Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Scoring Airfare Deals from Across the Country

Las Vegas is a hugely popular destination for travelers across America, with its glitzy casinos, vibrant nightlife, and endless entertainment options. Fortunately, scoring an affordable flight to Sin City is easier than hitting jackpot on the slots if you know where to look and when.

The key is flexibility. While the peak season to visit Vegas runs from March through August, shoulder seasons in late winter and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds. Flights tend to be most expensive on weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays when business travelers are coming and going. Aim for midweek departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays for the lowest fares.

Sign up for alerts from airlines like Southwest, Frontier and Spirit that operate busy routes to Vegas from cities across the country. They regularly offer sales on select dates often priced lower than competitors. Be ready to book when you get an email about a fare sale.

Check out flight deals websites like The Flight Deal and Scott's Cheap Flights that curate and share mistake fares and exceptionally low prices they spot. Often you'll find Vegas routes included. The key is getting the deals directly in your inbox so you can jump on them fast before they disappear.

Be open to nearby airports. Search flights to McCarran International Airport (LAS) plus alternate airports such as LAX, San Diego, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver or Reno. Check if a positioning flight or quick drive can save you money compared to flying directly to Vegas.

Watch for one-way versus roundtrip pricing discrepancies. Sometimes you'll find a cheap one-way fare on an airline you can pair with an inexpensive return flight on another airline. Google Flights makes this easy to identify.

Leverage airline miles and points for free flights or upgrades, especially if you can transfer points from flexible programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards. Redemption rates for Vegas tend to be fairly reasonable.

Consider flying budget carriers like Frontier, Spirit or Allegiant Air. Their rock bottom base fares offset the extras you pay for bags, seat assignments and other add-ons. Just be sure to factor those in when comparing costs.

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Luxury Hotels Offering Deep Discounts and Freebies

While the flashy neon lights and action of the Strip may beckon, don’t overlook the high-end hotel bargains awaiting in Vegas beyond the casinos. Luxury properties regularly offer deep discounts and tempting freebies over the holidays and into January, the slowest season for leisure travel in Sin City. With cozy rooms, lavish amenities, and personalized service, these hidden gem rates let you vacation in style without blowing your budget.

Nab nightly rates at under $100 at The Cosmopolitan’s hip Boulevard Suites for a modern sanctuary from the crowds right on the Strip. Score complimentary breakfast or $50 dining credits to leave more chips for the casino. Enjoy striking views of the Bellagio fountains and easy access to shows, shopping and restaurants without fighting through the lobby chaos at neighboring mega resorts.

Escape north to Red Rock Casino and Resort to embrace the desert tranquility of the nearby national conservation area. Get beds for under $60 in the comfy rooms or upgrade to a discounted suite for more space to relax. Swim in the outdoor saline pool, book a massage in the spa or play a round on the TPC Las Vegas golf course near half off compared to peak season.

Rest and recharge in true Sin City style at The Palms Casino Resort just off the Strip. Spend your days sunbathing by the pool before hitting the clubs and bars at night. Room rates start under $50 with food and beverage credits up to $100 to enjoy onsite restaurants like Scotch 80 Prime Steakhouse.

Experience personalized pampering and Old Vegas ambiance at the Golden Nugget Downtown with rates from $45. Claim extras like waived resort fees and parking or breakfast credits for two to start your stay with plenty left to wager at the casino tables and slots. Don’t miss the famous Shark Tank aquarium pool for a unique Vegas experience.

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Finding Cheap Rooms Off The Strip

Finding bargain room rates on the Las Vegas Strip over popular holidays like Black Friday is no easy feat, with nightly pricing soaring upwards of $300 or more at the glitzy mega resorts. However, you can unlock huge savings by branching out to lodging options just blocks away off-Strip without sacrificing convenience or amenities.

Neighborhoods like Downtown Las Vegas, Chinatown, and Paradise offer a treasure trove of wallet-friendly hotel gems. You’ll avoid the crowds and noise while still having easy access to world-class entertainment, dining and attractions. Rates off-Strip tend to run 40-60% cheaper for comparable quality rooms.

