DAY:3

More  Vegas  freebies

  Vegas  offers plenty more affordable  activities.  There are the fountain shows at the Bellagio Hotel and Caesars Palace, the brilliant  lights and booming sounds of the  Fremont Street Experience, the Sirens of Treasure island  pirate  battles, and the volcano at the Mirage Hotel. While at the Mirage, the white tigers are also always good for a gawk,  as well as the wildlife habitats  at The Flamingo and at the MGM Grand Hotel. Here are some other frugal  ways to spend a day: 

Hit the clubs  on an  off day

   For example,  there  is usually no  cover charge at  the Voo Doo Lounge on Sunday  nights  since the place isn’t as “happening” as  it is on other days of the week. Some clubs also have restaurants where you can eat first,  then stay longer and not pay a cover charge. Just ask,  and you may receive.

 Golf outside the strip

  Don’t  even try to golf at the hotel-chain courses.  In most such instances,  you need to be a guest to play on the course. And even as a guest,  you’ll still need to dish out about $500  for 18 holes. And why do that when a short drive beyond the Strip will find you  quality courses for a fraction of the cost?

   Extra economical  tips

Use the concierge. The concierge is there to help.  He  can really assist you in finding the best deals for  tickets to shows,  nightclubs,  restaurants, and more. Remember to tip your concierge for his assistance.

 Ask a local

      Locals can suggest deals and attractions “ off the beaten path”, like  high-quality restaurants that are close to the Strip and  not too expensive. If you can charm some local ladies into partying with you, bringing them to certain places on certain nights can translate  into free drinks and cover charges.

Dress  sharp

  If you really have to ask why you should  put a bit of effort into your appearance, just check  out the herds of retirees in  their matching warm-up  suits. Try  to  be  comfortable  and look your  best  at  the same  time.  Sometimes the  illusion  of  wealth  can  make  others believe your  part  of the “in”    crowd,  and  you might get  away with  some special  treatment  at  clubs,  restaurants  and on the casino floor.  Since you’ll  be on your  feet  for extended periods,  break  in your new  shoes well  before the trip.

  Viva Las Vegas

 Remember! You could easily drop your life savings on a single game at just one casino,  but with a  little planning you can  have a great time  in Las Vegas and still  have open bank accounts  when you return to the real world. 

LAS VEGAS

 DAY:2

Get   around in Vegas 

  Once you’ve landed, you’ll want to move freely-or should we say, cheaply. You can save  bucks by renting an economy car from the off-airport and off-brand agencies, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of doing so beforehand. Parking is free in Vegas, but be prepared for tipping if you park at the casinos. Also, traffic on the Strip is typically heavy, so even simple drive can be a pain. So, if your hotel doesn’t offer a low-cost shuttle from the airport, try public transportation or let  a cab  take you. Just be sure to verify the rate before you roll, as this is a prime chance to get gouged. Be wary of quoted fares over &20, even to the Fremont area and off-Strip  hotels. You can also grab a limo for around  &35.

  Cheap Vegas food & drinks

  Las Vegas has no shortage of urban  legends, including tall like the &1.99 steak buffet. Think about it: Would you really trust a two-buck trough-o’-been?  Don’t be discouraged,  though. There are plenty  of ways to fill your stomach without draining your  wallet. A few buffets under &15 on the Strip include the New York Steak Buffet at the hotel and Casino, the Surf Buffet  at the boardwalk Hotel and Casino, or the Circus Buffet at Circus Circus. Here are a few more cheap eats:

  Breakfast chow

Breakfast specials under &2 are found at Café Siena, Cannery Casino Hotel, Ellis Island, and Texas Café. Stretch your breakfast budget to &5 and you can hit at least a dozen joints, including Barbary Coast, Boulder Station, the California Hotel and Casino, the Fiesta Casino and Hotel, the Las Vegas Club Hotel, the Marriott, Pink Pony Café, and Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.

 Cheap drinks

  But of course!  That’s another Vegas specialty. A lot of places have specials for the ladies, but we can get buzzed for less with a little effort. Even if you hit the cheap slots at casinos, you’re bound to score some free drinks. Just don’t expect stellar service, even if you tip well. After all, you’re at the nickel slots, Slick. Gilley’s lets you suck ‘em down to your liver’s content Thursdays after 9 p. m. for one flat price.

 Economical entertainment

 If you haven’t already guessed, there’s more  to Vegas than sitting at casinos, blowing your vacation  budget one game at a time.  Online and print attraction  guides and coupon books are prime sources for discounts on attraction. You can also score club and show tickets on websites like Craigslist and eBay, or on the street-just be careful you don’t buy fakes.

  If it’s free entertainment  you’re after, there’s no shortage of options.  Make it a point to hit the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and catch Pete Valley as” Big Elvis” (what’s Vegas without Elvis?). At the imperial,  head up to the fifth floor to the Auto Collection, featuring a constantly changing display of over 300rare and celeb-owned  cars.