With Vegas being an easy quick hop from SoCal, there are many ways to have a quick getaway without breaking the budget. But even from other locations, Vegas can be an inexpensive getaway if you plan it right. Check out how I did Las Vegas on a $250 budget, total.
Flights: Virgin America, $80.20 Round Trip
I hate driving to Vegas. I will do it very occasionally, but when you can find a reasonable flight deal, why subject myself to 4-5 hours in the car for no reason? And you can get cheap flights from all over the country if you play your cards right. For example, a couple of weeks ago, major airlines were offering flights across country. One could get from Chicago to Los Angeles and other west-coast cities for $80 round-trip. Even if Vegas wasn’t a city with a discount, you could pair that $80 ticket with a cheap $80 round-trip from LA to Vegas. If you are flexible, this can afford great savings.
I decided to hop on this deal when I saw it pop up. I also decided to take the swanky, Vegas-esque route, so I hopped on Virgin America, a hip and chic airline perfect for a trip to Vegas. My flight was $80.20 round-trip during that huge fare sale.
Hotel: Planet Hollywood, $145.01 including taxes and resort fee
There are a number of inexpensive, 4-star hotels on the Strip for the picking. For the concept I was going for, I went with Planet Hollywood, which is centrally located, because of its hip vibe.
My friend and I paid a bit more for a room with two queens and we split the cost. So really, each of us paid $72.51 for a place to crash after our night on the town in Vegas. And Planet Hollywood was in the middle of the road, price-wise. There were many less expensive options.
Parking: LAX Airport $12.60 including taxes
In Vegas, parking is free. But to get there I used one of my trusted parking sites, CheapAirportParking.org. The key to avoid paying $30 a night is to book ahead of time on CheapAirportParking.org, and print your receipt to bring when you park to lower the rates considerably. This is actually on the high side for parking, as usually I can find valet parking at the hotels near LAX for about $10. But given last minute parking notice, this was reasonable.
CheapAirportParking.com services other airports (not just LAX) including Burbank, Atlanta, O’Hare, Fort Lauderdale, all three major NYC airports, Reagan (DC), Orlando, Philly and San Fran, among others. And bonus tip: Use the promo code “CHEAPISM” get an extra $5 off your parking reservation.
Dinner: $50 per person
It’s Vegas and a foodie (not to mention drink) city, so let’s estimate about $50 per person as a nice, round figure.
Grand Total: $215.31
Virgin America Flight: $80.20
Half of Planet Hollywood Room: $72.51
Dinner: $50.00
Airport Parking: $12.60
That leaves about $35 bucks for additional drinks to stay within a $250 budget. Of course, gambling money is not included, LOL.
Ready, set, go!
Nice. That was a good overnight getaway for a great price. I wish I could find a cheap trip out there but coming from DC, I would have to stay for more than one night
Wow! I’m glad you were able to pull that off! It definitely gives me hope.
OMG I just came from Vegas and I wish I could get away with that amount! This is a perfect budget for someone who lives near Cali…in which I wish I did live so one day I will have this luxury lol!
You really made out, I love to travel. I love to travel even more when I can save some money. I love to hear tips and trips on how to save my coins.
Your trip to Vegas sounds awesome. I need to plan a trip. I wish I could go for $250 or less. However, I live in Arkansas and the flights are much more than $81. However, I will search for deals like you suggested. Thanks for posting.
Ramona, so true! But depending on where you live in Arkansas you can fly out of Memphis or another larger airport. Or if Frontier fries out near you, they had roundtrip flights to various locations for as low as $40 roundtrip to various destinations! Just be on the lookout and willing to travel a bit to get to larger airports. There have been some pretty darn good deals out of Memphis lately. 🙂
Girl I need to hang with you!
Come on, Nicole! The more, the merrier!
So jealous!!! Please help me find flights for 5 to Turks & Caicos LMBO!!! I’ll be sharing these tips, love it!
When are you going to Turks? Let’s chat!
Awesome deal! I live in Chicago, but I drove last year from LA to Las Vegas during a week long getaway. I agree that it’s something I would not want to do again. Looks like you had an awesome night at a great bargain.
I loved Planet Hollywood when I stayed there. Great job on finding deals.
It’s definitely nice to be able to split a trip with someone because it cuts down the cost dramatically. I loved splitting my trip to SF
This is awesome! Im thinking that an overnight getaway in NYC would be the equivalent trip for me. I love your rational. Quick and dirty and cheap!
I love how you put this together. I am going to check out that airline, and see how much it will run from my area. Thanks for sharing this… I love to travel.
Wow – that s awesome! Not sure if I could have pulled it off so well LOL! Now, I’m thinking that I may try something like that for 1 day.
I got married in Vegas a few years ago and I actually found it to be a very surprisingly affordable place to go for a vacation. I was happy 🙂
Haha! that is a great budget but I know I would go well over it on drinks – however if gambling aren’t drinks free? Haha I would gamble for a really slow long time with my 35 left over and drink all night 🙂
Joely, now you’ve got it. Penny slots LOL
Las Vegas has been a place I have always wanted to visit. Great tips for those who live closer, I’m in the UK so it would cost a bit more.
I lived in Vegas for 5 years. I go back every once a year for my birthday or anniversary.
Getaways don’t always have to be expensive as you’ve shown. Do some homework, make good choices, and have fun!
Exactly, Cynthia! It’s all about catching those amazing deals and doing a bit of homework. It feels so much better when it’s inexpensive too! 🙂
Sounds great to me! Never been to Vegas myself but looking to at some point so I will have to take your lead. $250 is great, I never thought would be possible!
This sounds like such a great trip! It’s awesome that you are able to get out there so quickly and inexpensively. Being in NY we have a bit of a haul to get to Vegas, but I wouldn’t mind getting out that way again sometime soon!
Wow! That is very cheap airfare and you did great on the hotel too! We don’t have that airline up in the northeast, but it makes me wonder if we can’t break up a vacation and travel somewhere that does have that airline and then fly to Vegas. Great post!
I wanna go to visit there, I’ve never been there. I will add this on my bucket list.
Wow! That is so awesome! You did great! I would love to do that and save money like that.
I’m constantly telling people Vegas is so budget friendly! Hubby and I love the Hard Rock, and if you go at the right times you can get rooms for like $60! $100 for a giant suite, which is what we usually do.
This is great post for anyone traveling to Vegas! I’d love to visit it sometimes, hopefully soon enough!
wow , i didnt knw that las vegas can be this affordable … thnx for sharing your persnal experience.Now i can think of a vication there without spending lot