Atlantic City On The Cheap! #DoAC

If there’s one thing I love in life, it’s a quick getaway.  So when CrowdTap recently hosted a sampling trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey,  I naturally did everything in my power to be invited.  The way CrowdTap works is you answer survey questions, take photos, participate in challenges and other various activities for different companies in exchange for samples, gift cards, and prizes!  This is the first time they ever had a sampling that included a free trip!  My sister and I decided to live it up in style for one night.  CrowdTap sent an itinerary that included a cocktail hour and a night on the town, complete with a gift bag. Upon arrival, I checked into Caesars and was told that my room was upgraded to a suite!  Sweet, it was too.  The view was beautiful and the room was so luxurious.  I wish I was able to spend more time there!

The cocktail hour was at H2O, a pool bar in the Golden Nugget.  I like the Golden Nugget since it still has that old Atlantic City atmosphere.  Though dated, it was so charming.  Although, I heard that they plan on doing a lot of renovations.  H2O is a beautiful pool bar with great views of the city.  They even offered a free yoga class on Thursdays to hotel guests!

After the cocktail party, we were taken by the jitney to the boardwalk to experience the Sand Sculpting World Cup.  If you ever get a chance to go to this event, take it!  It’s FREE and the pieces are so amazing.  You’ll wonder how someone could do this with sand!  I took a photo of the rules just so you could see how structured and professional the competition is too.  I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite. My sister and I spent a good hour here just checking out everyone’s work.  Plus, one dollar gets you a vote in the people’s choice award.

The other thing I love about the boardwalk is all the beautiful architecture.  The casinos are so extravagant and since I’m not a gambler, I just love taking in the sites.  You see all types of people on the boardwalk too so it’s a people-watching paradise!  My sister and I just sat for awhile and watched everyone.  There is also a small skate park that is interesting to sit near.  At night, there is also a pretty light show right across from the Miss America statue.  It runs pretty frequently so you will always be able to catch it.  Of course, I had to take my picture with the Miss America statue.  No trip is complete without it.  Next time, I’ll get one during the day so you can really see it!  The boardwalk offers a great variety of food, shopping and fun.  There’s something for everyone, even on a budget.

My sister and I ended our night by getting desserts from the hotel. It’s kind of a tradition with our family.  We have to test out the desserts everywhere we go.  They were delicious, of course.  We had a hard time choosing.

In the morning, I had enough time to visit the breakfast buffet.  However, I wasn’t too impressed with that.  It was the only thing open in the hotel and it wasn’t worth the money.  I wish I had more time and I would’ve went to another hotel on the boardwalk for breakfast.

If you live in the area, Atlantic City is a great place, full of fun, culture and excitement for all ages.  I spent less than $100 on my entire trip, including gas and tolls!

Here are some tips:

-Plan ahead.  I know I’m beating a dead horse with this one, but 9 times out of 10, if you want a good deal you HAVE to do this.

-Use Groupon, Living Social, Deal Chicken, etc for great deals when traveling.  Not only can you get great rates on hotels, plug in the zip code and find deals to restaurants too!  My husband and I recently stayed in AC at the Borgata and got 2 tickets to the Burlesque show all for $75!  It was fantastic!

-Read the fine print but don’t just settle for anything.  Online deals sometimes make you stay on ‘off days’ or follow specific rules in order to get the discount.  Be sure to know ALL details before making a purchase.  Call them up and ask questions.  Also, if you are unhappy, tell someone while you’re there!

-Get feedback.  I met a lovely lady at the breakfast buffet that had a terrible stay in the hotel and I’m glad I heard her story.  It makes me think twice about using my own money to stay at Caesars, even though I personally had a great experience.  Read online reviews and/or ask your friends on social media too!

-Set a budget.  Just like most things, be realistic and take a pre-determined amount of money.  Keep in mind, emergencies happen so always have a back-up, but losing $25 in a slot machine isn’t an emergency.

-Live like a local.  Go to the restaurants off the beaten path.  Experience the different, odd museums.  Chances are, they are really awesome and not too expensive.  Check out Lucy the Elephant in Margate.  She won’t let you down!

-Have fun!  Just remember to let loose and enjoy the time you spend there.  Here are some fun photos from our trip!

I love Atlantic City and I would definitely return!  You can follow them on social media to plan your trip and keep up with all things AC:

http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoAtlanticCity?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitAC  #DoAC

Instagram: http://instagram.com/doac

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/doatlanticcity/

I received a complimentary trip to Atlantic City from CrowdTap in exchange for my opinions.  I did not receive any other compensation.  All comments and/or viewpoints are my own.  Photos are my own as well.