Las Vegas, Nevada on a Budget

Las Vegas, NV is the Entertainment Capitol of the World. In 2006 and 2007, combined, a total of near eighty million visitors poured in from around the globe. Many people, like myself, call this home. Last year, the Las Vegas Visitor's Authority (LVCVA), located at www. lvcva.com, launched a new campaign to attract more tourist to the city. Unless you were one of the three hundred invited guest from Cransfills Gap, TX; you would not be receiving an all expense paid trip here. While this presented an exciting opportunity for an entire small town, it also showed the interests of our mayor; Oscar Goodman and the LVCVA to have a new reputation in the travel industry. Many shows and attractions lately are rapidly changing along with this. The main goal, beyond paying two million and some spare change, for the week of vacation of the Texans was to film new TV commercials and adjust our slogans. Most commonly known the slogan: What Happens In Vegas, Stays in Vegas; is out! The new PR target is now: Only Vegas.

When planning a trip to Las Vegas doing so ahead of time can prepare you to save on all the expenses. Just by looking in your local newspaper's travel section; you can find a special package deal most likely to be available at the nearest travel agency. These deal rates are offered at certain hotels, in conjunction with airfare rates. A two to four night accommodation in advance is required. These costs should not exceed $300.00 to $400.00. However, the savings is uncanny. For the cost of the entire package; one could spend on just a night or two in a hotel. The average hotel room rate for Las Vegas Strip averaged at $132.00/ a night in 2007. That's not to say the less costly rooms aren't here, but you do need to book before arriving. These places are off the beaten path of the major city life, and are even downtown. The "Old Las Vegas" area is still a thriving portion os the economy.

Known as The Freemont Experience, the covered portion of the remodeled Freemont St., is one of the best free sites for visitors here. Nightly Viva Vision Shows occur on the hour from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. These light shows are displayed on the largest viewing screen in North America. Dedicated themes are constantly revised, containing an encapturment of musical culture. Most recently a show debuted, on New Year's Eve, featuring a collection of the band Kiss. While your downtown, you will notice the close-by casinos. These are the most frequented by the locals. With room rate special, buffet specials, unique shows, and the oh-so popular "loose-slots' - one can find an anchore for his budget. I would recommend the Plaza Hotel spot, for it's $7.77 buffet. it is always this price and offers international cuisine. Also, good souvenir shops aren't hard to find on this street; so get something to remember Vegas by.

Is gambling the main reason you might be coming to Vegas? Then you should try to get in as much
looking and window shopping in as you can. Now walking the Strip is not a bad idea, if you are in good in shape, and can handle the over six mile trek. If not, you may want to save money on the taxi and pay for an all-day pass on the luxurious Deuce bus. Resembling the coaches of London, this double-decker bus is routed for the Strip. The price to go on and off at your leisure for 24 hours is now $7. Buses are even available at the airport, and recommended if you don't want to pay more than $20 to get to the Strip. Once you have found how to get around, you should enjoy joining the casino's member card services. Doing this will give you a cool freebie too. Some casinos, like The Paris, are giving out a free t-shirt to new members. Other casinos will give out a few bucks in free slot play. Also, wherever you are use that member card to save on the buffet in the casino. This is just one of the great deals that is absolutely free to any one, but only once.

I know i like to read the local paper. But good deals in this town aren't just in there. Las Vegas has a variety of local magazines which explain the available listed shows, and offer coupons for almost any attraction. If you would like to go see The Grand Canyon, or watch a burlesque show the coupons are in the small print book. Walk by a stand in downtown or on the strip, or ask your cab driver for one. Another spot to get goodies is from the timeshare companies. Often times for attending a presentation free show tickets are given. Look for these vendors wearing black suites and shouting; Hey, you where are you from?; or Would you like a free show! They aren't scalpers, but work for the resorts and are always outside in front of the casinos.

The fun in Las Vegas is awaiting. I hope these tips can be a starter for relaxing and spending quality time with the city you love. Open 24 hours a day, this city keeps you busy and wants you here. Now that you know how to save, begin making travel plans soon. Be sure to see Freemont St., The Strip, free shows, cheap buffets, and many other deals on attractions. While in town be confident to ride our Duece down Las Vegas Blvd., or take a cab. Consult your hotel for special rates and member prices. Pick up that magazine off the street with all the coupons to save more money and I will see you there.