In Las Vegas, a hotel isn't just a hotel and a night isn't just a night. Everything is an experience in this hot-bed city. Filled with shows, mass amounts of quirky entertainment, and freebies galore, this is the place to be if you want to see it all. From the Big Apple to the Roman Empire and back again, Las Vegas is a package deal. There are things in the city for the high-roller and those that want to experience Las Vegas on a budget. Whether you've been to this glamour-drenched city of lights before or not, you're bound to find something new and exciting to tempt your pallet. So take a weekend off, pack your bags, and head to West!
The first thing most people do when planning any vacation is book a flight. With today's sky-rocketing fuel prices, it can be tough to find good travel deals, and saving money on the "little things" is a must when looking for Las Vegas vacation packages. To top that off, most people scarcely know where to look. Here are some ways that travelers can save money on flights to Las Vegas:
- First, the flight plan: To book the best Las Vegas trip this summer, or any season for that matter, try online ticket sites. Often more accessible for most people than brick-and-mortar travel agencies, these can offer some of the best vacation deals world-wide. Not only do they have affordable tickets, but they also offer the ability to book cheap flight and hotel packages. You can have what you need with just a few clicks of a keyboard.
- Also, watch for flight deals directly from the airlines. They come and go at random, and you have to have the patience of a saint and the eyes of an eagle to find some of them, but it's well worth the wait.
Once you find the hot Las Vegas deal of your choice, there's no shortage of things to do upon arrival. Just follow the lights, baby:
- Casinos: This is, of course, what Las Vegas is famous for. There are slots, card games--like blackjack, Texas hold 'em, and baccarat--as well as "guess-the-amount-of" games, similar to what you'd find in an amusement park. If you've saved a good sum on your flight and accommodations, then you should have plenty of money to burn and, if you're lucky, money you can win with. Just try to make sure that you're not betting your kid's college fund or next month's rent!
- Shows: From the Blue Man Group to Celine Dion, there are plenty of exciting shows to catch on your stay. The venues change when they change, so you have to know what's up to keep up. Make sure to check with your hotel for updates.
- If gambling and shows aren't your thing: Las Vegas tries to be all things to everyone--so if you're not a gambler, maybe you're a shopper! Plenty of stores spice up the strip and are also easily accessible by bridges from some of the hotels. You can have your pick between New York and Paris and much more. Open almost as late as the casinos themselves, they offer a fun and sometimes inexpensive romp. Here's a list of malls to see: The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace, The Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian Resort, The Boulevard Mall, and The Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas strip.
And that's just for starters! To get down to the nitty-gritty of Las Vegas, there are specific hotels that offer a specific style. Depending on what you're looking for, you can try these on for size:
- The Bellagio: A "romantic getaway" type of hotel, this place is filled to the brim with pizazz and opulence. While pricy, it's worth it as the Bellagio is reminiscent of a beautiful village in Italy, with man-made lakes and classic building structures. A must-see. Even if you can't afford a room here, take a gander at the casino.
- The MGM Grand: True to it's name, the MGM is Grand. Listed as the "world's largest hotel" it is a movie-lover's dream. Adorned on the casino walls are pictures of the early movie greats, and the casino itself is over 170,000 square feet. It also features 16 restaurants and a lion habitat. A great place to see concerts and sports events, the MGM Grand is another must-see hotel in Las Vegas.
- Caesar's Palace: This "Ancient Rome" styled hotel features a Colosseum and Cleopatra look-alikes to boot. It has two casinos with over 2,000 slots as well as table games and many dining facilities. Listed as a casino "fit for an emperor".
- The Boardwalk Hotel: This is a small but cheeky place that features a 24/7 buffet called "The Surf Buffet." It has 654 rooms and a casino that's great for the first-timer and those looking to save their money. From penny slots to $3 card games, this place is tried and true for those on a budget.
Did you think that was all? Not even close. If you're short on funds, there are great free things you can do for entertainment. Some are outside of the Las Vegas strip but they're close enough to be well worth the journey:
- Azure Mermaid Show: Features a giant aquarium and mermaid show. Silverton Lodge.
- "Bugsy" Segal Memorial: The recognized inventor of Las Vegas as an entertainment epicenter. The Flamingo Hotel.
- Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden: World renowned chocolate factory and botanical cactus garden. Free samples available. Located at Sunset and Mountain Vista.
Las Vegas is overflowing with places to go and things to see, the list just goes on and on and on! Check with your hotel for updates.
Las Vegas Quick Tidbits:
- Built by: Well-known gangster Bugsy Segal.
- Population: Over 400,000.
- Name: "The meadows" in Spanish.
- The Grand Canyon: 300 miles from Las Vegas.
- There are freebies everywhere in Las Vegas, so keep your eyes peeled.
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