Doing Vegas Cheap

Vegas is quite possibly the best, cheap vacation destination. A Las Vegas adventure can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. If you want to do Vegas on the cheap, here are some tips from a frequent Vegas vacationer and now Vegas local:

1) Timeshare Presentations. Timeshare presentations are a fantastic way to get dining certificates, free show tickets, free attraction tickets, and even free gaming. As you walk around Vegas, both outside on The Strip and inside the various casinos, you'll be approached by folks asking "Where are you from?" or "Want to go to a show tonight?". These are the timeshare people. Do stop and talk to them. For about an hour of your time listening to a sales pitch, you'll earn an entire day of free Vegas activities. Listen, say "no", and walk away with free stuff. And when it comes to the free gifts they offer you, don't be afraid to bargain - swap this show for that show, get a different dining certificate, throw in more gaming money, etc.

2) Coupons. Vegas is a coupon-clippers dream. There are primarily two ways to obtain Vegas coupons. First, upon your arrival, pick up every free magazine and weekly paper you can get your hands on. Flip through them and will find plenty of coupons for 2-for-1 show tickets, 2-for-1 entrees, 25% off dining, $5 off admission, and so forth. The second way to procure Vegas coupons is to sign up for the player's clubs at the various casinos. Not only will this help you earn comps (a.k.a. free stuff in exchange for gambling) and possibly a free gift (typically, a shot glass, t-shirt, or deck of cards), but you will also likely receive a coupon book filled with freebies and discounts for stores, restaurants, and attractions located in that particular casino.

3) All-Day Passes. To save on transportation costs (other than the old-fashioned walking option), purchase the all-day pass for The Deuce (the bus which runs up and down The Strip and throughout other areas of Vegas). For $7, you can ride all day long, wherever you want. And since The Deuce has more stops and runs 24-hours a day, it is much more convenient (and cheaper) than the Monorail (and certainly cheaper than cabs and limos).

4) Guest Lists. Anxious to check out whatever the hottest Vegas club of the moment is? The biggest mistake you can make is paying the full cover charge. All Vegas clubs and bars with a cover charge also have guest lists, which not only entitle you to move to front of the line, but also to get inside for free or a discounted rate. Check out the website for the establishment you want to party at. More often than not, you'll find a small, discreet email link to get on the guest list. Additionally, you will also inevitably encounter nightclub promoters as you meander about The Strip. When someone asks "Where are you from?" or "Want to go a hot club tonight?", stop and talk to them. These are the folks who will be able to get you in for free or cheap.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a fantastic time in Vegas and enjoy everything Sin City has to offer. Spend your hard-earned money on gambling - not dining, getting around, or partying. And remember: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".