Pssst! Wanna earn free stuff for Vegas?

I am a big fan of all things "free" in Vegas.

If you have a Facebook account and haven't signed up for the MyVegas games, you really should.  You can save up "coins" to redeem for actual Vegas goodies.  What could be better than that?

Go to apps.facebook.com/playmyvegas to sign up and start playing.  You  can earn coins in a few different ways, including adding Facebook friends as your MyVegas slot friends, giving each other gifts of "coins" every day, and by just playing the slot games for your own entertainment (but not for real money).

I was a little skeptical at first, until I saw a couple of my real-life Vegas friends easily redeem "coins" for actual Vegas experiences.  The redemption process is very straightforward, and there are many prizes to be had -   everything from a free glass of wine or an appetizer at MLife property restaurants and bars, to free show tickets and hotel rooms.  Playing PRETEND slots to get REAL hotel rooms for free in Vegas?  How much easier can it get?

All of the Las Vegas MLife properties are included in the MyVegas online world: Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, Monte Carlo, NY/NY and Circus Circus.  There are prizes for each of the hotels, and they change often.  You can view the rewards by hotel or "cost" to help you determine the number of "coins" you need to earn.

I am saving up my own "coins" to keep an eye out for some of the changing prizes and see what really piques my interest as I get closer to a trip.  Some of the more popular rewards sell out quickly, so you need to keep an eye out for the stuff you really want to make sure you can snap up an offer before it's gone.

Things like free meals, free shows, and free hotel rooms are always a big draw for me.  I usually stay at Caesars properties because that's where I gamble the most and get the most free offers in return, but if I can play an online game and get free things from other places, that's even better!

I have to go earn some more free stuff now...

Link to article: Airfare Expert: How to save on Las Vegas flights

A recently posted article in USA Today by "Airfare Expert" Rick Seany outlines some great ways to save on airfare to Las Vegas:
Expert opinions here


Of course, this advice could be used for ANY airfare purchase.  I know I do a lot of research before booking my flights to Vegas, and I did the same for each of our family's Disney World trips, too.  Mr. Seany's comment about Tuesdays being the cheapest day to fly to Vegas applies to Disney World and other destinations, as well; apparently people don't travel as much and the airlines are trying to get us on board...literally.


If I were to add anything to the article, I would say that, especially when booking with Southwest, book your departure and return flights separately so that you can re-book one (or both) of the flights if the prices happen to go down, which is likely to happen with Southwest because they are always changing prices.  Another benefit of Southwest: no re-booking fees, which is a HUGE benefit with all the other airline fees these days.  The only caveat is that you must use your flight within one year of the original purchase date, so if you re-book a flight or have to cancel for any reason, you have one year to use the flight before it expires.  I think that's a win-win situation.


Happy booking!

Link: Las Vegas birthday deals

If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate your birthday (or the birthday of a special someone), there's a great site you can check for birthday deals before you leave:
Happy birthday!

You can find some great freebies and money-saving deals to help you celebrate the special day. Savelv.com put them all together in an easy to navigate website, and wonderful Mr. Westie from LV4E found the site and shared it with his friends.

Be sure to take a look at the site before you leave for your trip so you can print out any coupons and complete your itinerary. The site is updated regularly, so the specials will not necessarily be the same from month-to-month or even day-to-day.

Either way, enjoy your trip!

Link to article: Saving a buck in Sin City

Vegas.com recently added a page to their blog titled "Saving a buck in Sin City". The page contains links to quite a few money-saving ideas for Las Vegas visitors, including Deals (dining and other stuff), Bargain Hunting, Free Attractions and a list of 20 Deals under $20. Here's the link to check out THEIR links:
Save $$$


Six weeks until my next Vegas trip!

Link: Las Vegas Advisor's 2010 Member Rewards Book

If you are ready to head to Vegas soon, you may want to consider purchasing a copy of the Las Vegas Advisor's 2010 Member Rewards Book.

Filled with over 130 deals in the forms of comps, discounts, 2-for-1 coupons and free gifts, you'll definitely get your money's worth.

Here is the link to the complete coupon listing on Las Vegas Advisor's website:
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/whyjoin-mrbdetails.cfm

Link to another fantastic trip report for the Westies!

The fantastic Mr. Westie of LV4E fame just completed another 2-week journey to the glittery world of Vegas with his wife, Ann. With his permission, here is a link to his latest trip report posted on LV4E: http://www.blonde4ever.yuku.com/topic/13093

Mr. Westie is one of my very favorite trip report writers for many reasons: he always includes hilarious commentary in his reports; he has a wonderful sense of making the most out of coupons, gift certificates and discounts; his rating system of all things consumed and enjoyed is entertaining and reliable; and he includes photos and links to every restaurant or entertainment venue he and his wife partake in.

He enjoys dining in out-of-the-way restaurants that tourists don't normally get to, and he backs up his dining experiences with lots of fantastic details and beautiful, close-up photos so you can see exactly what the dish looks like. I believe he's on a first-name basis with many of these restaurants' owners, which also helps him to get additional great deals and discounts for being a friend.

It's a very enjoyable read from beginning to end.

Blog link: 101 Reasons to Visit Las Vegas

Fellow blogger/list maker ANDREW recently added a great list to his collection: "101 Reasons to Visit Las Vegas" after his most recent Vegas trip. Great stuff there!

http://101reasonsto.com/2009/11/101-reasons-to-visit-las-vegas/

There are so many reasons visit Las Vegas at any time of the year, I'll have to think for a while on what I can add to his list that isn't already there.

Link: Prix Fixe menus in Las Vegas

Thanks to 2Westie for finding this link and sharing it on LV4E - I just couldn't resist linking it here, too!

Prix Fixe menus change from day-to-day and week-to-week, but I LOVE the fact that they are all listed here for ease of viewing:

http://www.vegashotelspecial.com/index.php/2009/11/03/las-vegas-restaurants-deals-dining-on-a-budget/

Deals and steals for a $1 or less

I've mentioned some of the free things to see and do in Vegas before, but what about the things you can get for a dollar or less? Here are some deals for a buck and under.

Please note: I have never been to either Slots O Fun or Circus Circus, and I really don't have any desire to ever visit them. That being said, I'm just posting the deals here, so try them at your own risk.

