It’s the vacation of a lifetime: you’re going to Vegas! You are without a doubt excited, but perhaps you have a few concerns as well. Sin City is famous for fabulous nightlife and exotic sightseeing, but it is not without a few negative claims to fame as well. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your trip with your wallet – and sanity – intact.
Avoid Venturing far From the Strip
The “resort district” of Las Vegas is full of more hotels, restaurants, casinos, and attractions than one tourist could hope to conquer in a short amount of time. There are some fabulous non-gambling attractions further out in the city if you plan on renting a car and seeing some sights, but as far as “the Strip” is concerned, it is better to stay the main course. Certain neighborhoods become shady directly off the main strip.
Although budget travel guides often urge visitors to find cheap hotels and dining further from the action, there are actually plenty of affordable options right on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Hit the Affordable Sightseeing Options in Vegas
You don’t have to break the bank to see a bit of glamor. Some of the most world-famous attractions in Vegas are free or surprisingly inexpensive. No visit to the city is complete without watching a show at the dazzling Bellagio Fountains. These beautiful fountains put on a choreographed show to the tune of popular music. If you catch them after dark, the water accompanies a fantastic light show.
You can also get up the Vegas Eiffel Tower for only $11.50 per adult. A trip up this 540-feet-tall tower will reward you with an unbeatable panoramic view of the entire city. Once again, this is a trip best left for the night hours so that you can get the most out of the stunning city lights.
You Don’t Have to Stay out Late
Those of us who may be worried about crime in the big city can rest assured in knowing that most of the city’s crime happens after ten or eleven at night. Fortunately, the nation’s self-proclaimed “Entertainment Capital” has enough going on that you can keep your days full from sunup to sundown. The Vegas city website Vegas4Locals keeps a calendar with all of the major daily events and shows.
Book a Hotel and Flight Package
Keep in mind the most important thing about a trip to a tourist hotspot like Vegas: plan ahead. If possible, book your trips a few months in advance to catch the lowest prices. Vegas.com offers unbelievable hotel and flight package deals to make your planning easy and affordable. If you visit the website multiple times, be sure to delete your browser cookies. Travel websites typically raise the prices if they detect you have visited the site before.
Don’t Gamble Without a Plan
Almost any casino hotel on the Strip will offer some sort of casino package deal. These include special perks for their in-house casinos and often include some play credit if you travel with a group. If you plan on gambling, definitely find a package that makes the most of your planned gaming sprees.
It is also important to keep informed about what to do if you win — especially if you win big. Different games have different amounts for taxable winnings, so you want to know what you are getting into at each table.
Make the Most of Your Hotel
Don’t dismiss the hotel itself; if you plan it right, that can become a major part of your Vegas experience! Vegas hotels are famous for their elaborate themes and scenery. Explore the Luxor’s ancient Egyptian-themed pyramid lobby or Hotel Bellagio’s art collection. Most hotels also offer free shows in the evenings, and you can save a significant amount on your dining expenses by taking advantage of the complimentary breakfast.
You can have the time of your life in Vegas as long as you plan ahead. Just be sure to follow these tips for a safe, fun, and affordable vacation.
