Las Vegas is a cheap place to take a vacation. What? Hang in there, we’re going to explain in detail.
Sure the city of casinos and attractions costing hundreds of dollars each might have a reputation for being expensive, but it’s all down to what you do and how you do it.
Doing Las Vegas on budget finances doesn’t have to be difficult at all. Not only are there lots of discounts and tricks for getting reduced prices, but there’s also a whole host of free things to do as well.
So if Las Vegas has always been on your bucket list but you’re on a tight budget, you can relax. Your Vegas vacation is perfectly within reach.
Read our easy guide to your budget vacation in Las Vegas and you’ll soon be strolling the strip.
Make a Budget
The first and most important step of planning an affordable vacation in Las Vegas is by knowing what your budget actually is.
Note down what your vacation budget amounts to for this trip. Only when you sit down with that figure will you be able to plan your incredible vacation. When you have that figure, you know it’ll be broken down into travel costs, accommodation, dining, and activities.
As you go through our guide to Las Vegas on a budget, you’ll soon be able to see how you can keep all those costs minimal and allocate portions of your budget to them.
If you’re wondering how to afford a budget Vegas holiday at all but have been paying into a pension, you could check out pension loans. It’s important to read up on them and they’re often a great option for those who need a little extra help.
Pick a Cheap Time to Go
Vegas tends to be busy all year round but that doesn’t mean there aren’t cheaper times than others. New Year to April can get very busy, as can October, and any national holidays or big sporting events.
Las Vegas hosts many conventions each year and room prices shoot up for each one. Check the convention calendar and avoid times when there’s a convention in town.
Deals are best in July and August but the heat can be too much for walking around in the day time. Other cheap times are the shoulder seasons from May to June and again in September.
To get the best offers, book a mid-week stay when you’ll find hotel rooms can be much cheaper than full weeks or weekend trips.
Choose Affordable Accommodation
Accommodation is where you can really save money in Las Vegas. It costs much more to stay on the strip itself but nearby streets are often much cheaper. Downtown Las Vegas is cheaper again and you’ll find a wide range of hotels at much more affordable prices.
If your heart is set on staying on the strip, use comparison websites to find the best deal. Flamingo, Harrah’s, and Luxor are known for being more affordable than most. A benefit of staying in a strip hotel is that they’ll often offer discounts on clubs and dining on the property.
See the Sights for Free
The great thing about doing Las Vegas on a budget is that you’ll spend less time staring at a slot machine and more time seeing the incredible sights of the strip. What’s even better is that plenty of the best sights are free.
Here are some of the best things to do in Las Vegas without flashing any cash.
- Volcano Show at the Mirage – Daily at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. This is a spectacular, fiery show.
- The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Open 24/7, this ever-changing indoor attraction is always amazing.
- Ethel M Chocolate Factory – Ever wanted to know how chocolates and sweet delights are made? Take a tour of this factory and get free samples along the way.
- Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes – With street performers, singers, and living statues, this is a great place to be entertained for free.
- The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat – Nothing’s out of place in Las Vegas so it’s no surprise that there’s a miniature flamingo paradise in the middle of hotels and casinos.
- Circus Circus Acrobatics – Throughout the day you can see circus performers for free at the Carnival Midway stage at Circus Circus.
Shop Around for Cheap Vegas Show Tickets
Vegas has got to be show capital of the world but forking out for a full-price ticket might be impossible on a budget. Don’t worry, there are lots of ways to get discounts.
There are plenty of websites offering massive discounts on Las Vegas shows so it’s always worth scouring the internet for the best deals before you go. You can often get discounts through your hotel if you’re staying on the strip too.
Eat on a Budget
With big-ticket items like airfares and accommodation weighing on your mind, it’s easy to forget that eating out can add up and ruin your budget. There are tons of ways to keep your food bills rock bottom though.
- Check Out the Buffets – Many hotels and casinos offer buffets which can be a cost-effective and tasty way to fill up. Breakfast is cheaper than lunch but sometimes you can arrive a little early for lunch and pay breakfast prices.
- Deals – Check out deal sites online for 2-4-1 offers or other good discounts at specific venues.
- Pre-Theater Menus – Cheap and delicious, you don’t even have to have a ticket for the show to get dinner on the pre-theater menus.
- Downtown Vegas – Stepping off the strip automatically reduces prices so for budget meals, head downtown.
Enjoy Las Vegas on Budget Finances
There are so many free things to do in and around the Strip that going to Las Vegas on budget money is much easier than you might’ve thought. With big discounts off show tickets, free attractions, and cheap eats available, your Vegas dream can come true without breaking the bank.
Follow us for more money-saving tips and inspiration. Have an amazing time in Vegas and say hi to those flamingos!