Las Vegas on a budget might seem impossible, but I promise you, it doesn’t have to be. Remember that the key to successful budget travel is research and planning. Usually, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, including your wallet. But, if you are smart and plan ahead, you can really have an amazing, yet budget-friendly Vegas experience.
I am originally from Las Vegas, and no matter where I go, I still call it home. Luckily for you, Las Vegas was my stomping grounds. As a fellow broke girl, I can tell you everything you need to know about doing Las Vegas on a budget!
– This post does not have affiliate links. All photos are my own –
Group Up
This one is more obvious, but if you go in a group (anything more than two people in my opinion), you can really save some money. Split food, alcohol, rooms, Ubers, and other costs that normally would be more if you were on your own. Everyone will be able to save money, and you will have a great time!
Travel Tips
Vegas is pretty close if you live in a neighboring state, so you can definitely drive. This may be a more economical choice if it isn’t a far drive and you can split the costs with the rest of your group.
Finding flights to Las Vegas is fairly easy. Make sure to book in advance to ensure the best prices and availability, especially if your trip is during a busy season, like summer. Many airlines offering direct and connecting flights to McCarran International Airport, which is the city’s main airport right next to the downtown areas.
Several online travel agencies and booking websites, like Expedia, Kayak, and Travelocity to name a few, offer a wide range of options for flights to Las Vegas, allowing you to compare prices and choose your itinerary. Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters and alerts can provide exclusive discounts and deals on flights to Las Vegas.
Try to schedule your trip during times when flights are less in demand. Luckily, flights to Vegas can be cheap and plentiful. I love looking for flights on Tuesdays for the best chance of lower price. And, don’t forget to take your luggage into account with some of the budget airlines, like Allegiant or Frontier.
Rooms
Share your rooms and seek out the very best prices ahead of time. Trust me, during the summer season especially, prices can be excessive. Compare and contrast your options and see if hotels are running any specials.
Airbnb is another great place to look because they have some nice options that are basically hotel rooms. The prices are usually less than a regular hotel, and you don’t sacrifice much at all. I stayed in one last summer, and it was great! The experience was almost the same as booking a regular room. I’m pretty sure it was a timeshare, but we only had it for a few days. The hotel was right at the heart of the Strip, and had all the amenities you could want.
Another tip is to stay where you will spend the most time. Finding somewhere that isn’t too out of the way will make it easier to get around on foot without spending too much on transportation.
Get Into the Clubs – For Free
I love clubbing because the environment is always extremely fun and full of energy, and I love dancing. As someone who does not let her personality out much at school or work, I love being able to have a fun night with my friends. But, Vegas clubs can be veryyy expensive if you don’t know how to do it right.
If you’re paying top dollar for the club, it better be because you are buying a table! Clubs want to fill the place as much as they can, so they hire promoters to fill the general guest list and the table list. Clubs want as many people to buy expensive tables and have the full club experience – and a full club will make them spend more money at those expensive tables.
Vegas has TONS of beautiful venues, and they all run events and promotions depending on the season, day, night, or other things going on in town. Sometimes, you can even find special events with free open bars (sometimes it is for just girls). Depending on the season or day of the week, you will find that different days give different experiences.
My favorites have been XS and Encore Beach Club at the Wynn and Hakasaan at the MGM Grand.
It is definitely easier if you are a woman, but you should never be paying big money for the clubs.
As a woman specifically, you should never be paying for the club. Promoters will advertise their guest list promotions usually a week or so in advance, usually on Instagram. Sometimes, the special for the night is women enter on the guest list free, and other times, men can get in free or at a really discounted rate ($20 or so). Everything depends on the venue, the artist performing that night, how many people bought expensive tables, and other factors.
To find a promoter on Instagram, I usually search up some key words like “promoter Vegas.” From there, you will find tons of promoter accounts. A promoter will usually work for one or two clubs and will have their contact information on their page. Make sure to look for whether you need to contact them through direct message or text, and contact them at least the day/night before you want to go, or even earlier. Usually, you will message them how many women/men you have in your party and which club you want to go to. Then, they will send you instructions from there.
Clubs can be fun and exciting, but they can come with consequences if aren’t safe with it. Make sure you are always keeping yourself safe, go with a group of people you can trust, and look out for each other.
BYOB – Bring Your Own Booze
In Vegas, except for maybe the casino floor, nothing is more expensive than the alcohol. Especially if like to go to bars and clubs, the tab can really add up after just two drinks. Pregaming and planning ahead are essential if you like to enjoy alcohol.
Depending how far you want to go once you get to Vegas, there are tons of off-strip places to shop, like Walmart, Lee’s Discount Liquor, and Total Wine. Even on the Strip, there are still options for finding reasonably priced alcohol. Things will be marked up a little more, but you can stop by stores like ABC Stores or other small shops for all your alcohol needs.
Buying drinks at the bar if fun, but it can hurt your wallet FAST. It is a good idea to plan accordingly to avoid overspending on alcohol.
Transportation
Vegas is walkable if you want it to be. In the 115 degree heat of the summer, maybe not so much. If you are not used to it, be careful, especially if you are drinking. Luckily, things are pretty close depending where you are, and if you dip into the casinos, you can escape the heat easily. Finding a hotel in an area you plan to stay in is helpful.
Split the cost of Ubers with your group, or take the trams available around the Strip areas!
Another popular option is to take advantage of the bus network operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). The bus service in downtown Las Vegas is affordable, reliable, and has multiple routes that can take you to different areas of the city.
Hit the Hotel Pools During the Summer
I used to lifeguard at a major hotel pool, and the summer season was always the most fun. It was certainly a unique experience that offers a front-row view of all the fun that the pools have to offer.
As a guest, you get access to the pools when they are open. This is a great way to spend your time in Vegas without breaking the bank! The hotel pools in Las Vegas are usually well-maintained and have a range of amenities, from swim-up bars to lazy rivers, making them perfect for spending long days lounging in the sun.
However, it is essential to remember that Las Vegas summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly, and hang out in the shade whenever available to avoid heat exhaustion or sunburn, especially with alcohol in your system.
Overall, spending time at a hotel pool is a great way to relax, unwind and have fun while enjoying Las Vegas on a budget.
Check Out the Free Attractions
Vegas is filled with ways to spend money, but it is also filled with free attractions, depending on where you are. Here are some of my favorites:
- Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- The classic Welcome to Las Vegas sign
- The Fremont Street Experience
- The Bellagio Fountains
- The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes
- The Coca-Cola Store
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Art at the Aria
Las Vegas On a Budget is Possible
Traveling to Las Vegas on a budget is absolutely possible with a little bit of effort, planning, and creativity. By choosing affordable accommodations and taking advantage of free attractions, you can enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer without breaking the piggy bank. With a little bit of flexibility and willingness to explore off the beaten path, Vegas can be an experience you will do again. So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting destination that won’t hurt your wallet, Las Vegas is an option worth considering!