Drinks

$1 beer at Draft Bar in M Resort - This offer is only good during "happy hour", Sunday - Thursday, 4-7 p.m.

$1 margaritas at Bill's Gambling Hall and Saloon (formerly Barbary Coast) - A single note will get you a margarita blended or on the rocks. They're pretty strong, too.

$1 margaritas at Casino Royale - This special has been around for quite awhile. Don't expect them served in a real glass, but for the price they're pretty good and certainly hit the spot on a hot day.

$1 domestic beer at Casino Royale - Yes, you'll have to pay $1.50 for an import, but even that price can't be beat.

75-cent frozen margaritas at Slots O Fun - Many flavors to choose from, according to the website.

$1 Heineken beer at Slots O Fun - From what I've seen elsewhere, this is a pretty good price for a Heineken.

$1 beer at Sahara - The offer doesn't say if this price is for ALL beer or just the domestic varieties like Casino Royale. If anyone knows, I'll be glad to update this posting.

$1 shots at Sahara - Not only are the shots just a buck, but you get to keep the shot glass, too.

$1 beer at the Station Casinos - This offer is only during football season and ONLY during the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday football games. Still, if you like to hang out in a sports book to watch your favorite games, you could do worse.

$1 Miller Genuine Drafts at Silverton Casino - This offer is only available at the 24-hour casino bar.

$1 Budweiser and Bud Lights at Fiesta Henderson - This is an ongoing offer, with no start or end date posted.

$1 tequila shots or Miller Chill bottles at Mi Casa Grill - Located in the Silverton Casino, this offer is available only during "happy hour", Monday - Friday, from 4-7 p.m.

$1 beer at Gold Spike - This downtown casino was notorious for being dirty and dingy - and more than a little bit scary - but a recent remodel has the place showing in a new light...literally. If you're brave enough to go into the Spike, I say go for that beer! (If anyone does, I'd love to hear about it.)

Food

99-cent shrimp cocktail at Golden Gate - This offer has changed a little bit over the years, but it's still a great deal. In order to get the 99-cent version, you must first have a Golden Gate Player's Club card. Once you do, you can enjoy their spicy shrimp cocktails over and over again. There is a $2.99 version of the shrimp cocktail that also contains imitation crab in addition to the shrimp and spicy cocktail sauce in a slightly larger glass, but the classic original is still the best deal you can get.

$1 hot dogs at all Station Casinos - As with the $1 beer offers, this is only good during football season at ALL Station casinos while football games are being played on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

99-cent shrimp cocktail at Slots O Fun - Being as there is a fantastically delicious shrimp cocktail at Golden Gate casino downtown, I can't imagine even thinking about trying this version. I think I am hopelessly biased.

99-cent half-pound hot dogs at Slots O Fun - I have no idea what comes on this dog or what the quality is, so you're on your own here.

$1 hot dogs at Mermaids casino - This downtown establishment is more famous for their frozen drinks than hot dogs, but they're available for anyone who wants to give them a taste.

Gambling

50-cent roulette at Slots O Fun - This sounds like the best deal from this casino by far. You could make quite a few bets for just a little bit of cash.

$1 blackjack at Sahara - This deal is back by popular demand. It used to be that you could find $1 (and $2) blackjack everywhere in Vegas, but the takeovers by large corporations shut them out. The $1 blackjack games are near the NASCAR area.

$1 roulette at O'Shea's - O'Shea's Casino has had 50-cent and $1 roulette at their tables for quite a long time. Sometimes the tables are crowded and sometimes they're not, but you can be sure they'll be busy on long holiday weekends and during college tournaments.

$1 roulette at Golden Gate - You could take in a few spins of the wheel after you've had a couple of their 99-cent shrimp cocktails. A full afternoon under $20 could be possible!

Sites and Attractions

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort - Located at 500 E Washington Avenue in Las Vegas, the old fort charges only $1 admission every day. Displays change occasionally. Call (702) 486-3511 for days and hours of operation.

Booking flights and hotels - tips for finding deals

One of the questions I'm asked most frequently is how I find the best deals for my own personal Vegas trips. The answer is easy: I look early and I look often.

When I start planning my Vegas vacations, I first look at the dates I want to travel and see what makes the most sense for the trip I'm trying to plan. Once I've got the basic time frame down, I start looking at airfare and then my hotel offers (free and discounted) and then start to make my plan. But even at that point nothing's set in stone for me. Now that's a very basic and oblique answer for what I personally do when I plan a trip, but here are some tips and things to remember when you decide to start booking flights and hotels for your next Vegas vacation...or any vacation, for that matter.

Weekend airfare is higher than weekday airfare. If your travel dates are flexible, but you really want to spend a week in Vegas, think about planning your trip from Wednesday through the following Tuesday. Airlines generally discount their airfares on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - followed by smaller discounts for travel on Mondays - and heading out mid-week makes sense if you're trying to save money. You could easily save a couple hundred dollars each way (especially on Southwest, which I use exclusively because I love them so much).

Hotel rates are higher on weekends and holidays. Unless you're comped at your favorite hotel on a regular basis, you'll probably end up paying a higher rate for any weekend dates (Friday and Saturday nights) or holidays you're planning to enjoy. Why? Because a lot of travelers like to be in Vegas for the weekend or for a popular holiday, and the hotel owners know that. They know they'll get the customers they need to fill their rooms without having to offer them at a deep discount. Be sure to check out my post on hotel websites for discounts - you may find a steal!

Booking online for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and shows can save you money. Many sites offer discounts for booking online, booking by a certain date, or booking one of their "in house specials" for anniversaries or room and show discount packages. When it comes to room packages, you can find room deals with dining credits or spa treatments, or buy one, get one at X% off for shows by checking the hotel websites.

Look both ways if you don't get comped rooms. By this I mean look at booking your trip as a package deal through any of the airlines' websites, but then look again at booking each item separately; air, hotel, car rentals, and show tickets can all be found at discounted rates when you search online using individual sites, and you may save more money by booking each item separately rather than as a package deal. Compare the prices both ways before you make your purchase.

