Las Vegas: How To Go On A Budget!

Las Vegas is one of the most visited cities in the United States. The city, or the strip, has something for everyone; gravity defying shows, concerts, gambling, and many world renowned restaurants.

It can be quite expensive.

But by being flexible on travel dates and taking notes on where to stay and eat, Las Vegas can be enjoyed on a budget.

It is common knowledge that it is generally cheaper to travel during off season. But Las Vegas is very popular so there isn't much of an "off season". In situations like this, it is best to determine when not to go.

February: Valentine's Day! Oh yes, avoid Las Vegas during this time unless you are planning to wed. Many people flock to Las Vegas to elope, especially around Valentines Day. Couples flock the city infamous for shotgun weddings and more wedding chapels than they have Starbucks.

July: The 4th of July brings out the good ol' red, white, and blue to the strip. Naturally, Americans flock the strip during this major holiday for the sun and the wild pool parties in Vegas.

December: Sin City is known for wild parties and nothing brings out the crazy like New Year's Eve. Tourists tend to flock to Las Vegas for the New Years Eve Parties. This is one of the craziest and most crowded time of the year.

Flying? I like to book my flights on hotwire. It's just cheaper and you don't have to pay for the booking fee. The trick is to look at the Hotwire calendar to see when is the best time to travel and save money. Flights, depending on when you book can be really cheap. Just book ahead of time.

Whenever I book flights, I look two months ahead of time and I subscribe to the Trip Watcher. As soon as the prices drop, I am alerted via email. It can be a bit of a waiting game. Flights may vary (from SFO to LAS) between $124-$179. I learned that it is best to book as soon as possible. Don't wait for the price to drop again as it may never do that again.

Driving? If you are anywhere near the state of Nevada and planning to hit Las Vegas with a group, then I suggest driving. It is cheaper. While flying is quicker, driving will save you a lot of money. Especially if you're going with a group. You can split up the cost of gas and turn the experience into a fun road trip!

Having a car in Las Vegas will also give you more options of where to go if you ever find yourself bored on the strip. Parking is free in Las Vegas! You can also visit other attractions like the Hoover Dam!

Hotels generally have incentive packages during major holidays. Don't mind the crowd very much? Then visiting during the holidays might be better--and cheaper! But be aware that, because of supply and demand, the prices do tend to skyrocket during peak seasons. So, book early if you're certain you'd like to visit during a holiday.

Hate crowds? Go during midweek. People tend to flock the dessert town during the weekends. Also, it is cheaper to book a room during the week than it is during the weekend. More rooms are available, so you might get an upgrade!

What are you in town for? Are you with children? Do you hate kids? Are you in town to hit the clubs or the casinos?

These are important details to take into account.

Las Vegas attracts all kinds of people--and families. Yes, children are permitted to enter Sin City. So, what do you plan on doing in Vegas?

With the Kids

If you'd like to keep you kids away from second hand smoke as best as possible, I recommend staying near the end of the strip, or off it completely. The middle of the strip does tend to get very crowded, and sometimes, rowdy.
But if you'd like to stay on the strip, my recommendations are the MGM, the Tropicana, and Planet Hollywood.

MGM is spacious. Rainforest Cafe, Cirque du Soleil, and plenty of shops are in this hotel. It is perfect for families who came to take in a show. Also, they have CSI: The Experience! While it is at one end of the strip, the location is less chaotic compared to the other hotels situated on the strip. The rates aren't bad either.

The Tropicana is also at the other end of the strip, and just across from the MGM. They have a large, kid friendly pool as well as a museum called The Mob Experience. It is generally tame compared to the other hotels on the strip, and since the casino is smaller the kids are likely to inhale less second hand smoke. The prices are fair.

Planet Hollywood is where the shops are at. The hotel features The Miracle Mile Shops! Plenty of shopping here and definitely kid friendly. It is also closer to the middle of the strip. The Bellagio Fountains, Paris, and The Venetian are close by for families looking to stroll inside the luxury hotels. However, the casino at Planet Hollywood is large. Expect to inhale second hand smoke.

For the Clubbers, Gamblers, or anyone traveling without children:

From my experience, it is best to stay in the middle of the strip. There are three acceptable and cheap hotels in the middle of it all: Flamingos, Bally's, and Harrah's. It is smacked in the middle of the party strip.The whole point is to cut down the walking distance. By staying in the middle of the strip, you are not only cutting down the walking, but the amount of time you'd have to spend walking through large crowds. And trust me, Las Vegas can get very crowded.

