{"id":22162,"date":"2020-02-09T17:48:06","date_gmt":"2020-02-09T17:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/?p=22162"},"modified":"2020-02-09T21:02:44","modified_gmt":"2020-02-09T21:02:44","slug":"deals-o-the-week-trip-down-under-tons-of-closings-20-our-town-book-with-free-shipping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/2020\/02\/09\/deals-o-the-week-trip-down-under-tons-of-closings-20-our-town-book-with-free-shipping\/","title":{"rendered":"DEALS O’ THE WEEK, TRIP DOWN UNDER, TONS OF CLOSINGS, $20 OUR TOWN BOOK WITH FREE SHIPPING"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nTo better view this blog go to http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/blog1<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP<\/strong>
\nSign up for my FREE Deals o’ the Week savings newsletter at http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/mailinglist\/index.htm<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\"2018-flyer\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nOUR TOWN AND ALL AROUND COUPON BOOK<\/strong>
\nThe 2020 Our Town Coupon Book is now available for $20 with FREE shipping! Regularly $28 – Save $8! <\/strong>
\n<\/em>
\nClick here to order:
http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/merchandise\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

View the book here: https:\/\/issuu.com\/savearound\/docs\/our_town_2019?e=18348958\/65267627 <\/a><\/p>\n

The NEW 2020 Our Town coupon book has over 750 coupons for Northeast Ohio area restaurants, fast food, drug stores, movies, golf courses, pizza, dry cleaning, wineries, entertainment, stores, and more! The BEST coupon book available in the area! It\u2019s like getting 750 Groupons, but all for only $20 (Save $8)! Some restaurant coupons are good for up to $36 off! The book can pay for itself with just one coupon! The coupons are good through Dec. 1, 2020! A great bargain! Keep a book in each car. <\/p>\n

* RESTAURANTS<\/strong> – Get 150+ offers for fine dining! Some of the buy one get one free Restaurant coupons include Margaritaville, Triv’s Restaurant and Lounge, Murano Modern Italian, CK’s Steakhouse, Foundry Kitchen and Bar, Smoke BBQ, Great Scott Tavern, Grayton Road Tavern, Pari Bar & Restaurant, Cafe Piccolo, Chagrin River Diner, Spirits in Willoughby, Lucy Ethiopian, Harry Buffalo, Roman’s Restaurant and Lounge, La Casa Tequila, Don Tequila Bar & Grill Mexican Restaurant, Arrabiata\u2019s Italian Restaurant, The Leopard, Oriole Caf\u00e9, Welshfield Inn, Cowboy Food & Drink, Chesterland Tavern, Chocolate Martini Bar, Mallorca, West Park Station Restaurant & Bar, Dubrovnik Garden Restaurant, Shula\u2019s 2 Steak & Sports, Burgers 2 Beer, Granite City Food & Brewery, Corso\u2019s Italian Restaurant, Frankie\u2019s, Fiesta Jalapenos, Rider\u2019s Inn, Slim & Chubby\u2019s Neighborhood Bar & Grille, Yours Truly Restaurant, Dave and Buster\u2019s, Houlihan\u2019s, Ironwood Caf\u00e9, Mahle\u2019s Restaurant & Lounge, Sussex Seafood & Grille, Crepes in the City, Ballantine, Kleifeld\u2019s Restaurant, Local Tavern, Willoughby Brewing Co., The Cabin, Dino\u2019s Restaurant & Bar and more! <\/p>\n

* SAVE<\/strong> – The book will pay for itself after 1 or 2 coupons. It\u2019s like finding a gift card on every page! Save thousands of dollars!<\/p>\n

* FINE DINING<\/strong> – 150+ Fine Dining Restaurants with almost all with savings of $10 or more. Most offer half off dinners for those dining alone! Some are valued up to $36 off! <\/p>\n

* ENTERTAINMENT<\/strong> – Coupons for museums, local attractions, sport-related attractions, comedy clubs, and much more! Deals for Atlas Cinemas, Fun \u2018n\u2019 Stuff, Memphis Kiddie Park, United Skates, and more! <\/p>\n

* LITTLE ITALY<\/strong> – Find a section of Little Italy restaurants such as Guarino\u2019s Restaurant, La Dolce Vita Bistro, Maxi\u2019s, TOLI, and Trattoria on the Hill.<\/p>\n

* WEST SIDE MARKET<\/strong> – Offers at 36 businesses at the iconic West Side Market. <\/p>\n

