Do you have Las Vegas set in your sights for a visit in the near future? If so, you should probably start planning and budgeting your trip now so you can get the most out of your money.
The city is known for offering some of the most expensive and decadent hotels, restaurants, casinos, and more but that doesn't mean you have to blow through all of your savings while visiting. There are many ways for you to save money in Las Vegas, some might even surprise you.
10 Visit During The Off-Season Or In The Middle Of The Week
This should go without saying but you're always going to get a better deal on rooms and other events if you go during a time when it's not popular. This is a rule of thumb that should be followed regardless of wherever your vacation destination is located.
If you can't go during the off-season, then at least try to go during the middle of the week instead of the weekend. Even if you have to take a day off work, it'll help you save money and have a better time in the long run.
9 Use Your Discounts
Don't be afraid to ask for discounts! Military, veteran, teachers, students, and AAA members can all get great discounts from different places in Las Vegas.
These discounts are not always advertised so you should ask if you don't see them listed anywhere. Don't be shy about it. Most of the time they will be happy to accommodate you and you'll never know if you don't at least ask.
8 Book Flights Well In Advance
It's best to book your flights well in advance of whenever you intend to make your trip. This will help you guarantee you get the cheapest tickets available.
Last-minute tickets will always be more expensive. If you're unable to get tickets in advance, then again, try to look out for any and all discounts and promotional materials.
7 Do Some Research On Deals And Promos Ahead Of Time
It's always a good idea to do some research before you plan a vacation, especially if you're on a tight budget. There are tons of promotional deals and discounts out there but you might have to do some work to find them.
Promo deals are not always well-advertised for a number of reasons and sometimes you can stumble upon a great deal just by spending some time looking things up. If you know there is somewhere you want to go then look on Groupon and other sites similar to it.
6 Locals Can Get Extra Discounts
For those of you that already live in Nevada, did you know that you can get some great discounts simply for being a state local? You could potentially get a very cheap trip to Vegas, especially if you live close enough that you don't have to travel far.
Make sure you have a form of ID that proves you're a resident of Nevada with you at all times and you'd be surprised how many places in the city offer discounts simply for living in the area.
5 Happy Hour Is Your Friend
When you go out to bars and restaurants while at home do you ever try to take advantage of happy hour? If so, then you already know how much money you can save by cashing in on those super-cheap deals. If not, then you should certainly take advantage while in a place like Las Vegas.
They do happy hour better than anywhere else considering they're known for being the city of sin. Don't be shy. Even if it seems too early, your wallet will be thanking you later when you get the same amount of food and drink for half the price because you decided to pay attention to the time.
4 Buffets Are A Great Way To Save Money
Make sure you check out the buffet places in Las Vegas while visiting. There are a lot of different restaurants that offer buffet tables and a buffet-style service where you can eat as much food as you want for about $20-30.
Sometimes less depending on where you want to go. While it's fun to eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant, it can be extremely expensive. This way you're getting a huge meal that can keep you full all day. It'll save you quite a bit of money because you'll be eating less often.
3 Third-Party Vendors Have Cheaper Tickets
Most people like to go see the shows in Las Vegas. They offer everything from magicians to mentalists to animal acts and more. The entertainment is some of the best in the world and it would be a shame if you weren't able to go to any of them due to budgetary constraints.
You'd be surprised how cheap tickets can be when you know where to look. That said, be cautious about using third-party vendors. No one is saying you should visit ticket scalpers or Craigslist but certain online vendors will offer discounts that are much better priced than if you were to buy from the company hosting the events. StubHub and EventBrite are some great places to look at.
2 Set A Strict Budget For Gambling
Obviously the best way to save money in Las Vegas would be to avoid the casinos and gambling altogether. But, that is much easier said than done especially if it's your first time in Vegas and you want to experience everything the city has to offer.
If that's the case then it is important to set a strict budget for yourself ahead of time so you don't exceed the amount you have on hand. It can be very easy to get carried away while gambling so set rules for yourself and stick to them.
1 There Is A Lot Of Free Stuff To Explore
Don't think that you have to do all the expensive stuff while in Vegas. There are a lot of activities that are 100% free to do and explore. You can visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habit, Ethel M Chocolate Factory, hike at Red Rock Canyon, Silverton Aquarium, and much more.
Spend some time researching places you would like to visit and some of the free things to do. There may be places you can go that you weren't even aware were free!