Las Vegas, a United States staple city for all things high stakes gambling, high-class entertainment, and a high intake of buffet food is known as one of the most expensive vacation spots in the nation, but it really doesn't have to be.
By taking advantage of hotel members rewards, casino players cards, and local transportation alone you can save a bundle, especially if you come well prepared with research knowledge in tow!
Use these 12 simple tips during your next visit and you will save major money!
- Plan your Vegas trip midweek, versus the weekend. Lower crowds and lower prices will greet you during this time, both lodging and entertainment wise.
- If you are a student, teacher, first responder, or military veteran be sure to ask about 10% service discounts, these deals offered at a good number of hotels and attractions.
- Join and utilize various hotel rewards programs, especially if you travel often. You will receive steady discounts and promotions, and you can even check hotel promotions online without being a member of the program.
Las Vegas
- If you are planning to drink, and of course you are, this is Vegas, visit bars during Happy Hours or reverse Happy Hours. This is a major money saver. Also, if you are planning to drink a lot, which again, you probably are, try to buy drinks by the bottle, the amount of money saved doing this versus ordering singles will be well worth it.
- Look for a hotel or resort in the middle of all the action, that way you are within walking distance of all (or at least most) of the places you want to visit and save money on transportation. The Las Vegas Monorail and various complimentary hotel shuttles are always cheap, convenient options to get around as well. Hotels that are good ones to consider for walking distance to most major attractions are Harrah's, The Quad, Flamingo, and Bally's.
- Resort and casino buffets are certainly the way to go while here, especially at brunch, lunch, and buffet change over times. Breakfast and brunch are always the cheapest meal, and lunch is cheaper than dinner. Utilize these lower price times and fill up for the day, or hit the buffet during low crowd, low price change out times. Casino food courts are also cheap eating options to take advantage of.
- Check to be sure there aren't any major conventions happening during your visit, the crowds will be high, as will the prices for attractions and events.
- If taking the cab to your hotel from the airport do not let your driver take you through the 1-215 tunnel, it is not the fastest way to any lodging, no matter what they say. Be sure to have small bills during any cab ride as well, that way any 'I don't have any change' issues are handled right off the bat.
- Find tickets to attractions and shows online before coming to the city, or take advantage of one of the most popular discount ticket service, Tix4Tonight. This service offers major discounts daily.
- Be sure to acquire a casino Players Card or Slot Cub Membership if you plan on doing a decent amount of gambling, each option allowing you casino perks such as free plays and food discounts.
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A view of the original Las Vegas Welcome sign
Try to book your flight and lodging together if possible, Southwest Airlines and United (along with others) both offering discount travel packages.
- There is, of course, always free entertainment in Las Vegas, so look around for the best of the best each day and night. If nothing else, visit the famous Bellagio Fountains or Mirage Volcano Eruption show, each free and essential Vegas entertainment experiences.Here are a few more free attractions options to consider: Aquarium at the Silverton, Circus Acts at Circus Circus, Fremont Street Experience, M&Ms World, Sunset Stampede, Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo, Volcano at the Mirage, Fall of Atlantis at Caeser's, Hershey's Chocolate World
Read more about each option here.