* BIRTHDAY COUPONS<\/strong> – 28 FREE dinners on your birthday coupons. <\/p>\n

* FAST FOOD\/PIZZA\/CASUAL RESTAURANTS<\/strong> – There are hundreds of \u201ctwo for one\u201d or \u201c50% off\u201d offers at fast food restaurants, pizza restaurants, and neighborhood favorites. Find coupons for Arby\u2019s, Burger King, Cinnabon, Hardees, Long John Silver\u2019s, Mr. Hero, Orange Julius, Peace Love and Little Donuts, Sonic, Taco Bell, Wendy\u2019s, Around the Corner Saloon & Caf\u00e9, Big Boy Restaurant & Bakery, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, IHOP Restaurant, Muldoon\u2019s Saloon & Eatery, Rusty Barrel, Spats Caf\u00e9, TJ\u2019s on the Avenue, Tom + Chee and tons more! <\/p>\n

* WINERIES<\/strong> – 35 coupons for wineries from across Northern Ohio including Ferrante, Sarah’s Vineyard, Paper Moon, Markko Vineyard, Hundley Cellars, Debonne Vineyards, and Stonegait Winery. <\/p>\n

* GOLF<\/strong> – Coupons for dozens of green fees & driving ranges, including Berkshire Hills, Maple Ridge, Pleasant Hill, Pine Ridge, and Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Golf Course. <\/p>\n

* MISC. COUPONS<\/strong> – Find coupons for IGA (five $5 off $20 purchase coupons), Quick Change, and Granny Anne’s Same Day Cleaners! Get a $25 gift card at Discount Drug Mart with a new or transferred prescription coupon in the book or $15 gift card for a transferred prescription at Marc’s (have them honored as competitors coupons at other pharmacies). <\/p>\n

* NEW! ADDITIONAL SAVINGS<\/strong> – Find new coupons for Aeropostale, Firestone, Hobby Lobby, Justice, Michael’s, Sam’s Club and many more!<\/p>\n

* NEW! SAVEAROUND APP<\/strong> – New app loaded with tons of coupons from SaveAround!<\/p>\n

* The 2020 Our Town coupons are good now through December 1, 2020! <\/em><\/p>\n

Click here to order:
http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/merchandise\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\"Savvy<\/a><\/p>\n

\nSAVVY SHOPPER BOOKLET<\/strong>
\nGet the Savvy Shopper Booklet and learn how to save tons of money! The booklet has over 200 pages with thousands of money-saving tips. Great for someone just starting out or wants to learn more ways to save money. Only $13 plus get FREE shipping! Learn to save thousands and thousands of dollars!<\/p>\n

Included in the booklet are ways to save on these topics:
\nRules for Saving, Shopping Tips, Money Saving Apps, Negotiating Savings, Budgeting, Consumer Protection, Coupons, Coupon Booklets, Daily Deals, Rebates, Best Price & Service Guarantees\/Price Matching, Rain Checks, Mail\/Shipping Orders, Clearance Items, Returns, Receipts, Warranties, Store Loyalty\/Rewards Cards, Gift Certificates\/Gift Cards, Freebies, Buy One Get One Free Deals, Store Closings, Dollar Stores, Thrift Stores, Garage Sales\/Flea Markets, Outlet Stores, Shopping Club Memberships (Warehouse stores), Auctions, Clothing, Restaurant\/Bar Deals, Food & Beverage Deals, Entertainment Deals, Books\/Magazines\/Newspapers, Birthday Deals, Travel Savings, International Travel, Gasoline Savings, Car Savings, Parking Savings, Home Purchase\/Mortgage, Home Maintenance\/Items, Home Heating\/Energy, Employer\/Local Corporation Savings\/Discounts, Banks\/Payday Lenders, Credit Cards\/Credit Scores, Taxes, Legal, Debt Help, Insurance, Children, Schooling, Weddings, Marriage\/Relationships, Health, Sports, Jobs, Retirement, Charity, Social, Pets, Haircuts, New!: Cutting the Cord, Technology\/Internet\/Computers\/Electronics, Etc., Phone Savings, Cell Phones, Miscellaneous Tips\/Information, Traits of Savers vs. Spenders, Other Money Saving Web-sites<\/p>\n

Click here to order: http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/merchandise\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
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\nCLASS SCHEDULE<\/strong>
\nLearn how to save a ton of money at one of my classes! All classes are free unless otherwise noted. Be sure to register for libraries that require registration as some have waiting lists. I hope to see you there! To view my upcoming class schedule please go to: https:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/schedule\/index.htm <\/a><\/p>\n

At my Couponing\/Savvy Shopper class learn how to consistently save 70% and more through couponing, sales, and rewards programs on groceries and toiletries. Find out new ways to save money on restaurants, utilities, cell\/smart phones, travel, gas, prescriptions, clothes, and much more! Discover the psychological aspects of shopping and saving money. Find out how to save too much money! <\/p>\n

At my Travel Affordably class learn how to get the best deals on car rentals, flights, cruises, lodging, and transportation. Find out how to save on entertainment and restaurants at your destination. You\u2019ll learn where to find flights to Hawaii and Europe for around $300, bus trips to Chicago for $2 round-trip, Cruises for 80% off or more, free flights, the best places to economically travel, and travel saving secrets.
\n

