The bright lights of Las Vegas and the pulsating energy of The Strip is an intoxicating scene that can lure any traveler. Yet for many, Las Vegas seems like a high-cost destination. There are extravagant hotels, lavish dining experiences, and world-class shows. While it’s true that you can spend a lot of money in Vegas, there are also many ways that you can keep costs low, all without sacrificing the quality of your trip.
Timing Your Trip Wisely
As with all travel planning, timing is everything. Everything from the months you choose for your visit to the days of the week can significantly impact how far your dollars stretch. Additionally, specific dates that coincide with major events like EDC Las Vegas can also have a big effect.
The best value for money in Las Vegas typically falls between November and February. During these off-peak months, tourist traffic decreases substantially, and this leads to lower hotel prices and cheaper flights. This makes winter an ideal time for those looking to get maximum bang for their buck.
However, if winter travel isn’t feasible for you, consider tailoring your trip around weekdays rather than weekends. Hotel rates from Sunday through Thursday are often much more affordable compared to Friday and Saturday when the demand starts to peak. By simply adjusting your stay toward the start of the week, you could save considerably on accommodation costs.
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There are many popular annual events in Las Vegas, and this should be something you consider, too. As well as the obvious holiday events like New Year’s Eve when the city becomes very busy, trade shows like the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) create lots of demand for flights and hotels to the city. It’s worth taking a look at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s event calendar before locking in any dates.
If you don’t have much control over when you can travel, another thing you can do is make use of tools designed to find the cheapest flights for you. A search for flights to Las Vegas using the eDreams booking portal will show up a broad range of options, including both direct flights and those with stopovers. In fact, you can filter your search to show the number of stops you’re willing to make – it’s a good compromise that will allow you to keep costs down.
Smart Sightseeing and Entertainment
Even though Las Vegas is one of the most luxurious places you’ll find as you start to research travel and tourism across North America, you can still experience the city’s charm without breaking the bank. Starting with free attractions, there are several impressive sights to see that won’t cost a dime. One prominent example is the Bellagio Fountains, where a jaw-dropping water show is choreographed to music every 15 minutes in the evening. Other must-sees include the Mirage Volcano eruption display that lights up every night at dusk and the audiovisual nighttime shows of the Fremont Street Experience.
If you fancy catching one of Vegas’ world-renowned shows but find ticket prices daunting, try your luck at the Tix4Vegas booths found all over The Strip. Whether it’s Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, or something else, these booths frequently offer same-day ticket discounts. You can also try to buy at the last minute when theaters will often slash prices to fill seats.
Another good idea is to take a day trip away from the center of the action. A visit to Hoover Dam costs only about $10 for parking, while admission into their Visitor Center is absolutely free. Additionally, you can take an incredibly scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon for less than $20.
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Budget Dining and Getting Around
Food is likely to play a significant role in any trip to or around the US – Las Vegas is no exception there.. But instead of dining at one of Vegas’ Michelin-starred restaurants, one good way to save money on food is to visit places like The Orleans and others that feature very affordable buffet feasts. As well as that, many restaurants offer enticing happy hour deals. Mon Ami Gabi is one good example where, if you time it right, you can enjoy some of the best French cuisine in the USA at discounted prices.
Getting from A to B during your trip is one of those things that can start to add up, especially if you plan to head out on day trips away from The Strip. In addition to taxis and car hire, Vegas has an extensive bus network called RTC Transit, as well as the Las Vegas Monorail, and all of your favorite ride-sharing apps. Try and map out your movements in advance as best you can, so you can make sure to choose the most cost-effective transport.
Las Vegas is a more diverse travel destination than most people think, with much more to offer than just five-star hotels and high-stakes gambling. Make some smart decisions, and you can have an extremely fulfilling trip to Sin City, all while on a strict budget.
