How to Save Money on Your Las Vegas Vacation

Las Vegas is a popular travel destination and it's no wonder. With casinos, shows and 24-hour entertainment, Las Vegas offers the kind of non-stop action that thrill seekers love on their vacations. The only problem is that a Vegas vacation can get expensive.

Between money for entertainment, gambling, food and lodging, the expenses can stack up fast. But with a little bit of planning you can save a lot of money on your Vegas vacation. Here's what you need to know.

The first step to saving money when you travel to Las Vegas is to set a budget before you go. Your budget should include money for food, money for entertainment and, if you wish, money for gambling. Keep in mind that there are a lot of things to do in Las Vegas that don't involve gambling. You can take advantage of the other venues and save a lot of money by cutting gambling out entirely. If you do plan to gamble, make sure to set a specific amount of money aside. This way, once you reach that limit, win or lose, you know that it's time to stop gambling.

It used to be that hotels, restaurants and other venues in Vegas had very low prices because the tourism industry wanted people to come to the city to spend money in the casinos. And while it's true that things in Las Vegas aren't as cheap as they once were, you can still find some deals. Hotels often offer discounts if you plan your trip for the middle of the week. Make sure to compare prices using your favorite online travel service when you plan your travel dates. Las Vegas has at least one convention a month for various groups, and during these weeks the prices on hotels can go up.

To save even more money, look for hotel packages of two-day, three-day or week-long stays. If you buy a package for a specific number of nights, you'll often end up paying less. If you were just planning on staying one night, you might be better off staying two nights with a package deal. Because Vegas is such a popular tourist destination, you can find special promotions on Vegas hotels and packages almost any time of year. Of course, you'll want to leave plenty of time to shop around for the best package deals, and you'll want to book early to get the best prices.

If you're not married to staying on the strip, you may be able to save even more money by exploring the downtown hotels or weekly motels. These locations are frequented by budget travelers who want to save money on lodging. These hotels often have great package deals to attract more visitors and many offer shuttle service to the strip as well as to the downtown area of Vegas.

Even if you don't gamble, the casinos can provide some memorable dining experiences. Before you leave for your trip, buy a budget guide to Las Vegas travel and check out the dining section. This book will give you a good overview of your many options on and off the strip. Weekday buffets at casinos can be a good way to get large meals. Most casinos offer buffets and some even serve breakfast. If you don't want to go the buffet route, your cheapest options will be the sandwich shops and inexpensive diners in town.

If you plan on seeing a show, you can save money by planning ahead and getting your tickets early. This way, you'll be able to get great seats to see the entertainment that you want without paying a high price. Refer to your budget Vegas travel guide for more help on picking a show within your budget.