Why should you subscribe to Travelzoo's weekly emails even if you aren't planning to travel any time soon? Because it often includes great deals close to home as well.

And, yes, you can get daily deals from Groupon and other sites, but those include whatever a company is willing to offer. Travelzoo, however, is an independent publisher that includes vetted deals the writers would book themselves. And it's just a once-a-week commitment of your email inbox.

I've seen incredible deals on cruises, family vacation packages to Mexico and the Caribbean, even deals that make European vacations affordable.

But there also is a "local deals" that offers great deals right here at home. Today's offering: $19.50 tickets to "How To Train Your Dragon Live" at the United Center through July 29.

Cindy Richards is the mom of two who gets her muse from traveling the world, usually with kids in tow. She also writes for TravelingMom.com, where she also serves as editor.

See more of Cindy's stories here.

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