Current Events > Any tips to go to Vegas and not spend a fuckload?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Ive been once. Going again next week. Only asking because I tend to get drunk and overspend.

Any tips? Going five days and trying to stay under $1000.

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Be poor

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my friends and I have a cash/ID only rule when we go out to clubs. only bring your ID and as much cash as youre willing to spend. leave the rest of your wallet at home.

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ssk9716757 posted...

my friends and I have a cash/ID only rule when we go out to clubs. only bring your ID and as much cash as youre willing to spend. leave the rest of your wallet at home.

I always tell myself Ill do this but I hate to be the one out and tell people Im done.

Honestly itll probably be fine. Im at the age now where I dont like to get shitfaced anymore. Id rather just get a nice buzz so Im good for the next day.

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@PatrickMahomes

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wbloechel posted...

Five days is way too long. 2-3 is perfect, and 3 is getting to be too much.

Five days is only too long if you plan to be drunk all day everyday which I dont. Been there, done that. I went three days the first time and it went too fast.

Jefejonny posted...

@PatrickMahomes

Does my fellow Chiefs fan brethren have some insight Im unaware of?

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Jefejonny posted...

@PatrickMahomes

Hmm I may not be the best for budgeting topics as I tend to blow a bit past what I allow myself to spend.

Five nights is a lot but if you're flying I think it's worth it. Flight will cost the same whether it's one day or ten, so you might as well get plenty of nights out of the trip.

With regards to this $1000 - is this $1000 after hotel and flight? If not, then you aren't going to have much leftover.

Assuming this $1k is after hotel/flight though, then I'll be honest, you might want to try bumping it up depending on what you want to do. I'm like you in that I don't want to get shitfaced anymore, but drinks are still gonna run you at least $10 at most places if you aren't gambling. Just to keep a buzz going, you're probably going to have ~3-4 drinks a day as you'll be wandering around and find yourself wanting to sip on something, so I'd write off at least $100 to booze/hydration.

Food will probably be your biggest expense unless you plan on gambling a bunch. When you go to a place like vegas, you aren't going to want to spend your money on shit you can get back home like mcdonalds or chik-fil-a. I mean okay there is an exception for the taco bell cantina, but that's probably the only time I'd spend money on fast food on the strip. The point is, you're going to want to try places that are different, but those places are going to run your bill up a bit.

You can forget that $10 figure per drink too if you plan on going to a club. ONE will run you $25+.

I guess as for everything else non-food related, what else are you wanting to do? Shows are moderately expensive but worth it in most cases. Nightclubs are expensive but can be fun as hell if that's your scene. Gambling is its own topic but if you don't do it then you can make for 1k go a lot farther.

MrDrMan posted...

Does my fellow Chiefs fan brethren have some insight Im unaware of?

I've been several times and am actually going back this weekend. I'm no expert but I feel experienced enough to be able to share ground level basic tips for vegas strip stuff.

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Go off the strip to a Lees liquor or total wine for alcohol. Look for groupons or dealsz. Get free drinks when you gamble. Dont pay for tourist traps. Eat at cheap places

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PatrickMahomes posted...

Hmm I may not be the best for budgeting topics as I tend to blow a bit past what I allow myself to spend.

Five nights is a lot but if you're flying I think it's worth it. Flight will cost the same whether it's one day or ten, so you might as well get plenty of nights out of the trip.

With regards to this $1000 - is this $1000 after hotel and flight? If not, then you aren't going to have much leftover.

Assuming this $1k is after hotel/flight though, then I'll be honest, you might want to try bumping it up depending on what you want to do. I'm like you in that I don't want to get shitfaced anymore, but drinks are still gonna run you at least $10 at most places if you aren't gambling. Just to keep a buzz going, you're probably going to have ~3-4 drinks a day as you'll be wandering around and find yourself wanting to sip on something, so I'd write off at least $100 to booze/hydration.

Food will probably be your biggest expense unless you plan on gambling a bunch. When you go to a place like vegas, you aren't going to want to spend your money on shit you can get back home like mcdonalds or chik-fil-a. I mean okay there is an exception for the taco bell cantina, but that's probably the only time I'd spend money on fast food on the strip. But the point is, you're going to want to try places that are different, but those places are going to run your bill up a bit.

You can forget that $10 figure per drink too if you plan on going to a club. ONE will run you $25+.

I guess as for everything else non-food related, what else are you wanting to do? Shows are moderately expensive but worth it in most cases. Nightclubs are expensive but can be fun as hell if that's your scene. Gambling is its own topic but if you don't do it then you can make for 1k go a lot farther.

I've been several times and am actually going back this weekend. I'm no expert but I feel experienced enough to be able to share ground level basic tips for vegas strip stuff.

Hotel and flight are already paid for. I dont plan on gambling much if at all. The only upside of gambling in Vegas is that drinks are free if thats even still a thing.

I plan to hit clubs one or two nights then the rest Ill just do whatever. My girlfriends is also coming. Weve got tickets to Americas Got Talent but other than that Im kind of going blind.

