Help! Travel plan advice

[Fabulys26]

Hey there Y'all-

I wasn't sure where to post this, but figured this area gets a lot of traffic... if I have made an error in thread etiquette, my apologies.

So here's the deal. Next year is my 40th B-day, and one of my best friend's 30th... (mine is in April, hers, September) Of course, we want to celebrate in Vegas somewhere in between April and September. I want to get the best travel deal possible... How far in advance would you all recommend getting our travel plans booked? Are there any sites you would recommend for great travel deals?

We have been to Vegas for the last 4 years, always the 2nd week of May, always at MGM... I like MGM and we always seem to get a really cheap deal there - I am open to other options, (Maybe after MDW? Is it better then?) Or another hotel? I want to do it up big, but there is a big difference between what I am willing to pay at 40, and what my co-travelers (30, and 26) are willing to pay. Advice/suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!

[msavard]

It really depends on what your budget is. There is NOTHING wrong with the MGM, but if you're looking to mix it up a bit, then the Cosmo is a great "trendy" style hotel with amazing restaurants and some very nice rooms. If you do a little legwork on the forums you'll find ways to book their wraparound suites at great prices. The center strip location is also very nice for hopping between other properties. Other upscale spots to look at are Venetian/Palazzo or Wynn/Encore if you're wanting to take it up a notch. Those are two amazing properties but are up north strip.

Check out YAPTA.com to track flight pricing trends to know when to lock in the best deals.

There are a million resources for hotel deals... check out the hotel deal forum here. Look into the Cosmo special trick on here. Follow the properties on FB and get on their mailing list. Check out sites like Vegas.com and other deal aggregators.

[Tara Denise]

+1 for Cosmo! Try the tricks found here on the thread, or look into their 20% off deal for staying 3+ nights, and also check Jetsetter, they have pretty decent prices and REALLY good sales (and since you're planning ahead, you have time to shop around). It is definitely a bit pricier, but worth it IMO. We stayed there for my birthday/bachelorette this June, and my friends commented that it's the perfect hotel for a group of girls.

[headstrong]

I use the Google "ITA Matrix" to check flight prices. I'm not sure on teh specific link, but google search "ITA Matrix" and has a plethora of search options to optimize flight prices.

[kp3205]

We also have used Southwest Air vacation packages to book trips 4 times to LV. Twice being MDW. May want to look in that direction also since they are now a partner with the M Life hotels. You can book 7 months in advance.

Personally we love to go MDW and Labor Day weekends, 8 times between the 2 dates. My trip is coming up this Thursday and the 105+ heat should be interesting as it is the first time doing it during the summer months.

[Virtualized]

If you've always stayed at MGM then I would recommend trying one of the newer properties like Cosmo or Aria for a change of pace. Wynn/Encore are nice but they are at the end of the strip but they have several good nightclubs that may make it more convenient to stay there (depending on where you plan to go out). Always good to mix it up but I try to stay closer to where the activities are to save time and reduce the chance of me getting lost in the wee hours of the night

[Fabulys26]

Thanks all for your replies! I will use your suggestions... We did stop into Wynn on our last trip and it is beautiful... I've also been inside the Cosmo once, and it is amazing too... So many options, and always a good time! I love Vegas!