An old friend and I took a trip to Las Vegas, and our spending habits proved to be quite different. Here's how it went and what we learned.

Vacations should be enjoyable escapes. A few days away can be just what we need to recharge. Interestingly, 70% of travelers are planning to spend more on trips this year compared to the last five. Given that hotel prices are up by as much as 27.6%, it makes sense to plan accordingly.

However, splurging can complicate things, especially when friends have varying spending habits. This became clear during our long weekend in Las Vegas. Here's a look at our contrasting vacation spending approaches and some insights we gained.

LAS VEGAS ESCAPE

Like many tourist spots, Las Vegas has a wide range of hotel options. My friend and I chose The Venetian, known for its all-suite accommodations, numerous dining spots, and entertainment choices. While not the priciest hotel on the Strip, it's also not the most budget-friendly.

We opted for The Venetian for its upscale vibe, which meant we could enjoy everything without leaving if we preferred. Although the room rate was a bit steeper than I anticipated, it aligned with a time when travel prices were unusually high. The hotel's beauty and cleanliness made the cost worthwhile for me.

VACATION BUDGETING

For vacations, I typically don't set a budget beyond the nightly rate for the hotel. Once that's confirmed, I know I'll spend on food, drinks, and activities to make the most of my trip.

That said, I'm not one to go overboard. I might spend $20 on a nice glass of wine at dinner, knowing I could buy the same bottle at a store for a similar price.

PRE-TRIP PLANNING APPROACHES

We planned our trip from Thursday evening to Monday morning. During the planning, I discovered my friend had a different vacation mindset. She was excited about a spa day and didn't hesitate to spend $349 (before tip) on a massage and exfoliation treatment. In contrast, I opted for the cheapest massage option available, priced at $279, before tip.

I hesitated before booking my treatment, imagining how many sessions I could have gotten back home for that amount. However, wanting to enjoy my getaway pushed me to go ahead with the massage.

In another planning chat, my friend mentioned she was considering reserving a private cabana at one of the many pools. (The Venetian features 7 pools, and there are more in the other towers.) Curious, I checked the website and found that a private cabana costs around $1,000 for the day. While it includes perks like a private bathroom and personal attendant, I made it clear to my friend that I wouldn't be splitting that cost.

My reasoning was simple: I'd rather invest that $1,000 (or $500 if shared) into another future trip. Her spending style seemed quite different prior to our vacation.

SPENDING HABITS DURING OUR GETAWAY

Interestingly, my friend's spending habits shifted once we arrived. Our initial days were indulgent, thanks in part to the spa day. We treated ourselves to dinner and drinks on Thursday, followed by cocktails and brunch, then more drinks and dinner on Friday.

However, by Saturday, my friend expressed a desire to cut back on cocktails. I completely understood, given that each drink was around $20. In this case, we finally aligned with our spending styles.

Our restaurant choices also reflected our differences. I'm usually willing to splurge for a memorable meal and had suggested Smith & Wollensky steakhouse. However, my friend wasn't interested in splurging on dinner, so we ultimately skipped it. It's one of those experiences I would've enjoyed, but not her.

MANAGING BILL SPLITS

At restaurants and bars, we often received a single bill. Initially, we took turns paying, but by Friday afternoon, we decided it was best to ask for separate checks moving forward. With our differing spending styles, tracking expenses separately became more logical.

Since my friend doesn't use an app like Venmo, exchanging cash or checks would have been cumbersome.

LESSONS LEARNED

By discussing room budgets and my hard limit on the cabana, we had a basic understanding of each other's spending habits before the trip. Once there, my friend's approach became more conservative, which suited me. We had differing views on food splurges but had a wealth of dining options available. In hindsight, it might have helped to discuss more details upfront.

Having conversations about budget constraints before traveling with a friend is crucial to avoid overspending. Requesting separate bills is another helpful tactic to stay within your desired budget. Keeping these insights in mind can better prepare you for future vacations with friends.