Be sure to print your confirmation information for each booking. If you're booking a package deal, you'll only have one confirmation sheet. If you book travel items separately, you'll have a separate confirmation number for each booking. You should keep them with you while you check in at the airline, pick up your rental car, and/or get to your hotel - and definitely make sure you keep your confirmation information for any show tickets you've reserved. In most cases, your show ticket confirmation IS your ticket, and without it you won't be getting in. Having a printed confirmation document will help the customer service representatives ensure you get what you've booked, and it'll be a lifesaver if your reservation is mysteriously "lost".

Start looking early, and don't be afraid to re-book if you can. If it's possible, start looking at airfare, hotel rates, and car rental rates as soon as you know what dates you'd like to travel. This way you can see what the pricing trends are and jump on a good deal quickly if you see the prices going up or down. In addition, if you travel with an airline that offers you a flight credit if you re-book your flight at a lower price, you'll be able to take advantage of the discount for a future trip (or give it a friend or family member to use).

Be sure to look at the fine print on any hotel reservations before you finalize them. Besides the cancellation or re-booking fees that may apply to your reservation, be sure you're aware of any additional fees that are automatically charged to your room, such as "resort fees" or "Internet fees" for certain hotels. But for me, the nicest thing about having comped rooms is that I can cancel my reservation within 72 hours of my trip without any penalties or charges to my credit card if I find a better offer somewhere else or if I have to cancel my plans (God forbid).

The two weeks before Thanksgiving, the week after Thanksgiving, and the two weeks before Christmas are the cheapest weeks for airfare AND for rooms in Las Vegas in general (although this doesn't apply to all Vegas hotels). Why? Because people are usually preparing for their own family celebrations, and they're probably not thinking about taking a trip to Vegas right before the holidays. Holiday airline travel peaks on the night before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and then again on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. Hotels have rooms available and are willing to let you have them for a portion of their usual price...except for New Year's Eve. Forget NYE unless you're comped somewhere if you expect to get a good deal on a Las Vegas room rate, because the rates can inflated to double their usual cost.

Happy hunting!

Las Vegas hotel deals websites

If you're ever looking for deals on specific Las Vegas hotel rooms, be sure to check here for offers that are available directly from the hotels' websites:

http://www.vegashotelspecial.com/

http://www.lasventions.com/specials/las-vegas-hotel-casinos/

The sites are updated frequently, and there are some pretty good offers that include several "buy 'X' nights, get 'X' nights free" offers.

Prix Fixe menus in Vegas: The Mirage

One of the newer trends in the Las Vegas food industry are "prix fixe", or "fixed price" menus at some of the upscale restaurants.

When I first heard of them, I thought there'd be no way I could afford to take advantage of any of the prix fixe menus because the restaurants that offered them were above my *allotted* Vegas daily dining budget. As a rule, I try to spend no more than $40-$50 a day on meals, including any comped meals I earn through my rewards points from the various slot clubs or any free meals I might get from casino e-mail offers. That's not a small amount by any means, but it's not a huge amount when you consider all the higher-end restaurants in Vegas, either.

Because I save money on my Vegas trips by booking only free or discounted rooms for each trip, fly only on Southwest at discounted prices, and allot myself 'X' amount of money to spend on entertainment and gambling each day, I have decided to start allowing myself a little more leeway on each trip to try new and exciting restaurants I wouldn't have tried before.

It's amazing to even consider the number of restaurants that have popped up in Vegas over the past few years, and especially on or near the Strip. Because of this, Las Vegas is no longer just a gambling destination, but a food-lover's dream come true. Some of the restaurants have started offering prix fixe meals as a possible way to get more people in the door and give them an affordable way to enjoy a delicious meal at a lower price than if they just ordered the same items - or something similar - directly off the menu.

The choices on prix fixe menus are ever-changing, and they typically include an appetizer, an entree', and a dessert selection for a set price beginning at $29.99. Most prix fixe menus give you two or three options for each selection, so you're not tied into one set menu if you don't like seafood or can't eat chocolate. The sizes are probably a bit smaller than the dinner offerings - more like a lunch-sized portion of food - so don't expect to see a huge pile of food on your plate. Also, the menu price does not include drinks, tax, or tip, so be careful to consider the full price of your meal and read the fine print before you commit to a meal.

Be aware that some restaurants may offer several different prix fixe menus in different price ranges; $29.99 is the most common, but they may also be as high as $59.99 or $79.99, depending on the restaurant. Be sure that you specifically ask for the $29.99 prix fixe menu and verify the price at the bottom of the special menu before you place your order.

The Mirage is one of the leaders in the Las Vegas prix fixe meal arena, and they currently have three restaurants with prix fixe menus listed on their website:

Fin (contemporary Chinese): http://www.mirage.com/restaurants/fin.aspx

Kokomo's (steak and seafood): http://www.mirage.com/restaurants/kokomos.aspx

Onda (Italian): http://www.mirage.com/restaurants/onda-ristorante.aspx

Stack (American Grill) previously offered a prix fixe menu, but they currently don't list one on the website. Fin was not listed before, so they may have replaced Stack in the prix fixe "rotation". These offers, and the restaurants that offer them, are subject to change at any time, so be sure to check before you go. All of the restaurants' menus can be viewed online via the Mirage's website: http://www.mirage.com/

One of the goals for my next trip (April 2010) is to try two prix fixe menus, and I'm aiming for one at The Mirage and possibly Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace (http://www.caesarspalace.com/casinos/caesars-palace/restaurants-dining/mesa-grill-detail.html). It depends on where I end up when I'm hungry more than anything else, but I promise to report back here as soon as I get back from that trip.

Something to consider for your next trip!

Trip Report - The Westies in Vegas Sept. 16-30, 2009

I just had to share a link to a really great trip report by Westie, a good friend of mine over at LV4E: http://www.blonde4ever.yuku.com/topic/11775/t/Las-Vegas-It-39-s-Human-Nature-TR.html

He and his wife, Ann, are retired, and they are both really adventurous foodies, show-goers, and lovers of art. They just returned from another two week trip to Vegas (they take 3 or 4 two-week trips every year), and their latest report is chock-full of unusual food adventures and some great show reviews, as well.

Westie is a serious coupon user and deal-finder, and he always provides the LV4E members with great links to the very same deals that he uses when he books his trips. In his reviews, you will see his rating of the experience as well as the total cost and what coupon/discount code he used for each one.

