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Budgeting for Your Las Vegas Trip |
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Most college students that I know buckle down and study hard and when it is time to have some fun, they want things that they can afford and have the best time possible. Las Vegas can accomodate you but you have to plan for it and be smart. Here are some tips to help you enjoy yourself.
Clubs and pools
Clubs and pools are the best places to hang out for a great time. But watch out for those high drink prices. Tao is both a pool and nightclub scene combined, so we recommend this as stop number one.
Gambling
- This fun activity won't likely be within your budget, so if you want to give it a try, limit yourself to maybe $20 per day. This money can go way too fast if you let it.
Take out only the money you plan to spend that day, nothing more and do not go back to the ATM.
Nightclubs
- This is what you must do while in Las Vegas, but it can get extremely expensive as some locations require you to purchase bottle service. Look for those with special VIP passes in the Casinos only. Those on the strip may or may not be honest. See our Clubs page for more specific information Budget: Not listed here because it varies greatly.
Transportation
Planning for getting to and from is often ignored when budgeting. If you take a cab from the airport, plan on $20 each way/$30 for Fremont Street/Off Strip. Plan on taking a taxi somewhere during your trip while your feet beg forgiveness. Add a few extra trips here and there and perhaps the Monorail. Budget: $80 per trip unless you drive to Vegas where you have to add gasoline costs to the mix
Food
Now this can be tricky. In the old days you were pushed into casinos with lucrative deals on food such as $1.99 full breakfast. Those days are gone (I know right!). You can still find coupons and your first stop is in the cab. They all have free coupon books, it doesn't hurt to take a look for 2 for 1 deals. Here is where it gets tough, your budget determines how much you will spend here. If you stay off strip or have a car, you can find some really sweet deals for breakfast/lunch and then find fast food for dinner. There is some good news, there is a trend for more fast food such as McDonal's, Burger King, etc. and many are prevalent all over the Strip. Budget per day $30
Gifts and Souvenirs
There are a lot of gift shops throughout Vegas so bring something home to show others how much fun you had. You can probably get by with around $20 if you are careful.
Tips
Every one of those "free drinks" you get while gambling requires that you help those poor staff members out with a $1 tip. You can tip with casino chips as well, but at least give a dollar. For most endeavors 15% is standard, but here are some useful ideas. Taxis - round to nearest dollar. If $16.55, give $19-$20. Drinks - $1.00 per drink. Restaurants - 15% unless service is outstanding, then go to 20%. Budget: $25 for 2 days
Hotel Rooms
For this expense, you really need to buddy up with others if you can. For $30 you can get a decent room at the Imperial Palace and if four of you split two queen beds, you can get by on $7.50 each. Now that will work. Just make sure everyone knows do not take any food or drink out of the room refrigerators.
Drinking
Okay, we all know you plan to drink so why not be honest. The best thing for you to do is hit one of the shops on the strip such as Walgreen's or the many other establishments (7-11). Pick yourself up the amount you need to get just the right buzz and prepare before you go out. But don't get so plastered that you can't take control of the situation. It is more fun to get just the right amount in you and then hit the clubs or pools, but don't swim if you are drinking. Dress nicely for the nicer clubs and you may get free passes. Just look for people walking around in suits with a stack of cards in their hand. Ladies almost always get in just about anywhere for free but you have to dress up to get recognized and approached. If you go near the club entrance around 7pm, you will find the coupons. Don't wait until 9-11 pm or you will be too late. Get the tickets, and then go eat or something until later.
Total Trip Cost
Okay so for a weekend trip we are up to $200 total if you go with more than one person. The more you bring, the more you can eat sensibly and/or buy more alcohol, stay at a better hotel, etc. If you only have $200, you can do it, but you have to be careful.
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