7 Cheap Vacations That Bring On The Fun Without Breaking The Bank

Go See RuPaul’s Drag Race Live

Since Las Vegas is known for its entertainment offerings, you’ll want to snag a ticket to RuPaul’s Drag Race Live at The Flamingo. This 90-minute show brings fan-favorite queens from the hit TV show to the big stage to perform and lip-sync in an epic battle for the crown. From death drops to duck walks, you’ll never know what’s next at RPDR Live. Plus, the queens switch roughly every six weeks so the cast is ever changing so you’ll never see the same show twice! After the show, head on over to the gift shop which is themed after the Werk Room where you can purchase t-shirts, magnets, umbrellas, and other souvenirs to remember your time in Sin City.

Eat At A Fancy Restaurant

Foodies, listen up! Las Vegas has tons of top-rated restaurants with highly-trained chefs from all over the world. If you’re craving fish or steak, then head on over to Ocean Prime Steakhouse for a delicious meal and top-tier service located next to the Crystal Shops. I tried the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli and French Onion soup, and I’m still thinking about them both a week later. Not only was the food excellent, but our server essentially put on a show for us with his lively personality and in-depth recommendations.

Another great restaurant is Top of the World at The STRAT Hotel which provides 360-degree views of Las Vegas with its rotating dining room located 800 feet in the air. While you dine, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views and even some bungee jumpers coming from two floors above. Be sure to ask your server about the butter cake for dessert because it’s one of the best sweet treats in LV.

Visit The Las Vegas Arts District

After eating at Top of the World, take a walk over to the arts district which is home to the viral $10 tattoo shops, antique stores, and delicious restaurants. Stop by the Antique Alley Mall and browse through 65+ vendors that have vintage clothing, furniture, home decor, and more available for purchase. Disney enthusiasts will find tons of old-school Mickey Mouse plush toys and retro snow globes that’ll bring back some nostalgia too.

Aside from antique pieces, you’ll also find colorful murals on the walls of buildings in the arts district. The popular "Greetings from Las Vegas" mural can be found there alongside other colorful installations that make for the perfect picture spots. Your Insta-feed will thank you, trust me.

Take Photos On The Strip

Not looking to spend a lot? Taking photos on the strip is free, and luckily there are tons of landmarks and statues to pose next to. For example, snap a picture in front of the Bellagio fountains or next to the Statue of Liberty at the New York, New York Hotel. Other popular photo spots include inside The Venetian, at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and outside the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower Experience. A good idea is to walk the strip and look at each of the hotels because you’ll find installations, murals, and architecture that serve as the perfect backdrop for photos.

Go Resort Hopping

As you take photos along the strip, you’ll need a much needed break from the sun — that’s when you want to go resort hopping. Whether you want to check out the pool at The Vdara Hotel & Spa, the food court at The Aria, or the gondolas at The Venetian, there is something for everyone at the resorts. Keep in mind that the resorts can be crowded as people are not only staying there, but many people also hop around the strip to see what each location has to offer.

Visit The Hello Kitty Cafe

Channel your inner kid at heart by taking a trip to the Hello Kitty Cafe. There’s a more formal location at Fashion Show Las Vegas and a food truck located closer to the heart of the strip at The Park MGM. Regardless of the location you choose, you’ll find a menu filled with sweet treats inspired by Hello Kitty and her friends. Plus, there’s a selection of merchandise available at the cafe to choose from including plush toys, pins, and pillows.

See A Magic Show

Interested in magic? Nathan Burton has the number one afternoon magic show in Las Vegas for people of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of card tricks or illusions, get a ticket for Burton’s magic show which combines everything together in a 90-minute production filled with confetti and showgirls. If you’re close enough to the front, you might even be asked to participate in a trick or two too.

Watch a Cirque Du Soleil

Las Vegas is filled with lively nighttime entertainment from concerts to cirque du soleils. End your trip with a bang by snagging a ticket to one of LV’s top-tier cirque performances such as Ka, Mad Apple, or “O”. You’ll be blown away by top tier acrobats, dancers, actors, and stage performers that tell stories in a breathtaking way through movement and action.

Flyover

While you might be on vacation to Las Vegas, that’s not to say you can’t take mini trips to other places around the world while you’re there. Located on the strip, Flyover provides people with the opportunity to engage in an immersive experience filled with sights, sounds, and smells of some of the most breathtaking destinations.

