Doing Vegas on the cheap!

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but there is no reason to spend a lot of money while you are there.

Here are some tips for having a great time in Sin City without dropping a fortune!

Unless you plan on spending a lot of time in your room, there is no reason to stay in swanky hotel on the strip (unless you have comps!!).  It's true, everyone likes the fancy little soaps and a mint on their pillow, but those things come at a cost. If you are looking for honest (and funny) reviews of all of the hotels in Vegas, check out Cheapo Vegas.  It gives reviews of the rooms, casinos, buffets, and what kind of amenities are in each room (including those little soaps!).  They even have a comparison chart.

Everyone has to eat- There are a lot of places to eat in Vegas, but what Vegas is best known for is BUFFETS!!  The days of all you can eat $5.00 buffet may be over, but the Harrah's chain of Casino/hotels offers a great deal called Buffet of Buffets.  It's a 24 hour pass to eat at seven of Harrah's buffets.  Take your pick!  We had brunch at Caesar's Palace, a snack at the Oriental Palace, dinner at Planet Hollywood, and Sunday breakfast at Paris.  All for $34.99. The price may vary at the time of your visit, so check at the buffets or at the Player's club desk.

Players Clubs- If you plan on gambling, join the players club for each casino you gamble in.  You earn points for playing, and points can be turned in for free food, tickets to shows, or other great perks.

When you check into your hotel, in the packet from the front desk, there are usually coupon books, and information on points of interest.  Make sure to check these out- there may be valuable coupons for food, shows (dollar off or BOGO), places of interest that are on your list of "stuff to do".

If you room has a fridge, don't hesitate to bring your own snacks or liquor- It will save you money.  Booze can be expensive at the hotel bars.  If you are looking for a place to pick up inexpensive snacks (including fresh fruit and veggies, chips, pretzels and bottled water and soft drinks)- There are several 99 Cents Only Stores in the Las Vegas area (the closest one to the strip is the location on East Flamingo).

If you live within driving distance, you may want to calculate your gas mileage and see if it's cheaper to drive or fly. Southwest Airlines has tickets from San Diego to Vegas for $39.00 each way (plus airport fees and taxes).  That makes your round trip about $89.00.  Southwest also has pretty lax baggage restrictions too. Most hotels have shuttles to and from the airport, and if not, it's usually about a $10.00 taxi ride from the airport to the strip.

Speaking of taxis- It is important to note that there is a state law that only 5 riders are allowed per cab- even if it's a van or mini van.  So if you're a big party, you may have to take 2 or 3 cabs. Cabs are pretty cheap too, so if it's too hot or you are too drunk to walk, take a cab.

Remember to stick to your budget (that means you need to make one!), wear sunscreen if you'll be outside, and have FUN!!

If you have any tips to share, please post them in the comments!