I Spy a Bargain

Las Vegas, NV  

We recently flew to Phoenix, AZ on Allegiant Airlines. Their package price was outstanding and we managed a quick 5 star vacation on a 2 star budget. What could be better than that?

In my latest round of searching for travel bargains I saw a Las Vegas gem. I won't be going, but YOU might like to.

It is four nights, leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Thursday near the first week of March. You would fly out of Minot, ND on a moderately sized plane (about 150 passengers.) It is a direct flight of less than 3 hours.  Included in this price is shuttle transportation to the hotel, from the Las Vegas airport. Typical shuttles are NOT my idea of a good time, but if you've ever seen the taxi line-up in Vegas, you would consider a shuttle.

The taxi stand line is a winding "cattle chute" and you typically wait 40 minutes or more in line. If it's hot and you're tired from the flight, anything other than the taxi line will look good.

Anyways, for these dates you can choose a cheaper hotel. The Flamingo Hilton (on The Strip) would be about $100 less per person. However, it's not a new or newer hotel. Since I prefer 5 star, at 2 star price, I would encourage you to look at places like PH (Planet Hollywood). It is dead centre on The Strip and absolutely the centre of the action. Lots of beautiful people at PH.

Lights of Planet Hollywood Hotel

The Tropicana is at the MGM/Luxor/New York corner. It's the last hotel I stayed at and LOVED. The Tropicana is Canadian owned (little known fact) and just had big money renovations. It is tropical themed, the rooms are very nice, the pool is very happening, and the restaurant Bacio (Italian food) was absolutely amazing. Seriously, chef Carla Pellegrino prepared one of the best meals of my life. It was so good. Hell, I'd go to Vegas just for another meal at Bacio.

The Tropicana is priced at $296 for March 4-8, per person, plus taxes and shuttle. So per couple it would be $706.10. AHHHHHHH. That is so cheap. I want to go now!

Pool at Tropicana 

But I am going to suggest VDARA Resort and Spa in this instance, because Vdara is also in the centre of The Strip. It is one of the very newest and most posh hotels ever. I can't actually say I've ever seen it so cheap. Vdara is different because it is all suites, plus it does NOT have a casino. It is also one of the only Vegas hotels that is non-smoking.  Lastly, if you book these particular dates (or several others this late winter) they are offering 2 free show tickets. There are several shows on the list to choose from, like Criss Angel (yes I spelled that correctly), Zumanity or Terry Fator.  Tickets to these shows are at least $100 value. 

If you want to gamble conveniently, Bellagio is right next door to Vdara. And, in my experience, gambling at Bellagio is worth it for the premium adult beverages. Nothing is watered down at Bellagio. Order a Baileys on the rocks and you get about 2 oz of name brand Baileys on the rocks. A lovely breakfast beverage if you are so inclined. 

So, if you are so in need of a get away, I would jump at the chance to nab this little bargain and enjoy a late winter Vegas vacation. 

For comparison sake, I also checked Westjetvacations.com for identical dates and hotels, but leaving from Winnipeg airport. To stay at the Tropicana would be $1133.32 (taxes in) per couple. They have Vdara listed at $1264.66. So, to fly Allegiant from Minot would save you $366.36 on a vacation to Vdara. That seems to be a good chunk of change which you might prefer to spend on meals or in the casino. 

If you choose to go to Las Vegas, enjoy! I'd love to hear about it, but.... what happens in Vegas - stays in Vegas!!!

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Organizing your next travel adventure

If you can google it, you can research it. If you can research it, you can live it. Anything is possible. You just have to figure out what you want.

If you want fabulous travel stories and money is no object, pick up a magazine and choose something from the glossy pages. Phone, or click and start your vacation. IF you're more like me, and money is always an issue, then you need to put in the time and do the research.

First... what kind of vacation are you after? Tropical? European? Land or Sea? Backyard adventure? Hands on experience? Something you saw on TV?

Step 2... Google.  What did you see in the magazine that you wanted?  Now, do you want to be on that exact beach or something similar? Or do you want to eat in a restaurant you saw on the Food Network?  Where is it?

Step 3... How do you get there? Car, plane? If it's a plane... research what airlines fly to your potential destination. Is it seasonal service? What does it cost?

Step 4... Research the the country, the climate, the politics, the money, the crime, the tourism industry, the activities available.  Can you live with the answers?  If yes, keep going. If not, move on to another destination. What do the folks on Trip Advisor have to say about it?

Step 5.... Find out where you want to stay. Then... and this is the most important step.... find a way to start communicating with them. Usually this is as easy as subscribing to their e-mail list. It won't be long before they are sending you special offers. This includes getting on the mailing list of the airline you plan to use so that you get notice of seat sales. Seat sales often only last a day or two. It pays (or saves!) to be on top of this.

Step 6...  Price out your potential vacation. Try it in various months or dates. National holidays and school holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Spring Break etc) will tend to be higher. Can you go at less busy times?  Once you have a good grasp on the cost, start planning and saving.  Corny as it may sound... I have a big glass pickle that says "My Maui Money" on it. You can bet it's a great visual reminder of where I want to go and that I need to be saving for it.

A little research and some advance planning can save a lot. I believe it's the key to a dream vacation. Last minute bargains can be fabulous... spontaneous and fun... HOWEVER you may be getting the vacation that no body else wanted. You may not get the type of vacation that suits you. You may be getting something that is "good enough" at a good price.

I truly believe that the research and the anticipation and the planning process can be inspirational. Even thinking about a great future vacation can be a stress reliever. Knowing that you have something to look forward to can be a great motivator.