Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

Dieting and Shopping Tips from Las Vegas’ Shelley ‘F’isHer

Get your bling on a shoestring with Las Vegas’ savviest shopper, Shelley Fisher. Shelley lost 85 lbs and can help you with lots of diet tips AND money saving advice! Tune in!

Does any one have any tips on getting free stuff at the Luxor in Las Vegas?

I’m going next weekend and I want to know how I could get free chips, a room upgrade, discounted spa, etc. I don’t make much money and want to make the most of my trip. Thanks.

Gambling on a Great Vacation ? 5 Tips for Doing Las Vegas Cheap!

Times are tough and money’s tight—but that’s even more reason to schedule a vacation getaway from the stress and struggles of daily living.  While many of us will be relegated to just a “day-cation” or maybe a “stay-cation,” there is a still travel destination where you can still get a really big bang for your buck.

Las Vegas.

Once upon a time Las Vegas was known as “Sin City”–famous for its casinos and show girls.  But today’s Vegas has much more to offer:  shows, shopping and plenty of family-friendly activities as well.  And you don’t need to be a high-roller to enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer; a Las Vegas vacation can be done on the cheap!

So put away the inflatable pool and pack your bags–here’s a list of tips for saving money in Las Vegas:

1. Look for Las Vegas Travel Deals

Las Vegas is a popular place for tourists so travel sites such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia often feature Las Vegas package deals.  I’ve seen Las Vegas hotel deals for as little as $70 per night for luxury accommodations.  You can find information about these packages–and make them even more affordable with Las Vegas coupons–at sites that specialize in deals like Savings.com.

2.  Plan in advance

Check out the Las Vegas Official Tourism Web Site for ideas on where to stay and what to see in Las Vegas.  Booking in advance can get you the best rates and making reservations for off-season or mid-week dates rather than for weekends or during holidays can save you a bundle of cash.  Also, make sure to research what shows will be in town when scheduling your vacation to help you avoid being stuck with tickets to Wayne Newton when you’re jonesing to see Bon Jovi.

3.  Don’t Gamble

…or at least set a limit and stick to it.  I know gambling has a powerful appeal to many people, although I’ve never understood the thrill of it.  Personally if I’m dropping a wad of cash, I want there to be something leather in my closet to show for it.  There are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble–no need to spend all your time in a Las Vegas casino!

4.  Free Admission

While it will cost you a chunk of change to see Cirque de Soleil or the Blue Man Group perform, there’s a veritable wealth of amazing things to see in Las Vegas for free.  The spectacular Bellagio Fountains, the talking statues at Caesars Palace and the Shark Tank at the Mirage cost nothing and make for some great entertainment.  Maybe not quite as enchanting as Cirque de Soleil, but definitely more amusing than a Carrot Top stand-up show.  

For other cost-free forms of Las Vegas entertainment, you can have fun people-watching and window shopping–or check out this more comprehensive list of free Las Vegas attractions on About.com

5.  Deals on Meals

If you fill up at one of Las Vegas’ many all-you-can-eat buffets, you can cut down on your food costs.  One meal big meal vs. three moderate ones can save you some real money.  You can also buy deeply discounted gift certificates in advance for Las Vegas restaurants at restaurant.com.  

And, while there is no such thing as a free lunch, there are free drinks at the Las Vegas casinos–if you’re gambling.  So you can sit yourself down at a nickel slot machine and if you tip the waitress well, she’ll keep the drinks coming.  The logic behind this largess, however, is that an inebriated customer will gamble longer and lose more money.  So know your limits–for your body as well as your budget!

A Las Vegas vacation has something for everyone–from wedding chapels to art museums, shows and shopping, golfing and gambling.  By doing some research for Las Vegas packages, Las Vegas travel deals or Las Vegas coupons, you can make that Las Vegas vacation extremely affordable.  So the secret to a “winning” Las Vegas getaway is:  plan in advance, stick to your budget and never double down when the dealer has a ten or an ace!

