We weren’t even officially dating before we took our first trip together. We decided to go on vacation to Vegas, so Viva Las Vegas we went, baby. We made it “official” if you will, while there! It soon became our favourite spot!
(Mind you, I was his boss at work and we had to keep this under wraps). Anyways, that’s a story for another time!
Now, James had been to Las Vegas before. But me, I hadn’t. It was that trip where maybe I fell in love with James, I didn’t know yet, what I did know was I definitely fell in love with Las Vegas. We now have been to Vegas a handful of times and by a handful of times, I mean 11! 11 times in 7 years, and not once during the 2 years we couldn't travel because of the pandemic, that's a lot of Vegas trips! So many people ask us why, and even how we get to go to Vegas so often. The simple answer is because we love it!
Here we'll give you guys some tips and tricks on doing Vegas, mainly on a budget.
Is it your first time going to Vegas, this is what you should know! Tip one: Sign up for a Players card: Yes, this a little annoying to sign up for and takes time out of your busy vacation day, but it will help so much! Listen, this will get you rewards on things you can use on your next trip. Comped rooms, free play and even dinner credits you can use at restaurants associated with that player card. Lots of these have first time sign up bonuses or promos, so you’ll likely get a restaurant promo or even $20.00 free play! And even if you don’t gamble much, that 20 bucks you throw in that glittery slot machine should be noted on your player cards! Our rewards cards are our best friends! We rarely pay for a room and our flight offers are great!
Tip two: Groupon is your friend
See what there is on Groupon before you go. We always get one for a 2 for 1 yard tequila drink at Tacos and 'Ritas! There is loads of stuff on there for every interest, from IV therapy for your hangovers to ATV'ing in the wild on the weekends.
Tip three: The strip isn’t all that Vegas has to offer Las Vegas is a huge city! There is literally so much to do there and its close surroundings areas. Go to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains or go up to Red Rock Canyon and go hiking! Go to cool restaurants off the strip such as Herbs and Rye.
Tip four: You don’t NEED to gamble while you’re there
You don’t need to gamble even a penny if you don’t want to. There is seriously so many things to do, like tip three, get off the strip or do fun things on the strip that include a pool party at day clubs or lounge around at your own hotel pool. Head to downtown, the old Vegas and go zip lining or simply just walk the strip and people watch! Head down to the neon museum or check out the Pinball Hall of Fame.
So many free things to do in Vegas, there's a ton!
Tip five: Shopping/outlets
Didn’t win a big jackpot, and can’t afford the prices of the luxury brands in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace? Well the Outlets are a quick ride away. You can find major brands with major savings! We usually make a stop at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets! Our faves are the Nike store and Lululemon.
Tip six: Transportation
The Las Vegas strip is deceptive, you think everything is close, but it is absolutely not, you can easily rack up 23k steps in an afternoon. My best advice is wear comfy shoes. If you opted for not-so-comfy shoes, there are cute little vending machines that have flats for purchase, however they can be pricey $$$$$!!!
The Deuce is a great option. It’s cheap, but can be busy, the route on the strip is probably the most popular route in the city. The Deuce is 24-hour a day and runs approximately every 12 to 15 minutes. You can get different passes for your trip, a 2hr pass for $6.00, a 24hr pass for $8.00 or even a three day pass for $20.00. Ride share is fairly straightforward and easy, you just download an app and follow the simple instructions. Only somewhat difficult part is navigating your way around the hotel to get to their designated pick-up location. We usually price match with both major apps, and Lyft is almost always cheaper! One thing I wouldn't do is get a taxi, some will try to hustle you! The stories I've heard are awful.
Other notable tips
When you're at your hotel, usually the bars, restaurants, or at the pool, think about charging your purchase to your room. You’re usually paying with your credit card anyways, so just charge it to your room. When checking out, go talk to a host on duty and ask if they can do anything for you! You’ll be surprised on what they can save for you! Recently we’ve been saving on resort fees, and a few meals.
Food wise you can always find cheap food deals, Ocean One at the Miracle Mile shops have food and drink deals or look for deals on Groupon. If you don’t live on the west coast, I would seriously think of stopping at In-n-Out. I’m a vegetarian and always get at least 2 grilled cheeses and animal fries while we’re there!
If you’re coming for your birthday, check your favourite websites, there are tons of freebies during your birthday month or birthday week. Beware of Starbucks though, lots of Starbucks on the strip don’t have the free birthday drink. I learned this the hard way!
Please do not touch the mini fridge food or drinks in your hotel room unless you want to pay big bucks!!! Instead go to Walgreens or CVS to get water and snacks!
Like to drink but don’t want pay the casino prices, again buy your booze at Walmart, Target or CVS. You can also think about buying little Styrofoam cooler boxes to keep in your room! If you’re lucky, when people are checking out they leave their unopened booze by the ice machines, and this may be common sense but please make sure it’s unopened before you consume!
If you like to sip Baileys, you must go to O’Sheas and get their frozen Baileys drink, it is seriously so good!!
Be mindful of surroundings at all times, pick-pocketing is real, especially on the crowded, busy strip. There are crazy stories out there on being pick-pocketed. These people are professionals and do this all day long. Also along the lines of untrustworthy people, be aware of Escorts and prostitutes.
Be aware of the showgirls and the half-naked men on the strip that want to take pictures. They will tell you it’s free but then they will want you to tip, 20 bucks each!! So unless you are willing to pay at least 40 bucks with these peeps, stay clear!
These few tips is what we swear by and keep us coming back for more! Let us know if you use any of these tips and tricks! Do you have a tip or trick you always use while you're in Las Vegas? Head over to our Instagram @the.knight.life_ and let us know!!
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Great tips and advice 😎👍