Change is always happening in Las Vegas. In the community and on the Las Vegas strip. A few of the current changes that will effect the tourists are both good and bad.

A good change is the ban has been lifted on the use of cell phones in the sports book areas of casinos. This ban was always posted, but always strictly enforced. The lifting of the ban is only for one year. Then to be reviewed and hopefully done forever.

The Star Trek Experience is closing September 1. The OOh LA La topless show at the Paris is closing August 31. But Donny and Marie Osmond will be starting a run at the Flamingo Hotel on Tuesday September 9th. The cheap seats in the balcony starting at $85.00. The guest room renovation at the Mirage should be complete by September.

Another change that may occur later is one tourists should watch for. There is going to be an attempt to raise the room taxes on hotels from the current 10% to 13%. The reason for the increase to raise more funds for the schools. But even that is being debated as to whether this increase will be enough. So along with increase in gas prices, air fares, airline fees and inflation in general. Finding a bargain hotel room or discount to Las Vegas with get harder to find. Expect to take more time searching for the deals and trying to talk the hotels into giving you a break.

You better be active in searching for your late spring and summer air fares. With the additional costs for fuel, extra luggage and even some seats. Yes, USAIR is going to attempt to collect fees for some window and aisle seats on many of it's flights. The prices are changing daily, but I am not finding anymore low fares, at minimum from Pittsburgh. I find the fares on the air line websites are generally better or about the same as the discount travel sites. But bargains and deals are often not widely publicized, you have to keep looking.

Hopefully the hotel rooms in Las Vegas will be lower this summer to help lower the travel costs. I have found many decent room rates alalert for the summer months. Many at the Flamingo, Harrah's, Las Vegas Hilton, Imperial Palace, Luxor, and Monte Carlo. You can also find decent rates at the MGM, Mirage, and Ballys. The high end places like Caesars and Bellagio still holding out for the big spenders. So, just like managing your gambling bankroll, you need to manage your travel expenses. Save that money on travel for more fun in Vegas!!!

If your a slot club member, check with the hotels to see what offers and money saving deals you have available. Saving you money on your room, shopping, restaurants and shows. Take advantage of what you can, you earned it with your time and money!!

For me, making separate reservations for air fare and hotel is the minimum expensive way. I usually make my reservations on the USAIR website. For the hotel, I check all the offers I receive and in the mail and online and go where I have the best deal. For others, it may be best to make a combo hotel and flight discount together. Just keep looking, generally a decent offer is there to be found!!