Photo by Glyn Lowe PhotoWorks / CC BY 2.0
Ah, Las Vegas. Say it again slowly… Las Vegas. We probably just thought about the same things when we said that. Vegas has the glitz and the glamor. The lights are bright and the buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. The food is great, and the shows are phenomenal. Vegas draws the biggest stars, too. People like Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, and Penn and Teller have all become synonymous with Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is on just about everybody’s bucket list. We all want to experience that larger-than-life feeling that Vegas has. However, Las Vegas is pretty far away for a lot of us, so the thought of planning a trip could be daunting. Airfare, lodging, and food can all cost what seems like an arm and a leg. Although Vegas might seem like an expensive vacation, there are ways to ease that burden. Well, today is your day, because here is some advice on how to travel there on a budget.
Airfare
Airfare can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be if you know how to shop for tickets properly. Even if you are bringing one or two people along, airfare to Vegas can be affordable. There are certain times and days of the week when the airfare rates will be significantly lower. Knowing when and at what time can make all the difference.
The best time to shop for airfare is 120- 21 days before you are leaving for your vacation. This is the Prime Booking Window when you can find some of the lowest flights, and even flights that are 5% lower than their lowest rate. It not that difficult to do, and you’ll find a flight. The best days of the week to fly are Tuesday and Wednesday, and the best times of day are the late-night or early-morning flights. You may be sleepy when you walk off the tarmac, but you’ll be in Vegas— you’ll perk right up. Oh, and remember that Spirit and Frontier Airlines are the two most affordable airlines.
Lodging
Alright. Now that you have booked your flight, it is time to figure out where you will be sleeping. Vegas isn’t in short supply of hotels, but the vast number of them could be overwhelming. Which hotel do you choose, and which location do you stay in (and so on and so forth)? Well, just like when searching for your airfare, choosing your location does matter when booking a hotel room.
Almost everyone agrees if you are going on a vacation to Vegas, go during the weekdays. In fact, the least expensive day is Tuesday. If you want to keep within your budget, Vegas on the weekdays is for you. Usually, the cheapest hotels are off the strip, but you want to be right in the middle of the action, right? Well, you are in luck, because there are several hotels that have great rates and are in the middle of the strip:
- Harrah’s
- LINQ Las Vagas
- Flamingo
- Bally’s
Be sure to continue to check around for the best rates, and don’t be afraid to ask them to price match. Using these strategies will get you the best rates and keep you within your budget.
Food
Photo by inazakira / CC BY-SA 2.0
Yes, now the food. We have to do it. We eat three times a day (sometimes more), and that can add up quickly if you don’t know where the deals are. Because there are so many choices for food in Vegas, it can be overwhelming to choose. But don’t fret, I have done the leg work.
Okay, let’s get it out of the way. What is Vegas really famous for? You’re correct—the buffets! Vegas has a ridiculous number of all-you-can-eat buffets, and there are some inexpensive ones that you need to try.
For instance, the Palace Station Hotel has an awesome reputation for great food, and their dinner buffet costs only $17.99. Their breakfast buffet is around 11 bucks, and their food proves that you do not have to sacrifice quality for price.
If you are tired of the buffets, there are many restaurants that are under $25 for dinner. The Mandalay Palace has a burger on the menu that is under $10. Some other affordable restaurants include:
- Margaritaville
- Luxor
- Excalibur
- The Cheesecake Factory
While there are too many to list, these restaurants will be affordable and helpful to your pocketbook.
A Las Vegas vacation is totally doable on a budget. Just be vigilant in your bookings and make sure to keep an eye out during the booking window. Get ready—your Vegas Vacation awaits!
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