Cheap Breakfast on the Las Vegas Strip

La Salsa Cantina

Food is not cheap on the Las Vegas Strip, which is why I am always on the lookout for a good deal. La Salsa Cantina, located across Las Vegas Boulevard from the New York New York, has the best breakfast deal on the Strip. For $3.95, they serve up a full hot breakfast which is also a perfect hangover cure. 

What to Expect
The $3.95 breakfast includes two eggs, breakfast potatoes, two tortillas, and bacon, sausage, or ham. For $.99 you can add a (small) bloody mary. Las Salsa can get crowded during the late morning, so it is best to try to arrive early for immediate service.

La Salsa is also a great place to stop for margaritas or a Mexican dinner (menu). It's location makes it an easy pit stop for those casino hopping the strip. Late at night, the restaurant transforms into a (21+) dance club and bar.

Just the Basics

• Cost: $3.95 breakfast
• Website: http://lasalsacantinalv.com
• Location: Showcase Mall, Las Vegas Strip (between MGM and Planet Hollywood) 

Is the New York New York Coaster Good?

New York New York Coaster

Las Vegas is filled with thrills for both adults and kids. A popular attraction for kids of all ages is the  roller coaster at the New York New York Hotel and Casino. The coaster is visible to anyone walking by the casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. Like everything in Las Vegas, riding the roller coaster comes at an inflated price. The New York New York roller coaster costs $14 for one ride!  Is it worth the price of admission?

What to Expect
The entrance to the roller coaster is located on the second floor, in the back corner of New York New York. Follow the signs through New York New York's casino, food court, and arcade. Once there, you have to leave bags and loose articles in lockers ($.50) located at the coaster entrance. I shelled out $14 for one ride, but found out later that it is easy to find 2 for 1 roller coaster coupons online. 

The ride itself takes about two minutes and has all the elements of a good roller coaster; steep drops, an upside down loop, and wild curves. The best part of the experience is the view of the Las Vegas Strip from the top of the first drop. I felt safe the entire ride, and unlike some poorly designed coasters, there weren't any turns that left me with a feeling of whiplash. Would I ride the coaster again? Probably not? Is it worth the $14 for one ride? I'd say it's a safer bet for fun than most of the table games.

Just the Basics

• Location: New York New York Casino--access through second floor arcade
• Cost: $14 for one ride (repeat rides cost $7)
• Advice: Look for 2 for 1 coupons online. 

Ride the Las Vegas Strip Bus

Las Vegas Deuce Bus

The Deuce and the SDX Strip and Downtown Express are the cheapest and easiest way to travel the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Strip is over four miles long, which makes walking difficult. Cabs are expensive. The monorail only travels one side of the strip and is more expensive than the Deuce. Make the most of your time and money in Las Vegas by buying a pass for the Deuce and SDX Express.      

What to Expect

It is easy to catch the Deuce or SDX Express. Easy-to-spot bus stops are located outside every major casino on both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard. The Deuce runs from the Four Seasons Hotel to Fremont Street. The SDX Express makes fewer stops and runs all the way from the South Strip Transfer Terminal to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Make sure to review route maps (links below) to know where each bus picks up and stops. The Deuce is a double-decker bus with "Deuce" clearly displayed while the SDX is a one level stretch bus. Unfortunately, the Deuce or SDX Express DO NOT stop at the Las Vegas airport. 

Deuce Ticket Kiosk

You can purchase tickets on board or at ticket kiosks at each stop. An $8 day pass allows you to hop-on and hop-off either bus as many times as you like in a 24 hour period. For $20 you can buy a three day pass. The buses do get crowded during peak hours, from midday to evening.

Just the Basics

• Cost
• 2 hour pass: $6
• 24 hour pass: $8
• 3 day pass: $20
• 30 day pass: $65
• Hours: Operates 24 Hours Daily
• 7am to 2am-approximately every 15 minutes
• 2am to 7am-approximately every 20 minutes
• Link: DEUCE Route and Schedule
• Link:  SDX Strip and Downtown Express Schedule

Only in Vegas

You never know what you will see in Las Vegas. While training for a marathon, I took a 10 mile run up and down the length of the strip. I began the run at 6am to avoid the oppressive mid-day heat. At 6am, there are only two kinds of people on the Las Vegas Strip; runners and those still out partying. There's a good chance you'll come across something photo-worthy (see below).

