The
lights, the excited crowds, and the non-stop action truly make
Las Vegas live up to its reputation as THE glitzy amusement park
for adults. Hey, it's Vegas, baby!
Yet
despite the high glam quotient, it doesn't have to cost you an
arm and a leg to enjoy all the attractions that Sin City has to offer.
In addition to affordable hotels everywhere outside the main strip,
there are cheap eats and even Las Vegas attractions for non-gamblers
available nearby or right in the middle of all the action. You
just have to know how and where to find it.
Flying to Las Vegas on the cheap
Thankfully,
getting a cheap flight to Las Vegas is usually a no brainer. Most
tourist agencies in the US and worldwide probably offer a Las
Vegas package deal to fit your budget complete with hot
bargains on airfare, hotels, restaurant vouchers and transfers.
You
may save more on airline tickets if you do it yourself with an
online search of any one of the big budget travel sites such as
Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline.
The
best time to go to Las Vegas
The
cheapest months to go to Las Vegas? Although popular year-round,
you'll probably find your best deal during the hotter months of
July and August, and then again in January and February when most
people are still trying to pay off bills from the holidays.
Staying
in Las Vegas on the cheap
Along
with Caesar's Palace, the MGM Grand, and more top Las Vegas hotel
casinos along the main strip, you'll find other more affordable
hotel options just a couple of blocks east or west. Off the beaten
path, but still very nearby, you'll find major hotel chains such
as Comfort Inn, Travelodge, the Marriot, Clarion Hotel & Suites,
and at least a dozen more cheaper options.
That's Free (or Cheap) Entertainment!
Free stuff: dancing fountains
outside the Bellagio Hotel.
For
the best free entertainment, stroll the main strip at sunset for
the world famous Bellagio dancing fountains. It's a breathtaking
display of music, light and lots of water (all the more spectacular
for the fact that Las Vegas is, yes, situated in the middle of
the Mojave desert.)
For
even more water antics, walk up a few blocks to the Treasure Island
hotel (now known simply as TI) for Sirens of TI, the cheesiest
pirate battle reenactment you'll see anywhere. But at no charge,
at least the price is right.
In
contrast, the gondola rides at the Venetian hotel come very highly
recommended even at $16 a clip, although It's still a bargain
when you think that a real gondola ride in Venice costs around
$100. And believe or not, it's a much more pleasant experience.
Also
don't miss the spewing "volcano" in front of the Mirage
casino that erupts every hour accompanied by an awesome light
show. And for what some say is the most glittering free entertainment
in town, check out the "Masquerade Show in the Sky"
at the Rio hotel for a hot mix of Mardi Gras, Rio Carnival and
Victoria's Secret fashion show.
The cheapest way to get around Las Vegas
The
Las Vegas monorail - $5 for a one-way fare - that runs the length
of the strip may seem more affordable, but the fastest way to
get from hotel to hotel is still by taxi. If you're traveling
with a group (do the math) it's also the cheapest. In addition,
a taxi will deliver all of you directly to your destination saving
you hot-footing it from the monorail station to the hotel.
Not
in a particular hurry? The double decker bus, called the Deuce,
is another good bet that runs the length of the main strip, and
offers $5 passes with hop-on, hop-off access all day long.
More
about cheap or free Las Vegas:
Around
the Web, check out the more about what Las Vegas gurus can tell
you about saving time and money on your next trip to Vegas, with
been-there advice and invaluable insider tips on navigating the
city on the cheap ...
The
Big Empire Guide to Las Vegas on 25 Cents a Day - A jackpot
of insider tips about where to eat, where to gamble cheap, what
to see and more, plus check out their Cheapo
Vegas guide with maps and more detailed reviews on where to
rest your weary head...
Las
Vegas - Wikitravel - The full gamut from cheap hotels
to hostels, including a guide to getting there and getting around,
the best free entertainment, related safety tips and travel resources.