Among my many resolutions for this year: (1) Spend less. (2) Travel more.

At first glance, those two tasks might seem to cancel out each other. But, you see, I have this addiction. I’m a travel-a-holic. I love to go to new places … whether they are on the other side of the country or the other side of the city. So I’m (working on) becoming a super savvy traveler this year. I’m searching for the best values, insider tips and special offers.  

Working in the travel industry, one thing I’ve learned when planning a trip is—start with your local Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). CVBs are made up of locals who are passionate about their destination. We know the best places to eat, visit, stay and see. And we usually have knowledge of some great packages.  Like this one I’m going to share with you today:

The Embassy Suites Columbus Dublin is offering a Cabin Fever Family Fun Package (Feb. 19-20) with tons of fun and entertainment for everyone in the family—all for $124.99/night.  Activities include a family game and activity room (think board games, crafts and family friendly music), a movie room with kid-friendly flicks, bingo and wacky DJ games, a chocolate fountain, an Evening Manager’s reception, an indoor swimming and whirlpool, one large 2-topping pizza and a 2-liter bottle of soda per package, a goodie bag with local discount coupons and snacks, AND a full cooked-to-order breakfast buffet for all. (Call 614/790-9000 to book your package.)

Need more incentive? How about half-price admission to the #1 Zoo in the country? The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is offering half-price general admission during the entire months of January and February.  That’s plenty of opportunity to see Polar Bear Twins Anana and Aurora frolicking in their cool Polar Frontier habitat the way three-year-old Polar bears sisters do.  It’s hard to beat that kind of economical family travel fun, right?  For more info, visit the Dublin CVB website or call 800/245-8387.

-Post by Mary