Whiskey Pete's offers affordable, comfortable rooms in addition to an on-site casino. RELATED LINKS Back to Great Golf, Hot Deals

If you don't lose too much cash at the craps tables, a golf vacation at Primm Valley can be surprisingly affordable. Room rates at Whiskey Pete's begin at less than $30 a night, and even the more upscale Primm Valley Resort has rooms for less than $50 a night, with the lowest rates generally available for weekday stays. Day-trippers are welcome at the courses, but if you decide to stay at the resort, book a "Stay & Play" package for the best deals on lodging and golf. Reserve online at www.primmvalleyresorts.com or call 800-386-7867.

For resort guests and day-trippers alike, green fees are lowest from mid-June to mid-September, when hot desert conditions prevail. If you can take the heat, you'll pay just $65 for low-season weekday tee times when staying at the resort, or $80 if you stay elsewhere. During the peak winter and springtime months, the weekday rate climbs to $105 for resort guests, $155 for visitors. Friday through Sunday rates are significantly higher than weekday rates year-round.

As for travel arrangements to the resort, the usual rules about airline discounts apply. Look for advance-purchase discounts, off-peak travel times and multiple routings to find the best deals, and don't forget to check the discount carriers that are not listed on most online travel sites. You may also be able to save a bit by combining air and rental car arrangements into a single booking.