AWS re:Invent on a Budget: How to Save on Hotels and Travel in Las Vegas

AWS re:Invent is one of those conferences that everybody in the cloud space wants to attend at least once. It is huge, exciting, and full of opportunities, but it is also expensive. Between flights, hotels on the Strip, and Vegas food prices, the trip can be intimidating if you are a student, early-career engineer, or just someone trying not to blow the travel budget.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to keep costs down if you plan ahead. Here are a few things that make a big difference.

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Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank

The official conference hotels are the most convenient but they are also the priciest. Rooms at the Venetian or Caesars climb fast during re:Invent week. If you want to save, it pays to look just off the Strip. A ten minute walk or a quick rideshare can save you hundreds compared to staying right in the middle of it all.

Booking early is another simple win since prices only go up the closer we get to November. If you are traveling with classmates or coworkers, sharing a suite or a double room splits the cost without sacrificing comfort.

We put together a guide to re:Invent hotels that ranges from luxury stays to student friendly options. It is worth checking a few of them before the rush.

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Flights and Getting There

Las Vegas flights get expensive quickly when re:Invent is on the calendar. The earlier you book the better. Some people use points or miles to cover the trip since the timing is predictable every year. Budget airlines and alternative routes can also cut costs if you are flexible.

Once you are in Vegas, the Strip is surprisingly walkable. Bring comfortable shoes and you will thank yourself later. AWS usually runs shuttles between the big hotels, and those are free. Rideshares add up quickly, but if you split with other attendees you meet, it becomes affordable and a good way to make connections.

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Food and Day to Day Spending

Meals can be another hidden cost. Vegas has some of the best restaurants in the world, but eating on the Strip three times a day adds up. An easy hack is to stock up on breakfast items at a nearby grocery store or eat at your hotel before heading to sessions. Lunch and dinner do not have to be fancy every night since there are plenty of solid spots off the Strip where prices are normal.

And do not forget the free food. Vendor receptions and evening parties often provide drinks and snacks. Networking and saving money at the same time is a win.

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Make the Most of Free Networking

One of the best parts of re:Invent is not even the keynotes or breakout sessions, it is the conversations you have outside the schedule. Vendor parties, hallway chats, community meetups, all free and all valuable. You do not need to spend a dime to come home with new contacts and ideas.

Even Vegas itself offers free entertainment. The Bellagio fountains, Fremont Street, just walking the Strip at night, it is all part of the experience without costing anything extra.

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Final Thoughts

re:Invent can absolutely be done on a budget. Stay a little off the Strip, book flights early, skip a few expensive meals, and lean on free shuttles and networking events. You will still have the full re:Invent experience, just without the financial hangover.

For more details on the event itself, check out our AWS re:Invent conference page and the accommodation guide we put together. A little planning goes a long way in Vegas, and the money you save now might be better spent