Never been to Vegas before? Wondering if it’s really like The Hangover? Or like The Griswolds in Vegas Vacation?

Now, there are several ways to do Vegas and they all depend on how much money you have to spend.  Even if you’re not an heiress or professional basketball player, you can still have an awesome time.  Here are a few tricks and tips to scoring big in the city that gambles the night away.

• Have a Twitter account?  If you haven’t signed up for one yet, now is the perfect time.  Most Vegas hotels, restaurants, clubs and shows all tweet and have giveaways or discounts daily.  They can let you know what the big attraction for that night is and how to get free drinks.
• If you like live entertainment, make sure to check out the Tix4Tonight booth for cheap tickets for that night.  It’s similar to the TKTS booths in NYC, and they have half-priced tickets to most shows playing on the strip.
• Talk to your hotel.  Most will offer something free, whether it’s spa time, buffet coupons, free drinks or show tickets.
• The buffets aren’t like they used to be.  In old movies and old Vegas, you used to be able to get a steak buffet for $3.99.  Sorry to say, but that just doesn’t exist any more.  There are coupons though, so check out Vegas.com or the hotel’s website for any good deals.  (My personal fav is the buffet at Paris. )
• Do a little research on all the nightlife.  Some clubs offer the best dance floors, celeb sightings, awesome atmosphere or just a chill place to hang out, so decide which one sounds most like you and show up early.  There are always lines.  Even if no one is in the club they still hold a line.  The earlier you get there, the more likely that you’ll get in,  get a table and space to have a good time. (We love The Pussycat Dolls Lounge at Caesars Palace)
• Don’t really care about nightclubs? That’s fine too.  Some of my best experiences from Vegas were when my friends and I would just walk up and down the strip, drinking dollar beers and margaritas.  Margaritaville is a great place to go for a loud, crazy, just hanging out-time.
• If you wake up in time to catch the sun, the only place you’ll want to be in near a pool.  (It is the desert after all!)  Rehab at Hard Rock Hotel is an awesome party with great bands and DJ’s playing all the best music.
• As for gambling… I’m not really a big gambler.  I do know if you hang out at a table long enough, you can drink for free the whole night.  But other than that, I think I’ll leave the gambling tips to the pros!