Budget Travel: Tips for a Cheaper Las Vegas Vacation
Many people immediately associate Vegas with huge spending. In fact, when one thinks of going on a trip to Vegas, the first thing that may come to mind is how much it’s going to cost.
If you’re worried about how much the trip is going to burn your pocket, don’t fret. While Sin City may have its fair share of luxury vacationers, the good news is that it also features plenty of money-saving deals for the budget-conscious traveler that doesn’t compromise the thrill of the Las Vegas experience.
So if you don’t know where to look or what to consider to make your vacation easy on the budget, here are some tips that may come in handy.
Flights
Airfare is going to take a huge chunk of your travel budget if you don’t plan it out properly. Thanks to the speed and convenience of the Internet, finding cheap flights is relatively easy. What you do is compare airline rates on sites like orbitz.com and cross-checking them on the airline’s own website.
For a cheaper rate, you can either book farther in advance or book last minute (when there’s no convention in town). You’ll also want to try arranging a mid-week departure, as this is a less busy travel time and can give you a great discount. Don’t forget to check your credit card for reward points – there might be a free ticket in store for you!
Hotels
There are so many hotels in Las Vegas to choose from. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, you shouldn’t book a room at the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, or any other hotel on the Strip for that matter. While the world-known four-mile Las Vegas strip is truly a wonder, staying in the hotels could easily deplete your funds.
Instead, stay in a hotel located away from the glittery center of Vegas for substantially lower rates. This way, you get a comfortable hotel slightly off the beaten path and save you money for other expenses.
Food
So as not to put a dent on your savings, opt for all-you-can-eat 24-hour buffets that can keep you filled all day long. Most of the hotels offer their own buffets. Those on the Strip may be more expensive but they’re still reasonable; those in hotels away from the Strip may have more affordable deals. If you think you’re not getting the best bang for your buck with buffets, you can always consider casual dining options from familiar fast foods throughout Sin City, including Chipotle, McDonalds, and Subway.
Shows
Las Vegas offers many cheap alternatives and free attractions. For no cost at all, you can catch the fountain and light show at the Bellagio or see an exploding volcano in front of the Mirage Hotel. Treasure Island Hotel also hosts the Sirens of TI and their wonderful performance.
There are also a lot of people handing out coupons and discounts for different shows. However, if you have a few bucks to spare, you can also visit different museums like the Neon Museum and the Mob Museum, found downtown, for only less than $21.00
Gambling
To find cheaper buy-ins and lower limits, head to downtown Vegas Casinos. Another tip is to avoid the 5-cent slot machines as they have the worst odds. Instead, play the more expensive slots or low-limit tables. You might also want to resist put in that extra $20 on the roulette table. You may return home with more money than you came to Vegas in the first place.
The key to staying within a certain budget is planning and self control. Enjoy your vacation!
About the author
Aside from writing, Melissa Page loves to travel and sees to it that she gets the most of her buck. Her next stop would be the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Category: Travel
