How to Save Money in Vegas: Your Ultimate Guide to a Budget-Friendly Trip
When I was younger, I assumed that a trip to Las Vegas would be a once-in-a-lifetime holiday that would cost thousands upon thousands. In reality, it’s probably one of the cheapest major cities in America that you can travel to! Here’s my little guide on how to save money in Vegas without sacrificing any of the fun.
Flights: Find the Best Deals
Being from the UK, getting the 11-hour flight over to Las Vegas is always going to be the most expensive part of the trip. But recently, the reasonably new Norse Atlantic Airways has started a London Gatwick to Las Vegas route, and some of the fares are incredibly reasonable. Return flights can cost as little as £378, which is incredible for a flight that long! They only fly on certain days of the week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), so you need to get the dates to work, but you can absolutely grab yourself a bargain here.
Accommodation: Affordable Options on the Strip
Sure, it’d be nice to stay at the Wynn or the Venetian and pay tons of money to do so, but there are so many cheaper options on the strip that don’t have to break the bank. I’ve stayed at Luxor and Excalibur, to name a few, and these hotels offer room rates as low as £52 per night, including those pesky resort fees! The rooms definitely aren’t as fancy and luxurious as some of the other hotels, but they’re all still clean and tidy, and in my opinion, they’re located in the better end of the strip. Let’s face it, you’re in Las Vegas, you’re not going to be spending much time in your room!
Free Alcohol: Casino Perks
People who have never been to Las Vegas before sometimes can’t believe that you can get free alcohol in the casinos there. If you’re sitting at a slot or table game, it won’t be long before a cocktail waitress comes and asks if you would like a drink. When she comes back with your drink, just give her a tip (I usually do $1 per drink), and this will mean she’ll be back again soon enough for your next round. To make this even cheaper, I usually go and sit at the video poker machines, where it’s as low as 25¢ a game. That way, you’re not racking up huge gambling losses waiting for your beer. You never know, you might just win a bit too!
Eating: Budget-Friendly Food Options
Let’s face it, you’re going to be eating out all the time when you’re here, but if you want to save a bit of money, take advantage of the cheap eat options. The food bills will quickly rack up if you’re going out for sit-down meals three times a day, but there are so many different quick-eat options out there that you really don’t need to. And if, like me, you’re coming over from England, all these different food options like Panda Express and Denny's are a complete novelty, and it’s great to try them all out while you have the chance.
Getting Around: Walk or Ride Smart
The Las Vegas strip may seem like just one stretch of road on the map, but my word, you can spend hours walking down and through all the different casinos! If you’re coming here, then get used to walking because you’re going to be doing a lot of it. It’s not uncommon for me to rack up 30,000 steps in a day walking up and down the strip. But walking doesn’t only save money on taxi fares; lots of the hotels are connected through integrated walkways, and there are escalators that take you over the main roads, so they’ve made it super easy to traverse the city on foot. But if you do want to grab a car to take you somewhere, then be sure to check both Uber and Lyft, as depending on the time of day, sometimes one app will offer considerably lower prices than the other!
Freebies: MyVegas App and More
Using apps like MyVegas are easy ways to get genuine freebies in Las Vegas. It’s a free-to-play slot app that you can download way before you go on your trip, and without having to play much at all, it’s easy to rack up enough points to get yourself free drinks, free buffets, and even free hotel stays in Las Vegas! It’s a no-brainer. I’ve managed to get two nights free at Excalibur through this app, not to mention a free buffet and a 50% discount on my Beatles Cirque de Soleil ticket too.
Casino Rewards Cards: Wipe Out Resort Fees
One of the best-kept secrets on how to save money in Vegas is utilizing casino rewards cards. Most major casinos have their own rewards programs, like M life Rewards at MGM properties or Caesars Rewards at Caesars Entertainment properties. Here’s how you can use these cards to save money:
Sign Up: It's free to join, and you can do it online before your trip or at the casino.
Use Your Card: Always use your card when you gamble, even on penny slots. Points rack up faster than you might think.
Comps and Discounts: You can earn comps (free stuff) like meals, show tickets, and even free rooms. Depending on how much you play, you might qualify for significant discounts or freebies.
Resort Fee Waivers: Higher-tier members can sometimes get resort fees waived. If you gamble enough, you can ask the casino host at the end of your stay to review your play and potentially wipe out your resort fees.
Other Perks: Free parking, room upgrades, and priority lines for buffets and shows can also be part of the benefits.
More Tips to Save Money in Vegas
Visit During Off-Peak Times
Traveling to Las Vegas during the off-peak season can save you a lot of money. Hotel rates and flight prices are generally lower during weekdays, in the summer (when it's extremely hot), and in the winter (except during New Year's Eve).
Avoid ATMs in Casinos
Casino ATMs usually have high fees. Instead, withdraw cash from ATMs at grocery stores or bring enough cash with you.
Take Advantage of Happy Hours
Many bars and restaurants in Las Vegas offer happy hour specials where you can get discounted drinks and appetizers. This is a great way to enjoy the Vegas nightlife without spending a fortune.
Use Coupons and Discount Sites
Before you go, check out sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for deals on restaurants, shows, and attractions in Las Vegas. You can often find great discounts on things to do in Las Vegas on a budget.
Explore Free Attractions
Las Vegas is home to many free attractions that are worth checking out. Some of the best include:
The Bellagio Fountains: A spectacular water show set to music.
The Mirage Volcano: An impressive fire and water show.
Fremont Street Experience: A pedestrian mall with live entertainment and a light show.
The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo: A peaceful oasis with exotic birds and fish.
Bring Your Own Drinks
If you want to save money on drinks, consider buying alcohol at a convenience store and making your own cocktails in your hotel room. You can then take your drink with you as you walk around, as it's legal to carry open containers of alcohol on the strip.
Use Public Transportation
The Deuce, a double-decker bus, runs up and down the strip 24/7 and is a cheap way to get around. A 24-hour pass costs only a few dollars, making it an affordable alternative to taxis or rideshares.
Book Shows and Attractions in Advance
If there are specific shows or attractions you want to see, booking tickets in advance can often save you money. Many sites offer early bird discounts, and you'll have a better chance of getting good seats at lower prices.
Consider Package Deals
Sometimes, booking your flight and hotel together as a package can result in significant savings. Check travel websites like Expedia or Kayak for bundled deals.
Conclusion: Making Las Vegas Affordable
So these are a few of the ways you can save money in Vegas where you don’t always need to break the bank. I’m not denying it can be expensive if you want it to be, but it doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime vacation either. If you’re slightly savvy and want to save a bit of money, there are plenty of ways around it, and you too can make Las Vegas an affordable destination! I’ve not even touched on all the casino rewards schemes and other hacks, but these tips should get you started. Let me know with a comment below if you have any tips of your own or if you plan on taking your first trip to Las Vegas or any other US destination soon!