Seven Top Tips For Your Las Vegas Wedding

Research

Unless you’re a spontaneous, spur of the moment person, research is essential in order to have a great Las Vegas wedding, including setting the wedding date.

Yes, you could hop on a plane at the last minute, fly to Vegas and turn up at the chapel of your choice only to find out that:

A. You need a marriage licence from the Marriage Bureau, Las Vegas, Nevada which is located at 200 S. 3rd Street, 1st floor Las Vegas, NV 89155-1603 (cost at time of writing was $55) before you can get married in Las Vegas.

B. The chapel is booked solid, even when you return with a marriage license. Then you’re roaming Las Vegas wedding chapels, trying to find one that can marry you.

2. How To Get There

You also need to research how you’ll get to Las Vegas. Plane, train, car or bus? If you decide to fly, you’ll need to check airfares with the different airlines to find the best deal.

3. Venue

When you were doing your research, you probably came up with an idea of what sort of wedding you wanted. For example, you can be married by an Elvis impersonator, get married in medieval costume at Excalibur or opt for a traditional ceremony in an elegant wedding chapel.

Once you’ve decided on your wedding theme and researched wedding chapels, it’s a good idea to book the chapel of your choice as soon as possible, in order to avoid disappointment.

4. Reception.

To reception or not to reception? Instead of having a traditional reception you could have a memorable wedding meal at a top restaurant in Las Vegas, depending on how many will be in your wedding party. Or if it’s just the two of you, you could dine a deux with room service in your honeymoon suite.

5. Your Wedding Night and Honeymoon

Now that you know where and when you’re getting married, it’s time to book the wedding night and or honeymoon. It’s easy to research the casino hotels online by visiting their websites or reading messages on Las Vegas forums to find a hotel that appeals to you. Once you find your hotel, it’s a good idea to make your reservations as soon as possible.

6. Wedding Attire

It’s time to decide on your outfit for your Las Vegas wedding. You’ve already decided what sort of ceremony you’ve having, which will help to narrow your choice of outfit. If you don’t want to pack your wedding gown into a suitcase you could always rent or buy a wedding gown in Las Vegas. Just make sure you do your research first before you arrive in Las Vegas.

7. Invitations

Before sending out your invitations you should have completed the above six steps: deciding on a wedding date and type of wedding, mode of transport to Las Vegas, booking a wedding chapel, deciding on what sort of reception you’ll be having if any, reservations for your wedding night/honeymoon and planning your wedding attire.

Now it’s time to invite your family/friends to your Las Vegas wedding. Unless you just want it to be the two of you – how romantic!

Tips for Planning Your Las Vegas Wedding

Las Vegas weddings are appealing to more and more people as the economy worsens since they offer a very cost effective and easy way to tie the knot quickly and with the most minimum hassle.  However, even though most wedding venues will greatly reduce your wedding planning stress, there are some that literally only provide you with the bare minimum marriage service while sticking you with the rest of the details.  

For example, if you are going with a very basic package at a chapel, then most of the time, they will not offer taking you to get your marriage license, photographing the ceremony, arranging for specific music, or flowers.  In other words, many chapels offer the very basic option of getting married and nothing really personalized or unique to you and your partner.  

If this doesn’t bother you, then you should stick to the basic chapel, but if it does and you feel that you’d like something more tailored to you and your spouse to be’s tastes, then you may be better off looking for a more full service chapel, or even a hotel that happens to offer marriage services as well.  Many of the bigger hotels in Vegas offer wedding services, and they offer packages to suit your budget, but also to suit your personal tastes and needs.

Not only that, but many times if you book your wedding at a hotel, they may offer discounts off of their rooms or extracurricular services.  They will also many times give you your own personal wedding planner/consultant that will help you through every step of you wedding planning process.  This not only takes all the hassle out of your wedding, but it also brings things to your attention on a personalized basis, that you may not have thought of before.

We recently planned our wedding in Vegas, and found that after searching through all kinds of chapels, that after you added on the expense of doing everything else for you wedding, such as photography, flowers, music, the license and officiant’s fee to perform the ceremony, it was better and more hassle free to just pay the extra money and have a consultant that would go through the process every step of the way with you and make sure it was all planned and ready to go on your special day.