\nAt my Cutting the Cord class find out your options to getting rid of cable. Learn ways to cut costs. Discover how to get free TV, including using an easy-to-install antenna or free streaming video services. Find out your options for streaming video devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV Stick and what shows you can access with them, including live TV and sports. Find out which of the many streaming video services from Hulu, Sling, Netflix, to Disney+ and many more are best for you. Make sense of all the confusion of switching from cable to another service and the technical parameters needed to do so. Find out how much you can save!<\/p>\n

FEBRUARY<\/strong><\/em>
\nMonday, February 17, 2020 – Cutting the Cord Class – Mentor Library – CLASS FULL, waiting list available – 7:00 pm – FREE! Register at https:\/\/mentorpl.libcal.com\/event\/6273662<\/a><\/p>\n

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 – Travel Affordably Class – Aurora Community Education – 7:00 pm – 2 hour class – Fee – Register at https:\/\/www.activityreg.com\/selectactivity_t2.wcs<\/a> <\/p>\n

Tuesday, February 25, 2020 – Couponing\/Savvy Shopper Class – Stow Monroe Falls Library – 7:00 pm – FREE! Register at http:\/\/www.smfpl.org\/event\/2020_02_25\/savvy_shopper%E2%80%99s_guide_couponing<\/a><\/p>\n

MARCH<\/strong><\/em>
\nWednesday, March 11, 2020 – Couponing\/Savvy Shopper Class – Aurora Community Education – 7:00 pm – 2 hour class – Fee – Register at https:\/\/www.activityreg.com\/selectactivity_t2.wcs<\/a> <\/p>\n

Monday, March 16, 2020 – Cutting the Cord Class – Fairport Harbor Senior Center – 6:00 pm<\/p>\n

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 – Cutting the Cord Class – Mentor Library – 7:00 pm<\/p>\n

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – Cutting the Cord Class – Aurora Community Education – 7:00 pm – 2 hour class – Fee – Register at https:\/\/www.activityreg.com\/selectactivity_t2.wcs<\/a> <\/p>\n

APRIL<\/strong><\/em>
\nWednesday, April 8, 2020 – Cutting the Cord Class – Willoughby Library – 7:00 pm<\/p>\n

MAY<\/strong><\/em>
\nMonday, May 11, 2020 – Cutting the Cord Class – Painesville Morley Library – 7:00 pm<\/p>\n

JULY<\/strong><\/em>
\nMonday, July 13, 2020 – Couponing\/Savvy Shopper Class – Chardon Library – 7:00 pm – FREE!<\/p>\n

\nIf you\u2019re interested in booking a class for your organization whether it be a PTA, Senior Center, Business, Church, or Library, please contact me at joe@joethecouponguy.com or 440-227-6223. I can tailor the topics to your organization.<\/p>\n

If you’d like for me to teach a class at your local library, feel free to contact your library and request me. Have them get a hold of me at joe@joethecouponguy.com to book me. Thank you!<\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nDINING DISCOUNT PASS <\/strong>
\nThe Dining Discount Pass is now available! It has Discounts for 6 months at over 170,000 restaurants & retailers nationwide! I used it recently on a trip and saved tons.<\/p>\n

They are your BEST option to SAVE BIG at thousands of popular restaurants in addition to your local favorites! Your Dining Discount Pass can be used at multiple restaurants, multiple times, FOR 6 MONTHS! Before you dine out, check out our extensive restaurant list – we have something for ALL tastes and appetites!<\/p>\n

From famous national chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Popeye’s and Papa Johns to your neighborhood gems, Dining Discount Pass is PACKED WITH RESTAURANT DEALS and discounts for entertainment, travel and shopping. This is your best online deal by far so don’t delay.<\/p>\n

What’s the cost? So cheap! Using the codes below get them for much less than $10.<\/p>\n

2\/11 – 2\/12: Only $3 for $25 Restaurant Certificate with code: HEART<\/a> <\/p>\n

NEW! Dining Discount Pass! Discounts for 6 months at over 170,000 restaurants & retailers<\/a><\/p>\n

Click here: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/DiningPass2020<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
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\nRESTAURANT.COM<\/a> <\/strong>
\nGet discounted restaurant certificates across the U.S.! Normally $10 for a $25 certificate, get them for less with promo code below.<\/p>\n

2\/11 – 2\/12: Only $3 for $25 Restaurant Certificate with code: HEART<\/a> <\/p>\n

Restaurant.com – Download our FREE Mobile App Today! Find Restaurant deals anywhere you go!<\/a> <\/p>\n

