5 ways to save money on Spring Break in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a popular spring break destination for couples, families and groups of friends. In fact, Sin City is predicted to be one of the top vacation spots for spring this year, reports the Los Angeles Times. Due to its warm weather, variety of activities and endless entertainment options, it’s easy to see why.

Between the endless amounts of alcohol and unlimited gambling, it can be hard to stay within your budget during your trip. When traveling to the city, it’s important to be prepared so you don’t come back scrambling to pay your upcoming rent. Luckily, there are many ways you can save money in Las Vegas without sacrificing fun.

5 Tips to Save Money During Spring Break in Las Vegas

1. Book the Cheapest Room on the Strip

In Las Vegas, location is everything. Whether you’re traveling with your family or your wild, hard-partying friends, you’re going to want to be close to the best attractions the city has to offer: the jaw-dropping shows, world-class shopping and extravagant casinos. With all there is to do in Las Vegas, the only thing you’ll be doing in the hotel room is sleeping. Save hundreds of dollars by booking the cheapest room you can find in a great location near or on the Strip. (Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, we recommend Circus Circus for an affordable, family-friendly hotel.)

2. Drink for Free

Drinks in Las Vegas can run $15 and up, which we all know adds up fast. Instead of drinking at high-end clubs and running up an expensive bar tab, drink while gambling. While gambling in many of the casinos, drinks are free (but don’t forget to tip!), and the cocktail waitresses come around often. Don’t put your money in expensive machines, though. Instead, play penny slots and play slowly—this can make your money last and save you from paying for overpriced drinks at the clubs.

3. Drive Instead of Fly

Consider driving instead of flying if you’re within six hours of the Strip. The national average gas price is $2.44 per gallon as of March 10, down more than $1 from last year’s prices. Airfare prices remain the same despite the airlines spending less in fuel, so unless you can find a steal of a deal on flights, you’re better off driving.

4. Entertain Yourself for Free

Tickets to shows can cost $200 a piece easily, club entrance fees range from $20 to hundreds of dollars, and rides and attractions can cost upwards of $50 for a group. Who says you need to spend a lot of money in Las Vegas to have fun, though? There are dozens of free forms of entertainment throughout the city, including the fountains at the Bellagio, the free circus show at Circus Circus, the CityCenter Fine Art Collection, the Pinball Hall of Fame, the Bellagio Conservatory, the Fremont Street Experience, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and more.

5. Use Cash

It’s hard to overspend in Las Vegas if you bring a set amount of cash with you instead of carrying credit cards. Determine your budget, then withdraw that amount in cash before you depart for your trip. Las Vegas can be as expensive or inexpensive as you make it, so decide beforehand exactly how much you can afford to spend, and don’t go over your budget.

Budgeting, coupled with finding deals and partaking in free entertainment, is by far the best way to save money in Las Vegas during spring break.