Viva, Las Vegas! In these tough economic times everyone deserves a break from reality, and Las Vegas is the cure for the common vacation. Make the most of your Vegas trip with these helpful tips.

Before you leave home, prepare for your trip by booking your room. Staying downtown or off-Strip can save you money, but with amazing deals and added "perks", staying on the Strip is really your best bet. The Strip refers to the portion of Las Vegas Blvd., where all the major resorts are located. If you're looking for a four star vacation, check out the Venetian, with its "authentic" Italian landscape, Caesars Palace, which has undergone a major renovation in the last few years, the Bellagio with it's impressive lake, or the Wynn, Vegas's newest resort. While not considered one of the finest resorts on the Strip, the MGM Grand, is one of the biggest and best, and the beds are considered the most comfortable in town. All five of these hotels are running amazing specials into the fall, offering such extras as free cash for the slots, and free food and discounts at night clubs, bars and restaurants.

With the hotel booked, it's time to look at flights. Three days, two nights is more than enough time to spend in Vegas, and most major airlines have non-stop flights from just about anywhere in the United States, and Jet Blue, Southwest and Virgin America often run specials.

Now, with the hotel and flights set, it's time to start planning the meat of your trip. Here are some suggestions on what to see, where to eat and what to do in Sin City.

Friday night:
After you arrive and check into your hotel, you're going to want to eat.