Las Vegas on a Shoestring

When people talk about a trip to Las Vegas the usual joke usual rings out: “so how much are you down?” But the truth is that Vegas doesn’t have to be a drain on the wallet. In fact, when I was recently in Sin City I took it upon myself to see if I could visit the city on my usual overseas budget which is only $45 a day. In reality, it was easier than I expected. Follow some of these tips and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the city without breaking the bank.

Accommodation

Of course, Las Vegas hotel suites aren’t exactly cheap, but with the proper bit of planning they also don’t have to be as expensive as you think.  If you go online there are almost always ways for you to grab a cheap room or suite in the city.  Hotels don’t look to overcharge people on rooms, because they make most of their money off of the gambling and entertainment anyways.  You’ll especially save if you can go mid-week in the off-season.

Gamble Wisely

Gambling can be a lot of fun if you treat it as a means of entertainment.  However, most people use it as a means of getting rich and in turn usually get burned.  If you want to gamble without worrying about losing your house, leave the credit and debit cards in your room and take with you only what you expect to lose.  At the end of the day you’ll see the day gambling as entertainment rather than a poor decision.  No trip to Vegas is truly complete without gambling a little bit, but limit how often you do and you’ll have a much better time.

Last Minute Show Tickets

If you want to save a little bit of money you can book last minute show tickets and save a fortune on your entertainment.  I got a tickets to a couple of Treasure Island comedy shows at the last minute for great value.  Of course, you’re not going to get Celine Dion tickets at the last minute for any cheaper, but if you’re open to any kind of entertainment, this is the way to go for sure.

Cheap Eats

Vegas is home to some of the best restaurants in the world.  However, they are also some of the most expensive eats on the planet.  That doesn’t mean you can’t eat for cheap in Vegas.  There are plenty of cheap diners, buffets, and sandwich shops in the city.  If you’re on a tight budget, there’s no use blowing it on a nice dinner when you can enjoy some of that American flavour for quite reasonable prices.

Everything in Moderation

It’s perhaps the key to life: moderation.  If you drink too much, gamble too much, or spend too much time at shows you’ll definitely blow your budget.  However, if you relax and enjoy the vibe of the city you’ll not only have a good time, but do it on a tight budget.  Don’t forget that Vegas isn’t just about the glitz and glamour, it’s also about the vibe on the streets and that is always free.