Is a trip to Las Vegas on a budget possible?
Portrayed in films as the city of expensive and excessive lifestyle, Sin City feels like a city only for those with a lot of cash to spend. This could not be farther from the truth. In fact, Las Vegas is primed with many things to do that are either free or dirt cheap.
Read along to find out how you can visit this beautiful city on a budget
Book cheap flights
Usually, booking a flight to destinations can be the most expensive part of the trip. However, if you are coming from the United States, you would easily find plenty of cheap flights as long as you book ahead of time.
Please keep in mind however that discount airlines are not always the best option. While the base fare may seem excessively cheap, they will also charge you separately for a lot of things. This may even include carry-on bags. Be smart and account for hidden and separate charges in choosing your airline.
Get the most out of your hotel shuttles and free trams
If you are booking a pretty decent hotel in Las Vegas, chances are there will be an in-house shuttle service. Get the most out of that by keeping their schedule in mind. Riding a taxi from the airport to the hotel and vice versa can be crazy expensive. Save money by planning your flight schedule accordingly or by asking the hotel about their shuttle services.
Another fun and free way to get around the city is through the 3 trams that are running between hotels around the city. There is the Mandalay Bay to Luxor to Excalibur, Park MGM to Aria to Bellagio, and then one that goes from Mirage to Treasure Island. If you are casino hopping, this may just be your best bet to get around.
Book Ubers or Lyfts, not taxis
The entirety of the strip is technically walkable. However, with the desert heat, you can already imagine how exhausting the back and forths can be. If you want to conveniently go around the city without spending all too much, opt to take Lyft or Uber instead of cabs.
The difference is surprisingly significant. An average cab ride would cost about $20-30, the same routes would only be about $8-$12 bucks on Lyft.
Find and book affordable hotels
Las Vegas is brimming with hotels so unless you are booking last minute on a holiday, you should not have a problem finding a decent and affordable one. Save money by checking out and cross-referencing third-party booking platforms. This makes sure you really are getting the best deals and not being ripped off by staged or fake discounts.
You should also be aware that most hotels charge a resort fee. These hidden charges are surprisingly popular in Las Vegas and they are not cheap either.
In general, your best chance of booking a good hotel on a good deal is by avoiding school holidays like spring break and fall break. Naturally, weekdays tend to have better rates than weekends, too.
Now, since you already are in Las Vegas, it is the best time to check out nearby Nevada destinations. You would be surprised by the variety of landscapes and free activities you can enjoy with just a short drive from the city of Las Vegas. Check out top things to do in Nevada next.