Choose from one of four destinations to visit — Chicago, the Canadian Rockies, Iceland, and the American West. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be immersed into the atmosphere with a wraparound screen and flight motion seats that’ll make you feel like you’re flying over each place in real time. After your flight, be sure to head over to The Lost Cactus to enjoy a specialty beverage inspired by the wonders of travel.

Fun fact: If you’ve ever been to Disney World, Flyover uses a similar ride mechanism to Soarin’ at Epcot.

The Neon Museum Las Vegas

You’ve probably noticed the big flashy neon signs on the strip whether that’s for a hotel or attraction. The Neon Museum of Las Vegas is home to over 250 signs, and guests can explore the Main Boneyard by themselves or on a guided tour with other people. While professional cameras aren’t allowed, tourists are more than welcome to take pictures and videos with their phones to capture the sights. Trust us when we say it’ll make your Insta-feed pop.

Lighthouse Immersive Las Vegas

Lighthouse Immersive in Las Vegas brings the magic of Disney straight to you with a 360-degree screen that comes to life with beloved stories from Encanto and The Little Mermaid to Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast. Aside from visuals, you’ll be surrounded with bubbles, lights, and sounds all of which will make you feel immersed in the movies without having to traverse to Disneyland or Disney World. At the end, you’ll be released into a gift shop where you’ll find little souvenirs and mementos available for purchase so you can remember this magical excursion on your visit to Las Vegas.

iLuminate

If you’re looking for some nighttime entertainment, then you’ll want to get a ticket to see iLuminate at The STRAT. The live show involves storytelling through lights, dances, and illusions all of which come together for a show stopping visual that’ll leave you wanting more. Need more convincing? The dazzling act made it to the finals on America’s Got Talent, and have also received accolades from stars like Ellen Degeneres.

Adventuredome

The Adventuredome is home to a number of attractions and rides that the whole family can enjoy from rollercoasters to bumper cars. Aside from rides, guests can enjoy free clown acts and acrobat performances that’ll leave them wondering if they just step foot in an actual circus. Plus, you’ll even find some arcade games so you can release your inner competitive side and see who can win big.

The STRAT Observation Deck

It’s impossible to see all of Las Vegas in a few days which is why you’ll want to take a trip to the observation deck at The STRAT. There’s both an indoor and outdoor observation deck where individuals can look at the city through angled windows and viewfinders. The breathtaking views of the strip and the valley are unlike anything you’ll see in Las Vegas. For added fun, you can even take a ride on their thrill rides like Big Shot or X Scream, both of which provide excellent views and an adrenaline rush.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

You’ve probably seen this iconic sign on your Instagram feed or in a favorite movie so why not take a picture in front of it yourself. Located just 10 minutes away from the heart of the strip, this sign is a great photo spot to remember your trip to Las Vegas. There will be people waiting to take their picture on the little hill in front, but fear not, it moves fast. To make the effort successful, you’ll want to use Lyft or Uber to get there since parking is limited and a pain.

Weekly Horoscope Themes For July 1-7

This week presents opportunities to explore our relationships and things that bring happiness. The love planet Venus is in the sign of Cancer, and it will be our guiding celestial body, shedding light on where we are in our journey regarding relationships and emotional security. Like last week, the best course in navigating Cancer season is to align primarily with your heart and intuition to help narrow down the root of your needs.

Listen carefully before reacting.

We begin the week by focusing on deepening our emotional connections and commitments, as Venus is in sextile with Juno on July 1. If you are in a relationship, your union will turn toward harmony as you engage in heartfelt discussions while factoring in compassion for past misunderstandings. If you're not in a relationship and need to make amends with anyone else who pulls your heartstrings, you can get to the source of your disconnect. If this isn't possible, write a letter, journal, or meditate on what you desire to release to attract peace.

Energetically, you will experience a breakthrough in your love story as you open your heart.

The veil begins to lift as Neptune's retrograde starts on July 2. It will remain in this backspin motion until October 11. You are encouraged to reflect on your spiritual beliefs and intentions in life. Slow down and assess your approach to living your authentic self while becoming aligned with your soul. This retrograde period also invites you to reassess your dreams and bring the truth to light regarding unresolved matters. On the same day, Mercury enters Leo, infusing you with the ability to articulate your ideas with confidence and charisma. If you're also in need of star power in your relationship, this day will fully support you if you wish to initiate a conversation regarding structure and intention with Venus in trine to Saturn. Prioritize your responsibilities while narrowing down what's needed to create stability in your love life. It will also be favorable to solidify your bonds and make practical investments.

