Las Vegas is a place where everything feels larger than life, and appearances can be deceiving things that seem close are often much farther than you think. It is a little over 4 miles from end to end. The Strat may look close enough to walk to, but it really isn’t. So, keep this in mind when planning your trip. To help you make the most of your Las Vegas vacation, here are some key tips to keep in mind.
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Essential Tips
1. Prepare to Walk a Lot
Las Vegas might look compact, but distances can be deceiving. You’ll find yourself walking much more than anticipated, so bring comfortable shoes and be ready to explore! Depending on when you visit, you might want to take advantage of some of the indoor walkways to get from casino to casino. A good example is you can walk from Mandalay Bay to Excaliber all indoors. There are many restaurants and shops along the way. Another indoor walkway with shops and restaurants if from the Bellagio to Caesar’s Palace. There are a few more places you can do this, so ask at your hotel if you are wondering about specific casinos and they will help you out.
2. Budget for Transportation
While walking will be part of your trip, don’t underestimate how much you’ll need to rely on transportation. Whether it’s taxis, Ubers, or rideshares, plan for those extra costs in your budget. Renting a car is another option, especially if you plan on exploring off the Strip, but be mindful of parking fees. Unless you are going to do exploring off the strip, it usually is most cost effective to do a combination of walking and taxi or rideshare. If you decide you want to rent a car, you are better getting one at one of the casinos that offer rentals than at the airport. Trust me, the airport car rental is not a lot of fun between having to take a shuttle to where the car rental is and the amount of people who are renting cars it can become a hassle, we learned the hard way.
3. Stock Up on Drinks at CVS or Walgreens
Rather than paying steep prices for drinks at the hotel or casino, grab your beverages from nearby CVS or Walgreens. You’ll save money by stocking up for your room. Even just grabbing a case of water will save you lots of money.
4. Be Cautious of Timeshare Offers
People approaching you on the street or in casinos are often trying to sell timeshares. If you’re not interested, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Same for the people who are offering tickets to shows or attractions. It’s best to get them at the box office or hotel website. Luckily for me, Greg knew what they were doing or I probably would have gotten stuck listening to their sales pitches.
5. Taking Pictures with Performers
If you want to take photos with performers dressed as showgirls or other iconic characters, be aware that even if they don’t charge for the photo, they expect tips. Have a few dollars ready for a quick pic. The pictures are great for your memories and a good laugh, but don’t go overboard or you will wonder where all that extra spending money you had went.
6. Free Drinks in Casinos
Yes, you can enjoy free drinks while gambling in casinos, but don’t overdo it. Free doesn’t mean you should go overboard—know your alcohol limit, and drink responsibly. One of the best tips I got was when you order a drink, order a water also and drink both of them before you get another drink. Not only does it keep you hydrated but it slows down consumption.
7. Cash Out When You Leave
Before leaving any casino, make sure to cash out your winnings or chips. You may not make it back, and it’s better to have your money in hand than to leave it behind. Casino vouchers are not interchangeable between casinos even if it is the same company, so don’t get stuck with a ticket instead of cash.
8. Always Carry Your ID
Not only might you be carded when entering certain casinos or bars, but if you’re lucky enough to win a handpay at a slot machine, you’ll need your ID to claim your winnings, especially your social security card.
9. Explore Multiple Casinos
Each casino in Las Vegas offers something unique, from stunning artwork to themed displays. Make it a point to visit several casinos for a full Vegas experience. If you are here for a few days, try to get to all of them so on your next visit you can plan to stay near the ones you like best.
10. Visit Mid-Week for Better Deals
If you can, plan your trip for the middle of the week. Hotels are cheaper, and the crowds are more manageable compared to weekends.
11. Get a Player’s Card at Each Casino
Sign up for a player’s card at every casino group you visit. For example, a player’s card from Flamingo works at all Caesars Entertainment properties. Even if you don’t return to Vegas, these cards are valid at any casino owned by that corporation nationwide. Player’s cards earn you points that you can use for food and at some stores in the casinos. Using these will usually get you offers for discounted or free rooms depending on how much you play.
12. Must-Do Vegas Attractions
There are some iconic attractions that should be on everyone’s Las Vegas bucket list:
- Bellagio Fountains
- Bellagio Conservatory
- The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
- Flamingo Habitat
- Fremont Street Experience
- The Strip at night
- Top of the STRAT Observation Deck
- Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
- Gondola rides at The Venetian
- Catching a live show
Conclusion
With these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to navigate Las Vegas like a pro, enjoying the sights, sounds, and excitement “Sin City” has to offer without any unnecessary stress. Las Vegas offers some of the best shows, restaurants and entertainment, so be sure to take it all in. My best advice is to investigate and plan your itinerary before you get to Las Vegas and try to stick to that. Leave yourself plenty of time to explore all the attractions in the casinos and if you enjoy gambling don’t forget to include plenty of time for that!
We love to tell people not only about our experiences but tips that we have learned along the way, to help make their vacations easier and less stressful. We hope to inspire people to find their adventures and make memories. Even if you do a day trip near your home, there are always new things to discover and enjoy. Have fun and enjoy your travels!