10 Budget Subscription Services for Spring
Discover the best spring time subscription services for any budget, from refreshing drink subscriptions to movie passes and everything in between. You can choose to pay month-to-month, with cash or keep a credit or debit card on file
The best part is that these budget-friendly subscription services come with no obligation and can be canceled at any time.
Hi, I’m Franki ( Joy Route on YouTube), and I spend most of my time on the road, taking long road trips in my van.
Since I don’t have a refrigerator and my van life involves living “out” of my vehicle on wheels, I’ve discovered some indoor subscription services (and a few outdoor services too) that can help you stay cool this spring, whether you’re a nomadic van dweller like me or someone who’s looking for fun activities to enjoy on the go.
With this list, you can expect your spring to become more affordable and exciting.
Come along as I share how to stay cool this spring season with these unique and affordable subscription services.
1/ Panera Bread
This is my go-to cooling subscription service when the weather is unbearable outside. I’ve mentioned it so much on my YouTube channel that I feel they should sponsor one of my adventures.
This service is a van dweller’s dream come true.
I was surprised to learn that Panera Bread has been around since 1987, as it has an uber-modern feel.
The majority of the locations I’ve visited are spacious and clean, which is important when selecting a place to hang out for a couple of hours.
With Panera Bread’s Unlimited Sip Club subscription, you can redeem self-serve drinks once every two hours while in the café.
Of course, don’t leave without taking a drink to go. From coffee to hot or cold tea, soda beverages, to colorful drinks with names like Mango Yuzu Citrus, Fuji Apple Cranberry, and several more. Did I mention I love the cafe’s soups and sandwiches too.
Whether you are a nomad, in between business meetings, or meeting a friend to chat, it’s a nice place to visit.
The only downside is the poorly ventilated bathrooms. The only catch, if you see it as one, is that you must have a debit or credit card on file, and there is automatic renewal, although you can withdraw at any time.
At $12.99, this is a steal of a deal!
I’m at the café now charging my devices and tapping into the free internet.
2/Circle K
The Circle K Sip and Save Beverage subscription was initially priced at a mere $5.99 but has since increased to $9.99. With the Circle K subscription, you can pay month by month, with no requirement for a credit or debit card, automatic renewals, and the option to pay with cash if you prefer.
Circle K offers a wider range of drinks than Panera Bread, including hot chocolate, lattes, polar freeze froth drinks (if the machines are working), and excellent coffee.
Many of the stores also have tables outside, making it a great place to hang out.
I subscribe to two drink services because, for me, the crunchy firmness of the ice, which is way better than restaurant or bagged ice, is worth the cost of the subscription alone. I love dumping the ice into my thermos, which keeps it cool for up to 48 hours.
In my opinion, this is the perfect subscription service for teenagers who I often see in the stores grabbing drinks.
However, it’s also great for adults because, at under $10, even if you only stopped in the store a couple of times a month, it’s worth the price.
3/ Planet Fitness
This subscription service helps you stay cool and active. I have the Black Card membership, which costs $26 per month and allows me to visit locations across the US. I can shower, exercise, watch TV, use the massage chairs or beds, or sit at the tables or in the lounging area to stay cool.
The shower option alone makes it a great option for someone who is nomadic and moving from town to town.
If you and your family are on a long road trip, this is a great subscription pass to have as you can bring a friend at any time. It’s a good way to freshen up, stretch, and exercise.
4/Cinemark
This subscription service costs $9.99, and while I considered getting it, I ultimately passed on it.
Here’s why: For $9.99, you get one movie ticket per month and 20% off concessions, which is a good deal since concessions can be expensive.
The Pros: If you don’t use the movie ticket, it carries over to the next month so you don’t lose your credit, and the 20% discount on concessions sweetens the deal.
The Cons: This may not be a con for everyone, but it is for me. I only go to the movies on $5 Tuesday, and even then, I prefer watching movies in the privacy of my tiny home rather than in a theater.
However, as a nomad, if it’s going to be extremely hot or cold on a Tuesday, I’ll occasionally go to the theater.
If I purchased the $9.99 ticket price, I would end up paying more for the ticket. It might be a good deal for those who go to full-priced movies, though.
Another con is that this ticket won’t cover 3D movies, which are more expensive. If you want to watch 3D movies, they have a higher-priced subscription service at $19.99.
