When you arrive in the city, go directly to the information center run by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. Collect all the free magazines and brochures you can comfortably carry. Inside are coupons for special offers and money off shows and dinners, etc. Time your trip to save money. Hotel rates change from day to day, based on supply and demand. They’re most expensive on weekends, holidays, and during big conventions and important events. The less restricted your travel dates, the more money you can save: a room that costs $200 a night on a busy May weekend can go for $50 in November. Airfares are usually lower during the winter months, too.
Car-rental rates change even more rapidly – sometimes hourly. Since rental reservations don’t require a credit-card guarantee, lock in a reservation when you’re quoted a good price. You can always cancel it later if you find a better deal. Then, eat your big meal of the day at noon. Lunch buffets usually cost a few dollars less than those offered at night, with virtually the same food served at both. If you’re an early bird or a night owl, you’ll save money on food: several casinos – notably those downtown and in outlying areas – offer low-cost meals between 11pm and 6 or 7am. These also work well for visitors affected by jet lag.
If you want to save money shopping, take one of the Strip buses to Vacation Village at the south end of the line. Transfer to the free shuttle that goes to Belz Factory Outlet World. The bus will cost a couple of dollars each way.