This is a great option for people like me, who hate planning things and who get stressed out when faced with too many options and too many “to do’s” on their list.  After we booked our wedding in the hotel chapel, we only had to make a few decisions, which our wedding planner then followed through on for us, so it was like having your own personal shopper in a way!  

Another consideration for you Vegas wedding is whether or not you are going to invite others to come with you to participate in the marriage of you and your future spouse.  This is a totally personal decision, and one that really depends on how you and your partner feel about the experience of sharing your happy day with friends and loved ones.

Some want minimal fuss and attention, and choose to “run off to Vegas” and elope, while others, like us, had decided to make it an open invitation to others if they wanted to come on a vacation and also participate in our wedding.  You’d be surprised how many people are willing to come and pay their own way to see your marriage, but also to have fun and live it up a little on their own personal sort of vacation at the same time.  

In Vegas, you can have fun on your own, but it’s always more fun going with a group of people in my opinion.  It’s all a matter of personal preference.  If you do invite others who are paying their own way, you may want to consider having a small gathering after the wedding ceremony as a sort of “reception” for those who attended, so you may want to look into restaurants that are reasonable, and decide if you are going to foot the bill or not. This is entirely up to you and your budget of course, it’s just a good thing to think about ahead of time.  

Getting married in Sin City really does take a lot of the forethought and hassle out of planning a wedding, but there are still some considerations to be made, and as long as you’re aware of those decisions, then that makes it all that much easier and stress free for you and your special someone on the day that shapes the rest of your lives together.

Las Vegas Vacationing Tips

Are you planning for a Las Vegas vacation? You should be very well prepared before taking a flight in one of the busiest places in Nevada.

You might end up short on your budget or with no hotels to check in if you did not call for reservations. You should also have enough money to savor everything you want to experience in the city.

There are many places to visit and things to do in Las Vegas. The city itself and the surrounding areas are attractions already. You may walk on the strip and savor the wonders of its casinos and luxurious hotels.

Leisure and business activities are non stop in this busy city. At night, you may have the option of watching shows and have fun gambling on its famous casinos. When you want a vacation full of entertainment and fun, then this is the perfect destination.

Generally, the main attractions of the city are its hotels and casinos. The most popular hotels are the MGM Grand, The Ritz Carlton, Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, The Mirage and the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.

Other popular sight attractions in Las Vegas are the hotels and casinos’ free shows like the Bellagio’s water fountain ballet, masquerade show at the Rio, and the Mirage’s volcano white tiger exhibit. Aside from its hotels and casinos, the museums are also places worth visiting.

However, you should prepare well before making the trip to Las Vegas especially if it is your first time. Here are some Las Vegas vacation tips that will help you to experience the best Las Vegas vacation.

1.Look and book for hotel reservations ahead preferably 2 to 3 weeks before taking the flight. It is also recommended that you purchase tickets early. You will find flights that require advance purchase of tickets, in this way you can avoid long piles of lines in the airport for ticket buys.

2.If it is your first time in the city, make sure that you stay near the strip. The strip is the best place for you to enjoy. You will savor the beauty of Vegas attractions such as the white tigers at the mirage, fountains of the Bellagio, pirates show at the Treasure Island and the lions’ den of the Mirage.

3.Most of the hotels and casinos are just a few steps away. You may not need to rent a car. Staying a hotel at the center of the city would be a perfect choice to stay in.

4.Exclusive shows in the hotels and casinos may really cost expensive. You may save money by going to free shows which are also main attractions in Las Vegas. You may watch free circus acts at the Circus Circus. Visit the human statue Venetian, watch the Pirate Show at the Treasure Island, see the M&M store at New York Street and enjoy the fountain exhibition at the front of the Bellagio.

When visiting Las Vegas, remember these tips on what you can do in the city especially if you do not have enough budget to enjoy expensive entertainment. It is up to you on how to have a great time in Las Vegas. For sure, you will never forget your first Las Vegas experience.

