Top 10 ways to not go broke in Vegas

Let’s get one thing out of the way – you’re extraordinarily unlikely to beat the house in Vegas and come home richer than you left. But with a little help, you can definitely save enough money on your vacation so that losing in the casino won’t hurt your wallet quite so badly.

So, to make sure you won't have to hitchhike home, we’ve got a list of our top 10 ways to not go broke in Vegas.

1. As vacation experts, we can’t quite understand why people would go to Vegas uncertain of where they’re going to sleep—please don’t do this. Let us find a great deal for you so you can stop worrying and enjoy your trip.

2. While you’re being proactive and booking ahead, figure out which attractions and shows you really want to see so that you can stay near them and save money on cabs.

3. A dirty little secret of Las Vegas is that you can stay in one hotel and use the casino, restaurants, and other facilities of other hotels—so if you’re not overly concerned about where you lay your head at night, it could be something to consider.

4. Make a budget, and stick to it (really, this is a good idea no matter where you’re going, but it goes double for Vegas).

5. Yes, you can drink for free while you’re gambling. But don’t take that as an excuse to go over your previously-mentioned budget. Remember, the less money you’re gambling, the less frequently servers will come by (unless you tip well), so this isn’t really a fool-proof plan, but between nickel slots and good tips, you might be able to make it work.

6. If you have your heart set on seeing a specific show, by all means, buy your tickets in advance. If you’re not too concerned and just want to see something, though, you can save bundles on last minute tickets.

7. Vegas is home to all sorts of free entertainment, from the Bellagio’s dancing fountains, to indoor street performers at the Venetian, to the exploding volcano at the Mirage. Even people-watching on the Strip can be a great time.

8. Food courts and buffets are two of your best options for saving on food, but if there’s a restaurant you really want to try, hit it up during a happy hour—many establishments have two, one in the early evening and one late at night. And yes, there are deals on both food and drinks.

9. Conversely, if you’re eating at a more ‘regular’ time, don’t drink while you eat—the restaurants aren’t a good place to save money on alcohol outside of happy hour.

10. Don’t rent a car! The strip is accessible by walking or taking the monorail. For downtown you can take the bus—it’s only $7 for a 24-hour pass.

A Las Vegas vacation doesn’t have to break the bank, and by paying a little attention to where your money is going and planning well ahead of time, it’s easy to enjoy Vegas like a high roller.

...and not have horrifying flashbacks every time you see this sign.