Vegas Dreams and Having Fun on a Budget

Vegas View with Highroller - Photo Credit: Tianndra Demers

How to make a million dollars in Vegas ? 

That's what I call the Vegas Dream.

I'm thinking the only way that will happen, is either, win a poker tournament or max out winnings with a slot machine.  It happens - for real. 

Hold on ! 

I hear there's another way to bring in hard-cold-cash.  

It's called market advertising on your website. I know, I know...the possibility of that ever happening is like winning the Power Ball Lottery, itself.

But wait... 

According to a young lad from Ireland, he has lucked out in generating a million in revenue from his travel website called OneStep4ward, in just three years of blogging.

I was amazed, to say the least, so, of course I had to ask him, " How did you do it?" 

He told me the same generic answer his website already says," @vegasreviewsvg quality content mate - never stop producing it, eventually it'll take off :)"

Well, that's good advise, right ?  Sounds promising.  But, how do you make a million?  

Luxor Las Vegas - Photo Credit: Tianndra Demers 

With any blog you have to have keen interest in the subject, experience it, be honest, and forward useful information to your million of viewers.

Wait...did you say a million viewers?  

Ok, so my little blog, Vegas Reviews has maybe 10,000 unique viewers per month and, I have never received any funds from Ad Clicks. 

So, would you say, my Vegas Reviews Blog gives quality content ? 

I believe it does.  

Let's see: Vegas has always been my dream vacation spot, "Home-away-from-home" for the past 35 years.  I have lost count throughout the years, but I average 2-3 times a year vacationing in Vegas. 

Experience - check. 

How about quality content? 

I think so.  

Let's see : I share honest quality information from a tourists point-of-view (POV).  As a real tourist, I share with you my mishaps, mistakes, the real cost of traveling to Vegas, the good resorts to check in to, great eateries for foodies (like myself) best entertainment, fun rides, events, things to avoid, gambling hazards and awesome tours. 

Did I miss anything? 

I'm your average joe, but call me Bari, who's considered a Vegas Lover. 

So, have I covered everything? 

MGM Grand, Las Vegas  Photo Credit: Tianndra Demers

Oh wait.  

Everyone that has gone to Vegas figures they are an expert of some sort or another.  But not everyone has quality information or are completely truthful.  In fact, they are trying to sell you something.  Sure, Vegas can be broken down to five different EXPERT categories, such as: 

1. Dining or Foodie 
2. Entertainment 
3. Accommodations
4. Clubs (honestly, I'm not good in this area - the Club scene. I still can't understand how someone is willing to pay VIP Bottle service, when it starts at $1500 a pop - yikes!)  I hear it's great for bachelors or bachelorettes parties. 
5. And Tour experts - there's a lot of them! 

White Castle - Las Vegas Strip  Photo Credit: Tianndra Demers

My Vegas Blog is everything the average tourist wants to hear. 

We all want to enjoy our holidays without going home broke. I concentrate on the cost and FUN throughout Vegas as a tourist, with a budget, like yourself.  

Like you, I count my pennies and keep close to a strict budget.  Those little extras can add up, like the Resort Fees and add-on taxes.  Trust me when I say, your room only costing $35, is just the beginning.  Your total of the day is more likely to be $80 - $200 per night, not including flight, meals, car rental, taxi or buses, tours and entertainment. 

Vegas Strip Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

But wait! 

The more you SPEND at the casino, the more comps (complimentary bonuses) you receive. Well, actually you spent more at the casino to get that comp, so really, you have spent a lot more than expected.  

Of course, you do have the option of playing MYVEGAS games, and with so many loyalty points you get FREE rooms, buffets, dinners, shows and gambling credits.  This option is free to play, and as long as you don't buy coins, it's a sweet bonus to your stay in Vegas.  So, yes, you can get 6 FREE COMPS per couple, per stay.

As far as winning millions or marketing opportunities with your blog, it's like cashing in on a lottery.  

Will it happen?  

No, but it sure would be nice.  I'll let you know when that happens.  Imagine blogging, what you love to do and making a living doing so. 

Nice - right ? 

Ok.  So I'll stop dreaming and continue on giving my viewers the best knowledge of having FUN in Vegas on a budget.  Clicking on my google ads and buying something will help, but in reality, it's a far stretch to the truth.  Donations is another way to help out in my efforts, and I truly appreciate your kindness, if you do so. 