The food Im not so worried about. I could eat Chipotle everyday if it means I get to do more actual fun shit. I have no interest in going to expensive restaurants just to say Ive been.

I also have no shame about pregaming at the hotel. My girlfriend and I already talked about buying a bottle at a liquor store and just getting a decent buzz going before going out so we dont spend an arm and a leg.

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PatrickMahomes posted...

I've been several times and am actually going back this weekend. I'm no expert but I feel experienced enough to be able to share ground level basic tips for vegas strip stuff.

You going to the Raiders game? My mom goes at least once a year maybe twice. Shell be out there this weekend.


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Vegas local. Buy alcohol from a liquor store off the strip and pre-game or bring a flask. That will save you like $500 alone. Also 80% of the restaurants on the strip suck ass. Go off strip for cheaper and better food.
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PatrickMahomes posted...

I mean okay there is an exception for the taco bell cantina

Why? What is the taco bell cantina

I am a big taco bell fan and went to Vegas about a month ago and I think I saw this, but just assumed it was the same as a normal Taco bell

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AlCalavicci posted...

Why? What is the taco bell cantina

I am a big taco bell fan and went to Vegas about a month ago and I think I saw this, but just assumed it was the same as a normal Taco bell

I also have no idea what that is. Is it like Taco Bell but like restaurant quality?


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Withdraw a thousand dollars in cash and literally leave your bank card at home.

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MrDrMan posted...

Is it like Taco Bell but like restaurant quality?

it's not really exciting. a Taco Bell that serves alcohol too. could be wrong but they have the same food as a taco bell.

prices for taco bell food may possibly be better in vegas. around here it's not so good.
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MrDrMan posted...

You going to the Raiders game? My mom goes at least once a year maybe twice. Shell be out there this weekend.

Nah tickets were too steep for me. Last year I was in vegas for the raiders L too and I watched from a bar right behind the sportsbook so I had a great view of the massive screens showing the game (and all the others) so honestly I'm going to just do that again.

darkprince45 has good insight too, I'm pretty sure he lived there. Buying a bottle for the room is definitely a big budget saver.

Honestly, my biggest advice is try not to overplan. If you've never been before, you're going to spend a ton of time just walking around and sightseeing. The last thing you'll want to do is overbook and walk past something you think would be awesome but don't have time to do.

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kingdrake2 posted...

it's not really exciting. a Taco Bell that serves alcohol too. could be wrong but they have the same food as a taco bell.

Yeah this. It's more for the novelty but their slushies have booze in them. Baja Blast smoothie with liquor while crushing a crunchwrap supreme? Sign me up.

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PatrickMahomes posted...

Nah tickets were too steep for me. Last year I was in vegas for the raiders L too and I watched from a bar right behind the sportsbook so I had a great view of the massive screens showing the game (and all the others) so honestly I'm going to just do that again.

darkprince45 has good insight too, I'm pretty sure he lived there. Buying a bottle for the room is definitely a big budget saver.

Honestly, my biggest advice is try not to overplan. If you've never been before, you're going to spend a ton of time just walking around and sightseeing. The last thing you'll want to do is overbook and walk past something you think would be awesome but don't have time to do.

Went once when I was 21. Now Im 27. My girlfriend has never been so I want her to see everything.

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MrDrMan posted...

Is it like Taco Bell but like restaurant quality?

Taco Bell is already restaurant quality when you get chicken or steak. Even their ground beef is pretty solid.

I don't know why people say it's not good. Their crunchy shells are fantastic, and that's without even getting into things like the chalupa and the new cantina crispy melt taco.

Order extra nacho cheese on any menu item to unlock its secret potential, too.

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I lost $1000 at Atlantic City in about 90 minutes when I was 19. I'm probably not much help here.

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$1000 isn't enough for five days.
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Id recommend the neon sign museum. Ive been twice and both times were enjoyable

also gotta check out Fremont street. Theres a really dope toy store there

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Gobstoppers12 posted...

Taco Bell is already restaurant quality when you get chicken or steak. Even their ground beef is pretty solid.

I don't know why people say it's not good. Their crunchy shells are fantastic, and that's without even getting into things like the chalupa and the new cantina crispy melt taco.

Order extra nacho cheese on any menu item to unlock its secret potential, too.

No it isnt.

SiO4 posted...

$1000 isn't enough for five days.

Why do you say that? Ive heard people say $1000 is plenty while others say its not enough.

Not sure what to think.

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Gobstoppers12 posted...

Taco Bell is already restaurant quality when you get chicken or steak. Even their ground beef is pretty solid.

I don't know why people say it's not good. Their crunchy shells are fantastic, and that's without even getting into things like the chalupa and the new cantina crispy melt taco.

Order extra nacho cheese on any menu item to unlock its secret potential, too.

You have some of the worst taste I have ever seen

AlCalavicci posted...

Id recommend the neon sign museum. Ive been twice and both times were enjoyable

also gotta check out Fremont street. Theres a really dope toy store there

Definitely going to Fremont. Last time I went people were walking around butt naked. I didnt do the zipline but Im hoping to do it this time.