Their next trip is in December, and I'm sure it'll be just as stuffed with interesting new places I've never heard of and how to get the same deals for my trip.

Link to article: How to Get Cheap Flights

I got this link from Blonde4Ever at LV4E (it IS her site, after all!) with an overview of how to get cheap flights for any trip and links to the various airlines' websites. Check it out to see if you can find something useful for your next trip:

http://www.artoftravel.com/04cheapflights.htm

I had initially wondered how many people still use a travel agent these days, given the ease of using the Internet and the great deals on hotel rooms you can get from any number of online sites OR from your previous gambling play at Vegas hotels. There seem to be fewer and fewer to choose from.

I'm sure that I myself would use a travel agent if I were traveling overseas because I don't know the best deals for any country outside my own (and in my own country I can only find the best deals for Vegas and Disney World, but that's another story altogether). I know travel agents generally have access to the best touring options that could be added on to travel/hotel packages and save you tons of money, but I think finding your own deals in Vegas is very easy to do without having to go through a travel agent. There's so much competition and so many discount sites for shows and rooms that it's easy to find something that fits your budget.

Either way, it's worth a look at this site to find possible deals and good ideas before booking your next trip.

21 Things to do in Vegas for under $21

My friend EdinOK (from LV4E) found this link to an LA Times article of the same name today and referred it to me, so I thought I'd re-post the list here for your perusing pleasure, although I'm not reproducing the article ad nauseum (link: http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-vegas21-2008sep21-pg,0,450572.photogallery?track=rss).

There are some really good ideas here that I haven't posted before in my free and cheap things to do in Vegas. I personally would stay away from the clubs in Vegas, but that's because they are not quite my thing. Thanks again, Ed!

#1: Sunbelt Classic and Antique Auto Collection - Not one I've heard of previously. From the article: "Jim Rogers, the owner of Sunbelt Communications, has more than 300 restored vehicles on display in his car barn. But he doesn't advertise the collection, and tourists can see it only by appointment. Call (702) 649-0110 to arrange a time or join a scheduled tour. The museum opens at 6 a.m. weekdays, except holidays, at 1420 Gragson St. Go to www.sunbeltcars.com for details. Free."

#2: Free stuff at Las Vegas malls - A printable coupon book offered up by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority is available at www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas. Print and redeem the coupons at any of the seven participating Las Vegas malls listed inside.

#3: Wireless Internet - The lobbies and casino areas of Palazzo and The Venetian offer free WiFi (although I personally would be cautious about using a laptop in a casino area for fear that Security might think I'm trying to hack them or cheat somehow). I'll also personally note that the "Sugar and Ice" shop in the Wynn shops is a good place that many people use for their free WiFi while taking a break AND getting a nice snack. Also note that you can check various other places along the Strip for free Internet service, including the seating areas of just about every Starbucks.

#4-6: Dueling piano competitions - At each of these three locations, the winner is determined by audience applause: The Piano Bar at Harrah's (9 p.m., free), Kahunaville Restaurant at TI (9:30 p.m., free), or the Bar at Times Square in NY/NY (8 p.m., $10 cover).

#7: Tour Las Vegas history - Las Vegas City Hall offers a free, self-guided tour of all things Vegas within it's walls. Ask the city clerk for a brochure to check out some things such as a 1959 city map, the 1923 city budget, and various Mayor Oscar Goodman bobble heads (he's a very popular mayor) to include just a few items of interest from the tour. City Hall is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays (except holidays) and is located at 400 Stewart Ave.

#8: Collectibles on the cheap - If you're renting a car, the Broadacres Swap Meet in North Las Vegas is a 20 acre, open-air market with about 1,150 vendors. Open 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Fridays with a 50-cent admission price; open 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for $1 admission. (Kids under 12 free on all days.) The swap meet is located at 2930 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

#9: Listen to Bette Midler's band - If you can't afford to see her show at Caesars Palace, you can still check out six members of her band performing as "Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns" in the Lounge at the Palms every Monday night beginning at 10:30 p.m. for free.

#10: The Birdman of Las Vegas - (I have to say I'd never heard of him before this mention. Odd.) Joe Krathwohl, aka "The Birdman of Las Vegas", performs bird tricks with a flock that includes Hawaiian cockatoos, Amazon parrots, and even an endangered Andean Condor. Shows are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Friday - Sunday, inside the Hawaiian Marketplace located on the Strip at 3743 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Free admission.

#11: Ride around Mt. Charleston - Las Vegas Carriage offers 20-minute rides around the mountain area, which is located about 40 minutes northwest of Las Vegas. You can take a horse-drawn carriage in warmer months or a horse-drawn sleigh during the winter. The rides begin at the Mt. Charleston Lodge, 1200 Old Park Rd. Call (702) 596-6715 for reservations. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 per child under 12.

#12: Join the Masquerade Show in the Sky at Rio - Twenty-five members of the public are allowed to ride the floats in the hourly show above the Rio's casino floor. The shows run from 7 p.m. - midnight, Thursday - Sunday. Make reservations at www.harrahs-web.vegas.com/rio/masquerade.html. Cost is $13 per person.

#13: Weekly blues concerts at The House of Blues in Mandalay Bay - Concerts begin at 9 p.m. every Wednesday inside the Crossroads room. Bands change weekly, and there is no cover charge. For more information on the bands, go to www.myspace.com/nothingbuttheblues2007 or call (702) 632-7600.

#14: Q VIP discount card - Q Vegas, the city's leading gay and lesbian magazine, distributes the cards that provide discounts to the Atomic Testing Museum and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art amongst other offerings. Send an e-mail to vip@qvegas.com with your name, e-mail address, mailing address, phone number and birth date for a free card to be mailed to you. (No, you don't have to be gay or lesbian to take advantage of the offer.)

#15: Pinball Hall of Fame - A 4,500-square foot "hidden treasure" of a museum display where you can choose to play any of the 200 or so vintage pinball machines. Take a couple of rolls of quarters and enjoy yourself! (I've heard people lose track of time here almost as easily as they lose track of it in the casinos.) The non-profit display is run by Tim Arnold, a former arcade chain owner with a collection that dates back to the 1940's. Open 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily at 3330 E. Tropicana Ave. Visit http://www.pinballmuseum.org/ for more information.

