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Smaller budget than expected, does it sound doable?

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by IWannaBeInVegas, May 21, 2015.

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  1. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    So, this trip was planned with the idea of only staying five days/Four nights and spending no more than $500 during that time, not counting rooms and airfare and food. Then as we all do, I wanted more out of the trip, I added a day and then started some planning on a larger budget, upwards of around a $1500. Well, life threw a few curveballs on the budget and I ended up having to cut my budget down a bit, looking at closer to $1000-1200 for the time I am there to include food/gambling/tips and any other activity. Technically I am there six days but I have a noon return flight on the 6th day so I only count the trip as five days.

    I think I can manage. I will have roughly 160 in resort fees, give or take $10, airport parking at $24, one day car rental for a Valley of Fire trip at $50 (which I could cancel). As for food, the only expensive meal I intend on eating is Wicked Spoon, the rest will be basic fare and I usually only eat once a day with a snack thrown in. I figure I could put the resort fees and rental on the credit card to help some.

    As far as rooms, I have one night prepaid (not including resort fee) at Downtown Grand, Two nights comp at Planet Hollywood and Two nights comp at Mandalay Bay.
    I am booked Bell Trans VIP for my transfers
    One ticket to Zumanity comp via MyVegas.

    I do not really drink so I am not concerned with alcohol but may have a drink while doing some playing. I want to go up in the Highroller and/or Stratosphere Tower for the photo ops.

    Does it look like I am missing anything on this (yes I know I need to tip as well)? Does the budget sound do-able for someone solo? I figure I can do some light gambling not much, I am a red chip player so I know i won't get any comps on food or resort fees.

    Iv been going over the budget the last few days with a fine tooth comb, looking at every angle and even for a second thought about canceling the trip but I think a day in Vegas with a small budget is better than a day at home.

    Vacation and planning is suppose to be fun, and it has been until those curve balls got in the way.
     
  2. RockyBalboa

    RockyBalboa Front Line Winner

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    I believe it is doable.

    Is it ideal? Probably not. Regardless of the budgets we all set I am sure we'd all like to have more. However much of a trip is what you make of it. With everyone having different interests and hobbies what I find fun and exciting another may not. That is why I love reading different TRs to see the variety that everyone enjoys.

    So lets take the Valley of Fire trip for example - figure $75ish for that. It includes the car, gas and snacks while on the way and on location. You love photography so you may end up spending 6 hours out there and having a great time. You'd be relaxed and enjoying it. Then you get back to Vegas and you play a little bit of cards, enjoy a couple drinks and hit the rack and have that great vacation sleep.

    So yeah - don't stress out...go and enjoy yourself and make it a great vacation!
     
  3. NJS24

    NJS24 Voice of Reason

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    Find non-gambling activities to do, IE. Pool Time.
     
  4. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    Sounds awful to me.

    But good luck!
     
  5. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    I agree. I have done my last two trips at a daily budget of $150-175 a day so I am sure I will make no issue.

    The Valley of fire is a double edged issue. On one side, I have the car rental, gas, and all of that as an expense but then as I think that is money I would not be spending in the casino and so it could actually save money, and the car would not come out of my daily budget since that is on the card.

    I will be taking tons of photos while for sure. I appreciate the words, Iv always been an overly stressed person and an over planner.

    - - - Updated - - -

    That will happen for sure.
     
  6. VegasChic-

    VegasChic- VIP Whale

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    I think it's entirely doable! I'd put money to the side that you know is accounted for special events, like Valley of fire, etc. The money you have left, try an envelope system on per day. I think with your interest in photography you can probably spend a good amount of time (and truly enjoy the time) going through areas that don't have an entrance fee - there's so many nooks and crannies to enjoy in Vegas! Relax at the pool and keep the dining casual - you will be fine and doubt you would feel you even sacrificed much having a smaller bankroll than hoped for!

    Don't stress about it and enjoy the time away!!
     
  7. RockyBalboa

    RockyBalboa Front Line Winner

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    I totally understand. Even though most of my plans go to shit once I land and my Vegas ADD takes over prior to the trip I have everything laid out and noted in my phone. I set my budget but then find myself bumping it up or getting pissed when I have an unexpected expense that eats into my fun money.

    As you know Vegas has something for everyone. One great thing about vacation is when I can just go lounge in the room and watch a game or plop down in the sports book and watch a ton of games.

    I got my teeth kicked in one SB trip and I spent my final night playing small parlays for the fun of it in the sports book. Not sure if you're a sports guy but that is something worth doing to kick back and not spend a bunch of cash.
     
  8. RockyBalboa

    RockyBalboa Front Line Winner

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    Good post!