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday" at the Budget Travelers Sandbox.  Please visit to check out other amazing photos!

Suite Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is a tough city to fully experience on a budget. It is easy to get an affordable hotel on the strip, but eating, drinking, transportation, and gambling can quickly spiral your budget out of control. One great way to save money in Las Vegas is to book a suite hotel room that includes a kitchen. Though the suite will cost more than most budget hotels on the strip, you'll more than make up the saving in food and drink.  Each of the following hotels include a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, cookware, and dishes. Each option is less than $150 a night (on weeknights).

Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Strip

• PROS: The suites are gigantic and include two flat screen TV's, a kitchen, shower, a whirlpool, a comfy king bed, and wall-to-wall windows. The entire hotel is impeccably clean and the staff are welcoming. The hotel also includes a nice workout room and cafe. 
• CONS: The pool is tiny when compared to most on the strip. Additionally, the Hilton Grand Vacations is located away from the action, at the northern end of the strip, close to Circus Circus and Riviera.

Advice: Instead of purchasing food and beverages in the over-priced hotel shop, go to the CVS located next to the Hilton to save money. 

Hilton Grand Vacations Las Vegas Kitchen

Hilton Grand Vacations Las Vegas bedroom

MGM Signature

• PROS: The MGM Signature suites has all of the same amenities as the Hilton (whirlpool, shower, kitchen, workout room) but everything is a bit more posh. Guests at the Signature have access the Signature's pool and the gigantic pool at the MGM, which is a major bonus.  
• CONS: The MGM Signature is not located directly on the strip. It is connected by a series of walkways to the MGM that take about 5 minutes to walk. 

MGM Signature

Other Options to Consider: PH Towers, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, Palms Place (off strip) 

Italian Alps vs. Swiss Alps

Dorf Tirol, Ialy

The Italian Alps have everything that the Swiss, French, and Austrian Alps offer; hiking, mountain huts, and breathtaking views, but at a more affordable price.  Zurich is often the most affordable airport to fly into in central Europe.  Do not be fooled.  Once you land, Switzerland is among the most expensive countries in the world for travelers.  While not exactly "budget travel," transportation, lodging, and dining are more affordable in Italy when compared to Switzerland, Austria, and France.  If you are planning a trip to the Italian Alps, there are two regions that I would consider, the Lakes and the Dolomites.

The Lakes 
The Lakes region of Italy is a picturesque meeting of the Alps, nature, and Italian culture. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are both located only an hour north of the Milan, making them convenient get-aways.   Flights to Milan are among the most affordable in Europe, making it the Lakes an affordable way to experience the Alps. The city of Varenna is the best base to explore Lake Como, while Stresa is an excellent base for Lake Maggiore. Regardless of where you stay, be sure to take time to explore the region by ferries that serve the area.

Dolomites 

Alpe Di Siusi, Italy

The Dolomites  are saw-toothed mountains in Northwestern Italy popular with skiers and hikers alike. They are tied with New Zealand's South Island as my favorite place in the world. Located in the Tirol/Tyrol region of Italy, the area is dominated by the Austrian culture and German language. Bolzano, known as the "gateway to the Dolomites" serves as a great base to explore the region. Those who want to stay off the beaten path should also consider the charming and beautiful mountainside village of Dorf Tirol. Be sure your itinerary includes hiking in Alpe Di Siusi to fully experience the beauty the Dolomites.  

Photo of the Week: Dawn Transformation

Dawn and dusk are magical times. What is ugly by day is beautiful at sunrise and sunset.  

Minneapolis at dawn

This photo of Minneapolis's industrial park was taken just as the sun began to rise over the Mississippi.  Ugly by day with smokestacks, power lines, and grime, the area seems vibrant in the early morning light.  

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday" at the Budget Travelers Sandbox.  Please visit to check out other amazing photos!