Downtown Las Vegas puts you right in the heart of Glitter Gulch, home to the city’s old-school casinos with vintage neon signs and facades. Book a room at the California Hotel for as low as $22 nightly. Enjoy its rooftop pool, koi pond and easy walking access to Fremont Street casinos and shows. Nearby El Cortez has rooms from just $25, plus coin-operated slot machines to relive the early days of Vegas glam.

Paradise tempts with resorts flanking either side of the Strip. Consider Tahiti Village to the south beside the airport with spacious condo-style suites with rates from only $39 after fees. Lounge by the pool and enjoy onsite dining while the Strip monorail whisks you to the center of the action on the cheap.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino lies kitty-corner to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Nightly rates start around $40, less if you opt out of resort fees. Unwind in the full-service spa, see a show in the theater, or try your luck in Vegas’ largest sportsbook while a monorail station conveniently connects you to the Strip.

For a boutique hotel vibe, book The Artisan Hotel just a mile west of the Strip. Rooms creatively designed around themes like Erotic Heritage and Pop Culture run as low as $30. Quirky murals and a lively pool scene channel a hipster Vegas ambiance.

Venture further from the Strip to find rates under $30. Near the airport, Gold Coast Hotel and Casino has cozy quarters starting around $25 alongside inexpensive dining, bars and a 70-lane bowling alley. Or hit the Wild Wild West Gambling Hall en route to Red Rock Canyon where room prices bottom out around $22 for basic but comfortable lodging.

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Sneaking In Budget Friendly Shows and Entertainment

Las Vegas dazzles with its neon-lit marquees touting megastar residencies, magic acts and circus-style productions. But you needn’t empty your wallet to enjoy world-class entertainment on the Strip or Downtown. Savvy travelers sneak into fab budget-friendly shows by leveraging weekday matinees, half-price ticket booths, complimentary casino vouchers and more.

For starters, most ongoing shows offer discounted matinee performances during the day on weekdays when demand lags. You can catch hits like The Righteous Brothers and Legends in Concert for as low as $39 when afternoon pricing is $20-50 less than primetime. Family-friendly magic, comedy and tribute acts at Harrah’s, The Strat, Flamingo and other mid-range casinos run under $30.

Seek out half-price ticket booths like Tix4Tonight found in major Vegas hotel lobbies. They dish out same-day deals, often for 50% off or more, letting you choose what to see based on availability. Just know the best shows sell out fast, so line up early. The lesser-known acts can be just as entertaining at a fraction of the cost.

Check for complimentary show tickets offered as special incentives by Downtown casinos like Four Queens, Golden Nugget and Plaza. Simply join a players club, use your card during play or make a small deposit for vouchers to top acts. Recent shows included Mac King Comedy Magic Show, Purple Reign and The Australian Bee Gees.

Don’t forget Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas has ongoing free entertainment. Rock out to cover bands playing on concert stages, watch street performers and eccentric characters or catch the famous Viva Vision light show illuminating the video canopy hourly after dark.

Finally, consider adding on reasonably priced show tickets when booking your room. For instance, TI at Treasure Island often bundles its long-running Sirens show starting around $28 with nightly rates. Similar value packages are available through most major hotel-casinos.

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Saving Big on Food with Restaurant Week Specials

Las Vegas is known for its celebrity chef restaurants and lavish buffets commanding prices as high as the city skyline. But foodies can dine remarkably well on the cheap by timing visits around Restaurant Week promotions in late winter and early spring. Scores of top eateries roll out prix fixe menus at steep discounts for a limited time, letting you indulge without sabotaging your vacation budget.

Restaurant Week menus offer two- or three-course meals priced from $20-60 that would normally cost over double when ordered a la carte. We're talking Michelin star-quality cuisine from acclaimed chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay and Guy Savoy at an accessible price point. You get to sample some of the finest dishes on the Strip or Downtown without laying out hundreds per head.

