Package deals for February 2012? 1 person turning 21!

[Rbthemommy]

I have been promising my sister, 20, we'd go to Vegas when she turns 21, since she was ten. Well, January 30th of 2012 she turns 21! So far, I'm not that impressed with any deals I've seen. I always here "I flew to Vegas for $80 each way!" or stupid stuff like that. I can't find any deals like that, even combined with a hotel package. I really don't care what hotel, even if it's Super 8 off the strip. Not sure if we need a car rental or not. We are planning on either flying out Thursday through Sunday or Friday through Sunday...depending on the deal. So far it's been like $440 or more for one person. I just thought it would be cheaper since I always hear about very cheap flights. Any suggestions?

At this point I'm kinda curious about "couch surfing!"

Rebecca

 

[Kirby]

I don't know where you live so I can't help there as far as airfare. We took advantage of Southwest's $40 deal in June. Airfare for us turned out to be $80 one way.

I would subscribe to the different airlines and get their specials emails. SW is always having specials for flying to different places. This was the first time that it worked out for us.

I've never booked a flight through Expedia or websites like that so I can help in that regard.

 

[woody73]

. . . I always here "I flew to Vegas for $80 each way!" or stupid stuff like that. I can't find any deals like that . . .

From where?

Today Southwest has flights to Las Vegas for $29. Link

Woody

 

[Rbthemommy]

I saw this too late darn it. Didn't see the $29 SW rates. I'm coming from OMA (Omaha). My sister will be flying from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Vegas.

 

[VAN]

I don't see too many really low fares to LV anymore. If you do get them, they are quite restrictive re what day you can fly, etc.

Anyway, we live in SW Michigan and I know that Allegiant Air flies direct from GRR to LAS. It's a discount airline that doesn't always show up on the Travelocity-type of sites. I think Sun Country flies out of Lansing as well, so that might be another one to check.

Our "low" airfares for LAS for the past few years have been because of using frequent flyer miles and/or credit card promotions of buy-one-get-one. We have driven to Detroit and flown Spirit airlines, but lately I find they aren't that much cheaper than flying out of GRR.

If you just have a single flying from GRR, I'd try to stick with flying from there or even Lansing. If they don't mind the drive, Flint is another airport that's not too bad.

So, you just have to subscribe to some travel sites and be a bit flexible. If you can't, you'll probably (at least for the GRR flight) end up paying $250-$300 for the RT flight.

For the hotels, I would suggest scouting those out ... I try to book something that can be cancelled, so will book directly from the hotel's website. As the time gets closer, if you are there during a slower period, the rates start to go down and/or they start to put offers out there. But the weekends (Friday & Saturday nights) will be more than weekdays. Don't forget that all of the MGM/Mirage properties will have a resort fee of as much as $20 a day. The Ceasars/Harrahs properties do not have a resort fee.

I don't think you need to get a car for the short time you are there; however, would suggest that you stay on the strip if you don't have a car.

Above all, I would suggest you get the "Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas" and/or the "American Casino Guide" ... lots of good information regarding getting around LV, what to see, costs, etiquette, and how to play the various games.

Read through some of these LV posts, as I've put a few links for websites for coupons and such.

Good luck!

 

[woody73]

. . . Above all, I would suggest you get the "Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas" and/or the "American Casino Guide" ... lots of good information regarding getting around LV, what to see, costs, etiquette, and how to play the various games.

Good advice. We used both on our last trip, and they are well worth the price.

The "Unofficial Guide" has lots of insider tips about Las Vegas itself. It's great for planning.

The "American Casino Guide" has excellent information about the table games and slots. It also has dozens of coupons for 2 for 1 meals, and free slot play. To the OP: since you are going to L.V. in February 2012, wait until the 2012 edition comes out. I have the 2011 edition, and the coupons expire at the end of the year.

Woody

 

[Rbthemommy]

Thank you so much for all your info, all of you guys. My sister doesn't drive so finding a ride to a far away airport isn't going to be possible most likely. I think she said she has a $100 voucher for Midwest so I'll have to see if it flies out of GRR.

Good to know on the Vegas manuals. I didn't even know anything about the ediquette.

 

[skiingfast]

Booking packages can often be a mistake.

Check flight and hotel prices seperate then compare to package deals through airlines, casinos and or third party sites.

If it is your cup of tea also look at room packages that the casinos offer, they somtimes include the room with free drinks, gameplay or shows. But again check these seperate too to see if it's really a deal.

As far as rental cars, it's very unlikely you need one unless you plan to visit Hoover Dam or other places out in the desert. There is plenty to do within walking and bus distance of the strip. If you really think you need one, check for packages that include them and decide again if package or seperate is better.