Las Vegas is the City of Lights or the City of Sin depending on who you’re talking to. That’s to say, it’s certainly got something for everybody, but what stops many people from visiting is wondering whether they’ll have the proper funds to fully enjoy their experience. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to experience Las Vegas’ glitz and glamour.
Get Crafty
When planning a trip, it’s important to consider all possibilities so that you can see where to trim off the fat. In some situations, it’s even possible to take advantage of professional opportunities while travelling, and if that’s the case then there are a few ways tourists can receive tax deductions, namely through business lunches and so on.
On the other hand, international tourists have a strong advantage when it comes to taxes because they can get refunds for shopping, usually on clothes and electronics. When heading back to the airport, international tourists can present the receipts of purchases made while on their trip and receive a tax refund; this works for US residents abroad as much as it does for visitors to the USA.
Whilst business trips and taking advantage of tax refunds are smart options, they only apply to specific circumstances. For anyone who wants to simply enjoy Las Vegas, here are some useful tips that will make your wallet happy.
Accommodation
Las Vegas has visitors coming in and out of the city every day. Hotels and resorts know this, and so often craft accommodation with lots of bells and whistles to keep their guests comfortable during their stay. As tempting as a night at Caesar’s Palace might be, however, for someone who’s looking to stay on a budget while in Las Vegas, such accommodation can be expensive. What hotels don’t want you to know is that there are several ways to cut down on costs, like waiving certain amenities or lodging at a place that’s further away from the Strip. Additionally, there are buses from downtown to the Strip, so there’s no need to stay in one of those big-name hotels. The monorail is also another great option for getting around the city quickly and at an affordable price.
Another factor that greatly affects the price of accommodation is how you schedule your stay. For instance, Thursday to Sunday is always much more expensive than weekdays are. On top of that, planning your trip during peak season will spike the price if you’re not careful. Luckily, the Las Vegas peak season isn’t the same as at a typical beach resort. Most tourists come when the city enjoys its cool, crisp weather from November to January. Spring and fall are also pretty popular seasons because the weather is quite pleasant. The off-season for Las Vegas, then, spans the summer months, when the city experiences its highest temperatures which many tourists find unbearable. If you can handle hot weather, visiting Las Vegas in the summer could be a smart way to save money.
Food
Luckily, many Las Vegas hotels on and off the Strip offer buffet-style meals. How you time your meal will play a big role in how much you save on eating out. For instance, breakfast is usually the cheapest meal hotels offer because it uses fewer ingredients. By having a late breakfast, you can probably hold out until dinner time, which can save you a few extra bucks. It might not seem like much, but with those Las Vegas restaurant prices adding up, taking advantage of big buffet breakfasts will definitely help you save a pretty penny.
In the event that you’re already out and about, Las Vegas is full of secret locations that offer great deals on dining. Many places host a happy hour, where patrons can enjoy menu items at a discounted price usually from 3 to 6 pm. There are also quite a few places that have specials and discounts, but the big key is to try and plan ahead so you don’t make any impulse decisions because you were hungry. Checking out which places have the best menu options for you, or even checking on discount sites like Groupon to see if there’s anything that appeals to you, will make all the difference.
Free Attractions
While not much of Las Vegas is for free, there are lots of neat, free attractions around that any tourist should check out before returning home. Many hotels, like the Bellagio, have fountains, gardens, and conservatories you can take a peek at without having to pay a thing. For art enthusiasts, the city is home to several galleries, museums, and murals from a variety of artists. Obviously, checking out the emblematic Welcome to Las Vegas sign is a no-brainer, and definitely a great send-off for a fun and frugal trip.
