Las Vegas is a city of images, reputations, dollar signs, and fabulous wealth. It beckons gamblers, foodies, business travelers, people seeking world-class entertainment, and people just looking to party. But not everybody’s got a trust-fund or Fortune 500 company bankrolling them. So is it possible to do Las Vegas on a budget? Fortunately, the answer is yes. Here’s how:
Buddy Up
When you’re in Las Vegas, you’re going to want to stay on or near the Strip, so anticipate this being your biggest expense. However, staying in one of the Vegas hotels on the strip is indeed possible. You can get three friends and rent a room with two queen beds, then share the beds (sleep head to toe if you have to, or if you’re going with your significant other buddy up with another couple). Does this sound awkward? How much sleep are you planning on doing anyway? Don’t worry, you can always crash on the floor if the thought of bunking with someone else scares you that much.
Cheap Flights
If you’re not within driving distance of Las Vegas, you’re probably going to have to fly. Booking cheap airfare is an art all its own, but it’s well worth the time to do a little research. Here are some rules to obey:
- Book tickets one at a time.
- Look for flights for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays, as these are “off” days when most people would prefer not to travel.
- Check airfare databases for the cheapest rates.
No Rental Car
If you will be staying on or near the Strip (and you should), you will not need to get a rental car (besides, you don’t want to drive on the strip anyway). Most of the major destinations are linked by monorail or free shuttle. Your hotel should offer a shuttle service to and from the airport, but if not you can take a bus or taxi.
The Booze Factor
It’s entirely possible to do Las Vegas right without ever paying for a drink. Instead bring a flask or flasks and a few bottles of whatever it is you’re drinking, or do some pre-gaming in your hotel room. Another trick is to play cheap video poker at a bar, get a drink or two that way (all drinks are free if you are gambling), and then move on. Be sure to leave a tip though – stiffing the bartender is a quick way to get yourself cut off. You can do this, hopping from casino to casino, as long as you have a gambling budget (we’ll get to that in a minute) and can see straight.
Food
Of course with all the drinking you’re going to need to eat. Luckily, food is pretty inexpensive in Las Vegas, since the casinos all want to entice you to visit, and then keep you going and going and going. But three (or four) meals a day starts to add up. Still, you have to eat. So how do you get around this? Here’s an idea:
- Make sure your hotel room will have a fridge.
- Pack a hot plate and bring a single, small pot.
- Make a single grocery run. If need be, take a cab back.
Also, many hotels offer packages that include free passes to the various restaurants inside. You can also get discounts (and sometimes free goodies) if you sign up for the (free) player’s card of the host casino.
Gambling Budget
Right, so now that you’ve saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars by planning ahead, you can set aside a daily gambling budget. Know your limits, be strict about what you spend, and set rules about when to quit.
Vegas is an extravagant town that you can explore without breaking the bank. Most importantly of all, remember to have fun!
What’s your craziest Vegas story? Share your thoughts below!
