If you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot where you can have fun on a limited budget, then Sin City might not automatically feature at the top of your list. That would be a mistake. Vegas has a deserved reputation as a place that has something for everyone, and you shouldn’t be put off by the limousines, five star hotels and high roller gaming rooms that appear in every Hollywood representation of America’s best-known tourist spot. Follow these tips, and you’ll quickly realize that Glitter Gulch can be one of the most cost-effective destinations you can choose.
Getting the best hotel deal
You might thing the iconic Vegas hotels are out of your price range, but do a little research, and you could get a pleasant surprise. Weekends are always busy, so if you’re just taking a short break of three or four nights, aim to go midweek. Also, once you’ve looked on all the price comparison sites, try booking with the hotel direct. Many have a deal whereby they will undercut any better price you find.
Of course, you don’t have to be at the Bellagio or Wynn’s to enjoy what Vegas has to offer. Choosing a hotel that’s just off the strip, for example the Palms or the Rio gives you all the glitz but at a fraction of the cost.
Choose your games with care
Even if you’re not normally a gambler, you’ll want to spend at least a little time in some of the famous casinos, like the Golden Nugget and the Stratosphere. This is where the internet can be your friend. The casinos make most of their money from the 80 percent of visitors who have no idea what they are doing. Take a little time to learn online table games like blackjack or baccarat and you can approach the casinos with a strategy. Of course, there’s no guarantee you will win, but your bankroll will certainly last longer.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you are playing games in the casino, the free drinks will flow. Play smart, and when you factor in what those dry martinis would have cost, you’ll almost certainly do better than break even. Just remember to tip the bartender, or the refill might be a long time coming.
Avoid taxis
Once you’ve installed those table games onto your smartphone, the next app to have at the ready is Uber or Lyft. For one thing, there’s no standing in line, and for another, they are significantly cheaper than regular cabs in Vegas. For example, a cab from the airport to the strip can cost more than $40. The same journey with Uber is around half that.
While you’re out checking the strip, however, there’s an even more cost effective alternative. The Las Vegas Monorail stops at all the key landmarks, and with a 24-hour pass, you can use it as many times as you like for just $13. There are also two to seven day passes that work out even cheaper if you are staying longer.