Search for Deals on Cleveland Restaurants!<\/a> <\/p>\n

Here are just a handful of some local restaurants of the thousands available:
\nAltieri’s Pizza
\nAMP 150
\nAngelo’s Pizzeria
\nCafe Echelon
\nCafe Tandoor
\nCapital Grill
\nChapati Indian Grill
\nDeGaetano’s Village Square Pizza
\nEdgar’s Restaurant
\nElla Mae’s Soulfood
\nGarden Grill and Bar
\nGregory’s Restaurant
\nHouse of Blues Restaurant & Bar
\nKarl’s Inn of the Barrister’s
\nLake House Restaurant
\nMallorca
\nMi Casa Mexican Restaurant
\nMIZU Japanese Sushi Restaurant
\nMontrose Bar & Grill located inside Holiday Inn
\nMuldoon’s Saloon & Eatery
\nNiko’s Jamaican Restaurant
\nOlympia Sweet Treats & Grill
\nPhuel Cafe
\nR. Ribs BBQ
\nSaratoga Restaurant & Catering
\nSpats Cafe
\nThai Orchid
\nThe Cutting Board
\nThe Leopard
\nThirst & Ten
\nVictory Alley
\nWhite Oaks Restaurant <\/p>\n

Get $25 restaurant gift certificates for $10 or less using a Promo Coupon Code! Find your favorite restaurants in town! Save!
\n\u2022More than 20,000 restaurants nationwide.
\n\u2022Use the deal just like cash for up to 50% savings on the final bill. Restrictions apply. Typically $50 needs to be spent with the $25 certificate.
\n\u2022Use on your smartphone.
\n\u2022Easy & Free online exchange.
\n\u2022Never expire.
\n\u2022If a restaurant closes or decides not to accept the certificate you will receive a credit to get another certificate.<\/p>\n

Click here: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/RestaurantDeals2020<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
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\n
\n

\n

\nSPECIALS BY RESTAURANT.COM<\/strong>
\nGet great deals on tickets and other items! Find more than 500,000 deals nationwide!

\n

\nCLEVELAND Deals from Specials by Restaurant.com:<\/a><\/p>\n

Here are some of the tons of deals offered:
\n“My Fair Lady” in Cleveland + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $29.99
\n(3) $50 Restaurant.com Cards for $30
\n$4.50 per bottle – 15 Bottles of International Wine + $100 Restaurant.com Card for $65
\n“Jesus Christ Superstar” in Cleveland + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $29.99
\n“Anastasia” in Cleveland + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $69.99
\n(3) $25 Restaurant.com Cards for $15 for $15
\n(3) $100 Restaurant.com Cards for $60
\n$1000 Travel Savings Card + $100 Restaurant.com Card for $39
\n$25 Restaurant.com Card + 6-Month Dining Discount Pass – Only $14!
\nCinemark Theatres Movie Ticket + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $13.99
\nAMC Theatres – Black Ticket + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $14.99
\nLess than $4.50 per bottle – 15 Bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $65
\n$2000 Hotel and Resort Card + $100 Restaurant.com Card for $45
\n$25 Regal Cinemas Gift Card + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $30
\n$750 Hotel and Resort Card + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $12
\n$4 per bottle – Mystery 15-Pack of Wine + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $60
\nMulti Function Smart Watch for $34.99
\n$1000 Hotel and Resort Card + $100 Restaurant.com Card + $250 Hotel and Resort Card Free for $30
\nRegal Ultimate Movie Pack + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $38
\nCBD Gummies for $48
\n“Jersey Boys” in Cleveland + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $42.99
\nShowcase Prestige Movie Ticket + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $14.99
\n1 Regal Premiere Movie Ticket + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $14.99
\n2 AMC Yellow Movie Tickets + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $25.99
\n$25 AMC Theatres Gift Card + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $29
\nNationwide Annual Golf Membership + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $49
\n2 Cinemark Theatres Movie Tickets + 2 Drinks + 2 Popcorn + $50 Restaurant.com Card for $48
\n2 Regal Premiere Movie Tickets + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $29.99
\nSeaWorld Orlando: Choose from Single Day or Multi Park eTicket + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $95
\nCelebrate Love Charms Bracelet for $12.99
\n“That Golden Girls Show: A Puppet Parody” in Cleveland + $25 Restaurant.com Card for $44.99<\/p>\n

Click here: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/Specials2020<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
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\nDOWN UNDER TRIP <\/strong>
\nWe decided to go on a trip of a lifetime. Australia and New Zealand was always a destination we wanted to go to. We finally did. I’ll post about the trip through Australia this week and the New Zealand portion next week. \t<\/p>\n

I planned the trip more than a year before we went. I wanted to build it around a cruise so that we could see as much of the area as possible. One of the cruises I found started in Australia, stopped in Tasmania and then bopped around New Zealand. Most cruises don\u2019t stop in Tasmania or start in Australia and end in New Zealand, so that was the clincher for booking it. \t<\/p>\n

The cruise was for 12 days. We would start in Sydney and then go to Eden and Melbourne. From there we would go to Burnie, Tasmania. In New Zealand the ports were in Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton (Marlborough), Napier, Tauranga, and Auckland. <\/p>\n