Top 10 celeb spotting tips in Vegas

Top 10 celeb spotting tips in Vegas
LAS VEGAS — It’s no big secret that Sin City is a magnet for stars.

Read more on Jam! Showbiz

Tips On Getting The Best Deals Available On A Las Vegas Package

If you a planning a Las Vegas package then here are some ways to make the most of your trip. Take this opportunity to enjoy as many of the perks offered in a package deal as you possibly can. Many Package trips have the airfare included in the price and they usually have other extras such as meals included or free tickets to your favorite shows.

If you’re on a package trip to Las Vegas then you may even get some cash back to spend in the casino of the hotel. You may be lucky enough to stay in a hotel that offers daily spa treatments as part of the deal.

You’ll probably find there is a lot of choice once you start looking for a Las Vegas package. Is this an annual vacation, or are you celebrating a birthday, or do you want that special someone to have the time of his or her life. Maybe you want an exciting Las Vegas wedding filled with romance and all the things that will make it the trip of a lifetime.

Check out the golfing deals if you’re thinking of a package for yourself and your golfing buddies. No matter the reasons for visiting the desert state you’re sure to get the deal that is best suited to your needs.

Sometimes people book a week-end getaway and regard taking many breaks through out the year as a way of spreading their vacation time rather than taking it vacation all at once. 3-day weekend Las Vegas packages are becoming more and more popular as people are looking for greater relaxation at the end of a grueling week.

You can get package trips that are especially geared towards these 3-day weekend getaways. And you may still get some really good deals that include free tickets to local attractions, discounts on the hotel for booking in advance or other money saving advantages.

If you are looking for perfect Las Vegas package, you may want to do a bit of homework to ensure that you are getting the best deal for your needs. Make a list of the things you might expect from a good Las Vegas package – don’t forget to see if there are any extras for special occasion trips such as a birthday or a wedding, or maybe even just a trip with the guys. The first point of call should be your local travel agent to see what specials they might have on offer. You stand more chance of getting a great Las Vegas package the further ahead that you book.

Check out the internet, you can often find some great deals on packages, especially if they are late cancellations. You may also get a better idea of the perks offered on different packages. The internet is a great way of being able to compare the best deals all in one place. It’s also much easier to book yourself a holiday from the comfort of your own home.

Summary:

When traveling to Las Vegas, make the most of the special perks that are offered on a package deal. Enjoying all that there is on offer is the best way of getting the most out of your Las Vegas package holiday.

The Complete Las Vegas Rental Car Checklist, Tips & Tricks

There is a lot of money to be saved by taking the time to learn some tips and tricks for getting the best Las Vegas rental car for your money. Follow these simple car rental savings tricks and you will have more money to spend on your Las Vegas vacation.

Check with your credit card company to find out if it has free or discounted rates for the Loss/Damage Waiver coverage when you use that credit card for rental payment.

Make sure you have a valid driver’s licence for driving around Las Vegas. If preferable, ask for a car rental that has a trunk rather than a hatchback. The last thing you need is thieves being able to see all your personal belongings.
Call your existing car insurance company to find out what coverage you have under that policy when renting a car in Vegas. This way you will be able to decline some insurance coverage that Las Vegas car rental companies offer you and save on your hiring cost.

Always check a rental car when you first get into it. Point out any existing damage to the car before you pull out of the car space.

Make sure you are familiar with how that car operates. Locate things like the gas tank, wipers, lights, horn, direction signals, gear shift and make sure they are easy to operate and not faulty. Also make sure the car manual is in the car.
Make sure you have a good map and detailed directions.

Make sure you ask the car rental company the following 7 questions:

1. Are there any discounts available?

2. Do they charge an airport shuttle fee for customers who arrive by shuttle?

3. Do they give unlimited mileage and what are the conditions?

4. What are the booking requirements for the lowest rates?

5. Is there a surcharge for additional drivers?

6. Is there a limit to how far you can travel in the car?

7. Are there any drop off charges?

Las Vegas car rental charges can fluctuate as often as Las Vegas hotel room rates. They are usually their lowest two weeks before Christmas and at their highest throughout January. If your visit coincides with a convention you may not be able to get a rental car at all.