Menus change annually but expect a broad lineup of steakhouses, seafood spots, Asian fusion eateries, Italian kitchens and more to showcase signature plates. Though specific selections vary, dinners often start with your pick of soup or salad then an appetizer like lobster ravioli or filet mignon carpaccio. Mains may feature braised short ribs, sea bass or rack of lamb with sides. Finish off with classics like crème brûlée or cheesecake. With wines and cocktails purchased separately, couples can easily enjoy a world-class meal under $100.

Unlike run-of-the-mill happy hours with bar bites and cheap drinks, Restaurant Week menu prices don't fluctuate by day or time. And they are specially curated to showcase the best of what these kitchens offer. You'll savor gourmet choices that are not on the regular menus while underscoring value.

Hit up Lago Italian kitchen at Bellagio or Costa di Mare at Wynn for perfect pairings of coastal Italian cuisine and wine from their cellars. Border Grill at Mandalay Bay serves bold Mexican flavors with a modern twist. Downtown, Carson Kitchen takes farm-to-table seriously with seasonal plates in a relaxed vibe. Even the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace gets into the spirit with special Restaurant Week menu offerings highlighting dishes from its nine open kitchens.

With dozens of options across Vegas, consider location and vibe in choosing where to book reservations. Steakhouses make solid indulgent picks while seafood spots provide lighter choices. For variety, restaurants in hotel-casinos like The Cosmopolitan offer different menus in each of their participating venues. Check options and availability upfront online to narrow down top picks that intrigue your palate.

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Booking Direct for Casino Hotel Free Play and Credits

One of the best ways to stretch your dollar in Las Vegas is to book direct with casino hotels and leverage promotions for free play credits or food and beverage comps. While third party sites may offer convenience, they can't match the perks you'll gain booking through hotel websites and reservation lines. With so much competition for tourism dollars in Vegas, savvy travelers know how to work direct booking promotions and loyalty programs to their advantage.

Free play offers — essentially free money to gamble with — regularly run upwards of $100 or more for new signups and can make booking direct pay for itself. As soon as you check in, head to the casino cage and provide your player's club info to redeem your free play voucher on eligible slots or tables. Caesars Entertainment properties including Harrah's, The LINQ and Planet Hollywood dangle offers like $125 free play for new Total Rewards members who book select room rates direct. The D Las Vegas gives $15-$25 free play for joining the players club and booking direct. With potential winnings, that "free" gambling money can fund meals, shows, drinks and more during your stay.

Beyond gambling perks, food and beverage credits take the bite out of Vegas dining costs. The Cromwell issues $20 dining credits for direct bookings while The STRAT offers $75 in food and beverage comps. The Cosmopolitan gives credits ranging from $25 to $100 depending on your room rate. Use them at the property’s wide range of swanky restaurants so you can indulge in steak dinners and craft cocktails without draining your wallet.

Status matched players club members reap extra rewards like waived resort fees, complimentary room upgrades, spa discounts, and additional food and beverage credits when booking direct. Providing your player's card number links your existing status to unlock special VIP rates and elite privileges. For instance, Caesars Diamond and Seven Stars members get extras like a $100 dinner credit for direct bookings at Caesars Palace.

While comparison shopping is wise, don’t just default to the lowest nightly rate flashiest on OTAs. Factor in direct booking promotions like credits as well as the finer details around taxes, fees and cancellation policies. Paying a few dollars more per night upfront can be worthwhile if you net $100 or more in playable credit to win back plus other tangible perks.

Read the terms carefully when comparing rates, as those touting "no resort fees" may bake them into the room cost instead. And "free" breakfast or other comps offered by third parties may limit options compared to what you could redeem through a property direct. When benefits are comparable and prices align, loyalty to hotel chains pays.

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Planning Day Trips to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon on the Cheap

Beyond the neon lights of the Strip, Nevada's rugged desert landscape beckons adventure travelers with iconic landmarks like Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon National Park within easy day tripping distance from Las Vegas. Making the roughly two hour drive to tour these wonders of engineering and nature can cost a fraction of what bus tours charge when you DIY in a rental car. With a little planning, you can pack a lot into one epic day out on the open road.

