I must admit that the latest trendy travel term, “Staycation,” is driving me nuts; it is overused, my spell check hates it and it no longer looks good in print. So, it’s a return to “Backyard Getaway” for me. In keeping with our current political climate, this is admittedly a flip-flop.
A few days ago, I received an email from Sign on San Diego, which is the Union Tribune’s website. The online message was an ad offering a substantial discount for tickets to The Phantom of the Opera. This communication caught my attention and triggered thoughts about the vibrant art scene in town and how it should be part of any “Backyard Getaway.” I wanted to test my theory that there is always a way to save money on entertainment. That led me to the following resources that have all sorts of information relating to the arts. The San Diego Civic Center (www.sdcivic.org) is the largest indoor theater in town. Year-round, it hosts off-Broadway plays, opera, the San Diego Ballet, comedy shows and musical performances. The Civic Center management team also runs the newly renovated Balboa Theater in the Gaslamp Quarter. Log on and look at the calendar of events for both (www.broadwaysd.com). The Union Tribune’s Night & Day pull-out section, printed every Thursday, provides a complete listing of what is currently going on in town, as well as a performing arts directory. Also, sign up online for their email blasts (www.signonsandiego.com). Two more free sources for entertainment information are the San Diego Reader (www.sandiegoreader.com) published every Thursday and, of course, the Military Press, a bi-monthly journal (www.militarypress.com).
We’ve harvested the information and now we are ready to hunt for bargains. First realize that one must be flexible, aware of “the system” and understand that a little luck and determination go a long way. Next step: log on and/or start making phone calls. Digging for savings will eventually lead to same-day tickets; be prepared to go the day or evening you call. Try the following for scoring discounted tickets; call the Civic Center Box Office (1-619-564-3000) and ask if they are offering same-day or “rush” tickets. These terms relate to heavily discounted tickets that theaters offer, usually half an hour to an hour before curtain time. This holds true for most of the theaters around town, e.g., SD Repertory Theater, Old Globe, Horton Grand Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, Lambs Player Theater, etc. Log on to Art Tix (www.sandiegoperforms.com) or call 1-619-497-5000 for their daily list of reduced price tickets. Art Tix is a key player in the San Diego Performing Arts League which promotes all the arts throughout San Diego County. Interestingly, 100% of their sales goes back to the arts. Check out Ticket Master (www.ticketmaster.com). Note of caution: they are a for-profit organization and although the tickets may be discounted, there are numerous fees, handling charges, etc., that drive up the final price. Another terrific source for saving money is the Entertainment Book (www.entertainment.com). Substantial discounts for attractions, concerts, performances, movies and museums can be found among their coupons. Additionally, hundreds of restaurants are listed; pre or post theater dining makes for a perfect evening that should be part of any “Backyard Getaway.” Although the listings for the 2008 Entertainment Book are only good until November 1, at the price of $9.99, a single two-for-one meal out more than covers the cost. The 2009 Entertainment Book is $45, but currently includes a free copy of the 2008 book. My final suggestion is to always ask about military, senior and/or student discounts.
Enjoy the performance and your “Backyard Getaway!”
Howard Hian
www.Travels-with-Hian.com