Connextions Magazine Issue 19: Travel Lite

Page 18

Travel

LAS VEGAS MONEY SAVING TIPS FOR THE BUDGET-CONSCIOUS TRAVELER! By: H. Luiz Martinez

H. Luiz Martinez is a travel journalist and enjoys sharing his experiences through his popular website (HLuizPresents.com) and his vast audience on social media platforms. H. Luiz has carved out a wonderful niche combining his passions: travel, food, and family. As a freelance writer, his work can be seen in various travel, food, and lifestyle magazines. H. Luiz is also an Activist for the LGBTQ, Latino, and People of Color Communities.

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and resorts are for the most part served buffet-style. These are usually not top-grade foods and it saves money for the facilities, because it’s cheaper to serve guests. Also, the risk of food contamination may increase when eating buffet-style; this is not a scientific proof, but have you ever see a child grab French fries with his/her grubby bare hands? I have raised a child, so I’m very aware. How about a hung over guest sneeze or cough into a bowl of shrimp? There are hundreds of hands going through a buffet. Never assume people will be as clean as you would be.

When Choosing a Hotel/Resort

These days at “all-inclusive” hotels, alcohol may or may not be included. If it is, it’s not top shelf and for some reason, all of those alcohol based drinks taste weaker or watered-down. Sometimes, there may be an additional charge for alcoholic beverages or top-shelf beverages. I’ve even seen “additional charges” for better grades of beef and even seafood like shrimp. You’re there thinking, “This is all-inclusive?”

raveling 10 to 14 times per calendar year, you tend to pick up a few money-saving tips and tricks, which I’ll gladly share with you. Being “budget-conscious” always makes me feel pretty good. Now full disclosure; we stay at 3 to 5 star hotels and resorts, but those are usually complimentary and/or upgraded, the perks of being a travel journalist I guess. But even at these high-end facilities, there are ways to save money and spend wisely.

“All-inclusive” facilities are NOT necessarily the best deals. The so-called “savings” may very well be a few bucks as opposed to buying your own meals when tallied at the end of your vacation. In fact, it may even cost you more for that all-inclusive deal. The average cost in all-inclusive facilities may range anywhere from $75 – $120 a day per guest (that’s the little ones too) and most times there are extras added on top of your stay. Average cost of eating at surrounding restaurants is about $70 – $100 per adult per day ($25 – $45 for the kiddies). Now I know we’re told that “all-inclusive” facilities are more economical, but that’s not entirely true. Meals at all-inclusive hotels

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Dine Out…“Out” of the Hotel That Is Restaurants in the hotels/resorts are usually very high-priced. You’re actually being charged for the “convenience” of having that restaurant steps from your hotel room. The big trend these days is having a famous chef attached to hotel restaurants

Connextions Magazine

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Travel Lite

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August 2015


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