The cruise was with Norwegian. They are ok, but I prefer Royal Caribbean. I\u2019ve done Carnival too, but I wasn\u2019t impressed with them. \t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0105\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

A close-up of the tiles on the Sydney Opera House.\t<\/p>\n

We booked the cruise through Vacationstogo.com<\/a>. Norwegian was offering freebies with the cruise. We got the free drink package, $50 off at each port for excursions, and 250 minutes of free wi-fi. We got a balcony to enjoy the views right from our room. An inside cabin was super cheap, dropping to around $450 as we got closer to the cruise date, but for a 12 day cruise I wanted to enjoy it.\t<\/p>\n

The hotels I booked through Hotels.com<\/a> a year before we stayed. I checked for better deals through the year and nothing popped up. I used codes (that I post on my blog) to get an additional percentage off. Plus I used Hotels.com<\/a> gift cards I bought at Rite Aid and Giant Eagle that earned me BonusCash and Fuelperks respectively.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSCF5080\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We booked the Primus hotel in Sydney. I booked it a year before we stayed and the price just went up after that by nearly $100. It was a highly rated hotel (I book hotels according to guest reviews) that included an awesome free buffet breakfast. It’s where they had Vegemite, a salty spread, that we tried for the first time. Umm, yucky. Yep, from the song by Men at Work – He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0018\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

Winter in Cleveland, Summer down under.\t<\/p>\n

The flight to Sydney was expensive. I got alerts from Farecompare.com<\/a> that let me know when rates would go up or down for the flight. After seeing the fluctuations of the top and low end of the fares, I knew about what price would be best for me to book it at. It hit $862 one day and that was the lowest I saw, so we booked it. Good thing because I never saw it go lower than that price. \t<\/p>\n

We would fly back from Auckland and we had enough points for both of us to get free flights on that portion. We got the points from opening up a credit card with United. I was a little short on points, so when they had a sale on purchasing points I bought some more. They offered a bonus amount buying some. The problem was I still had to wait for the points to get into my account and I was worried that the points I needed to fly from New Zealand would jump. About two weeks went by before I got the points and luckily the redemption amount didn\u2019t change. \t<\/p>\n

Lots of airline credit cards offer points of 50,000 or more for opening an account. You have to spend a certain amount over, typically, three months for the points to be earned. Find which credit cards offer points deals at creditcards.com<\/a> or ThePointsguy.com<\/a>.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0189\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

During the time I had the trip booked, another deal popped up. I got an alert from that I could fly to Sydney for $641 roundtrip! It was in November. Great deal, but we stuck with our original trip. Flights to Australia are usually, at minimum, $2,000 roundtrip.\t<\/p>\n

We got some Australian and New Zealand cash to have on hand. The exchange rate was better than it had been years ago. You can find the exchange rates at https:\/\/www.xe.com<\/a>. We got the cash at Huntington bank. They charge an $8 flat fee to exchange and that is great. You\u2019ll get raked exchanging cash at an airport, so we got some from the bank ahead of time. Some banks also charge a lot of fees, but not Huntington.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0789\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

As the trip got closer we saw the news reports of fires across Australia. I figured it was the typical wildfires they get during the summer. Boy, was I wrong. The whole country was engulfed in fires. Smoke was everywhere. Over 1 billion animals had died. So very sad. The fires didn\u2019t deter us. Oddly, most of our trips end up having natural disasters or other events before, during or after our trips. So don\u2019t plan trips around us!\t<\/p>\n

To do the trip we had to make sure we had some buffer time at the beginning of the trip. We were leaving in January and while it is summer in Australia, we still have to deal with leaving Cleveland in the winter. We were leaving on a Saturday and get there on Monday with all the time zone changes and time to get there. \t<\/p>\n

A winter storm was going across the country the day we left. Our plane originated in Boston in the morning with a stop in Washington DC. The weather showed the storm would pretty much miss those cities when the planes were there. However, our trip started out horribly. \t<\/p>\n

It was a snowy, rainy and icy day on the day we left. We kept checking to see if the flight was on schedule and it was. We get to the airport and I see the flight says it\u2019s on time. Great! …or so I thought. \t<\/p>\n

All of a sudden, the trips showed delayed 20 minutes. Ok, that\u2019s fine. We have a 3 hour layover in Houston, so we have plenty of time…or so I thought. \t<\/p>\n

Delay after delay popped up. It said there were maintenance issues with the plane in DC. Not good as that usually means the flight will get cancelled. We were supposed to leave at 3:00, but the plane took off at 5:45. Now we have minutes to catch our flight to Australia, if any at all. Plus, we land in the A terminal and we have to get to the E terminal on the other side of the airport via a tram and go to the furthest gate. Just in case we can still make the flight we get the flight agent to move our seats to the front of plane.\t<\/p>\n

The Captain said our flight will take 3 hours and 15 minutes and the Sydney flight leaves at 8:25. We have 15 minutes maybe, but they usually close the doors before the flight departure time and this flight said it will be 8:10.\t<\/p>\n