#16-17: Eat at Las Vegas cooking schools - The Culinary Institute of Las Vegas currently serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays at Opus Too, located at 2350 Corporate Circle in Henderson. Call (702) 369-9944 to make reservations. Cost is an affordable $9.95 per person. You can also try the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts' restaurant called Cafe' Bleu. It is open 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. for dinner on Tuesdays through Fridays. Cost is $19-$21. Located at 1451 Center Crossing Road, call (702) 851-5322 for reservations. At both places, the students cook the food and wait the tables.

#18: Laugh at Improv students - Aspiring comics who are training with the Second City comedy troupe perform at 9:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Onyx Theatre, located at 953 E. Sahara Ave. The theater is located behind The Rack clothing shop, so don't get lost. Check them out at http://www.onyxtheatre.com/. Admission is $7.

#19: Great sunset view of the Strip - Instead of paying $13.95 to see the Strip from the top of the Stratosphere (or $9-$11 to see it from the top of the Eiffel Tower), head the bar at Mix atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay before 10 p.m. Admission is free, but you might feel like buying a drink or two while you enjoy the view.

#20: Lost City of Atlantis attraction - The 50,000-gallon, horseshoe-shaped aquarium tank at the north end of Caesars Palace's Forum Shops houses more than 500 colorful fish in its collection. During the educational tours, you can also handle live starfish if you'd like. The tours start at 1:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. weekdays near the Tower Records side of the aquarium. Admission is free.

#21: Get into two different Las Vegas nightclubs for free - Grab free passes to two of the Strip's "hottest" nightclubs, the Bank at Bellagio and Jet at The Mirage, at stores like Metro Park and Marciano in Fashion Show Mall, Ted Baker and BeBe at The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, and Marciano and BeBe at the Miracle Miles Shops. The passes can be worth $20 or more.

Traveling Solo: Ideas and advice for making your trip safe and enjoyable

If you've never considered taking a solo trip to Las Vegas before (or perhaps anywhere else, for that matter), maybe you should consider it as an option for a future trip. Think of it as an opportunity to get away from it all, relax, unwind, take stock and refuel before your return to civilization.

Before August 2007, I'd never traveled anywhere by myself on vacation, let alone to my favorite place on earth. I was a little nervous, wondering how I'd fill all the hours with things to keep me busy and not think about being by myself or worrying about the fact that I was ALONE. To be honest, that feeling lasted all of twenty minutes (if that long). Once I landed at McCarran Airport and caught a taxi to my hotel, I was over feeling ALONE. I never felt that way on my trip again - plus I've taken two other solo trips since then with no feeling of ALONENESS whatsoever - and I'm looking forward to taking many, many more trips like this in the future. Solo trips are now my favorite way to travel to Vegas. In my eyes, they just can't be beat.

There are enough ideas here for you to stay occupied whether you're in Vegas for two nights for seven. Read on and consider some of these options for a solo trip adventure.

Do your buffet or restaurant dining in comfort - Sit at the counter or bar if you feel too conspicuous sitting at a table. Chances are you'll be seated more quickly because couples and groups generally don't sit in these areas. Or, if you prefer sitting at a table but don't want to be in the middle of everything, ask for a corner table or booth. This way you're out of the main flow of traffic and you can eat your meal at a leisurely pace and enjoy it. After you're done eating, you can take the time to people-watch or update your trip notes if you're planning on reporting on how well your trip went to others.

Sleep on your own schedule - I am a naturally early riser, but not everyone is. Not only that, but I don't sleep very well in Vegas because I'm just so excited to be there and I figure I can sleep on the plane or when I get home. When I go solo, I know I can get up at 6:00 a.m., head downstairs for an early breakfast (or a graveyard special, since they're generally offered until 7:00 a.m. in most cafe's) or some early morning gambling. In addition, if I feel like going back to the hotel to catch a little afternoon siesta before I head back out to go to a see a show and/or do some late-night gambling, I don't have to worry about anyone working around my plans or setting up a meeting time/place later on.

Go see the Bellagio conservatory and fountains - This is always at the top of my Vegas "to do" list for every trip. These are my two favorite free things to do in Vegas that I must do every time I'm there, without fail. Spending some time walking through the conservatory and taking photos is very enjoyable and relaxing to me, and I can sit and watch the fountains and listen to the music for quite a while before I'm ready to move on.

Head to the pool for some "me" time - Even if you don't like to swim or tan, you can always take a book or read the daily newspaper. It's a relaxing diversion, and you can stake out a spot in the sun or shade and enjoy the day. Just remember that, even though it stays pretty warm in Vegas for most of the year, pool hours are not extremely long in most cases, so be sure you know when your hotel's pool opens and closes each day.

Spend some time in the spa - Maybe you want to get a facial or a massage, or you just want to relax and use the sauna or the steam room. Paying the daily spa fee of $25-$45 on average will allow you to go in multiple times during the day if you'd like to take advantage of the amenities.

Chat up other gamblers around you - If you're comfortable talking to strangers, speak up! You can have some great conversations with people from all over the world - just be sure they are willing to talk, too. Many people enjoy chatting and gambling, and I find that I gamble more slowly when I'm talking to others. There are some very interesting people all around you.

Consider seeing a show - You can buy tickets in advance from any of the online sites that offer them, but don't forget that Tix4Tonite's six Vegas locations make it very convenient to get a ticket to a same-day show for half the price if you haven't previously made any plans. A big plus: it's much easier to find very good single seats for many of the shows, so take advantage of your solo status.

Take in the sights and attractions you've been wanting to see, but haven't - This suggestion alone could take up a couple of days' worth of trip time if you're like me and usually travel with people who don't like to do anything but gamble and eat. Go see a magic or comedy show; consider spending some time in Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage; visit the Liberace Museum or the Bellagio Museum of Art; ride the roller coasters at New York/New York and The Sahara; check out Luxor's Titanic and Bodies exhibits; head for the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris. These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many, many options all over Vegas, so don't think you're limited with what you can see and do.

