Vegas trip ideas.

[pokeherguy]

The wife and I are considering a Vegas trip over her spring break which happens around the 18th of this month. Its kind of spur of the moment, something she just suggested since I have never been before. I would like to see the place at least once but don't really care about going there to gamble. I'm sure we will spend some time playing but I would like to look around more than anything. We would be catching a flight out of Memphis, Tn. and was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to where I might find the best deal on air fare and hotel. I've already looked around on the internet but I thought some of the people more experienced with travel to Vegas might be able to offer some advice. Also what are some things we should see if we do make the trip. Any help would be appreciated.

[oej719]

Southwest air usually has good deals on their website and the car rentals on their site are the lowest prices . I rent cars from this website even if I fly another airline.
You can stay at resorts off the strip and save.

[vpguy3]

Check out Southwest Airlines Vacations. They offer package deals on air, hotel and car and I have found some great package pricing in the past. Be prepared for higher fares because of the short lead time but do compare the package deals at SWAvacations.com to just airfare at southwest.com.
Have fun and do catch at least one show, Danny Gans is fun and won't set you back a weeks pay.

[MikeA]

Pokeherguy,You probably have already considered that Spring Break is one of the busiest times in Las Vegas (i.e., that place will be a CIRCUS!).  Hotel prices are UP and it's getting harder if not almost impossible, to find flights that aren't booked. Were it not for that, I might suggest checking out Bally's as a good mid-Strip place to stay.  We found them pretty reasonable but we stayed there mid-week during a relatively non-busy time for Vegas.

[EDC1977]

 Wow, spring break in LV, are you sure? Plenty to see and do without gambling. lvadvisor.com has weekend activities listings,reviewjournal.com has an activities page for Las Vegas and vegas4locals.com also has an activities page with lots to do as well, whether you're on a budget or spend like a whale.

[pokeherguy]

Is it going to be that bad on spring break? I've got to admit that I am having second thoughts now.

[marie meijer]

GO, have a great time and let us know if spring break is feasible. It seems spring break is staggered and not all have the same week. If Spirit flies out of Memphis, check out their rates as well as Southwest. Spirit now charges $10 per checked bag. A carry on and an outfit in a tote bag per person works for a week and you do not have to wait around to see IF your luggage arrives. Look for a flight-hotel package. We get good rates booking on line. Ask for CASINO RATES when you contact a hotel. We know a few who have fun in Vegas and do not gamble. Free includes white tigers at Mirage, lions at MGM, penguins in Flamingo's back yard and conservatory at Bellagio beyond the registration lobby. Dale Chihuly designed the huge, colorful, glass abstract florals above the Bellagio lobby and a store sells his up scale glass designs in the back of the Conservatory. Catch their fountain display choreographed to music of Andre B, Celine D, Frank S and others. Big Elvis is delightful. L V REVIEW newspaper probably has listed where he is currently playing. Perhaps Gold Coast and he used to play at Barbary Coast, now named Bills. You could ask there or perhaps sign is on doors. Regardless if you have a rental car, hopping the Deuce double decker bus one day gets you from one end of the strip to the other more easily and you can transfer to off strip locations as Orleans. $5 for 24 hr pass. Fair warning: 15 years is the average time people are hooked on Vegas! Do sign up for slot cards and you will receive free things as buffets or performances and too many hotel offers for future trips will arrive in your mail box. Report highlights back to us!

[MikeA]

Is it going to be that bad on spring break? I've got to admit that I am having second thoughts now."Bad"?  No.  Not if you can get out there with the complications of finding a seat on a plane and a room in a hotel that you can afford during their busy times.  Vegas operates on a supply and demand basis.  They will hit you with all the market will bear.  Rooms in off times that go for $40 a night mid-week, might go for $200 on a busy weekend.Once you are there, it may be a bit more crowded, but Las Vegas has LOTS of tables and machines!  If you can work the trip in to your timeframe and budget, for cryin' out loud, GO FOR IT!  You won't regret it.

[rfonlymama]

I agree with Marie....go and have fun but like Mike says, it might be more expensive.  We always try to go on a Sunday and stay through mid-week.  One side trip I really enjoyed was heading down to the Hoover Dam.  I didn't want to give up valuable "gambling time" but it really was interesting....maybe others wouldn't agree and I think everyone has to see the lights on Freemont St at least once!
Have fun and enjoy

[marie meijer]

rfonlymama is right: Hoover Dam IS amazing and there is a visitors center. Log on to Hoover Dam for info. Several casinos offer free day bus trip to Laughlin including buffet. Nice way to check out some ten casinos to consider for another trip. We have enjoyed that hotter casino location - weather-wise, on the beautiful Colorado River. Side trips to nearby Mt Charleston, Death Valley and sensational Yosemite are also great.