Start early to beat crowds and desert heat, entering Hoover Dam by 9am before tourist buses arrive. A new concrete bridge diverts highway traffic but you can still drive across the Dam's route 93 highway to feel history under your wheels. Parking costs just $10 no matter how long you stay. Entrance to the visitor center and dam tour is $15, a bargain compared to packaged bus tours charging $80 or more. Allow at least two hours to browse exhibits and walk across the dizzying height overlooking the Colorado River. Snap the iconic dam photo op from the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and watch the 30-minute generator floor tour to see its inner workings powering the Southwest.

After lunch nearby in Boulder City, continue your scenic drive east entering Grand Canyon National Park through the south rim entrance by early afternoon. Stop en route at Guano Point for incredible canyon views and eagle-eye perspective on the Colorado River meandering below. Arrive at Grand Canyon Village by 2pm to tour famous lookout points like Mather Point and soak up the vast painted canyon landscape. For $35 per vehicle, the park entrance fee gets you access all week - a crazy bargain compared to crowded summertime rates over $70 in peak season for a carload. Hike down Bright Angel Trail as far as time and fitness levels allow to get closer to the canyon depths before sunset. Fuel up on pizza and local craft brews at Bright Angel Brewing Company before making the roughly five hour drive back to the Vegas lights.

With some prep work, you cancondense this epic sightseeing road trip into one affordable whirlwind day. Renting a car for under $50 total through Costco Travel and packing snacks help keep transportation and food costs low. Download maps offline on Google to navigate remote desert areas with spotty cell service and service road detours around Hoover Dam construction. Refill your tank in Kingman, the last major town en route to minimize steep Grand Canyon gas prices. Stay flexible on Grand Canyon overlook stops based on parking availability to skip traffic jams. Start hyper early and you can leisurely enjoy both attractions even on the longest winter days.

Vegas, Baby! Snagging the Best Black Friday Travel Deals to Sin City - Maximizing Credit Card Points, Miles and Hotel Status

Leveraging credit card rewards and loyalty programs to their fullest takes insider knowledge. But work these systems wisely in Vegas and watch your hotel rates, dining tabs and vacation extras get comped in ways that dramatically extend your trip budget.

Sign up for new rewards credit cards with hefty welcome bonuses that can offset airfare and lodging costs in points and miles. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer 60,000 points, worth at least $750 toward Vegas travel booked through the Chase portal. Additional category bonuses on the card earn you 3x points on dining and entertainment so Vegas clubbing, pools parties, restaurants and shows rack up rewards fast.

Strategically time applications for multiple new cards in the months leading up to your trip to earn sign-up bonuses totaling hundreds of dollars in points value. Meet minimum spend organically on the cards through regular budgeted purchases. Spread out applications to avoid too many hard credit inquiries on your report at once. Then splurge those points on Vegas stays like The Cosmopolitan where 60,000 points can equal up to six free nights.

Transfer flexible points earned on general travel rewards cards to hotel loyalty programs to maximize redemption value. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to World of Hyatt where 25,000 points book two free nights at swanky Park Hyatt New York. The same 25k points get just one night at the equivalent Hyatt Regency in the Chase portal.

Match status across competing Vegas hotels by providing your player's card number when booking direct. Caesars Diamond matched to MGM Gold unlocks advanced room upgrades, lounge access, waived resort fees and other high roller perks free during your stay. Exploit challenges like the Total Rewards Millionaire Match to fast track status in just a few months gambling with bankrolled play.

Gift inexpensive loyalty program status, like the $595 Wyndham Rewards Diamond, which gives automatic matches to Total Rewards Diamond, Caesars' top mid-tier status with serious perks. Complimentary Diamond and Seven Stars Caesars lounge access across Vegas saves hundreds in food and drinks.

Pocket unanticipated profit like casino sports betting signup offers in the form of free play chips to subsequently gamble and try to ride beginner's luck. MGM Grand's $1,000 risk-free bet nets an almost guaranteed $700 profit from the promo value after laying both sides of a low hold game like blackjack.