How I'm Packing for Vegas

The Travel Goods Show is coming up next month and I'm already packed. Yes, it's four weeks away, but you know by now that I never wait until the last minute to do such things. I have packing down to a science now, so here's how I packed for four days in Vegas:

The bag

I often come back home with a whole bag full of freebies and/or review items, and sometimes a brand new suitcase, so bringing a rolly bag when I might end up with a second one is out. Bringing a shoulder bag is nice, but if I don't end up with a rolly bag, then I have two shoulder bags to figure out how to juggle, so this time I opted for a slim backpack from Timbuk2.

With a small backpack, it's easy to navigate everywhere, I still have my hands free if I have to drag a rolling bag or carry my spare tote and I can shove my small purse in my tote as well, so I'm still only carrying two bags on the plane, one of which fits under the seat. My goal is to not pay baggage fees unless I absolutely have to.

This new backpack is meant for a laptop, so it's padded and has different compartments. It gives me less width in the main compartment though, so I can't over pack.

My laptop

Usually I take my laptop on trips with me to work when I have downtime. It's a monster seventeen inches, because I like a big screen and a separate number pad. This makes it a little difficult to find a bag that it fits in. I do t always bring it on short trips with me, but last year I only took my iPad mini and a keyboard and I really couldn't get any good work done. 

I'll also be flying back through Seattle and taking the train home from there to save money, so that should be a good set up as a little office for those 3+ hours.

My electronics

We've already discussed my honkin' huge laptop. I also bring along my iPad mini, because it's good for games and videos and reading on the plane and in bed. I can also do quick photo editing.

Of course my phone is coming with me. It doubles as a camera, notebook, and distraction if I'm waiting for things. And I keep a large battery backup for long days.

I need to bring charging cables for all these things, plus I always travel with a small power strip, because I like to plug everything in in the same space in my room. That way I know where everything is and I don't forget anything when I leave. It has 3 USB ports and a regular outlet. It's perfect when I travel by myself. (It doesn't look like it's available anymore, but I've used the one above for travel and at home.)

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A post shared by Shereen Travels Cheap (@srayle) on Jan 16, 2019 at 10:36am PST

My clothes

I'll be going from cool weather to (hopefully) warmer weather on this trip, but the nights might be chilly. I'm a big believer in layering, so I'm wearing a pair of dark stretchy jeans that are also appropriate for everything else, meaning I can straight from the airport to breakfast to the convention center. On top I'm wearing a basic tee and a cardigan and then I'll have my coat if it's needed. I'll also be wearing walking shoes on the plane.

In my bag, I've packed 4 tops that all work with my cardigan and a pair of nice sandals. My color scheme this trip is blue, black and gray, so everything mixes and matches well.

I'm not doing socks, but I always get cold in my room, so I've packed a small pair of slippers. And , as always, I'm bringing my Happyluxe wrap just in case I need a spare layer or want a blanket for the plane or my room.

Of course I have pajamas: a t-shirt and a pair of joggers. I needed a backup pair of pants in case I needed to run and do some laundry out in public. And then undies and an extra bra.

All of my clothes are rolled up in two very small packing cubes and I've added a packing zipper bag (like a Space bag) in case I'm in need of a little extra space on my way home.

My toiletries

Since most of my time will be spent at the show or with friends (or on the plane/train), I don't really need much. I've packed sample sizes of my favorite makeup, will use my compact powder in my purse, and am only taking some sample size shampoo and conditioner packets. I've got a tiny pot of dry shampoo for days my hair needs a bit more help.

I've opted to save my biggest space for allegy meds and other necessities that cost a fortune if I need to buy them, like Emergen-C, and a bigger tube of sunscreen.

Because I've got TSA precheck, I don't have to separate my liquids and use yet another bag. This in itself is a small win.

Miscellaneous

I'm always hungry when I'm on the move, so I've packed enough snacks for travel days and an emergency ration or two in my purse for convention days.

Last, but not least, I have a small box of spare business cards and a puzzle book, because you never know and sometimes you don't want to stare at a screen.

For some of you, this will seem like way too little for 4 days, but I don't want to bring a bigger bag that I have to lug around. For others of you, this may seem like more than I need and I salute you. I'm not going to do laundry if I don't necessarily have to, which is why I brought two extra tops. If it's super warm, I want to be able to have a second shoe option that allow my feet to breathe. I know I probably don't need my laptop, iPad and phone, but the smaller two both fit in my small handbag, so I don't feel like I'm wasting space I need for other things that are important.

What are your favorite ways to pack light?


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It's Time to Plan Your Summer Vacation

I know, some of us have finally just gotten out of winter, and some of you are still getting snow. Summer is the most expensive time to travel, with 75% of travelers going somewhere away from home June, July and August. This isn't always conducive to being a budget-traveler, especially if it's the only time you have to travel with the kids. 

Well, you're in luck! With my Summer ebook, you can learn all the tricks to getting cheaper deals on flights, food, fun and lodgings. How can you get the best rates on airfare? When should you travel to save more? How do you get the most from your dollars on accommodations? Can you get theme park tickets for less? The answer to all of these and more are in my Secrets to Summer Savings ebook, so you can do more for less on your summer vacation and still have money in your pocket when you get home for bills, food and a winter road trip. 

If you want to travel more without spending a fortune, this is the place to start. Not only will you have a great summer trip that you won't be paying off for years, but you may still be able to sneak in another getaway another time of year. In fact, using my own tips, I take a week-long trip in the middle of summer then also take two weeks in the fall. If you need some help figuring out where to come up with the money in the first place, find some of my top tips here. You can get my ebook on Kindle, which you can read on the Kindle app on your phone, tablet, laptop or your Kindle. It's free to download, making it super easy. Start saving and learning how to save more now with just a few clicks. 

