Las Vegas is an amazing place that everyone needs to see at least once--and most people that do visit tend to return. There is no way to experience everything the city has to offer in one trip, and if you tried to do everything, you would definitely break the bank. Vegas can be expensive, but luckily, there are many ways to save money while vacationing in Vegas.
are much pricier than weekday rates.
Almost every casino and casino company has “player cards” that track how much you play at table games, slot machines, and other games. Points awarded and added to your card based on your play are available to trade for complementary (comp) tickets for shows. Several companies in Las Vegas offer discounted tickets to numerous shows. One of them, Tix4tonight, sells the remaining tickets for the same day shows at highly discounted rates to pack the house. They have four different locations on the strip, so finding one of them should not be a problem.
If you are looking for savings on meals, your player card often comps you free or reduced meals depending on your level of play. You probably will also want to check out the buffets; food is abundant and excellent quality in Vegas, and the buffets at Paris and Rio both are both highly recommended.
Slot machines have the worst odds in the entire casino, so you may be better off sticking to another game if trying to save money. However, if slots are your passion, you can still play relatively cheaply as most casinos have nickel slot machines, and some still even have penny slots.
In the old part of Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience is an outdoor visual and music show on the massive lighted canopy. It plays every hour on the hour from dusk until midnight. While downtown, check out the 117,000 square foot saltwater aquarium at the Silverton Hotel, and the world’s largest piece of gold at the Golden Nugget Casino.
Just short drives are the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon, both of which are great side trips. In addition, the Extraterrestrial Highway (Near Area 51), is only about a two hour drive from Vegas and lots of believers make the trek.
About the Author:
Denise Gabbard is a writer and blogger; she created the blog WriteandGetPaid for other writers interested in freelancing. She often writes about her interests--travel, finance, SEO and social media, as well as other small business topics like managing your business reputation.
Planning Your Trip
Booking your flight, hotel, and rental car offers you a good opportunity for savings for your trip. Consider bundling flight and hotel, or flight and rental car to save money, and check sites like Expedia and Orbitz. If your trip is a spur of the moment decision and will happen in the next few weeks, check out lastminute.com for highly discounted getaways. . With most travel websites, by bundling two or three things together, you will save a good chunk of change. Check your local Sunday newspaper for travel deals-- some cities have regular junkets that are all-inclusive and downright cheap! To save even more avoid the weekend altogether if possible; Friday and Saturday night ratesare much pricier than weekday rates.
Tickets and Shows
The best bit of budget advice for Vegas entertainment is never pay full price! There are many ways to save on show tickets in Sin City. First of all, you will get pitched on every street corner for free show tickets and free dinners if you are willing to tour the newest resorts or condos and listen to a sales presentation. Though many people will do this, it seems like a waste of precious vacation time.Almost every casino and casino company has “player cards” that track how much you play at table games, slot machines, and other games. Points awarded and added to your card based on your play are available to trade for complementary (comp) tickets for shows. Several companies in Las Vegas offer discounted tickets to numerous shows. One of them, Tix4tonight, sells the remaining tickets for the same day shows at highly discounted rates to pack the house. They have four different locations on the strip, so finding one of them should not be a problem.
Food and Drinks
Never pay for alcoholic beverages in Las Vegas! Avoid buying drinks in the clubs or bars in Las Vegas; these are not free, and quite expensive.If you are looking for savings on meals, your player card often comps you free or reduced meals depending on your level of play. You probably will also want to check out the buffets; food is abundant and excellent quality in Vegas, and the buffets at Paris and Rio both are both highly recommended.
Gambling
Obviously, the best way to save money in Vegas is not to gamble--but most people do not have that kind of willpower. If you must gamble, look for tables with low limits and verify the times when they change pricing; in most casinos, the limits might change daily in the evening or after lunchtime on weekends.Slot machines have the worst odds in the entire casino, so you may be better off sticking to another game if trying to save money. However, if slots are your passion, you can still play relatively cheaply as most casinos have nickel slot machines, and some still even have penny slots.
Enjoy The Free Stuff!
While Vegas can be quite costly, there are also lots of things to do absolutely free. On the strip, the fountains at the Bellagio are amazing, and even more spectacular at night when lighted. Sirens of Treasure Island is a four times daily show near the hotel entrance that is free. There is also the man made volcano outside of the Mirage that erupts every 15 minutes after 7pm daily. The hotels themselves are often amazing tourist attractions: Paris and New York are stunning replicas of those cities, Circus Circus has a permanent circus under its big top, and at Mandalay Bay you can relax on a beach in the middle of the Nevada dessert.In the old part of Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience is an outdoor visual and music show on the massive lighted canopy. It plays every hour on the hour from dusk until midnight. While downtown, check out the 117,000 square foot saltwater aquarium at the Silverton Hotel, and the world’s largest piece of gold at the Golden Nugget Casino.
Just short drives are the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon, both of which are great side trips. In addition, the Extraterrestrial Highway (Near Area 51), is only about a two hour drive from Vegas and lots of believers make the trek.
About the Author:
Denise Gabbard is a writer and blogger; she created the blog WriteandGetPaid for other writers interested in freelancing. She often writes about her interests--travel, finance, SEO and social media, as well as other small business topics like managing your business reputation.