You’ve seen the commercials. What happens in Vegas stays there, but damn if you won’t come home with some phenomenal stories. Whether you’re planning senior year spring break or a post-graduation celebration trip away, Las Vegas will show you a good time without breaking the bank.

Essentials for Your Vegas ‘08 Trip

1)Cash
2)Group of girlfriends you won’t need to keep on a kiddie leash/babysit at the bar
3)3 nights’ worth of cute little dresses
4)Your A-game
5)An open mind

How to do it on the cheap?

Paris Hilton herself has said that Vegas can only be done for about 4 days. Your flight could easily be the most expensive portion of this little adventure. Hotels are constantly giving deals to pull crowds to the casinos, so you can even stay on the strip pretty reasonably, especially if you’re staying with a group of 4 or more.

If you feel like splurging, check out hotspots like the Bellagio, the Wynn, the Venetian, or Caesar’s Palace. Remember that some of these can give you a regular room for less than you’d think so do some research before booking.

For going out, if you play your cards right, you can avoid paying cover altogether. If you’re with a large group of girls (or even a group in general) and you’re dressed to impress, you typically will be approached by promoters who need to pull in patrons.

With cover out of the way, all that’s left is your own personal alcohol fund. You know how much you drink, and you know how you feel about flirting for free cocktails. Remember that as people celebrate their winnings at the casino in the club, they may be a little more generous with bottle service and so on.

Make good life decisions, don’t leave without your girlfriends, and do not go home with a random just because he’s offered you a glass of Dom Perignon.

However, you may happen to bump into celebrities. During our stay, a friend of mine ended up taking a shot with Rick Ross at Tryst in the Wynn. Apparently he is “large and kind of frightening” in person.

Speaking of celebs, or rappers who have one hit, there are also a wide variety of shows in Vegas. A Cirque du Soleil show will definitely keep you oohing-and-ahhing, but plan ahead as these tickets run over $100 each. Money well spent, though, for a hell of a show. Also check out comedy acts and other live talent through the concierge of your hotel.

Taxis can cost you, getting from one end of the strip to the other, but again, splitting the cost among your group helps tons.

Food?
You can find anything, anywhere. My group did one nice, big-wig dinner at Tao (and then were invited up to VIP by the host who set up our reservation… please note that we shamelessly advertised that we were a group of 10 girls) and the rest of the our trip kind of ate as we felt like it. The casinos have a lot of everything, be it deli-style restaurants or shopping, you can find it on the strip without much trouble. You know how much you eat, budget accordingly.

Gambling?
Personally, I’m not a gambler, but be smart about it while on vacation. Unless you happen to be a baller at the age of 22, watch your pennies on this and save it for the clubs.

Remember that the desert doesn’t get snow, but it’s not hot during the months of February and March. The nice, pool weather doesn’t hit Vegas til later in the spring, so plan ahead wardrobe-wise as well.

Any other great ideas for a spring break destination? Tell us what you think!