How to Experience Las Vegas on a Budget: 10 Tips to Save Money in Vegas
Las Vegas is an extremely popular destination that is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, opulent casinos, and world-class entertainment, which can all quickly add up to one expensive vacation. Fortunately there are several strategies to enjoy the excitement of Sin City without breaking the bank.
From budgeting your gambling expenses and staying on the Strip to planning your trip during the off-season, these tips can help you make the most of your Vegas adventure while keeping your trip affordable.
Las Vegas Money-Saving Tips and Tricks
1. Stay close to the action.
The best way to save money in Vegas is to stay right in the heart of the action. Choose a hotel right on the strip so everything is walkable, this way you won’t need to rent a car or pay for gas and the astronomical parking fees.
Surprisingly, most of these hotels can be affordable by booking ahead of time to get the best prices. Casinos such as Caesars Palace, the ARIA, and Planet Hollywood frequently have reduced prices on sites such as Booking.com. Or join one of the many free resort rewards programs to accrue points and help you save!
2. Don't rent a car.
There are private transportation options that offer an easy yet affordable way to get from the airport to your hotel, and to any tourist spots that aren’t walkable. The Bell Airport Shuttle offers low cost transportation to and from the Harry Reid International Airport and the resort corridor of the downtown area and Las Vegas Blvd.
2024 update: Currently it is $15/pp one way, and the convenience of walking out of the airport right into a waiting shuttle can’t be beat.
Alternatively, an Uber ride to or from the airport takes about 10 minutes and costs around $20 for 2 people with luggage. And for public transportation, the Deuce is a shuttle bus that runs from the airport and has many stops along the strip. While the most affordable way to get around Las Vegas ($8 for a day pass), it is also the slowest because of the many stops. But it does allow for hopping on and off so sightseeing from the bus is easy!
Tip: Although close on the map, walking from the airport to the strip takes over an hour and is highly discouraged, especially in the warmer months.
3. Reduce and Reuse.
Bring a cooler on your trip. We flew from Orlando to Vegas with our trusty Yeti cooler as one of our checked bags, and it was a game changer on our California road trip. Food and drinks can be are expensive in Vegas, so having your own ice cold drinks and snacks on hand saves a ton of money.
Once you arrive to the city, head straight for one of the local grocery stores to stock up. We chose Smith’s Food & Drug (there are several nearby) and stocked our cooler with ice, cheeses, snacks, and local wine.
Tip: Get a twist-off bottle unless you traveled with a corkscrew- lesson learned!
4. BYOB
Take your reusable water bottle to the hotel pool or casinos. The resort drink prices are RIDICULOUS, even for Vegas. So make yourself a cold cocktail in your room before you head out to the pool and bring it with you to avoid the exorbitant drink prices. Most resort pools do not allow coolers or outside drinks, but they do not open and check your reusable bottles. (wink)
There are ABC stores scattered throughout the strip and in most of the larger hotels and casinos. This is a great stop for not only cheap souvenirs but also, affordable drinks! Grab a bottle of wine or your favorite alcohol and some mixers and make your hotel room into your own personal bar.
5. Know your limits.
You don’t have to stay away from the casinos in order to save money in Vegas. Definitely plan to gamble if you like, it’s Vegas baby! Just do so responsibly. Set a daily limit and don’t go past it.
6. Speaking of gambling...
The casino table minimums during the day are much lower than at night. So if you want to join in on the gambling, plan on doing so in the daytime when it is much cheaper. Also, if you’re visiting during the hot(ter) months, staying out of the sun and the heat and inside with the nice cold A/C during the daylight hours is preferable anyway.
7. Get what you've paid for.
Drinks are free while you are gambling in most downtown casinos. As a general rule, servers come by the tables every 20 to 30 minutes and offer complimentary alcoholic beverages (bear in mind this will not likely be top-shelf liquor). And a rule of thumb is you will have a better chance of catching their eye if you find a table closer to the bar area. Just don’t forget to tip your server!
8. Choose your dates wisely.
Visiting Las Vegas during the week is cheaper than on weekends, especially for hotel prices and table minimums at casinos. Also, try to plan your trip for the off season – basically the hotter months from June through August. This time frame is typically slow and the hotel prices drop.
Avoid staying in Vegas during the peak season if at all possible, not only for the price gouges but also for crowds. This is usually from December through April. The city is always booming, so don’t worry about missing out on any of the fun in the summer! Just be sure to pack a bathing suit, you’ll definitely want to spend some time in the pool.
9. Pick your poison.
Before traveling to Las Vegas, decide what you really want to experience while you are there. If live concerts or shows are your vibe, then by all means splurge on some tickets to see an awesome event. There is so much talent that lands in Vegas that it is hard to visit and NOT see a show!
If you are a foodie, there are a plethora of amazing restaurants in Vegas owned by world-renowned chefs. You could easily go broke by dining out during your stay. Pick one or two spots you absolutely want to try, and grab an appetizer or split a meal to make it more economical.
10. Broaden your horizons.
For those looking to save money while visiting Las Vegas, there are numerous things to do in Las Vegas off the Strip that provide a reprieve from the bustle without the hefty price tag. Taking a day trip from Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park or to Red Rock Canyon are great and inexpensive ways to get out of the city and into some awe-inspiring nature. Both locations are less than an hour from the strip but seem like a world- or even an entire planet- away, offering a refreshing contrast to your Las Vegas trip.
Discovering ways to save money in Las Vegas can turn your visit into a budget-friendly adventure without sacrificing fun or luxury. By being savvy with your choices and exploring various options available, you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city while keeping your wallet happy.
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Happy Travels!
