| not impossible to enjoy Las Vegas on a budget! | | | | moderate prices and decent-sized portions. |
| With a little research and planning, a visitor can | | | | Downtown restaurants offer excellent bargains to |
| anticipate and control trip expenses. Airline, auto | | | | travelers in that area, but cab fare from the Strip |
| club, travel review and discounter websites | | | | is over $20. For enjoyment and value, consider a |
| provide promotional information; it's essentially a | | | | mid-level resort brunch buffets for about $15 per |
| matter of deciding what is most important to the | | | | person. They offer enough selection to fuel the |
| visitor. | | | | visitor through a busy day, eliminating the need to |
| A significant part of the trip may be airline cost. It | | | | eat again until evening. It's best to avoid |
| is important to check flight costs often (as they | | | | high-priced, resort counter service, but many |
| frequently change) and to make reservations well | | | | casual, sit-down restaurants have a variety of |
| in advance. Lower-prices may be found for early | | | | choices large enough to be shared. |
| morning, evening, or connecting flights. But, if a | | | | Most Las Vegas first-run entertainment is sold out |
| favorite Vegas show has available seats for the 7 | | | | well in advance, but there may be single seats |
| PM show that are $50 less than the 10 PM one, | | | | available. If the party is willing to be seated |
| spending a little more on airfare to arrive earlier | | | | separately, this may result in excellent seats at a |
| will be worth it. If you would like to experience | | | | good price. However, ticket outlets (Near Planet |
| Las Vegas on a budget, have the big picture in | | | | Hollywood and The Wynn) sell half-price and |
| mind of how you want to enjoy Las Vegas, in | | | | discount tickets for that day's productions, |
| order to plan an itinerary that maximizes your | | | | including less expensive afternoon shows. (Beware |
| spent dollar. | | | | that online or "discount" agents can charge more |
| Regarding ground transportation from the airport, | | | | than the face value of the ticket.) |
| a cab costs at least $25 to cruise the famous, | | | | Las Vegas also offers free entertainment. |
| resort covered Strip, or casino-filled Downtown | | | | Treasure Island's "Sirens" production holds multiple |
| Las Vegas. It is less costly to rent cars away | | | | shows daily and the fountains at Bellagio display |
| from the airport, but they are not really needed if | | | | dancing waters and lovely music every 15-30 |
| Las Vegas is your final destination. Visitors can | | | | minutes. Bellagio's Conservatory, MGM's Lion |
| walk everywhere easily and safely. Guests may | | | | Habitat, the Tiger Exhibit and the Erupting Volcano |
| buy $5 unlimited passes from bus operators in the | | | | at the Mirage are also free. Free performances at |
| Deuce program, which will transport them all day. | | | | Caesar's, Circus Circus and Excalibur are especially |
| (There is also a pricier, off-strip monorail that | | | | entertaining for children, and allow guests to relax |
| connects some resorts, but trains connecting | | | | in air-conditioned comfort for an hour or so. |
| Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur resorts are | | | | Other attractions carry a price tag that may not |
| free.) | | | | be the best use of some travelers' resources. |
| Visitors have many options concerning | | | | The Venetian Gondola rides, Paris's Eiffel Tower, |
| accommodations. Older rooms in Downtown | | | | Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Mandalay Bay's |
| Vegas may be less than $50 per night, but hotels | | | | Shark Reef, and the amusement park rides atop |
| a block or two from the Strip may offer newer | | | | the Stratosphere can take a big bite out of a |
| facilities and pools at comparable or just slightly | | | | wallet-even with coupons. It's just as much fun to |
| higher prices. Good buys can also be found at the | | | | walk through the Caesar's Forum Shops, snap |
| magnificent Strip resorts through auto club, senior, | | | | pictures inside the Luxor pyramid, relax near the |
| and military discounts, or mid-week specials | | | | Wynn Waterfall, or simply browse the European |
| Another option is to stay at an inexpensive | | | | markets of Paris and the Venetian. |
| lodging for part of the trip, then move to fancier | | | | Casinos will track individual gaming and reward it |
| accommodations. If one does not mind logistics | | | | with "comps" on future hotel stays and meals. |
| involved with packing, it may be worth cab fare | | | | Ask casino representatives before gaming to be |
| and a few extra dollars to enjoy upgraded | | | | given full credit. It is also a good idea to take only |
| amenities for a night or two. | | | | take a portion of one's gambling budget on each |
| Food can be pricey on the Strip, but for quick | | | | trip to a casino, and quit when it has been |
| bites, the Excalibur and Circus-Circus house fast | | | | depleted, regardless of winnings. The satisfaction |
| food chains, while pizza shops and delis are found | | | | of staying within a budget while going home with |
| behind many casinos. Food courts in the Venetian, | | | | winnings can make the trip that much more |
| New York New York and Miracle Mile offer | | | | pleasant and memorable! |