Boujee Budget Travel

March 24, 2024: So… the bestie and I decided fairly last minute (about a week prior) that we needed to take a trip to Vegas to have some quality time and legit fun after some life troubles. Even though we had to ball on a budget, we knew that Vegas could be done on the cheap. Here’s how it went down…

First of all, we drove. Not ideal for a quick weekend getaway, but far cheaper than flying last minute. We considered a cheap flight on Spirit but we were nervous about the airline so opted for driving. Long drive for us (8ish hrs each way) but not unbearable. I’d say this was our second biggest expense at an estimated $220 round trip.

The biggest expense by far was hotel accommodations. Stayed one night free at New York New York using a comp from the MyVegas app, just had to pay the resort fee. Paid for the following two nights at Flamingo (got a strip view too!). Had renovated rooms at both locations so they were very decent for being “lower end” hotels on the strip. Since we drove, we also had to pay for parking at both hotels (boo). The total for all hotel costs was about $640- about $80 in parking fees and the rest consisting of nightly rates and resort fees. Could have definitely paid less than this if we had gone during the week (Sun-Thurs is always significantly cheaper) or if we’d been able to plan ahead. But considering it was very last minute and during March Madness, I think we did ok here.

For the rest of the expenses- food, drink, clubs/entertainment- we spent almost nothing! Since we drove, we brought a cooler with coffee, milk, dranks, premade French Toast & bacon, and mixers. We also brought cereal, instant pho, fruit, and other snacks. Most stuff we had at home and bought maybe $50 worth of food to bring. The key here is to use luggage service at the hotel. It costs a tip (think $1-2 per item) but then everything gets to your room conveniently and now you’re comfy with snacks and beverages. The only meals we had outside of what we brought were at Pampas (gifted a Groupon so it only cost tip) and Yardhouse (where we used a free app coupon, so got a giant plate of nachos, a side of spicy edamame, and one soda for only $15 + tip!). We also only purchased drinks twice- one Fat Tuesday (totally worth the $15 as it lasts me alllll day. Bring your own cup to get refill prices) and one agua fresca for $9+ tip). Could totally add your own booze to the agua too for a delicious and refreshing cocktail. For clubs and entertainment, we got on guest lists for free entry and free open bar at both a day club and a night club. Promoters are all around the strip or it’s easy to find one on instagram ahead of time. Only paid tip for the drinks I got free at the bars. Other free entertainment included Carnival Court (bands and flair bartending) and the Piano Bar at Harrahs (stand outside to watch, if you go inside you must order a drink and they are very pricey and not very good). Walking around to people watch is also good fun when in Vegas and it only costs your energy. Probably under $100 for all of this!

Whew. That was a very quick summary of everything, but I think that’s gives a good gist of how Vegas can be done without breaking the bank, especially if you can be flexible with your dates and with a like pre planning.