[MacinTommy]

I'm trying to plan a trip to Las Vegas next summer (end of July) for me and 3 of my friends. From ya'lls experience, what travel websites have you found to be most useful? When should I buy the tickets? Is there a time of year that they are cheaper? We're just doing hotel+flight from Friday, July 25- Tuesday, July 29. The reason for leaving that Friday is its my 21st. I also want to know any Vegas advice you have to give. Thanks.

[Railroader]

You are planning a Vegas trip now?!?! I usually plan mine the the week I plan on going.

[theDreamer]

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. ~ Just had to say it.
Also, it is not so much about where you buy your tickets, because if you know what you want then you will know where to look, but it is on what dates you are planning on leaving. Leaving on a Friday can be a bit expensive for some airlines, but others offer deals for that type of stuff.

~Any specific airline you want to fly with?
~Where do you want to stay? Staying on the strip can be expensive, but so can staying off because you have to get a cab all the time (unless you guys are getting a rental car).
~Check ahead, at those dates, and see what shows are going on and if anyone wants to see any of them.
~Always have the casinos to have fun in, just be smart about what you are doing, manage your money, set limits, etc.
~Finally, just enjoy the trip and it should be a blast.

[MacosNerd]

The closer to your trip you get the more expensive the tickets will be so do plan a little in advance.

I also only pack as little as possible, so much so that I usually can get away with a small bag that I carry on. By not checking my luggage I save at least a half hour waiting to get my luggage back at my destination.

In the airport prepare to virtually strip down. Belts shoes etc. I prefer loafers because you can slip them on and off with ease.

While I've not stayed at vegas, I've heard there's little to no need to rent a car so keep that in mind.

[subego]

Start with the frozen margaritas at noon, see shows (anything by Cirque du Soleil will be spectacular, but I recommend Mystère as the best show I have ever seen, ever), shop, people watch.

Don't gamble.

If you absolutely must, don't think of it as gambling on money, think of it as gambling on how much entertainment time will you will get until the kitty runs out. Spending $20-$50 on the penny slots will "maximize" your gambling returns.

I'm serious, don't gamble if you aren't really good.

FWIW unless you play blackjack and can count cards, you're not.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by MacosNerd 

The closer to your trip you get the more expensive the tickets will be so do plan a little in advance.

Not necessarily true for Vegas. I've gotten some VERY cheap flights booking days before a trip.While I've

Originally Posted by MacosNerd 

not stayed at vegas, I've heard there's little to no need to rent a car so keep that in mind

This is true if you are only going for a weekend or just plan on partying and gambling. But every time I went I rented a car and it allows you to get off the beaten paths. You can go to the "locals" casinos and cheaper restaurants. A nice day trip out to Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canon is highly recommended if you want some great photographic opportunities.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by subego 

Start with the frozen margaritas at noon, see shows (anything by Cirque du Soleil will be spectacular, but I recommend Mystère as the best show I have ever seen, ever), shop, people watch.

Don't gamble.

If you absolutely must, don't think of it as gambling on money, think of it as gambling on how much entertainment time will you will get until the kitty runs out. Spending $20-$50 on the penny slots will "maximize" your gambling returns.

I'm serious, don't gamble if you aren't really good.

FWIW unless you play blackjack and can count cards, you're not.

This is good advice. But, playing video poker at the bar for a quarter a hand will have the bartender bringing the free drinks quickly and it's still possible to win a little cash if you play correctly. You also get to meet a lot of "ladies of the night", even if you're with your wife. I probably got hit on a dozen times the last time we were there.

NOTE: I have quit drinking and gambling entirely, but I can understand the appeals.

[osiris]

ah, Vegas - my slutty sister city...

Check out your hotels at tripadvisor.com, book through orbitz.com,
don't carryon on anything and do the checkin thing (you'll save time at security, TRUST ME, Ima million miler)

Oh, don't gamble - but pretend to - in order to get free drinks at the more decent hotels.
a hotel to avoid (that always pops up as a 'deal': Circus Circus. This dump smells like dirty, sweaty children.

Nicer Hotels are expensive, but you get what you pay for. MGM Grand is a good entry point for a decent price/class ratio.

You'll probably have a great time anywhere you go, so viva Las Vegas.

oh yeah - try to get out to the desert at night. The stars will blow you away.

[MacinTommy]

Thanks everyone.

About gambling.. I learned my lesson when I went to Windsor Casino in Canada.. I lost quite a bit at a Hold'em table.

I'm hoping that the Beatles "love" Cirque De Soleil is there when I go.. That is one show I definitely want to see. I'm sure I'll go to some clubs.. Strip and normal (what are some good ones?) I've been looking at all travel sites and its looking like I'll be paying about 600 for airfare and staying at MGM grand for 4 nights 5 days.. one of my friends wanted to stay an entire week and I said NOOOO... I would get in too much trouble in a full week. But other than that I know that if I want free drinks while I'm there I either need to be at a table or mention that it's my 21st birthday...

How much is food?

[osiris]

You can spend $10 on a slice and drink, or $400 for a nice dinner...
it's wide open - there are so many choices. I have yet to venture into a buffet, but I hear amazing things about them.

[BRussell]

I generally have liked tripadvisor.com, not for Vegas in particular, but just for good opinions on vacations in general.

[osiris]

Yeah, it's a great site for travel anywhere! I like the real photos - versus the super-wide angle pro shots that make a single room look like a suite.