Headed to Vegas for HIMSS? BOCA’s tips to have a great time on a budget

Las Vegas can be tough on one’s wallet, but you don’t have to spend like a big roller to have fun. It turns out that the BOCA team has a couple resident experts who know a thing or two about experiencing Las Vegas while staying on budget. Here are some of their tips if you get a break from the educational sessions and networking at HIMSS next week:

1. Walgreen’s for everything. There is no reason to pay $6 for a bottle of water at the hotel shop when Walgreen’s is steps away in the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. Open 24 hours, they have pretty much everything you need whether it’s bandages for blistery feet, Advil, snacks or souvenirs. But be warned, if your feet are killing and you’re looking for cheap flip-flops, most are bedazzled.
2. Check with the concierge for deals. If you’re looking for last minute Cirque du Soleil tickets, restaurant recommendations or reservations, start with the concierge at your hotel. They often have a hook-up to get hard to find or discounted tickets and are willing to do the leg work for a small fee.
3. Free entertainment. Concierges can certainly get you a deal but there are also plenty of completely free attractions to take in including the fountains at the Bellagio which are set to lights and music and run every 30 minutes throughout the day and every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight. Sadly, the very entertaining Pirate Battle at Treasure Island is no longer performed but you can still catch the nightly volcano eruption outside of the Mirage (right across the street from the Venetian) and see entertainers ranging from Elvis impersonators to Storm Troopers all along the Strip. If you want to get of the strip, check out the light show at the Fremont Street Experience. Live free music can be heard nightly including Spandex Nation, the “The ultimate ’80s hair and metal tribute band,” who will be playing Tuesday, March 1 at 8 PM.
4. Cheap thrills. Three words for you: SLOTZILLA ZIP LINE. SlotZilla offers two ways to fly, the lower “Zipline” and a super-hero style upper “Zoomline.” It’s $25 for the Zipline, $45 for the Zoomline, but you can save $5 by flying before 6:00 PM. Not as cheap, thrill seekers can also bungie jump or take a roller coaster ride at the top the Stratosphere. Package prices are available for multiple rides but beware, it’s a trek at 2 miles up the strip from the Venetian.  
5. Cheap eats.  Food trucks are a great option for a quick, low-cost meal. Our favorite is the Bacon Boys Truck (follow on Twitter @BACONBOYSTRUCK) but you can locate more local trucks by visiting Roaming Hunger Las Vegas. There’s also a yummy little gelato and coffee shop, Espressamente Illy,  located in the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium. Delicious!

Lastly, remember to hydrate. Next week will be mild in the mid-70’s, but it’s dry so drink plenty of water. You might even score a free reusable bottle on the exhibit floor. More excellent Vegas on the cheap recommendations were covered by the New York Times’ travel section just last week, check it out!