What are your favorite summer savings tips?

Cheap, Awesome Eats in Vegas

There used to be a time when you went to Vegas, gambled all day and could eat at a buffet for $8. Now, everything is $30pp and that counts as budget for Sin City. Well, not for me. I do indulge a bit in an expensive restaurant or buffet, but I try to use a coupon if I can. There are still ways to at for cheap in Vegas and feel like you're eating well. Here are some of my favorites:

On the Strip

District Donuts

I just found out that New Orleans' delicious doughnuts and sliders have made a new home in Las Vegas. The Cosmopolitan opened a new food hall with two Portland staples, Pok Pok and Lardo, and District Donuts has also arrived. Now, I haven't been there yet, but it's on the top of my list for my next trip. Not only do they have dozens of amazing doughnut flavor combos, but fried chicken, sliders and breakfast sandwiches. I'm also dying for their Vietnamese coffee. 

Bruxie Waffles

Are you a lover of chicken and waffles or just waffles or just chicken? This is the place to get any and all of those things. They also have homemade soda and Irish nachos (waffle fries covered in cheese, sour cream and green onions) and desserts I've never been hungry enough to eat. Follow them on Instagram and watch for the $5 Wednesday special. You'll have to show them on your phone to get it, but it's worth it for the savings. Avoid a huge mistake and skip ordering a bottled water, which will end up costing more than your whole meal. You can get free ice water there...or bring your own.

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips

If you love a good fried fish (or chicken or shrimp), This walk-in counter restaurant in the Linq Promenade is for you. Ramsay knows fish and knows that Vegas was missing a huge opportunity by not catering to the budget crowd. A box of fish and chips costs under $20 and can feed two, plus your order comes with your choice of two dipping sauces. It's not everyday you can eat food from a Michelin-starred chef for less than the cost of a pair of shoes.

Northside Cafe + Chinese Kitchen

This 24-hour restaurant inside the SLS serves up the tastiest, freshest breakfast (the banana pancakes are a personal favorite) all day, comfort favorites, and Chinese food. The monorail stops just steps away, so it's super easy to get to even without a car and you'll be dreaming about your meal until your next visit. 

House of Blues

Not only are there usually live musicians, but if you go during Happy Hour you can get a taste of all the awesome sounding things on the menu for way less than entrees from the main menu. Some of my faves were the BBQ chicken flatbread, gator bites and the brisket nachos. With all the money you save, you can also imbibe a little. If you like bourbon, the Beast of Bourbon is DE-li-cious. The sangria also comes in a pretty large size wine glass.

Off the Strip

Crown and Anchor Pub

It's difficult to find a good English pub in America, but this one does it and has delicious menu choices that will satisfy everyone in your party, and also satisfy your wallet. Crown & Anchor is in a cute little white building off The Strip on Tropicana Blvd. It's really easy to get to and the service is wonderful as well. You can find all your British favorites, done really well. The plates here are also large, so you may end up taking leftovers with you if you don't share. If you do share, it gives you an excuse to have one of their awesome desserts.

Bad Owl Coffee

You may remember other posts about this Harry Potter themed coffee shop. The coffee is phenomenal, but the food is just as good, with names like the Siriusly Proscuitto Sandwich, The Tonks Turkey Italian and Overknight Bus Oatmeal, the menu is really pun-derful. This is another place I like to share food at, espeically the really filling waffle breakfasts. While not super cheap, but the ambiance and quality is worth it. They just opened a second location in South Las Vegas, so now it's even easier to indulge in your Potterhead coffee dreams.

El Dorado Cantina

When you hear that a restaurant shares a parking lot with one of the largest strip clubs in the city, you do a bit of a double-take. I mean, why? But I'm open-minded and have been to my fair share of strip clubs, so I'm willing to check it out. The owner of El Dorado is lovely and the chef came out to give recommendations. He's from Mexico City and gives an upscale twist to classic street foods. Your guacamole is fresh made tableside. The cactus tacos and the lengua tacos are both to die for, and everything else I tried from other plates was delicious as well. Plates are huge, so you can easily share and order less, though you'll want to try everything once the first plate arrives, which I highly suggest should be bacon-wrapped shrimp.

Ninja Teriyaki & Sushi 2 Go

If you love sushi, then it's worth the drive into Vegas proper to visit this little hole in the wall location in a strip mall. It doesn't look like much, but the sushi is made to order, it's affordable and the rolls are monstrous. I was hungry when I ordered mine and got a rainbow roll (that's 8 pieces!) and salmon nigiri, plus an order of egg rolls on the side. It was less than $15 and I couldn't finish it all...though I tried hard to get through it. It was some of the freshest sushi I've ever had, and I go out for sushi at least twice a month. We've ordered their family meal as well that comes with a ton of sushi and teriyaki and eight of us didn't finish it all in one sitting. Look for Groupons, as they are pretty regular for this location.

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Ellis Island

Not far off the Strip, Ellis Island is behind The Paris (I probably wouldn't walk though, since this area warrants there to be continuous cops up and down the street). You can grab breakfast here for a mere $7.99 and even get steak and shrimp for less than $14. Sign up for the players club and get a sirloin for just $8 You don't even have to leave to gamble, because they also have a casino. If that's not your thing, they have a karaoke lounge and an on-site brewery.

There are certainly a lot of options for dining in Vegas, but if you learn to mix cheap with expensive, you can have a pretty amazing trip. You might also find some hidden gems when you look for alternative dining. Everyone will point you to In 'N Out Burger or Whitecastle. I'd suggest trying one of the sushi burgers at the Linq Promenade instead. They're super filling and also easily shareable. 

What are your favorite cheap eats in Vegas?