Go see a lounge act - They are everywhere, so check your favorite hotel/casino's schedule. Among the great ones: Big Elvis at Bill's Gambling Hall, any of the cover bands performing at Harrah's Carnaval Court (especially WonderBoogie), The Cabaret at Paris, or the Fontana Bar at Bellagio. There's something for every taste, so give them a shot.

Do some window-shopping - With several great malls on and around the Las Vegas Strip area, you're sure to find something great to look at and drool over. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and The Fashion Show Mall are just three of the bigger possibilities for a window-shopping (or real shopping) excursion. Don't forget to check out the shops at Wynn, Encore, Palazzo, Venetian, etc. I could go on and on...

Have a seat in a keno lounge or sports bar - Take a load off! Not only can you watch the games (keno or sports), but you can people-watch, too. Maybe you'll decide to make a couple of bets or have a drink or two, but it's a great place to sit and just relax when you're tired of walking.

Visit an older (or newer) hotel/casino you haven't been to before - I say this because I missed my chance to see some great ones. I never visited the Stardust before it was imploded a couple of years ago, and I wish I'd gotten to take a look around. Now it's gone, and a half-completed hotel stands in its place with no completion date in sight. You never know when a great old Vegas icon will become no more, so take the time to go and see some "vintage" Vegas before it disappears into the desert.

Take some free lessons - Never played table games before? What about starting now? Most casinos have free lessons in the mornings when crowds aren't so large and gamblers are not crowding the tables. Learn to play craps, roulette, poker, or blackjack, and then try out your new-found skills at a table later in the day. You might find yourself talking to your seat neighbors, too.

Don't be afraid to ask security to walk you to your room or car - Especially when you're alone, you don't need to feel vulnerable or make yourself uncomfortable in any situation. Whether you've won money or not, security at all the hotels and casinos can arrange for a uniformed officer to accompany you to out to your car or up to your room in order keep you safe.

I hope you consider an adventurous solo trip some time in the future, because there are so many things to see and do. You'll never be bored alone in Vegas if you keep your mind and your options open!

Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 9 of 9: Wrapping It All Up

This last installment of Vegas Trips on a Budget covers the tips, hints, and money-saving ideas that didn't fit elsewhere in the series. Read on and consider how some of these things might be incorporated into your next Vegas trip.

Avoid the "just this once" mentality - This applies to gambling, dining, shopping, or even traveling. Do what you're comfortable with and don't spend too much money on anything just because you're in Vegas. If you can't afford it, don't spend money on it.

Meet for drinks instead of meals - If you're meeting friends or family in Las Vegas during your vacation, consider meeting for drinks to save money for a meal you'd really like later on (or before, if you're meeting later).

Or meet for an earlier meal - If you'd really rather meet for a meal than for drinks, think about getting together for breakfast or lunch instead of dinner to save some cash.

Scour sites for more deals and ideas - Previously mentioned sites in my other posts offer lots of options for saving money in Vegas, so look around and check out all the deals they have to offer.

Consider joining a message board to get more ideas - Online sites like LasVegas4Ever (http://www.lasvegas4ever.com/) and Trip Advisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/) offer lots of feedback and ideas for trips from people who've been there, done that.

Bring your computer along - Not only can you use it to spend some downtime in your room when you're overwhelmed by Vegas in general or when you run out of money (hopefully not!), you can make notes of your trip experiences to share with others...just like I'm doing now. Also, you can take advantage of free WiFi spots all around Vegas to relax and check e-mails or work if you really have to.

Make sure you have cash on hand - Be sure you save enough money to cover the cost of your cab ride back to the airport and/or to get you home. Some cab companies and parking garages don't take credit cards at all, so you must have cash available as payment.

Get slot cards and use them - Sign up for slot cards and use them when you play slot machines, video poker machines, and even table games like blackjack or poker in order to generate future offers on free or discounted rooms and other comps. Many places start offering discounts for very little play, and you could be missing out on possible savings and deals for future trips.

Use your rewards points, free play, and/or cash before you leave - Unless you know you're returning to Las Vegas in a couple of months, use what you've earned before your vacation is over. Why? Most points and cash back offers expire in 6-12 months unless you put X number of 'new' points on your slot card within a certain period of time. These aren't things you can pass on to your spouse or your kids, so use them before you head for the airport.

Continue to tip appropriately, not extravagantly or cheaply - Just because you're trying to save money doesn't mean you should stop tipping altogether, either. Tip 15-20% for meals and don't forget about the cocktail waitresses, bellmen, and everyone else who still counts on tips as part of their income. For a review of appropriate tipping in Vegas, see my earlier "Tips on Tipping" post from July.

Think about taking a solo trip - Let's face it: solo trips save money because you're only paying for one of everything, but that's not the only good thing about them in my eyes. You don't have to plan around someone else's likes and dislikes, set up meeting times and places, or wait for someone else to get ready or decide to move to another location. It's easier to find seats in restaurants and for shows, too, because single seats are almost always available with little or no wait. Tomorrow's post is all about traveling solo, and there are lots of good ideas and tips that may make you decide to just go ahead and go for it.

Smile! You're in Vegas! - No matter what you do on your trip and how you budget your time and money, this is the most important rule of all. You're on vacation, so enjoy yourself every moment. Do what's fun for you and have a great time. Don't stress or worry, but relax and find something to entertain yourself.

Well, I've come to the end of my series, and I hope you've found some things that will help you save money and maybe even give you some creative, money-saving ideas of your own.

Remember: When the current economic recession is over, being frugal and saving money on your vacation doesn't have to end. Keep using your cash wisely and enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer.

Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 8 of 9: Coupons and Discounts

Part 8 of my Vegas Trips on a Budget series covers the use of coupons, online gift certificates, and internet discount codes.

While I try to pre-plan my trips so that I know the cost of most major expenditures like entertainment, hotels and, to a certain extent, food, I also leave room for additional coupon usage and a change in plans if I find something new I'd like to try. Good deals go a long way to making my trip more enjoyable.

Coupons and Discounts

Look for the showgirls and casino employees with the smiles and the deals - Many hotels and casinos often have showgirls or other employees handing out two-for-one coupons, $ off coupons, or discounted/free passes to certain shows, events, or the buffet. They are usually found right outside the casino's main doors, or right inside the casino entrances, so keep your eyes open for some good deals.

