) Save your gas credits, from shopping at your favorite grocery stores, for saving at the pump when you fill up to drive to the convention. Make sure your tires are pumped to the correct pressure and all your fluids are full to get the best gas mileage, to and from.
5.) Lastly, don't plan to buy all of your curriculum at these homeschool conventions, in the vendor hall. Why? Because, trust me, they are not the most frugal places to get what you want and need for your homeschool year. Use the time to look at all of the curriculum and compare. Then go home, pray, then find better deals elsewhere. Learn about
planning your frugal homeschool year (with lots more to come on this subject). But then again, I will be handing out flyers and coupons for
Bright Ideas Press... so maybe you can pick up a good deal from
some vendors. ;-)
What bloggers will be in Nashville at Teach Them Diligently Homeschool and Parenting Convention? Here is a {partial} list:
Be sure to follow all of us on social media, if you cannot make it to
TTD. Last year I felt like I was there, and learned so much just by
following bloggers and companies who were there.
Why should you go? Search #HSTTD on Twitter, as well to follow along. Prizes will be give for those who join in the discussion.
Again, I need to mention our main sponsor for the Teach Them Diligently Convention in Nashville, Bright Ideas Press. I will be proudly sporting a
BIP shirt as I will be helping them out a little at the convention. If you'll be there please come find me! I'd love to meet you and chat a little. :)
Many days growing and learning in Him,
