Las Vegas

We went for one day and one night in April (I could have done with another day...) on a tour of California, Nevada and Arizona. There are loads of things to do for free and loads of things you get suckered into without realising how expensive it is.

We stayed at The Flamingo which was one of the cheapest and original hotels and really liked it. We went on one tiny trip on the monorail and it was $5 dollars each for about 30 secs - 3 adults = a real waste of money. I'm sure there are ways of getting a day pass or something that would be much better value.

We went on the bus too and in comparison that was cheap and just as fun. Vegas is much bigger than I expected and when we went was very crowded
(8 deep on the sidewalks) and although you can walk everywhere it would be pretty tiring. We had our 5 year old with us and she was exhausted after 24 hours!

We didn't discover this, but apparently there are really cheap (or even free buffets) in every casino and free drinks as long as you are gambling. I have never seen so many slot machines in my life or opportunities to gamble. There are even machines set into the bars which take credit cards just in case you're bored whilst waiting for your drink.

I wish we'd gone to the top of the Stratosphere, and Caesar's Palace casino is supposed to be good if you're younger. The fountains at Bellagio have a spectacular son et lumiere every 15 minutes which is free and amazing. Take your video camera. I also wish we'd gone to New York, New York and seen the roller coaster.

The pools in the hotels are very luxurious and free if you're resident.

I believe the best money saving thing to do is to do some serious outlet mall shopping. We didn't do this in Vegas but did elsewhere and for example my OH got 8 genuine Ralph Lauren shirts in Macy's in Santa Monica for £90 - there are almost that each in the UK. Levis are good, as are Converse All Stars, Vans, Gap etc. Mostly it is pounds for dollars so almost half price. One huge tip I was given was to remove all labels and maybe even screw up the clothes a bit so they don't look new as you could lose all your bargains if you're discovered and stung by customs.

You could even try and fund your trip a little by shopping for friends too and adding a bit for the service. Make up is good value - Maybelline, Revlon, Clinique and all international brands are dollars for pounds. I always stock up n loads of nail care stuff e.g. Sally Hansen, Revlon as it is half price. False stick on nails are half price too if you know anyone who uses those! I even stock up on shampoo as Aussie brand is at least 50% if not 75% cheaper. It depends on how much of a real money saver you are and whether you can be bothered to bring it all back! My attitude is that once it's packed and put in the plane you don't have to carry it anyway!

When we went this year, we came back with 3 extra bags - one was a tent and sleeping bags and a inflatable mattress (we camped in the Arizona desert - great fun) - $250 dollars in Target for an 8 man tent, 3 sleeping bags and a mattress and electric pump - bargain! PLus 2 extra cases stuffed full of clothes we'd bought and shoes (Timberlands are good as are branded trainers...) We flew Virgin and didn't get charged extra luggage either. I HATE shopping but over there I love it.

One extra possible tip - we managed on the flight over to blag our way into the first class bar on the plane and sat there for 4 hours drinking (free!) with the very bored hostesses and other guests while the rest of our economy passengers sat squashed in their seats. My bait was my very cute 5 year old wanting to see the stairs on the plane and I have to say I really didn't expect to get invited for a drink - cool hah! It didn't work on the way back...

Gosh - sorry this is so long - enjoy Vegas and try and get to see the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam - awesome.

Try the $20 trick when checking in. Works a treat in most places.
If your after a specific room type and want a real nice room try $50.

As for betting on red and black and breaking even, remember that virtually every casino has a 0 and 00 (green) on the wheel.
Personally I play the 25c blackjack or video poker slowly to get the drinks.
Remember though - never gamble just to get something for free!!

UnitedFlyer wrote:

Try the $20 trick when checking in. Works a treat in most places.
If your after a specific room type and want a real nice room try $50.

As for betting on red and black and breaking even, remember that virtually every casino has a 0 and 00 (green) on the wheel.
Personally I play the 25c blackjack or video poker slowly to get the drinks.
Remember though - never gamble just to get something for free!!

And the 1c machines!!! You can spend ages on those bad boys and get your 'free" drinks that way.

Money saving tips for Las vegas;

there are ton's of coupons available in magazines and a free booklet that is handed out or in the back of taxi's etc.
Coupons are a way of life over there, everyone uses them.
This book is packed with them also, http://www.amazon.com/American-Casino-Guide-Steve-Bourie/dp/1883768160

I wouls also advise a guide book like lonely planet.

if you are a dedicated coupon finder, tons of stuff in there. Many buy one get one free on buffets.

In every casino they have a 'players card', sign up and you can sometimes get free gifts, use the card every time you play on a machine to get points, points equate to 'comps' complimentary's, including free dinner (bufftets) t shirts, even free nights at the casino hotels dependent on what you spend.

Also each casino should give you a 'funbook' filled with free drink vouchers and stuff.

Go Downtown, cheaper food/beer and the the slots are considered 'looser'. 99cent margharita's and shrimp cocktails in Golden Gate casino downtown, ask for cocktail at bar.

In the Bellagio, near the Gelato stand, (signposted) there is a coffee shop. Buy the coffee in the take out cooler cup, costs about $5.75 and every time you return you can get free refills of either coffee, iced tea or soda's.

Ellis Island casino, around the back of Ballys and Barbary Coast does a fantastic steak special for $4.99, includes soup or salad and a sirloin steak dinner. It's not on the menu so you have to ask for it, superb value, we had it twice! Also their beers are $1.50 and really really nice, brewed on the premises.

Hiring a car will be cheaper than accumulated taxi fares and gives you the freedom to get about a little off strip where there are many bargains to be had.Book in uk, I'll try to find a link for you for best value.

There are so many free things to see and do in all casino's, go on other travel forums for tips on these.Bellagio fountains, Big Elvis at Barbary Coast, people watching everywhere, exploring the casino's.

Remember tipping is a way of life so be prepared with lots of single dollar bills.
Enjoy, vegas will blow your head off.