7 Tips to Go Big in Vegas for Under $100 per Person

Today, a guest post –

You can spend a lot of money in Vegas. Even if you’re not gambling, the amount of cash you can shell out on shows, dining, and night life can add up fast. What you might not realize, however, is that you can still go big in Vegas without having to take out a loan against your 401(k).
In fact, if you’re smart about it, you can go big in Vegas for a day or two for less than $100 per person.

Some rights reserved by Moyan_Brenn

Here are some tips for your Vegas vacation that will keep you from breaking the bank:

1. Limit the length of your stay. If you’re going to go big in Vegas for under $100, you’re going to have to do it fast. $100 or so can get you through a single day and night if you’re smart and get all of the best deals, but not much more than that. Of course, if you’ve got a bigger budget, you can stay a bit longer. Applying these tips will let you do Vegas for around $100 a day. In some cases, a longer stay can actually get you a bigger discount on your lodging, too.
2. Consider a timeshare presentation. Many of the hotels in Vegas – as well as other companies – have time share properties that they’re interested in getting you to purchase. In many cases, you can stay several nights free. The only requirement is that you listen to a timeshare pitch. Be careful here; some timeshare companies are known for their less-than-honest practices. For example, what’s supposed to be a one-hour pitch might take the majority of a day. In some cases, the timeshare company may limit the time you stay based on whether or not you make a purchase. Read all of the fine print if you’re going to go this route.
3. Take in free or inexpensive shows. Vegas is known for giving things away. There are many free lounge shows, for example, that will only cost you a small cover charge or the cost of a single drink. Carnival Court at Harrah’s offers you the opportunity to listen to live music all day long. The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian features “Living Statues,” which can be a fun time as well. Just be sure to tip the statue a buck or two.
4. Check into inexpensive buffets for meals. The Circus Buffet at Circus Circus is one of the best deals in town. Some of the casinos also feature budget buffets. The Garden Court Buffet, which you’ll find at Main Street Station, is also relatively inexpensive.
5. Take the kids to some free shows. Vegas is about families, and is offering more and more for families to do without breaking the bank. For example, Circus Circus features a Midway Circus Act that’s free and that the kids are sure to love. At Ceasars, you’ll find free fountain shows as well as an acquarium. There are a number of other free attractions that vary from season to season and from time to time, too.
6. Limit your time at the casinos, and choose your casino wisely. The casinos are the place in Vegas where the most cash is lost. If you’re going to spend some time at a casino, choose your budget ahead of time. Don’t go into the casino with more money than you’re willing to lose. Set a ceiling, as well; if you win a certain amount (two or three times what you started with is always good) cash out and go enjoy another cheap or free attraction.
7. Choose where you make your purchases wisely. Ordering room service is much more expensive than a coffee shop. Soft drinks at restaurants can cost $4 for a glass, so consider tap water. If you need gas, don’t get it on the strip or you’ll pay as much as 20% more than you will outside of the strip. Don’t make purchases in the hotel gift shop. If you need some aspirin, hit one of the pharmacies on the strip instead.

Your Vegas vacation doesn’t have to cost more than your car. You can have a blast in Vegas, and enjoy some of the most iconic experiences that the city has to offer, without breaking the bank. Follow these tips closely and you’ll find that you can go big on your trip without dropping more than $100 per person per day.

Dave Johnson is Social Media Coordinator at The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas. The Palms offers luxurious hotel rooms and suites and a multitude of casino gaming options.