Tips to survive your first trip to Las Vegas – if you’re planning your very first trip to Las Vegas, here’s a few tips to make sure it’s enjoyable and fun!
- Book in advance: Book your hotel room and show tickets through www.lasvegasdeals.vegas to ensure you get the best price. Economical hotels on the Strip include the Luxor, Excalibur, Flamingo, Harrah’s and the LINQ. Circus Circus is cheap too but it’s located at the north end of the Strip (far from the action) and is run down. When booking your trip, you may want to consider visiting during off peak times. The Strip can get incredibly crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Select a transportation option: When you arrive in Vegas, there are several transportation options available to get you to your hotel – taxi, Uber/Lyft, shuttle bus or limousine service. Taxi service is a flat rate fee based on the location of your hotel and is anywhere from $19 to $27 plus gratuity and fuel surcharge. The average trip price for Uber/Lyft is $19 to $33 (you can use their price estimator tool to get a real-time estimate). Shuttles buses cost between $11 and $15 for a one-way trip but be aware that they make a lot of stops so it can take awhile to get to your destination. Limousines are the most costly option at $45 to $65.
- Avoid check-in lines: Once you arrive at your hotel, you can avoid the sometimes long check-in lines by using a self-serve kiosk or checking in online.
- Set a budget: Before you start gambling, it’s important to decide how much money you’re willing to spend. Set your gambling budget and stick to it. Don’t start gambling without knowing the basics – learn the game first. And, don’t chase your losses in an attempt to win back what you’ve lost.
- Stay hydrated: Las Vegas is hot, especially in the summer, and it’s easy to become dehydrated. Carry a water bottle with you and stay hydrated throughout your trip. Bottled water is also available at CVS, Walgreens and the ABC Store for way cheaper than you can buy it at the hotel sundry shops. And, avoid the bottled water in your hotel room – it’s very expensive.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Las Vegas casinos and resorts are larger than you think so you will be doing a lot of walking. Wear runners or good walking shoes to avoid tired, exhausted feet at the end of the day. You can reduce some walking by taking advantage of the Monorail, free trams and the bus to get up and down the Strip.
- Take advantage of freebies: Many casinos offer free drinks when you are gambling in the casino. They also offer other perks to players when they sign up for a player’s or rewards card, such as free play and comped rooms. Take advantage of these freebies.
- Take advantage of the free attractions: Las Vegas offers plenty of free attractions, such as the Fountains and Conservatory at the Bellagio.
- Avoid timeshare sales pitches: Be aware of the timeshare sales people, often located at the entrances of casinos, that are offering you free or reduced pricing on show tickets. They will generally try to engage you in conversation by asking where you’re from or if you will be in Vegas for the evening. Their sole purpose is to get you to attend a timeshare presentation that will take up hours of your time in Vegas. Politely tell them you’re not interested and keep walking (or tell them you live in Vegas or are leaving Vegas that day).
- Have fun: Las Vegas is fun. Enjoy the lights, sights, sounds, and people. Try something new – a new type of food or a unique show. Make some great memories and don’t be afraid to take a chance.