On July 3, be mindful of intense communications and power struggles as Mercury opposes Pluto. This aspect may bring hidden tensions to the surface, urging you to navigate through deep psychological insights and potential conflicts. Then, the New Moon in Cancer on July 5 marks a powerful new beginning in matters of home, family, and emotional security. Set intentions for nurturing relationships and creating a supportive environment for personal growth. Factor intuition and perform a manifestation ritual involving what you desire within your emotional security.

Healing in relationships takes center stage on July 6 with Venus square Chiron. This planetary duo highlights vulnerabilities and past wounds, encouraging you to hold a compassionate space for yourself and others. This day will show how to step into your self-acceptance regarding unresolved issues. Let go and believe in your light as you focus on the good you have done solo or in a partnership. Observe your relationship dynamics with empathy and openness to facilitate healing and growth. July 7 brings surprises and opportunities for excitement in both love and creativity with Venus sextile Uranus. Expect a flash of insight or inspiration that will ignite innovation and spontaneity in your relationships and artistic endeavors. Mercury sextile Jupiter on the same day will boost your mental agility, bringing optimism and positive communication. This aspect supports learning, travel, and sharing ideas, making it an excellent time for broadening your perspective and seeking new opportunities. Overall, this week invites deep emotional insights, healing in relationships, and expansive growth in creativity and communication. Stay open to new experiences and embrace the transformative energies at play.

Key Transits This Week

• 7/1 Venus sextile Juno
• 7/2 Neptune Retrograde, Mercury enters Leo, Venus trine Saturn
• 7/3 Mercury opposite Pluto
• 7/5 New Moon in Cancer
• 7/6 Venus square Chiron
• 7/7 Venus sextile Uranus, Mercury sextile Jupiter

Read Your Sun, Moon, & Rising Signs For Your Weekly Horoscope

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Prepare to set your priorities in order, Aries. This week, you can strengthen your family bonds and find security in your home life. Mercury's shift into Leo will power up your creativity and stimulate endless sweet nothings with your beloved. Rekindling the fire in your love life will begin as you solidify your terms. Midweek, be mindful of your choice of words or messages when Mercury opposes Pluto. Be the observer in this scenario and avoid jumping to conclusions. Then, the New Moon in Cancer will open a new chapter for you that invites intentions for nurturing domestic harmony and emotional well-being. This cosmic event will seal the deal of powering up your manifestation game when you set a new and intentional path involving your emotional comfort and security.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Expect to be a busybody this week, Taurus. This is your time to focus on your genuine connections while powering up your self-expression. As Venus textiles Juno, your social calendar will be filled, or you will experience fun-filled conversations with friends or siblings as Venus sextiles Juno. If single, go to a local fair or singles event – it can be your lucky week to make a connection. As Neptune retrograde happens, this is your time to reflect on your aspirations and to get involved with the community. Focus on service to get inspired. Make practical decisions regarding your spending and learn how to budget for your future when Venus trines Saturn. The New Moon in Cancer prompts fresh starts in learning new skills or communication ventures.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

What does security mean for you, Gemini? Your focus this week will be on how you can claim financial stability while powering up your self-worth. Venus sextile Juno encourages discussions and investments, ensuring security in your material resources. Name your terms. Reflect on your personal beliefs and communication style as Neptune retrogrades, scoping your ideas with philosophical ideals and enhancing self-expression. It is time to accept the life you have built and analyze what needs to change. As Venus trines Saturn this week, you will make sense of your past ideas and be able to utilize them for financial gain. Revisit the root of your passions to help you get started. As an extra boost to your future venture, the New Moon in Cancer initiates a new path for you to pursue stability while gaining confidence in pursuing your goals that align with your heart.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Your birthday month continues, Cancer! Who do you want to be? The early part of the week will grant you cosmic stardust to help you express your true self while nurturing your emotional well-being. As Venus sextiles Juno, your charisma will level up, and your connections will deepen with your local connections. Your voice will strengthen as you communicate from a heartfelt space. The Neptune retrograde will reset your approach to life and help you reignite your sacred self. Begin a meditation practice, go to a sacred place, or start setting goals that involve travel or enhanced study. You also turn over a new leaf as the New Moon shines in your sign, igniting a fresh start in your personal growth and confidence. Believe in your light, and know you shine even stronger as you remain open and receptive to the Universe

