Much to the misfortune of all who have passion for exploring various parts of the world, travelling isn’t cheap. Even a weekend getaway outside your place of living can reach deep into your pocket. The popular entertainment center in Nevada is no different, if not an exemplary case of it. Fortunately, there are ways to trim down the spending even there. With a little bit of work, the proverbial things that stay in Vegas does not have to include your wallet.
Visiting one of the modern times capital of entertainment, such as famous Las Vegas Strip, should be perceived as quite an expensive experience. Of course, it could very well become one, but does not have to. Internet surely is a great place to turn to for research about cost effective approach to Vegasthat could help save a little money in the process. The following is not exactly a detailed and comprehensive guide on how to make sure you are getting the absolute maximum with absolute minimum of financial effort, but I’m hoping it could give you a few ideas about how to reduce the damage while having fun in Sin City.
Before anything like that happens (or doesn’t happen – I know) you have to get there first. Depending on where you’re coming from, this may be costly. Timing is of the essence here. Avoiding high peak periods, such as holidays, regularly scheduled events (especially citywide conventions) and other occasions when significantly more people would decide to fly in, is the obvious start. Following some additional rules to beat those costs down won’t hurt at all. You may want to remember, for example, to plan ahead (even weeks prior to the date), make the most of hidden city flights and rewards credit cards. It is always good to book a package (flight plus hotel), especially on special deals. Similar goes for the transportation around the city itself. It goes without saying – Uber or Lyft, not cabs. Buses, trams, monorails and airport shuttle service are the way to go. Walking is not so bad, either. If the car is necessary, it might be advisable to avoid pumping gas on the Strip and, above all, be aware of parking fees, which are a given almost everywhere and can be high.
Another big money drainage is the nightlife. The main reason tourists come to Vegas is to party, and party people don’t always watch how fast they burn cash. Local clubs and bars will gladly exploit such approach. There are few ways to fix the budget. First of all, you get free drinks when gambling, although a tip is customary. You can always buy drinks and food in convenience stores. Many people would execute the plan of special ‘preparation’ at hotel before starting the actual drinking later on, or the contrary – hitting the clubs early, to avoid crowds and overpriced alcohol. It is good to take advantage of free cards passed around, coupons and deals, passes given for staying at certain hotels, happy hours, free entrances for eating at specific restaurants, or signing up on guest list that will help access good spots easier. In the long run however, you will have to spend, especially when celebrating special occasion, or simply party hard. Food department is a whole other matter. With general principle in mind of trying to eat like locals, substantial savings can be achieved.
Understandably, saving up can be a little more complicated when it comes to the essence of Las Vegas visit which is the proper entertainment. The kind of fun many people want to have there is clearly the gambling. There is no magic fix here, if you’re prepared to blow some money for the fun of it, you probably will. The amount depends on you. The best advice is to set the budget and stick to it. Casinos and hotels are often filled with exciting concerts and shows. Tickets to see the best performers could reach hundreds of dollars. You have to look for good bargains everywhere you can. Obviously, all kinds of coupons and groupons are your good friends. So is everything free, or at least close to being free. After all, admiring famous fountains at Bellagio or going to Downtown Container Park doesn’t cost a thing.