Here at Generation X Finance, I’m typically the one dispensing advice, but this time, I’m asking you. During the last week of October, my wife and I will be heading to Vegas for about 4 or 5 days. For her, this is her first time out there, and while I’ve been there before, the last time I was there, I was about 16 years old. Obviously, a lot has changed, and while I was there, I couldn’t even enjoy many of the Vegas attractions.
So, we need advice on how to make the most of our time there without breaking the bank. What is a must see, and what should be avoided? Is there a way to save on shows, get free meals, or otherwise make out like a bandit?
Where We Can and Can’t Save
That being said, there are a few areas where additional savings won’t be possible. First, is airfare. I’m attending a conference on Saturday morning, yet I have to work here at the office for a mandatory event until 5 pm on Friday. That means our flight window for flying out of our regional airport narrows us down to only 2 possible flights. Because of this, we will miss out on getting a low price on a budget airline or anything, so saving money on that airfare is out of the question.
The second area is the hotel. Since I’m primarily headed there to attend a conference, we are getting a pretty good group rate at the Mirage, which is right where the conference will be located. I’m sure we could head down the strip and find a little better deal, but for the rate, the qualify of the resort, and the convenience of being right there, it probably isn’t worth the savings.
So, beyond that, how can we have a good time without breaking the bank? And also, what else is there to do there besides stuff yourself with buffets and gamble your money away? I’m sure that will get old after just a couple nights.
We’ve budgeted about $2,500 for the trip. Airfare and the hotel related expenses will eat up around $1,400, leaving roughly $1,100 for food, entertainment, and gambling.
Share Your Thoughts
So, have you been to Vegas recently? Have any tips on how to save big money? Any hot spots that you just have to see while you’re there, or have any bad experiences to report? I’m pretty clueless when it comes to Vegas, so any helpful advice would be great.
Author: Jeremy Vohwinkle
My name is Jeremy Vohwinkle, and I’ve spent a number of years working in the finance industry providing financial advice to regular investors and those participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