4/ Amusement Park
An amusement park is perfect for parents to purchase for their kids and teens. However, it’s not just for kids as adults can enjoy it too.
Although I don’t currently have a pass, I had one in the past and plan on getting a new one once I pick a state that I will hang around for a few months. I got the idea of from another woman living in a van.
She was in the scorching state of Arizona and wanted a place to hang out during the day and cool off. While there are many indoor options, this works for people like me who love the outdoors.
Additionally, I still enjoy amusement parks, which are like carnivals on steroids.
As an adult woman going to an amusement park by myself no one gives it a second thought, but unfairly they might be suspicious of a male doing it.
It’s not fair but I want to provide the cons of this subscription service which provides a great opportunity to enjoy fun outdoor activities while staying cool.
5/ A recreation center
Another great way to stay active this spring and beat the heat. With various passes and plans, you can find a membership that fits your goals. Plus, recreation centers offer discounts to seniors, and many partner with programs like Silver Sneakers. With a membership, you can gain access to over 15,000 fitness centers nationwide, and some even offer perks like hot tubs and saunas.
6/Beauty Colleges
At some beauty colleges, you can sign up for a membership for hair and skin services. The beauty college where I have a membership for a flat monthly fee of $40. You can get three services of your choice, such as a hair wash, coloring, facials, or lash put on.
Plus, if you’re interested, you can also get a manicure or pedicure included in the service. Unlike amusement parks, where a solo male adult might feel out of place, beauty colleges welcome men, women, and kids alike.
I discovered this service while van-lifing in Nevada, but beauty colleges can be found in every state as they’ll probably have some plan.
7/ Car Wash
Every time I type “car wash” I sing that some from the movie so named. As a van lifer in Nevada, I’ve found a carwash subscription to be a real perk. Being in the desert state, my van gets really dirty from spending so much time in the mountains and deserts.
Plus, my car vacuum is broken and van homes need to be vacuumed several times a day. That’s why I signed up for a carwash subscription at a local establishment, which costs $9.99 per month for unlimited car washes and vacuuming.
Although I’m currently on a trial basis, the service is going up to $19.99 next month. While this particular carwash subscription is only available in this state, I plan on purchasing another membership as I continue to travel to other states.
On a hot day in Vegas, I’ll often indulge in letting my van’s air conditioner run while waiting in the long line at the carwash. It’s a nice break and gives me a chance to sit back and enjoy.
Whether you live in a van or not, a carwash subscription is an uncommon but practical service that can help keep your car clean.
8/ Subscription Boxes
As a van dweller, I have not subscribed to a one lately because I have limited space in my van, but I have seen plenty of spring subscription boxes being offered that are perfect for those who have a bit more space.
From beauty boxes, to beach-themed boxes, cozy mystery boxes, and everything in between, there is truly something for everyone.
While subscription boxes can be on the pricey side, I still think they can be a unique and worthwhile gift to yourself.
I call them my self-care pampering boxes. Enjoy this box on a day when you plan to cool off at home.
9/ Library
The library is free, and in my opinion, it is an underrated subscription service. As a library enthusiast, I have found that many libraries have one or two person conference rooms with doors that lock.
If you need to escape your teenagers and their friends hanging out at your house, and you need somewhere private to work on a project, this is the place.
From modern libraries with vending machines and areas to lounge, that look like beautiful gardens to old-school libraries that resemble historic buildings, there’s something for everyone.
Not to mention, you can order movies, music, or books to watch online, take free courses, attend arm chair events, and even access free Wi-Fi.
The library is a truly budget-friendly subscription service that offers so much value, with its services being completely free of charge.
Can your budget afford something Free?
10/ Bus Pass
I understand that it might not be for everyone. Personally, I’ve bought one-day and three-day passes to ride the double-decker bus in Las Vegas, and it was a unique and enjoyable experience.
Bus passes are ‘subscription like” and it is a cost-effective way to explore a new city or get around without worrying about parking or gas.
So, there you have it — a list of 10 affordable subscription services. If you don’t have any of these businesses in your area, you can always try inquiring about subscription services at other places.
Businesses are competitive, so if one offers a subscription service, chances are others will follow suit.
Happy Spring! Stay Cool, Active, and Entertained. Would love to hear your claps or thoughts!!!
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