Though it gained most of its fame as a destination for high rollers, there are several features about Las Vegas that make it a good destination for budget travelers. Between casinos and shows, it is easy to blow a travel budget in the first day. Those with a little bit of Sin City savvy can easily stretch their dollar and prolong their vacation.

It pays to know your way around the buffet. While a spot in line at dinnertime in one of major casino’s buffets can set you back $30, a trip to the lunch buffet at the same venue will cost half that. Often, the size of the spread and the quality of the food is the same in the afternoon as it is at night. Off-the-Strip spots like Ellis Island Casino Restaurant and Bahama Breeze offer generous portions at almost ridiculously low prices (Ellis is famous for its $6.95 steaks).

A cheap start to the evening can be had in most casinos, where free drinks are offered to most patrons, even those playing low-stakes games like nickel or quarter slots (casinos will do anything to keep you gambling). The same strategy can work at casino hotels. Room rates are quite cheap, especially during the week, when fewer tourists are in town. Keeping an eye out for deals and being flexible when it comes to departure dates could lead to significant hotel savings.

Las Vegas has become a sprawling metropolis. Some suburban and outlying areas feature cheap accommodation in the form of motels, RV parks, and campgrounds. Some of the more popular campgrounds can get quite full during the weekend, but are empty during the week.

Las Vegas is not known for its natural elements, but there is plenty of beautiful desert landscape outside of the city. Driving or hiking through the desert is a great free activity.