We start boarding the plane. The flight attendant, of all people, is blocking us from getting in. A few people start yelling at her to get her attention and she ignores everyone. Finally, she moves.\t<\/p>\n

We start pulling out of the gate. Then as we are pulling out of the gate the Captain says there was a scratch on the plane and they have to have it inspected and written up, so add 15 or 20 minutes before we take off. Really! They say the flight will land at 8:00 and take 10 minutes to taxi. Our flight ends boarding at 8:10. We\u2019re screwed. Or are we? \t<\/p>\n

So now we have to stress out about catching our flight to Australia, which takes over 17 hours from Houston. Will they wait for us? Will they transfer our luggage in time? Maybe with everyone else delayed they may wait for them too or was that all wishful thinking on my part?\t<\/p>\n

The flight lands at 7:56. The Captain then announces that we have to wait for a plane to pull out of the gate before we can disembark. You gotta be kidding me. It was a 3 hour flight and they didn\u2019t get the gate ready for us knowing we have a ton of people close to missing their flights. It feels like forever for the plane to leave the gate. I\u2019m thinking there is no way we make the flight. The flight agents said international flights leave on time. All I can hope for is for the plane to be late boarding people. I pretty much resigned myself to taking a flight the next day. We spoke with enough of the agents to find out they would give us a hotel and fly us to San Fran in the morning and then take a 11:00 PM flight to Sydney. Another long day. Ugh. I kept praying.\t<\/p>\n

I figured we would sprint through the airport and give it a good college try. I prep my wife to get her way to the front of the plane to get out. I told her I would take the two carry-ons that weigh 30 lbs each and run with them. Plane stops. Game on.\t<\/p>\n

She bolts out. I juke around some people running with the bags. My wife yells out for where the tram is. People point the way. We\u2019re getting funny looks. We have to run upstairs. We run up the escalators. The tram is there. The door is starting to close. I yell, \u201cGo through it and hold it!\u201d. She biffs into the door. An announcement comes up saying the doors are obstructed. We get in along with a few other people trying to catch flights. One guy said how strong my wife was pushing the door open.\t<\/p>\n

We\u2019re both panting trying to catch our breath. We stop at terminal B …terminal C …terminal D and E is next, our stop. \t<\/p>\n

The doors open. We run out. We have to make quick reads of all the signs. Left terminal E. Run down the escalators. Left for terminal E gates. I\u2019m still running with bags and I\u2019m beat. Before the trip I said to my wife to swap out the one carry-on for a swivel wheel one. I finally realize now I know why my sixth sense told me to do so. I drop the bags on the floor and am now able to full sprint. I mean I am putting OJ Simpson running through airports to shame. I am hunched over and low to the ground. I know every second counts, so I am flying. Gate E18 right. I accidentally run through the restaurant area.\t<\/p>\n

There are silver grids on the floor up ahead that are raised and I can\u2019t lose speed even though they might cause me to crash. I fly over them. We are getting close to our gate. I start yelling, \u201c Hold Australia, Hold Australia!\u201d. I see nobody as we get close. My heart sinks. \t<\/p>\n

Just as I get close enough there are agents there and another gal panting for her breath. They say they were waiting for us. What!? You mean our flight attendants couldn’t tell us they would wait for us! Time: 8:17. We made it.\t<\/p>\n

We get on board and people are looking at us as we are panting like crazy. We get to our seats. The door closes. Time: 8:23 Thank you God!\t<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve never been on such a roller-coaster for a flight. All I know is my adrenaline is on full power and I\u2019m waiting for the hives to kick in. I don\u2019t know if our checked luggage will make it, but that I can deal with. We made it and that\u2019s all I care about. We had planned to use a couple United passes I had in Houston, but now we will use them on the way back.\t<\/p>\n

I didn’t realize it until after we landed. I only got up once on the 17 hour flight. I had two beers too (beer and wine are free on international flights). My body’s irrigation system must have been working well. Legs were ok too. I was probably so spent after the sprint that my body just wanted to chill.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0289\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

I pulled up some Happy Hour sites for Australia and New Zealand. It came in handy as restaurant prices were high at most places. We even got 10 cent wings at the BeerHaus. Check all the deals here:
\nhttps:\/\/eatdrinkplay.com\/sydney\/sydney-cbd-happy-hour\/\t
\nSydney:\t
\nhttps:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/sydney\/best-of\/sydneys-best-happy-hours-for-serious-co-worker-bonding<\/a>\t
\nhttp:\/\/www.sydneyhappydeals.com.au\/best-happy-hours-in-sydney\/<\/a>\t
\nhttps:\/\/merivale.com\/whatson\/happier-hours\/happyhourwings\/<\/a>\t
\nAuckland:\t
\nhttps:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/auckland\/food-drink\/food-2\/the-seven-best-happy-hours-in-auckland<\/a>\t
\nhttps:\/\/www.theurbanlist.com\/nz\/a-list\/aucklands-best-happy-hours<\/a>\t
\nhttps:\/\/www.remixmagazine.com\/lifestyle\/the-six-happiest-happy-hours-in-akl\/<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