Check out online sites for promotional codes and discounts before you book anything - Sites like earlyvegas.com (http://www.earlyvegas.com/promo_codes.html) have promo codes for everything from late checkouts to a free night's stay, so look before you book. Also, smartervegas.com (http://www.smartervegas.com/) offers different types of discounts for hotel stays and shows. Do a Google search for "las vegas discount codes" and check out the numerous savings opportunities.

Look into online gift certificates - Sites like http://www.restaurant.com/ offer different % discounts for dining options all over the country. Participating restaurants and discount rates change frequently, so check back to see if what you're looking for is on the list.

Consider purchasing coupon books before you leave - Coupon books like the American Casino Guide (ACG) or the smaller Las Vegas Advisor (LVA) Member Rewards Book can be purchased from online retailers and businesses like Amazon.com or Las Vegas Advisor (http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/whyjoin-mrb2009.cfm?tn=1), respectively. The ACG has coupons for places other than just Las Vegas and the surrounding area as the name suggests, and a lot of the coupons are specific to downtown and locals' casinos. Make sure to consider these things before you make your purchase. Also, coupons from the ACG expire at the end of each year, so a new book must be purchased every year if you like what you find. The LVA coupons expire, as well, but not necessarily at the end of each year. Do your research before you purchase.

Arrange your coupons and plan your itinerary around them - Instead of heading from one side of Vegas to the other and back again trying to use specific coupons or get the best deals, plan your trip ahead of time along a predetermined path so that you use coupons at nearby locations and don't end up backtracking and wasting your precious vacation time.

Ask about coupon sheets or booklets at the casino slot clubs before you gamble - When you visit a casino, head to the slot club first and find out if they have a coupon sheet or booklet with coupons that are specific to the casino. Also be sure you sign up for their slot card at that time if you haven't already done so; hopefully you'll receive future offers for discounted or even free rooms and shows, but you won't get the offers if you don't sign up.

Double-check your check in swag - Sometimes you'll receive a matchplay coupon or two when you check in to your hotel, so don't just stuff everything in your suitcase before you look at your loot. Matchplay coupons may be found in your check in packet, or they may be waiting for you on your hotel room bed when you first head to your room. Either way, be sure to use them if you like to play the games offered (usually blackjack or roulette), or offer them to another gambler when you head downstairs to play.

Look for matchplay and free drink coupons on place mats at certain restaurants - Ellis Island is famous for having blackjack match plays and free drink coupons on their place mats at each setting. Use them, but be sure to read the fine print to make sure you are following all their rules. Some places will only allow you to use one matchplay or drink coupon at any table game or bar per visit, even though more than one matchplay and drink coupon is printed for your use. You may have to change tables or seats before you can play or use the additional coupons.

Coupons can be used for freebies, too - Also included in the ACG (as well as from some of the on-line sources below) are coupons for a free gift with slot card sign up. The coupon must be present to receive the free gift, so don't assume you can leave the coupon in the book and just ask when you sign up for the slot card. Also, the coupon sheets received at check in may offer free t-shirts and hats after X number of dollars or points have been played through the machines or at the tables, so don't forget about these.

Miscellaneous free and discounted coupons - http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/las-vegas-coupons.htm

Two free passes for the Imperial Palace Auto Collection - http://autocollections.com/index.cfm?action=free&tab=free

Las Vegas coupons and deals - http://www.vegascoupons.com/las-vegas-coupons.html

More miscellaneous coupons - http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons.html

Even more discounts and coupons - http://coupons.wedoitallvegas.com/

That's it for individual money-saving subjects I'd planned to cover in my series. Tomorrow I'll wrap up my tips with some not-to-be-forgotten rules and advice for making sure your trip is safe and fun, no matter what you decide to do.

Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 7 of 9: Shopping

For my seventh installment of Vegas Trips on a Budget, I'm looking at shopping in Vegas. You generally can't go into any of the high-end stores in the huge malls or shopping promenades to find really good deals, but rather find the bargains and opportunities elsewhere. Read on.

Shop Til You Drop But Don't Spend A Lot

Avoid the high-end stores - Unless you hit a jackpot, you probably wouldn't be able to afford much more than a tiny trinket, anyway. Why torture yourself by trying on clothes or shoes that you can only dream about taking home? Skip the high-end stuff and look for a more affordable way to spend money on shoes and clothing.

Look for the sales - Yes, they are there, even in Vegas, but they might not be exactly where you want them to be. Many of the stores in the Fashion Show Mall have regular sales because they are chains that you'll find in most malls across the country, and the Ross store just off of the Strip is certainly an affordable option if you need to pick up something you just forgot to pack. If you're heading to one of the bigger shopping centers like the Forum Shops or Miracle Mile Shops, ask for sales information at the customer service desk before you begin your shopping expedition.

Get the mall coupon book before you start shopping - While you're at the customer service desk, ask if they have a coupon book with the latest steals and deals. The Miracle Mile Shops has a regular coupon book that has lots of great little freebies like coffee mugs or key chains at certain retailers, and also contains 10-25% off coupons for select stores.

Senior discounts DO apply - If you're over the age of 55, ask about a discount at any shop when you check out. Stores - especially chain stores like Ross - offer discounts for senior citizens on specific days of the week, and you never know unless you ask.

Think about want vs. need before you buy that souvenir - Do you really need a souvenir for a co-worker? Instead of buying a trinket, consider placing a bet for them, instead (with their money, of course). Win or lose, reporting back to them on how you did is sometimes more entertaining and valuable than a souvenir could be. I've placed bets for friends and family on numerous occasions, and I've found than one friend in particular is very successful with his extremely specific roulette bet. The fact that I've brought him double his money from almost every trip I've taken in the past few years probably helps him feel better about his long-distance gambling abilities, and it's fun to gamble with someone else's money for awhile.

Use sign up freebies and gift freebies as your souvenirs - Signing up for new slot clubs often gets you free key chains, coffee mugs, hats, or t-shirts in lots of instances. Also, slot club gifts are often given out for X points on your slot club card, or for hitting a winning combination on various games. Instead of spending your money on a souvenir for someone back at the office who might not really appreciate the thought, bring them back one of your freebies, instead. It won't cost you a dime, either.

