by Kandice Day

Created on: December 17, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2009

With all the glint and glamour of Vegas, the promise of beautiful women, dancing lights, and digital seduction, it's easy to forget your responsibilities at home and let it ride on red. But then you notice the homeless man on the corner, and think, "I bet he put it all on red." That's when you pick up your money, resist the temptation to put it on black, and walk over to the penny machines.

Depending on the time of year, the time of month, even the time of week, Vegas can be the most affordable vacation you've ever taken. The key is patience, persistence, and sticking to a budget. No self-respecting individual would walk to a craps table without a plan, and that plan is the first key to a relaxing and memorable Vegas vacation.

My fiance and I head to Vegas at least twice-a-year. In the summer months we tend to spend a bit more ($400), while in the winter we spend far less ($200). There are advantages and disadvantages to both times of the year. Summer months will cost you more simply because this is the time to vacation. With the kids out of school, destinations are pricy, but Vegas can still be done.

The second key is to be flexible. I know, that's what they all say, but it's the truth. Staying on the strip during peak months will cost you near $100 more than staying simply a block down the street. Check Orbitz and Cheap Hotels for surrounding lodgings. Google the area to see what is within walking distance to the strip, and visit that hotel's promotional page. Weekdays will always be more affordable than weekends. Dress for extremely warm temperatures, make yourself a drink before you leave the hotel, and suck it down to distract you from the heat on your short walk to the strip.

Vegas in the winter months, not including holidays, is incredibly affordable. Staying on the strip is a piece of cake this time of year, if you can handle the cold. This is when patience and persistence come into play. Weekdays will be cheaper, but weekends will still be decently priced. The secret is to decide on a few resorts that you would like to stay at, and hit those websites at least once a week. Sign up for email alerts of upcoming promotions, and definitely hit the website's promotional page as often as possible. This is where the best deals are found.

Recently, my fiance and I spent three nights at New York, New York for less than $200. We simply found a great promotion on the website, and kept our eyes on that promotional page for any better deals. Just because you have a room

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