If you are planning a vacation during a quieter time of year you may benefit by using trying out these various Las Vegas car rental techniques:

Book your car weeks in advance. From 2 weeks before your arrival phone a selection of car rental companies to see if they can offer you a better deal. If they can, cancel your original reservation and book at the new lower rate. Don’t book a car rental until you get there. You may find that you don’t need a car very much at any rate because you will be spending most of your time on the Strip. You may end up only wanting a car for one or two days. If so, have a look at Las Vegas magazines, newspapers and coupon books for the best Las Vegas car rental discounts. Phone around for availability when you have found the best deals.

Check the in-flight magazines for Las Vegas rental car coupons. You can usually get information about coupons by calling toll-free numbers of airlines. Reserve a car rental for the first 24 hours only. Make sure you can pick up the car at the airport and that you can drop it off at one of the locations on the Strip without paying any additional charges. While in Las Vegas, look at all the coupon offers for car rental and reserve a car for the last 24 hours. Make sure you can pick up the car on the Strip and return it to the airport without penalty.

Las Vegas Tourism Tips: The 5 Most Romantic Vegas Hotels

Las Vegas is a great place for a romantic getaway. With its incredible resort hotels and casinos, world-class dining, shopping, attractions, and accommodations, Vegas has everything it takes to make your romantic vacation or honeymoon both exciting and memorable.

Of course, certain hotels are far more romantic than others. You probably wouldn’t want to end up at Circus Circus or Excalibur, for those hotels are very popular family destinations and not exactly conducive to quiet romantic escapes.

So what resorts are the most romantic in all of Las Vegas? Read on to find out my picks for the top 5 romantic Vegas hotels.

1. The Venetian Hotel

The Venetian was built with romance in mind. From its re-creation of a Venice canal, complete with romantic gondola rides, to its incredible restaurants, amazingly beautiful lobby, world-class shopping, and luxurious rooms, the Venetian is a wonderful place to get away from it all right in the middle of Vegas.

2. Paris Las Vegas

No city is more romantic than Paris, and the Paris Las Vegas Hotel wonderfully re-creates some of the most noteworthy elements of the City of Light, from its half scale replica of the Eiffel Tower to its uniquely Parisian architecture and cuisine. Paris Las Vegas is romantic inside and out. Don’t miss sunset from the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower – it’s a sight you’ll always remember.

3. Bellagio

The Bellagio Hotel and Casino remains one of the most elegant and beautiful in all of Las Vegas. From its vast man-made lake and water fountain show, timed to Italian opera and classic Sinatra ballads, to its magnificent interior, complete with botanical gardens, an art museum, and incredible shops, the Bellagio is a world unto itself. But it’s the wonderful pool area that is my favorite element of the Bellagio, with an elegant main pool and a half dozen smaller, more private pools, all designed and landscaped like the grounds of a Mediterranean villa.

4. Red Rock Hotel and Casino

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip for the breathtaking beauty of Red Rock Canyon on the outskirts of town, the Red Rock Hotel and Casino offers five-star luxury amidst a backdrop of natural splendor. It’s hard to believe you’re in Las Vegas when you’re at the Red Rock – it feels a world away. The natural canyon setting makes for a wonderful romantic getaway, yet you don’t sacrifice quality or service – the Red Rock is a world-class resort hotel. Of course, if you want to check out the excitement of the Strip, its a short car or taxi ride away.

5. Wynn Hotel Casino

Steve Wynn set out to redefine luxury in Vegas when he built his new casino, and boy did he succeed in doing so. The Wynn Hotel is simple yet elegant, with a sleek design, wonderfully decorated rooms, incredible landscaping (including man-made ponds and waterfalls), and elegant shops and restaurants. You will be truly pampered at the Wynn, and the level of quality and customer service make it one of the best places in all of Las Vegas for a romantic vacation or honeymoon.