Key Highlights:
- Bundle Smart: Combining flight and hotel on sites like Expedia or Costco Travel usually saves 10-15%, but always check the hotel’s direct member rate first.
- Watch the Fees: Most packages do not include mandatory daily resort fees ($45–$60) or parking costs ($18–$30), which you’ll pay separately at the hotel.
- Midweek is King: You will find the best travel packages for Sunday through Thursday stays, often at half the price of weekend trips.
- The “Add-On” Trap: Avoid packages that include “free” buffets with long lines; focus on hotel and airfare savings instead.
Finding the right vacation deal in Sin City can feel like trying to hit a royal flush on your first hand. With thousands of combinations of flights, hotels, and show tickets, the process is often overwhelming. We have spent years navigating the fine print of the “Mega-Resorts” and third-party sites to figure out what actually saves money and what is just a marketing gimmick.
When you learn how to choose the best Las Vegas travel package, you aren’t just looking for the lowest price—you’re looking for the best value. This means avoiding “hidden” costs that can ruin a budget and finding perks that make your trip feel truly VIP. Here is our honest, trusted friend’s guide to booking the perfect getaway.
Step 1: Understand What a “Package” Actually Includes
The first step in choosing the best Las Vegas travel package is knowing that not all bundles are created equal. A “Flight + Hotel” deal is the most common, but some premium packages also include airport transfers, show tickets, or resort credits.
The biggest mistake we have seen is assuming the price you pay at checkout is the final total. In, nearly every hotel on the Strip charges a mandatory resort fee that is almost never included in the package price. This means you should expect to pay an extra $45–$60 per day once you arrive at the front desk.
Direct Answer: When choosing a Las Vegas travel package, always calculate the “True Cost” by adding the hotel’s daily resort fees and taxes to the advertised bundle price. For a typical 4-night stay, this can add an extra $200–$250 to your final bill at checkout.
Step 2: Compare Third-Party Sites vs. Direct Booking
It is a common myth that third-party sites always have the best deals. While Expedia, Priceline, and Booking.com are great for comparing, major chains like MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards offer exclusive “Member Only” packages that can be even cheaper.
- Direct Perks: Booking directly often gets you better room locations, easier cancellation policies, and sometimes even free food and beverage credits.
- Bundle Benefits: Use third-party sites if you are booking a flight at the same time. Airlines like Southwest Vacations often offer massive discounts on specific hotels to fill up their planes.
Step 3: Pick the Right Location for Your Package
In Las Vegas, “location” is the difference between a great time and a logistical nightmare. The Strip is four miles long, and traffic is heavier than ever.
- Center Strip (The Heart): Look for packages at Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Paris, or The LINQ. You can walk to almost everything.
- South Strip (Pool & Family): Resorts like Mandalay Bay and Excalibur have great family-friendly packages with massive pool access.
- North Strip (Luxury & Sphere): Wynn, Encore, and Resorts World offer a calmer, more upscale stay with the closest access to the Sphere.
Direct Answer: For first-timers, the best Las Vegas travel package is one located on the Center Strip. Staying between Flamingo Road and Spring Mountain Road puts you within walking distance of the most iconic sights, saving you $40+ a day on Ubers and taxis.
Step 4: Timing Your Purchase for the Best Rate
The price of a Vegas package fluctuates more than a roulette wheel. We have noticed that the “sweet spot” for booking is usually 30 to 60 days before your trip.
- Midweek Savings: If your schedule allows, book a package that arrives on Sunday and leaves on Thursday. The difference in price is often staggering—we have seen $900 packages for a weekend drop to $400 for the exact same hotel during the week.
Also Read: Best Time to Go to Las Vegas (Weather, Deals & Tips Inside!)
Summary & Final Pro Tip
Ultimately, how to choose the best Las Vegas travel package comes down to doing your homework. Don’t be seduced by a flashy “60% off” headline. Instead, look for a Center Strip location, check for Direct Member rates, and always account for those mandatory resort fees.
Our Best Pro Tip: If you see a package you love, call the hotel’s reservation line directly and ask if they can beat the price. Often, they will match the third-party price and throw in a “free upgrade” or a “late checkout” just to get you to book with them directly.
❓ FAQ: How To Choose the Best Las Vegas Travel Package
Do Las Vegas travel packages include food?
Most do not. Las Vegas is not an “all-inclusive” destination like Cancun. However, look for packages that include a “Resort Credit” (usually $50–$100), which acts like a gift card for on-site restaurants.
Is it better to buy show tickets with the package?
Usually, no. You will often find better seats and lower prices by booking show tickets separately or through a discount site like Tix4Tonight.
Does the package price include bags?
Be careful! Many “Basic Economy” flight packages in these bundles do not include seat selection or checked bags. Always check if you’ll be hit with an extra $60–$100 at the airport.
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