The one thing Im surprised nobody has mentioned is transportation. Assuming were staying on the strip how much should I expect to spend on transportation if we go to Fremont and some other places off strip?

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SiO4 posted...

$1000 isn't enough for five days.

This, but if you want to try might I suggest exploring the nature options around VegasRed Rock Canyon National Park is freaking beautiful and can take a good chunk of a day to explore

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Axiom posted...

You have some of the worst taste I have ever seen

I've had restaurant tacos from both chain restaurants and local Mexican places, and they're really not that different. The shells are the main difference. Portion sizes, maybe. The meat tastes pretty close to the same.

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MrDrMan posted...

Ive heard people say $1000 is plenty while others say its not enough.

depends on the place staying during that time, some of the casino's have those dumb resort fees :(. used to have cheaper rates but that was 12 years ago.
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Smashingpmkns posted...

Vegas local. Buy alcohol from a liquor store off the strip and pre-game or bring a flask. That will save you like $500 alone. Also 80% of the restaurants on the strip suck ass. Go off strip for cheaper and better food.

this is the best advice you'll get here

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MrDrMan posted...

Why do you say that? Ive heard people say $1000 is plenty while others say its not enough.

Not sure what to think.

Truth is, you can last five days on $1k, but you'll be robbing yourself of the more vegas-y things. Shows, gambling, food, drink, dancing, it's all part of the overarching experience.

I'm not the best resource for keeping a five day trip under $1k. For perspective, I just dropped $900 on a helicopter tour for two to the grand canyon, and I'll probably spend another $300 on a round at the Wynn golf course. When I go vegas, I swing for the fences and don't look at my wallet. The only limit I set is for gambling, and even that's a soft cap.

Is my way the "right" way? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on what works for you. But setting a $1k limit is absolutely doable as well with some of the tips that have been given. I just personally think you'd be missing out on some fun experiences like the shows and gambling.

Sorry I don't want to hammer on the money thing -- Vegas is fucking awesome and you will have a good time with a $1k budget if you get a bottle or two off-strip to cover your alcohol expenses. You and your lady will have a fantastic time regardless of how much you spend.

MrDrMan posted...

Assuming were staying on the strip how much should I expect to spend on transportation if we go to Fremont and some other places off strip?

Ubers are a hair over standard fare but nothing exorbitant. Shouldn't see anything unusual.

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kingdrake2 posted...

depends on the place staying during that time, some of the casino's have those dumb resort fees :(. used to have cheaper rates but that was 12 years ago.

I just dont see myself spending over that just based on the type of dude I am. I dont care about going to nice restaurants, gambling, or strip clubs.

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If you want steaks, just eat herbs and rye or their sister location. If you want Japanese go to Sapporo. Eat breakfast and rise and shine or egg works.


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I lived in Vegas for like 25 years

Dont go to the Strip casinos. That place is a dump and overpriced.

Station casinos (Red Rock Station, Green Valley Station, etc) are cheaper, and have member benefits

All the buffets are the same. Or nearly identical. Honestly, normal chain buffets are better.

Dont walk out at night, unless it is on the strip. There are a ton of weird people.

public transport is unreliable.

You arent gonna win slots often. The only game you have a realistic chance of winning, is blackjack or poker. And even that has a luck factor.

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I have to say I dont understand why people associate fancy restaurants with Las Vegas.

Gordon Ramsay has a restaurant right here in Kansas City. If I wanted to go then I would have been.

Im just going out there to party. Sitting down at a restaurant isnt fun at all to me.

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MrDrMan posted...

I have to say I dont understand why people associate fancy restaurants with Las Vegas.

Because its been like that since the beginning. And we do have some of the best restaurants in the world lol.

theres like 3 Gordon restaurants here. Theyre kind of overrated imo. Much better options here

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darkprince45 posted...

Because its been like that since the beginning. And we do have some of the best restaurants in the world lol.

theres like 3 Gordon restaurants here. Theyre kind of overrated imo. Much better options here

Every major city in America has nice restaurants. Most of these famous places are overrated anyway.


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TheGoldenEel posted...

This, but if you want to try might I suggest exploring the nature options around VegasRed Rock Canyon National Park is freaking beautiful and can take a good chunk of a day to explore

Quality post!
But ya, really gambling is for losers.
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Don't gamble. Just party and eat. Go to shows. Drink a lot, smoke some legal stuff, do literally anything but gamble. That's the key. I went with $500 once for a 3 day weekend and had a great time.

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steveoSEK posted...

Don't gamble. Just party and eat. Go to shows. Drink a lot, smoke some legal stuff, do literally anything but gamble. That's the key. I went with $500 once for a 3 day weekend and had a great time.

Ok thats what I was thinking. I have no idea how people are spending $500 a day and not gambling besides overpriced ass drinks which I wont fall for.

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MrDrMan posted...

Ok thats what I was thinking. I have no idea how people are spending $500 a day and not gambling besides overpriced ass drinks which I wont fall for.

Yeah that's the basic rule for any casino visit. Just don't gamble. Hang out with your friends while they do it, and just drink and stuff. If you get the vape version of the legal stuff, you can hit it in the casinos.

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