One of the best ones I found was to Fratelli Fresh, an Italian restaurant. We had to sign up to their loyalty program and show them the e-mail that we joined in which they give us a key-ring. We get the key-ring and with it we get 50% off our whole bill on Mondays. We got there Monday and took full advantage of it.\t<\/p>\n

The price of everything was good because for every U.S. dollar we get around $1.45 in Australian currency. In essence, everything was around 30% off. \t<\/p>\n

We used a credit card that didn\u2019t charge foreign transaction fees. Otherwise, it would have added another 2% to 3% on every charge.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0641\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

Would you believe Woolworth\u2019s are all over Australia. In Tasmania we came across a K-Mart and Target.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0659\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

Prices were high. A dozen eggs were $3.99 on up. A 20 ounce Coke was $3.70. Halo Top or Ben & Jerry’s pint was $14. Restaurant meals were usually $20 to $35. Again, figure in the 30% discount with the exchange rate and the prices were better. We got packaged sushi for $10 that really was $7 in U.S. dollars. Not bad. \t<\/p>\n

\"Sydney<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

We purchased tickets for a bridgewalk over the Sydney Harbor bridge in Sydney on viator.com<\/a>. We would walk halfway through the innards of the bridge that overlooked the Sydney Harbor. They said 6 million rivets were used on the bridge.\t<\/p>\n

We used the city bus for a cheap ride to Bondi Beach.\t<\/p>\n

Our first cruise stop was to Eden. The city was evacuated a couple weeks before we got there due to wildfires and cruiseships stopped going there. We were the first ship to visit.\t<\/p>\n

On the way there I woke up to the strong smell of smoke. It was as if there was a campfire in the room. It wasn\u2019t on fire, but instead from nearby fires on the coast.\t<\/p>\n

Between Eden and Melbourne there were tons of fires visible from the ship. Everything was hazy in the area. Recent rains helped put out some of them. \t<\/p>\n

In Eden we did an oyster excursion. They showed how they harvested prized Sydney Rock oysters. It takes around 5 years to harvest them. They were delicious. <\/p>\n

In Melbourne we had to cancel our trip to the wineries because the ship changed the time we were in port. The site said we were to be there at 8 am, but it wasn’t right we found out and got there around noon. It was such a disappointment. We complained to management and they agreed to give us a $200 onboard credit because their site had the wrong info.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0862\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

Melbourne was holding the Australian Open Tennis event. We got to the entrance and we could have gotten tickets for around $60, but we didn’t have enough time to go. \t<\/p>\n

Melbourne was very built up downtown, kinda reminded me of a mini New York as it was a bit older and rough around parts. Large river that reminded of San Antonio’s RiverWalk with restaurants and bars.\t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0965\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

From there we went to Tasmania. We went to a wildlife park. Got some great video of a bunch of Tasmanian Devils being fed a wombat leg. They had a tug-of-war with it. I can see how they got their inspiration for the Tasmanian Devil cartoon character. \t<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0058\"<\/a>\t<\/p>\n

At the park we were also able to feed and pet kangaroos! My wife was even able to pet a baby kangaroo in it’s mother’s pouch. The worker there said that it was ok and the mother didn’t mind it at all.\t <\/p>\n

Next week I will blog about the New Zealand portion of the trip. Also about how the coronavirus affected the trip.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nHOT LIVING SOCIAL BONUS DISCOUNT CODE<\/strong>
\n2\/10: Extra 25% Off Activities, Restaurants, Spas & More. Use Code: SAVE<\/a> <\/p>\n

Click here: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/LivingSocial2019<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n$30 massages with code SPA30 through 2\/9. <\/p>\n

Sign Up for Groupon Select! Members Save An Extra 25% Off Local, 10% Off Tickets & Events, 10% Off Travel and Free Shipping on Goods.<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

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\n
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Get one a book for where you live and where you will travel!<\/p>\n

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\n
\n\"Print<\/a><\/p>\n

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\nPrint coupons for FREE! Get tons of grocery and toiletry coupons! Print each coupon twice. They reset at the beginning of the month so that you can print some over again. New ones are available during the month. They will double at stores as per their rules (Giant Eagle, Dave’s Supermarket, and Buehlers doubles coupons that are 99 cents and less). Get them before they disappear as there only a limited amount of each available!<\/p>\n

Click here to print the coupons: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/Coupons2020<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nSAVING STAR<\/strong>
\nJoin SavingStar for FREE and earn cash for your purchases! No paperwork!<\/a><\/p>\n