    The shutterbug hobby is a good one because you're right - exploring the nooks and crannies could be exciting. One one trip my girlfriend and I bought a frozen lemonade slushie spike with vodka and sat in front of Caesar's and people watched for a couple hours and just enjoyed the desert air. Sitting there with a camera or by the fountains at The B could lead to some great portfolio shots
     
  9. Jonnyvegas

    Jonnyvegas Low-Roller

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    I always try to sell non vegas lovers on the fact that u can have any kind of budget to enjoy vegas. Sure it is great when your bankroll is large but I fell in love with vegas when I first went on a tight budget. There is so much to do for free.
    As far as photography, I've always wanted to take at least a half day to try and take the best pics possible. I take hundreds of pics every trip. My wife thinks it is a waste of time at this point. She says how many pics of bellagio do you need? There is always a different angle, lighting, etc that makes each pic different. If I ever do a solo trip where I wouldn't mind holding others up while I stop for picture taking, I would take thousands.
    Make it a challenge to get that perfect shot and do a great trip report with them, all for free.
     
  10. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    Thanks guys, feel a bit better. I also do not plan on losing every dime in the small gambling sessions I do have. Obviously the house will win if I sit long enough, I know enough about these games to have a good idea when its time to walk away and I am a "hit it and quit it" gambler. If I get up some, I quit, if I lose a few in a row, I quit.

    I have several free/match plays for Fremont St that will help, especially if I win them :)
     
  11. scottydoog

    scottydoog Low-Roller

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    We did Valley of Fire in January, I,m sure I remember we had to pay a state park entrance fee of $10-12 (cant remember exactly). I know its not much, but all the $$$ add up quickly when your budget is tight. Just something else to factor in.
     
  12. scottydoog

    scottydoog Low-Roller

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    We did Valley of Fire in Jan this year, lovely scenery and interesting history. I,m sure we had to pay a state park fee, think it was $10 per car, I know not much, but just something else to factor in when your budget is a little tight.
     
  13. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    Yeah, the fee I was aware of, but it is still less than I would spend in the casino :)
     
  14. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    Budgetary needs are as personal as religious and political beliefs, and about as equally meaningless to another who sees things differently. If you think you can do it, that it yields the type of experience you want, then that's all that matters. :beer: Maybe instill a bit of extra peace of mind by having some flexibility or a $$$ cushion.

    (P.S. We love home. Great weather and scenery, working in the yard, chilling by the fire pit, grilling dinner, hitting a few wineries, seeing friends, heading to the beach for a walk or out for a round of golf. Good stuff.)
     
  15. Joe Strummer

    Joe Strummer VIP Whale

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    You're worrying about your budget WHILE IN VEGAS ........?.
    I can't even GO to Vegas !!!
    From where I'm sitting.........ANY BUDGET will do in VEGAS !!!!!
    *
    PS
    I don't think you mentioned which games of chance you prefer ?
    $175 VP session would last me enough time to get a BIG BUZZ on w/ free drinks !
    Then, go walk around + people watch the rest of the evening.
    Pool time = alot of the day.
     
  16. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    Good joe and ken. This is my first trip in 4 years. I'm mainly a blackjack and quarter vp player when I play.
     
  17. mrjvegas

    mrjvegas VIP Whale

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  18. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    Just make sure you budget for each day and try to stick with it. Being solo can be a drag if by some unforeseen circumstance you run broke in the middle of your trip (like going on tilt, which can happen to all of us).

    Maybe schedule a day or two where you just explore the Strip and take pictures. You can go take pics of the conservatory at Bellagio, all the pretty stuff in the Venetian/Palazzo properties, and then just hang out on the Strip and take pics of humanity. Make a scrapbook and share it with us when you get back!

    I was gonna suggest going to the movies to entertain you at night but you're staying at the Strip. Don't know if taking the free shuttle at Caesars to the Gold Coast/Orleans to watch movies would be doable for you. Might be worth it to go on a matinee (cheaper) showing, then hit up the food courts at either property for early dinner. Their buffets are value plays too in my opinion.

    Play Keno. Are there still Keno lounges on the Strip? Keno is a slow paced relaxing way to stretch your gambling dollars. And you might get lucky, lol!

    Wish you lots of luck, hope you hit a good jackpot. But the main thing is that you are where you love to be, that is the most important thing. Have fun!
     
  19. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    I hope to win, I am going to stay in budget, I always do, people watching helps, and I can always sit at the pool area even if it is closed and edit some photos to share along with writing my trip report. I plan on doing like I did last trip, I did a semi live report and then when I got home, I wrote a complete report so there was both options. I know I like some live reports but I tend not to read those nearly as much as I read the complete reports.
     
  20. yankees4ever31

    yankees4ever31 Low-Roller

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    Play low-risk video poker at .25/.50 and work your way up. You'll be fine as long as you maintain control and take breaks gambling to see the sights. Good luck and most of all relax and have fun.
     
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