The experts tell us the recession ended about a year ago, but we don't know too many families ready to throw caution to the wind with their money. That's why it's still important to remember our recession travel rule no. 11:  snag coupons from your destination’s tourism office before you leave home. It only takes a few minutes to check the web sites of visitors' bureaus (try local, city, and state) to check for special offers. 

Case in point: The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism offers a downloadable MassValuePass, which delivers savings of at least 15% at nearly 200 hotels, restaurants, and attractions from Boston to the Berkshires through March 31. Dozens of hotels are offering discounts ranging from 15% off to 3rd-night-free (a.k.a. 33% off), and plenty of restaurants and attractions are also offering deals. 

Feel like a luxurious city getaway? Stay two nights at the upscale Mandarin Oriental in Boston's tony Back Bay and receive your third night free. A family ski weekend in the Berkshires could include a stop at MASS MoCA,  one of the largest kid-friendly centers for contemporary visual and performing arts in the country, where you'll get one free child's admission with every paying adult.  Or head to the center of the Bay State and experience the Ecotarium, a unique indoor/outdoor center for environmental exploration, where the MassValuePass will save you 25% off admission.

To redeem discounts, just mention the pass when booking a hotel and have it available to show at restaurants and attractions.