Ever since the intense cold gripped the Great Lakes State in December, I’ve been wanting to plan an escape somewhere to the comfortable temperatures on the Southwest coast. After much deliberation we came up with a plan to beat the wintry waves and head to the ultimate bustling Sin City!  There is no doubt that Vegas is the answer, no matter what the question is! A perfect location for bachelor and bachelorette parties, honeymoons and family vacations, Vegas’ popular attractions may seem like a splurge that only happens on certain occasions. But what about us young folks who are barely graduating college and scoring internships, or even those who can’t afford to pay for the huge price tag? How can we have fun and indulge in Vegas both in-style and on a budget? Here we give you some of our favorite tips and tricks to plan an epic vacation and live in the lap of luxury without breaking the bank.

To pace a perfect trip with a balance of indulgence and recovery so that you won’t feel like the toxic avenger on your plane ride back to home, it is important that you choose the right hotel for your trip. It can be daunting to have to choose between a stay on the Strip or off the Strip. The Strip is the heart of Las Vegas – a four-mile quintessential street lined by enormous billion-dollar casino resorts one after another. It’s the epicenter of the city, whether you’re looking to gamble, party, or just soak up the Las Vegas craziness. So it makes sense that you’d want to find a reasonably priced hotel on the Strip so that you can walk anywhere and everywhere, save transportation costs, avoid the crazy traffic, and be in the hub of things to experience maximum Vegas energy. Savvy Vegas visitors would also know that you can score a lot of cool perks as many hotels on the Strip throw in benefits for their guests. On my trip to Vegas I ended up staying at The Linq hotel which is right in the center of the Strip.  I highly recommend it!

Actually, you can travel the world without leaving the Strip – watch gondoliers at the Venetian, ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at New York, see the pyramids at the Luxor, an art deco look reminiscent of old Hollywood at The MGM Grand, visit the Bellagio’s botanical gardens, world renowned fountains and the check in area which holds more Murano glass than in Venice. You can also hang out with The Knights of the Round Table at The Excalibur, watch a volcano explode at the Mirage, experience the city from a bird’s-eye view in the High Roller Observation wheel at The Linq and scream your head off on the rides at the top of the Stratosphere. Don’t forget to commemorate your trip to Vegas with a snap at the historic Las Vegas sign. A little bit of this town goes a very long way.

You can head to the Downtown for a taste of Old Vegas and explore The Freemont Street also known as “Glitter Gulch”, historic casinos, live music, ziplines, vintage signs at the Neon Museum and the city’s Mafia story at the Mob Museum. And remember, if you’re going to gamble do yourself a favor and designate a certain amount of money that you are ‘ok with losing’.  That way you won’t overspend, but still have fun!

It’s obvious why they call Vegas an adult’s playground; musical performances, comedy routines, magic shows, nightclubs, circuses and acrobatic shows are ready available…and the list goes on. Everything and anything you want to do, you can do in Las Vegas. So pick one, pick them all, you’re sure to be mesmerized. If you want my recommendation, then “O” by Cirque Du Soleil will definitely get your adrenaline pumping.

If you don’t know this yet, Vegas is one of the foodie capitals of North America. More and more places are popping up all over the Sin City to satisfy any and every craving you could possibly have. You can hit the sweet spot between outrageously good food and maintaining your mission of Vegas on a budget with plenty of options such as Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, OR just a big fat burger at In-N-Out. The extravagant buffets on the strip are worth experiencing at least once, too.  Not only do they have a huge variety of items, but they are well presented and the restaurants are so well decorated.  Whether you’re looking for a fancy night out or a quick bite, you’re never far from a tasty meal. One of my favorite budget options on the Strip is Hash House a go go.

I love to escape big cities in search of a little adventure no matter where I travel. So, we took a day tour to see the world’s spectacular engineering marvel- the Hoover Dam. Then we walked into a work of art in the dessert to see stacked boulders painted in vibrant neon colors: the Seven Magic Mountains. Afterwards, off to Red Rock Canyon we went! Red Rock Canyon features a one-way, 13-mile scenic drive with hiking trails, wildlife and geology to explore! You can stop to photograph scenic spots throughout the drive.

Well, there you have it- a trip to the international party city on a budget that’ll not only make your wallet proud but also keep your schedule and quality in equilibrium! Now that you have a feel of what to expect, call Jillian at Ever Ready Travel 630-965-0034 or e-mail her at Jillian@everreadytravel.com to help you plan the best trip to Vegas according to your needs.  Whether you are a novice traveler or a well-traveled globetrotter, she will guide you and be an excellent resource!  What are you waiting for?  Even if you envision taking a trip next year, it’s never too early to plan ahead and often only requires a minimal deposit.  You get the best deals and availability by planning well in advance. 

Know someone who wants to travel, but doesn’t know where to begin?  Refer them to Ever Ready Travel.  Jillian will take great care of them!  Let us know your feedback on this blog.  Thanks for reading!