The food in Las Vegas can be very expensive. The foodie scene has changed and has continued to evolve. Las Vegas is brimming with signature restaurants by notable chefs ranging from San Francisco's Hubert Keller to Emeril Lagasse and Top Chef's Tom Colicchio.

But you don't have to eat at the Buffets to survive in Vegas on a budget! (Though I wouldn't count out the buffets in Vegas just yet) There are plenty of affordable restaurants in Las Vegas, and there are certainly places where one can eat under $20.

Okay, so nobody wants to eat fast food while on vacation--especially while you're in Las Vegas! But it's cheap and fast! If you need something just to hold you up during the day--then fast food is the way to go.

Also, I wouldn't count out the Food Courts in Las Vegas. There's plenty of choices! Food court or fast food doesn't necessarily have to mean McDonalds!

Food Courts on the Strip

New York, New York: The Village Eateries--New York themed food court.
Monte Carlo Hotel: Starbucks, Nathan's, and Mc Donald's.
Riviera Hotel: The Mardi Gras Food Court
MGM Food Court: Hagen Daaz, Nathan's, Mc Donalds, and Pizza.
Fashion Show Mall: Your run of the mill mall food court.
Flamingo: There's a Johnny Rocket's, pizza, and Pan-Asian Express.
Venetian Hotel: The food in the food court is consistent with the Italian theme.

I don't recommend for anyone to eat just fast food while in Las Vegas. However, if you are looking for something light, then food court is the cheapest way to go.

Ooh, yes. It's possible!

While Vegas is fabulous, some nights you just want your food to be unpretentious. Here is a tried and tested list of non-food court food for those who just want to chow and without going over budget.

Mon Ami Gabi @ Paris. Feel fancy, enjoy unpretentious food. Located inside Paris, this lovely restaurant is great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the French Toast. Seriously, you'll find yourself as a born again french toast worshiper.

JJ's Boulangerie @ Paris. Yummy sandwiches. Fresh baked breads

Le Village Buffet @ Paris Go during lunch! Well, early lunch. And then stay there for as long as you like! Le Village is one of the best buffets on the strip. The buffet features cuisine from famous French locales. You have steak, seafood, and even sushi! If you have buffet on your Vegas bucket list, then this should be the buffet you go to.

Earl Of Sandwich @ Planet Hollywood. Don't let the appearance fool you!!! This is the BEST sandwich place in Las Vegas! Just listen to the people! My favorite? The tomato soup with croutons! Best idea ever. Also, the sandwiches are HUGE. Sharing portion for those who have a small stomach. This will fill you up even if you have a big stomach. The best part? It's open til 3am.

Hash House A Go Go @ Imperial Palace. This place is not a joke. Don't come here alone. Meal companion is a must. They serve food of mammoth proportions. I still think that it's because they ordered the wrong size plates when they first opened and now, they have to serve food fit for three people. Oh, and it's delicious. You can't go wrong here.

DOCG Enoteca @ The Cosmopolitan. Delicious Pasta!

Pizzeria @ The Cosmopolitan. Okay, why would I want to eat pizza in Vegas when there are plenty of pizza joints in the food courts around the strip? Simple. This is a secret pizza location inside the hotel. Yes. It's a secret. Also, it is absurdly delicious. If I were to name it, I'd call it Salivate By The Slice. But then, it wouldn't have that exclusivity to it. So, shh! Let's keep it a secret! $3 pizza? CHECK. Beer and wine under $5? Check and Check. Getting pizza at a ritzy hotel on the strip? Pretty. Sweet. Deal.

I learned that it is cheaper if you book your flight ahead of time. As for hotels, I like to stay during the week because it is less crowded--also, the rooms are cheaper! Why spend that extra money on rooms when you can spend it on good food instead?

As for food, I like to spend money on good food. Perhaps there's a restaurant that you'd like to try that didn't make the list above? Try visiting restaurant.com and purchase a coupon or a gift card for that restaurant. You can get a $50 giftcard and get an 80% off discount on the website!

Other ways you can save money on food is by buying groceries and snacks ahead of time and storing them in your hotel room. Also, buy a case of bottled water! Water and other snacks can be pricey on the strip.

So, when traveling to Las Vegas on a budget, be sure to book your flight early (or drive if you can), book a room on a weekday, and plane where you will eat ahead of time.

Good luck!!!