When are you planning on going? What are your flight options at the moment?

Hiya, we have to go in August as one of the other couple is a teacher. Flight options are NCL to SF via Amsterdam with KLM or via Heathrow with BA.

How much is that coming in at? Would you not consider flying in to Vegas first and then travelling to San Francisco? If you are visiting both would it make much difference? Thomas Cook flies direct from Manchester, and an 11 night Fly Drive leaving 12/8 is listed at £557 at the moment.

Suzy

Hi puddleduck

Yes give us an idea what prices you are getting so we know what to try and improve on. Is it this for next August? Flight prices may be cheaper in January.

If you are getting ridiculous prices don´t worry too much. I have just booked to go to Vegas in April/May with 2 stops it´s under 500 GBP. I priced it for next Oct/Nov and it was coming up at almost 2000 GBP pp!

I usually check Net Flights to see what´s available. See my post in the Las Vegas Next Year topic to see my concerns though. I usually booked direct with the airline.

Have you looked at http://www.unitedvacations.co.uk ? We´ve used them before, but they no longer have Aberdeen as an option for the starting airport.

Don´t go booking Italy when your heart is elsewhere until all the options have been explored.

luci

Hi Guys,

To be honest I think I've been a bit naive in our budget. I've got 4K including spending money and as the $ is plummeting that means we're getting less for our money while we are out there. I feel like I've been looking in my sleep!

We only want 1 stop as the other couple have a 4 year old and so we are quite limited as to what we do from Newcastle. This is what we to do - fly to SF for 3 days, drive to Vegas via Sonoma/Napa Valley & Yosemite, 4 days in Vegas at the Bellagio (Grand Canyon sunset helicopter ride, day at shooting range, see a show, renew vows) then fly back to SF for a few more days before coming home so we can do things like Angel Island, Muir Woods etc.

I've had some tailor made quotes but they are all coming in too much. California Vacations quoted us £4128 for SF, Sonoma, Sacramento, LV and SF. Trailfinders quoted us £3200 for SF, Sonoma, Yosemite, LV, SF.

PD, try pricing it DIY. You should get the Bellagio for max $225 per room per night. United Vacations do free stop overs. 4000 GBP should cover it easily.

We did the Golden Triangle with Jetsave quite a few years ago which was 7 nights LA, 3 nights SF and 4 nights LV. I wouldn´t rush back to LA.

I am sure you can do it within your budget, but probably not on a tailor made package.

luci

NCL flight prices are around £1400 a couple at the moment. We've been checking them for the last few weeks and they haven't come down yet. Maybe we'll see what happens come January.....

Keep checking PD. Expedia usually have a sale in January.

Is the 4000 GBP just for you and Marcus or is that for the whole party?

luci

No that's just for me and him Luci

Then I am pretty certain you can do it. I know flight prices are higher in August, but hotel prices should be lower as it is so hot in Vegas that a lot of people avoid high summer.

I´m in Benidorm at the moment so can´t check things for you, but I could once I´m home.

luci

Aw, that's kind of you Luci. You just enjoy your time in Benidorm - I've got my mate working on it.

Sorry, I´m just concerned that you go and book for Italy and then find that you could have afforded SF/LV after all as I know you have been planning it for over 2 years.

luci

I may be way off here, but I´ve been thinking about this and came up with the idea of - 750-800 GBP pp for the flights and transfers, 1000 for food/spending which leaves 1500 or $2250 for hotels. You could do 10 nights at the 5* Bellagio for that and I think SF would be cheaper.

luci

Thanks for all your help Luci, after looking at your suggested budget and much talking we have decided against the USA trip.
Me & Marcus wanted a trip to remember in LV (the helicopter trip we wanted to do with Maverick alone was $419 per person to start with) so we were never going to be able to get by on the spending money you suggested. I just think I was a bit naive in imagining how much it would cost. Realistically the type of trip we had planned we did before they had a child and I don't think it was suitable for a 4 year old, there will be too much travelling plus a boredom factor (she would have hated a day's wine tasting for instance). We had to travel in August as it had to be in school holidays and as we all wanted to celebrate our anniversaries together we have decided on Pugilia and that Marcus and I will just go to Vegas for a week on our own at some point. This way we can go when we want as we aren't tied to any month and that way we can pick a time when good deals are on.
Thanks again x

Aw...you know we hate to hear anyone say they're not going to Vegas!!!

Given that a 4 year old is going on the trip, I suppose you are right. Definitely consider doing the 1 week trip sometime anyway. Fab Fab place!! I'm sure you've noticed a few of us like it just a bit!

Aw, I'm disappointed, but I'm sure it's the right decision with a 4 year old being involved. The strengthening dollar had made it difficult to budget too.

I'm sure you and Marcus will have a better time on your own when you do get round to it, especially as you won't be fixed to a particular month to go. I find the end of April and November/December seem to be cheapest for flights.

luci

Thanks Guys. Marcus and I definitely will go at some point and at least now we go when it suits us. This is why I'm pleased we don't have children