Here are a few suggestions on how to economize while you are in Las Vegas. Room rates are usually less if you stay downtown. If you get a casino Player's Card you might get a letter offering you better room rates for your next visit. Wait for the late-night specials for great meal deals. If you do not have a fridge in your room, a cooler can be very useful. Get coupons from magazines for savings on shows and meals. Magazines to look for - What's On, Las Vegas Style, Today in Las Vegas and Showbiz. Most of the shows are quite expensive....check out the lounge acts (some do not have a cover-charge) . You can buy tickets for half-price on the day of the show, booths are at four locations (see tix4tonight ) Transportation : If possible take the bus or trolley. -- it is cheaper than a taxi. The Deuce offers a 24 hour pass for $2.50. There are some free shuttles -- between Treasure Island and Mirage; from downtown to Sam's Town; from Hard Rock to Fashion Show Mall and Planet Hollywood; and a shuttle from Harrah's to the Rio. A monorail links Mandalay Bay, Luxor and the Excalibur. Sightseeing for free - there are some casino-hotels that you really should see because of the unique architecture and interior design --- Paris, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Venetian. There are free shows available. Check out : an erupting volcano at the Mirage Fremont Street Experience (downtown) Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town (take a free shuttle from downtown) Masquerade Village at the Rio in front of the Bellagio - dancing waters show inside Caesars at the Forum Shops - Atlantis show and moving statues of the Gods Lake of Dreams at Wynn More information about sightseeing and free shows