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Las Vegas on a Budget - More Money-Saving Tips for Las Vegas Budget Travel

By , About.com Guide

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Las Vegas, Nev.Mark Kahler, licensed to About.com

  • Get a Las Vegas Explorer PassThis is a card you buy prior to your trip and then activate on first use. You can choose from a Grand Canyon Tour plus two "wild card" choices from a list of 22 attractions, shows and tours ($149) or an Ultimate Variety Show pass good for that show plus two wild card options ($109). Make your Vegas plans before you consider a Las Vegas Explorer Pass purchase, to determine if the investment will save you money on admissions.

  • Allow extra time at McCarran Airport. This airport is convenient to major attractions, so many assume they've got plenty of time to get there and get on the plane when in fact they do not. Lines can be long, so plan accordingly. Missed flights are expensive.

  • One of Las Vegas' best shows is free. The stunning Bellagio fountain show has been featured in motion pictures and travel brochures. It's not exactly a secret, but it's something you have to plan to do. Just be there in the evening, and you're not more than 15 minutes from the spectacular water and light show.

  • Take a walk through the Venetian. Much money and effort has been lavished on the Venetian, which has been constructed to look like Venice, complete with a small St. Mark's Square and Grand Canal. Budget travelers will find the shops quite expensive, but window shopping is free. It's a nice air-conditioned adventure on a hot summer day.

  • Look for a Coupon Kiosk in your hotel lobby. This isn't the usual array of touristy brochures you see in many hotels. It's a collection of discount coupons for various attractions and shows. Don't be afraid to ask the desk clerk or concierge about discounts. Some of the coupons are useless, but you're likely to find a few that are worthwhile.

  • Use Las Vegas as a departure point or base for exploring the region. Many people never book a flight to Las Vegas because they don't gamble. There is much to see in the surrounding region. Interesting places such as the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Zion National Park are within one day's drive of Las Vegas. Given the reasonable airfares that can be found, it's very practical to land, rent a car and leave town without ever feeding a single slot machine. Your next stop can be great golfing or hiking.

  • They call it Circus Circus for a reason. This older hotel might not wind up your Las Vegas address, but they do put on free circus-style entertainment. This is not for budget travelers who avoid crowds, but it is free entertainment.

  • Take note of other free attractions. Some of them are more astounding than others, but all of them will make you smile and if they aren't too far out of your way, could make for an interesting diversion. Check out links to free attractions at Vegas4locals.com.
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