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Are you ready to roar loud and proud, Leo? This week will be cathartic regarding how you approach your unhealed insecurities as Venus sextiles Juno, and your intuition and connectedness to the Universe will magnify. You will understand the root of what needs healing and acceptance. Mercury's presence in your sign will power up your voice and grant you the confidence you need to pursue your dreams. The Neptune retrograde upgrades your understanding of how your energy works. Begin your process of inner work or self-care practices that involve vulnerability and energy work. The New Moon in Cancer infuses renewal into your dreams and subconscious realms. Slow down and become selective in how you extend your energy. Know and fall in love with yourself again.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Are you in love, Virgo? Get ready to open your heart and deepen your connections. It's time to ignite the spark back into your life, and it all begins from the inside. Venus sextile Juno will grant you the space to build solidity in your connections with friends and networks. This week will be golden as you take a chance. A Neptune retrograde in your relationship sector will lift the veil regarding your commitments with partners. Truthful exchanges lead to progression in your story. If you feel stagnancy regarding your aspirations, things will change as the New Moon in Cancer revamps your vitality to pursue your goals. Like a boss, step out of your comfort zone and try a new approach to attract the desired changes.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Get ready to witness a paradigm shift, Libra. Expect to feel magnetic and inspired to take on challenges that will get you one step closer to your goals. Your love planet, Venus, in sextile with Juno, will revamp your profession and elevate you to a different status. As Neptune retrograde begins, it prompts you to slow down and review your daily routines and working environment. What needs to change? As you cater to your mind, body, and spiritual needs, you will witness positive changes in your life. Luckily, the New Moon in Cancer will spark a fresh opportunity in your career. It's time to launch a project, extend a pitch, or step into a more defined position. You are ready.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Do you believe in magic, Scorpio? This week, witness the quintessential upgrades in your connectedness to life and love. Whatever you set your eyes on, your life will begin to pan out better. Venus sextile Juno will extend support and authentic connections with friends or networks. Reach out and express your passions. Neptune retrograde will slow down your processes and enable you to see clearly what you truly desire in love and creative pursuits. Still yourself and observe your inner world to help clear out any unresolved dealings. A new wave of inspiration awaits regarding your personal development and self-improvement. The New Moon in Cancer will empower you to elevate your life by exploring new paths of spirituality and approaches to life. Step out of the mundane, open your heart, and explore the unknown.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Wearing your heart on your sleeve isn't your kryptonite, Sagittarius. It is your strength and outlet in forming bonds with others. This week will extend an open window for you to deepen connections with those who genuinely care for your well-being. Venus sextile Juno will extend its support for you to name your terms with authority figures, and by truthfully expressing your needs, it will lead to promotional opportunities or knowing where you stand in your career. Build your case. Neptune retrograde marks the beginning of you retracing your family connections, reflecting on emotional wounds, and rebuilding your sense of self. The New Moon in Cancer will let you focus on your inner needs and root down your intentions moving forward.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Lost in translation lately, Capricorn? The good news is that this week, you will have the opportunity to clear the air or hash it out with those you are wondering about. Mercury in Leo will grant cosmic support to you to narrow down the details of what has been confusing you about intimacy or resources. Allow your intuition to be your guide. Neptune retrograde will allow you to slow down your mental processes and help you connect with receptive messages from the Universe. Anything that has been hovering in your imagination will be retrieved seamlessly. Start writing or begin an artistic endeavor to consolidate results. The New Moon in Cancer grants you the chance to turn over a new leaf in committed partnerships. Focus on harmony and integrate empathy in the course of your new chapter.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

If only people can get inside your head and keep up with your brilliance, Aquarius. You will have to fly solo this week and keep doing you. Venus sextile Juno will power up your productivity and ability to strategize your long-term plans, financially or romantically. Take notes about your plans and share them with those you can trust later. Things are about to get interesting as Neptune retrograde will compel you to dial down your spending habits and break free from illusions such as materialism. Focus on the bigger picture and avoid divulging into frivolity. The New Moon in Cancer extends a new approach to your health and daily routines. Now is your chance to begin a wellness goal and rebalance your approach to life.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Are you ready to take a chance on your heart, Pisces? This week is brimming with signs from the Universe that you have the green light to focus on your desires. As Venus sexiles Juno, your dreams become the source of your strength, and you hold the key to making it happen. It all begins in a single word or step. Neptune retrograde in your sign will enable you to be the channel of your life decisions while helping you face your fears involving who you are and your plans. The New Moon in Cancer initiates new beginnings in your creative endeavors or love story, hinting you to factor in your joy as the source behind your motivation. You have come so far in your journey, and remind yourself that you deserve all the happiness in the world and more. Believe.