An LA-based couple has discovered an innovative way to enjoy day trips to Las Vegas without breaking the bank. By leveraging budget airlines, travel apps, and credit card rewards, Ryo Furukawa and Jenn Dinh have managed to keep their expenses under $100 per person for a 16-hour adventure in the entertainment capital. Their journey involves flying out of Orange County's John Wayne Airport, utilizing Spirit Airlines for economical flights, and employing various cost-saving strategies for transportation and activities within the city. This article delves into their unique approach to making these day trips both affordable and enjoyable.

The couple's adventures began when Furukawa became fascinated by the Mandalay Bay pool, known for its expansive aquatic features. Despite living nearly 300 miles away, they embarked on their first low-budget day trip to experience this attraction. Since then, they have repeated the excursion four more times, refining their methods each time. One key strategy is booking roundtrip flights with Spirit Airlines for as low as $39 per person. Furukawa attributes much of this savings to his membership in the Spirit Savers Club, which offers significant discounts on ticket prices.

In addition to airfare, the couple employs several other tactics to minimize costs. They typically drive themselves to the airport and park for around $30 total, although Furukawa jokes about needing to find alternative parking solutions as rates increase. Once in Las Vegas, they choose between walking, rideshare services, or renting a car, depending on convenience and weather conditions. On their most recent trip, they opted for a rental car that cost less than $40 for the entire day, allowing them greater flexibility to explore beyond the Strip.

Free activities play a crucial role in keeping their expenses low. The couple enjoys visiting attractions like the Bellagio Conservatory, which showcases seasonal displays, and Circus Circus, where they can indulge in arcade games. Walking along the Strip provides ample opportunities for sightseeing, while free trams offer convenient transportation between certain hotels. When it comes to dining, they prefer simpler and cheaper options outside the main tourist areas, such as breakfast at a café off the Strip and lunch at Taco Bell Cantina.

To further enhance their trips, Furukawa and Dinh take advantage of travel hacks involving credit card rewards and loyalty points. Furukawa uses apps like POP! Slots and myVEGAS Bingo to earn loyalty points, which he redeems for complimentary hotel rooms, discounted amenities, and casino credits. Credit cards also provide benefits such as free airport lounge access, making their travel experience even more comfortable. With these strategies in place, the couple finds that planning future trips is straightforward, often requiring little more than copying and pasting their previous itinerary.

Their approach to budget-friendly travel demonstrates how thoughtful planning and resourcefulness can lead to memorable experiences without excessive spending. For those looking to explore Las Vegas without committing to an extended stay, the couple's methods offer valuable insights into maximizing enjoyment while minimizing costs. As they continue to refine their techniques, Furukawa and Dinh look forward to many more affordable escapes to the vibrant city.