Sherman's Travel

Vegas may be epitomized by luxury, indulgence, and trying your luck, but you don’t have to be a high roller to treat yourself in Sin City.

Vegas’ incredible capacity to host hundreds of thousands of visitors at any given time makes vendors eager to get your business. By doing your research and booking in advance, you don’t need to stay at the slots for cheap fun – you could save up to 50 percent off retail or door price on Vegas’ top attractions and lodging. And the holidays are actually a great time to visit Vegas since hotels, eager to keep casinos full, lure customers with cut rate deals to make hiding out for the holiday worth it.

There’s no reason to spend hours Googling discounts at any time of year, though. Web sites such as SmarterVegas.com, BestofVegas.com, LasVegas.com, and Vegas.com aggregate travel promotions and bargains on shows, tours, restaurants, and hotel rooms.

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Feeling a bit “bah humbug” about this Christmas, or not one who celebrates the holiday? Head over to the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park for a Chinese food and movie combo. Start your December 25 with a special prix-fixe menu at aria, with dishes like crispy lobster mango rolls and fiery short rib beef, and then catch the film of your choice at a nearby AMC theater. Although the hotel doesn’t expressly bill it as such, any good Jew (like yours truly) knows that this is modeled after what the children of Israel traditionally do on Christmas. (Obviously, people of all creeds are welcome to enjoy the fine dining and festivities!) Pricing for dinner and a movie is $55 per person; to make a reservation call 312-444-9494. You don’t have to spend the night, but if you’d rather bed down at the Fairmont before or after you chow down on chow mein, rates start at $169/night on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

For general trip-planning information, see our Chicago Travel Guide.