Generally speaking though, I wouldn't be spending all my time and effort, if I didn't enjoy it. 

Seriously, I really LOVE VEGAS! 

In the end, that's what counts, and I hope you can come along for the journey with my journals, blogs and photos of FUN IN VEGAS.

See You in Vegas! 

By Bari Demers - screenwriter, Vegas Lover and blogger 

Flamingo Las Vegas - Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

About Vegas Reviews

Aria Resort and Casino - Photo Credit : Bari Demers

Vegas Reviews was created by a Canadian couple who started going to Las Vegas since the 1980's. 

With the Vegas scene rapidly changing on a monthly basis, husband and wife team, Bari and Patricia found it necessary to share their experiences with new travelers, to ensure a wonderful overall experience for newcomers into Vegas.  It's also a hub for Vegas Lovers, coming back 2 - 3 times a year. 

After the first resort, the El Rancho Vegas being built on April 3, 1941, Las Vegas has become the fastest growing city then any other city in the world, generating billions of dollars with over 40 million visitors per year. With so many tourists, newcomers may become overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Sin City, not sure where or who to turn to.  

Vegas Reviews is here to help. 

Vegas Reviews not only entertains the unique group of Vegas Lovers, we also make it easier for newcomers, answering crucial questions, not effecting their pocketbook. Unlike paid columns or magazines, who promote certain corporate resorts for the almighty dollar, Bari and Patricia are tourists, like yourself.  We don't have a money-making agenda to promote Vegas hotels or businesses.  That said, supporting our efforts by checking out the Google links or by donation will help our fun-based Vegas Blog.

Poolside Room at Aria, Las Vegas   Photo Credit: Bari Demers

The ivegasreviews blog is totally different from other travel sites, as it focuses on the fun and less on the negative aspect, featuring years of experiences in Las Vegas, from tours, resorts, events, entertainment to the best restaurants. 

Bari is a writer, screenwriter and creator of the ivegasreviews blog, the Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/Vegasplayfun and Twitter @vegasrviewsvg featuring 1000's of photos and Vegas tips, ensured to make your next trip more enjoyable. In fact, the ivegasreviews blog concentrates on helping others enjoy a Vegas vacation without going home broke and disappointed.  In the early 1980's, our first experience was a quick reminder of exactly that. 

Since our very first stay with the Maxim hotel, Las Vegas, we have had the opportunity to enjoy MGM properties, such as the Bellagio, the Aria Resort and Casino, Excalibur, Luxor, the Mirage and Monte Carlo.  We also enjoyed the comfort of the Venetian and Palazzo, Las Vegas, including excellent restaurants, like the Grand Lux Cafe and Delmonico. Numerous other stays have been with Caesars Palace, along with some of the best entertainment at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, seeing celebrities such as Cher.  We have also adventured three different  times with Treasure Island T.I. Hotel and Casino.  

M Resort, Las Vegas

Funny, our most memorable place was the Aladdin, which so happen to have ties to the mafia in the 1960's, including a Japanese businessman, Ginji Yasuda in 1987.  Apparently, when we arrived in 1993, the hotel had changed hands to successful businessman,  Joe Burt, who was unfortunately killed in a motorcycle accident that same year.  On November 25 1997, Aladdin closed its doors and was imploded. In its place today is the Caesars Palace properties, Planet Hollywood Resort.

Treasure Island T.I. Las Vegas   Photo Credit : Bari Demers

Neighboring properties, such as the Wynn and Encore, will be on our next spotlight of resort luxury, entertainment and restaurants. Mind you, we have tried out their Buffet and found it a tasteful gourmet delight. And, throughout the Wynn we have enjoyed favorable courtesy professional staff while enjoying their casinos and restaurants. The Wynn or Encore is defiantly on our cross-hairs, sort of speak.  We relish the thought of complete luxury at the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Resort.  Until then, please enjoy my time and effort, showcasing tips, great restaurants, wonderful memorable tours (like the Maverick Helicopter Tours) and entertainment. 

If, by chance, the resort we visit, isn't a memorable fun filled experience, we simply won't write about it.  You're sure to find enough critical reviews on Tripadvisor.  

In conclusion, I trust you will find valuable information and fun facts to ensure a successful vacation while in Las Vegas. And last, but not least, we have met so many great friends across the world.

By Bari Demers - screenwriter