For me personally, I consider shopping as a sort of hunting expedition. I always try to find the best deals possible, no matter who I'm shopping for. Shopping is also a form of entertainment to me, and I love to take the time to look for things I like and wouldn't mind receiving myself.

Tomorrow's entry: Coupons

Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 6 of 9: Entertainment

This is the sixth installment of tips for enjoying a Vegas trip on a budget. Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started; some of them are my personal ideas and tried-and-true budgeting practices, and others are fantastic ideas from some of the great folks over at LV4E. Hopefully these ideas will spur you into thinking of your own ways to save.

When spending time in Las Vegas, it's not always all about gambling, drinking, and going to clubs 24/7, or even seeing big-name shows every single night. Sometimes you just need downtime, or a little time away from the casino, so here are some hints to get you away for a while.

That's entertainment!

Ride the bus to places you've never been - Whether you take the CAT or the Deuce, you should think about taking a little bus adventure with your camera. Consider it a sight-seeing tour and take advantage of the low cost (and someone else doing the driving) to see a side of Vegas you've never experienced before.

Head off-Strip to see Vegas (and American) history and sights - Visit the Liberace museum, the Pinball museum, the Atomic Testing Museum, or Red Rock Canyon to check out a bit of history and some interesting sights to boot. You can spend quite a bit of time away for just a little bit of money. In addition to these suggestions, think about visiting the Ethel M Chocolate Factory for a tour - free chocolate samples await you at the end of the tour, and the surrounding cactus gardens allow you to relax and reflect away from the Strip.

Check out a cheaper show or sight - Haven't seen Mac King at Harrah's? He's got two shows during the day, and tickets can be found for two free entries plus the price of two drinks per person (an approximate $9 cost per person). Also check out the various comedy shows on the Strip, but remember that prices will vary from place to place. Not in the mood for comedy? You should definitely consider visiting Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage. For a $15 fee, you can visit all the animals at your own pace and enjoy a park-like atmosphere right on the Strip - and you won't even feel like you're in Vegas anymore.

Enjoy the free things Las Vegas has to offer - Go see the Bellagio conservatory and the fountains. The conservatory changes seasonally, and it's never exactly the same. And who can get enough of the dancing fountains? They never get old. If you're in the mood for a good walk, head for the UNLV campus. You can check out the whole campus and maybe even catch a guest speaker during the regular school year.

Hang out in the sports bar - Not only are you surrounded by big-screen TVs and lots of sports action, you can usually get pretty good cocktail service here. If you're sitting in the seats and look like you've got money on a game, the cocktail waitresses will pay attention to you. But please - don't forget to tip them well!

Enjoy the free lounge shows - Who can pass up Big Elvis at Bill's Gambling Hall? I can't if I'm in the area. The man is very talented and performs every weekday afternoon at three different times. Be sure to check his vacation schedule at http://www.bigelvis.biz/ to make sure you don't miss him on your trip. Also, Paris offers a free cabaret show at different times during the week - check their posted schedule in front of the lounge (near the registration desk) and take a seat to enjoy some great entertainment. This goes for most casinos in general; if they have a lounge, they probably have one or more free lounge acts that rotate during the day or evening hours. It's worth it to give them a listen and relax away from the machines.

Catch up on your people-watching - This is my absolute favorite free thing to do in Vegas. There are so many interesting people to watch from all over the world that I have to spend at least a couple of hours watching as the world literally goes by me. Some of my favorite places to people watch: The Forum Shops at Caesars (pick any spot), Carnaval Court at Harrah's, and from a patio seat at Mon Ami Gabi in Paris. Lots of humanity walking by in each direction, and never dull.

Take a walk - Whether you explore the inside of your home hotel and casino or take a trip down the Strip, taking a walk is a great way to get exercise and see some sights. I personally like to take a walk through an entire casino if I've never visited it before because I never know what kind of interesting sights, shops, restaurants, or games I may find that can't be found anywhere else. And always take your camera, because you never know when a great photographic opportunity will present itself.

Hang out at the pool - Even if you're not a pool-crazy person, you can pick a shady spot and do some reading or people-watching for a while. If you're all about the water, be sure to check your hotel's pool hours, because they typically close a lot earlier than you'd imagine for the hot desert weather. Work your pool time into your day and save your gambling, shows, and other entertainment for the hours the pool is closed.

Use the spa - If your hotel has a spa, use the daily spa entry fee to take advantage of the services and amenities there. For a fee of around $25-$30, most spas allow you to come and go for the entire day. Head over there for a light breakfast if they offer it, enjoy a newspaper and watch the news, or get in a workout and enjoy the showers and amenities afterwards.

Head downtown and visit the Fremont Street Experience (FSE) - FSE is an open-air pedestrian mall and entertainment area that is covered by a 90-foot high, 150-foot long lighted canopy with light/music shows on the hour after dusk until midnight. Entrance to the area is free, and various acts perform on the two stages under the FSE canopy at different times of the day and evening. In addition, many of the downtown casinos are accessible from the FSE and provide a whole different look at Vegas. Plus, most of the downtown casinos offer a free gift with slot card sign up (and you can use them as souvenirs for your friends and family).

Take in a movie - Places like The Orleans, Sam's Town, and Boulder Station have their own movie theaters, so if you're staying at or near one of these properties, why not take in a movie? For further savings, consider a matinee or discount showtime.

Use Tix4Tonite or Goldstar to book your shows - With savings of 30-50% on each show available for same-day purchase, booking a show at one of the six Las Vegas Tix4Tonight locations can save you a lot of money if you're willing to wait and see what's available that day. See my previous post about Tix4Tonite or visit their website here: http://www.tix4tonight.com/. Don't forget that booking a show through Tix4Tonite one day will get you a line pass to use the next day on another show, plus a $2 off coupon to use on a future purchase. For Goldstar, you can book your tickets online: http://www.goldstar.com/events/browse/89109.

Look for two-for-one offerings on show tickets - Check out the hotels or casinos offering two-for-one deals on show tickets for certain performances before you pay full price. Signing up for slot cards may get you a deal (such as for Mac King's afternoon magic performances at Harrah's).

Whatever you decide to do, have a good time and enjoy yourself - fun in Vegas doesn't have to be expensive.

Tomorrow's entry: Savvy shopping in Las Vegas