How it works:
\n1) Add Stores.
\nAdd the stores you shop at so you can redeem rebates there! Each store is either automatic or receipt, but not both. <\/p>\n

2) Activate Rebates.
\nActivating is easy! Just click! Activate rebates before you shop. <\/p>\n

3) Redeem rebates & earn rewards.
\nActivate rebates before you shop to earn rewards. Use your store loyalty card or number at check out every time you purchase. Link your store cards or numbers first! Cash is added to your SavingStar account (not cash back at the register). Most automatic rewards are processed in 2-7 days.<\/p>\n

4) Get cash.
\nEvery time you redeem a rebate or make an Always On purchase, you earn a SavingStar reward. Your cash rewards will be automatically sent to your SavingStar account. Once your SavingStar account balance reaches $20, you can cash out! Select from payout options. Choose PayPal, bank deposit, gift cards, and more! Payouts will be processed within 1-2 days of request.<\/p>\n

Earn rewards on the following and dozens more on SavingStar:
\n
\nBelVita Breakfast Biscuits Exp. Feb. 29 – Save 75\u00a2
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\n<\/a>
\n
\nClick here: https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/SavingStar2020<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nOPENING<\/strong>
\nCulvers – Strongsville at 8464 Pearl Road

\nCilantro Taqueria – 20090 Van Aken Boulevard in Shaker Heights
\nHacienda Tapatia – 1572 W. 117th St in Lakewood
\nPicnic Hill Market Cafe\u2019s – 20621 Fairmount Blvd in Shaker Heights

\nValhalla – Mentor-on-the-Lake

\nKintaro – Fairview Park at 3111 Westgate Mall a128
\nBibibop – Strongsville at 15191 Pearl Road
\nH & M – Beachwood Place
\nRaising Cane – 1330 Center Ridge Road in Rocky River
\nColdwater Creek – Legacy Village in Lyndhurst
\nMike’s Market – 9189 Chillicothe Road in Kirtland
\nZeppe’s Pizza – 5680 SOM Center Road in Willoughby
\nLa Taza Rica – 11514 Clifton Blvd in Cleveland<\/p>\n

\nCLOSING<\/strong>
\nPizza Fire – Alpha Drive in Highland Heights
\nGiovanni’s Meat Market – Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst – thanks Anna Marie for the tips!
\nPolpetta – 19900 Detroit Rd in Rocky River
\nBed, Bath & Beyond (closing 40 stores across the U.S including.:
\nCincinnati: 6068 Glenway Ave.
\nGrove City: Parkway Centre South, 1747 Stringtown Road
\nMayfield Heights: East Gate Shopping Center, 1371 SOM Center Road
\nNorth Olmsted: 25975 Great Northern Plaza
\nPapyrus – closing all of its 254 stores, including Beachwood Place and South Park Mall stores
\nPeterson Nut Co. – 917 Carnegie Ave. in downtown Cleveland
\nBar Louie – SouthPark Mall in Strongsville
\nBakers Square – North Olmsted
\nAll Axs – downtown Willoughby – amazing how many of the places closed there in such a short time
\nWild Mango – Great Northern Mall
\nEarth Fare – closing all stores, including 3450 Westgate at Westage Mall in Cleveland; 3737 W. Market St. in Akron; and 3939 Everhard Road NW in North Canton
\nBob’s Big Boy – 1228 SOM Center Road in Mayfield Heights
\nMacy’s – closing 125 stores, including their Cincinatti headquarters (HQ will fully be in New York now). Stores in Ohio closing are Cincinnati at Northgate Mall, St. Clairsville at Ohio Valley Mall, and Stow at the Stow-Kent Plaza
\nGreenhouse Tavern – East 4th in downtown Cleveland
\nGallery One – 7003 Center St in Mentor
\nNOAH\u2019s Event Venue – 8200 Norton Parkway in Mentor<\/p>\n

\nBANKRUPT<\/strong>
\nLucky’s Market – declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy
\nBar Louie – declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy<\/p>\n


\n\"Top<\/a><\/p>\n

\nFACEBOOK<\/strong>
\nLike The Coupon Guy on Facebook! Find Hot deals! Click here: http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/Joe-The-Coupon-Guy\/197073886914<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\"PARK<\/a><\/p>\n

CONTACT INFO:
\nE-mail: joe@joethecouponguy.com
\nhttps:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\u00a9 COPYRIGHT 2020 \u2013 Joe Daugirdas
\nDisclosure: This blog accepts forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. Offers are subject to change.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To better view this blog go to http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/blog1. NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP Sign up for my FREE Deals o’ the Week savings newsletter at http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/mailinglist\/index.htm. OUR TOWN AND ALL AROUND COUPON BOOK The 2020 Our Town Coupon Book is now available for $20 with FREE shipping! Regularly $28 – Save $8! Click here to order: http:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/merchandise\/index.htm View […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22162"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22162"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22213,"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22162\/revisions\/22213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}