Whether it is your first time or you are a seasoned visitor to Las Vegas, check out these tips. Las Vegas tips for first timers was put together through a combination of online searches as well as personal experience. The tips have been sorted gamblers, vacation only and business people. Most will find that there is something for everyone in each of the categories. Above all have fun when you visit Las Vegas. Control your gambling and the amount of alcohol you consume to ensure that you have a wonderful time while in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Tips for First Timers
There will also be some tips that are captured under several headings. They have slightly different meanings for each category.
Tips for Gamblers
- Take gambling lessons – learn the basics of playing and understand the odds of winning. Spend some time reading up on the best games to play. The casinos are there to entertain you and most of all make money
- Manage alcohol consumption – free drinks are part of the package while playing, however too many can cloud your judgement and ability to decide when to stop
- Downtown Las Vegas – has better odds according to the roomers. There is also unique entertainment and less expensive rooms on average
- Sign up for players clubs – whether you play the slots or the tables, always obtain a free player club membership. They track your play. The casinos award comps based on your play and can be worth hundreds of dollars
- Rewards programs – they include free rooms, discounted rooms, free meals etc. Take advantage of these benefits to enhance your stay and reduce your overall costs.
- Off-Strip hotels – they tend to be more competitive and perhaps a little quieter. Many offer shuttles to the strip
- Maximize your comp’s – depending on your play talk to a slot host to understand what is available to you. Often they will offer a little more to get you to stay at their casino.
- Gamble were you like to stay – If you enjoy a particular hotel, obtain a players card and play at the hotels casino. You may be offered free rooms in the future. Or perhaps free meals or a show while you are there.
- Cash in when ahead – always walk away with cash when you are ahead. Over the long run casinos are betting you will lose all of your cash. The odds are in their favor.
- Tipping – always tip the server. Good tips will ensure repeated service whenever you need your drink freshened up.
- Restaurant reservations – ask your host to book a reservation and also obtain a line pass to avoid long lines at the buffet
Las Vegas Tips for First Timers & Consumers on Vacation
- Plan your attack – there is lots to see in Las Vegas. Prepare a plan to ensure that you get to see the items high on your list
- Bring walking shoes – even just walking in the hotel and casino involves lots of walking. These are big places. It is easy to put in 10000 steps just walking along the strip.
- If possible, avoid peak dinner times – during busy times such as conferences and holidays, restaurants are full, wait times can be long other wise.
- Happy hours – drinks can be expensive if you are buying, take advantage of the happy hours
- Tipping – tipping is standard, however if you are playing the slots, drinks are free. You should tip for each drink you receive to ensure continued service
- Downtown Las Vegas – take in the night time show on the street. It is closed off to traffic
- Free attractions – there are lots of free attractions along the strip and downtown. The Mirage Volcano, the Bellagio fountains and the light show on Fremont street downtow to name a few
- Don’t gamble – it is pretty hard not to. If you do set a limit and stick to that limit.
- Convenience stores – there are several drug stores along the strip that sell just about everything you need for a quick snack and even a meal if you have the means to cook it.
- Public transportation – buses run a regular schedule along the strip, downtown and thougout the city
- Off-Strip hotel – take a shuttle to some of the off strip hotels, a taxi, Uber etc.
- Visit at off-peak times – Everything is more expensive during peak times which include major holidays as well as large conferences. Shop around or pick another date to come to Vegas.
- Carry a light jacket, water and sunscreen everywhere – It can be cool at night and it is very dry. You will need water with you especially in the summer when temperatures exceed 100F.
- Anticipate resort fees and parking fees – most of the strip hotels are now charging a resort fee which is over and above the room rate you were quoted. There will also be taxes to pay as well. If you drive, there will be a daily parking fee.
- Take lots of photos – this is one of the best way to remember your trip to Vegas
- Understand the costume character game – if you take a photo of a costume character or a with one, expect to tip. That is how they earn their living.
Tips for Business Travelers
In addition to all of the above, here are a few more for business travelers to consider.
- Distances are further than they appear- stay in the same hotel as your conference, meetings etc. It took the writer over 30 minutes to walk from his hotel to the one across the street on one trip. walking through the casino, up escalators to cross the street and into the next casino and finally into the hotel conference area which is located at the back of the property.
- Don’t buy drinks in the casino – drinks are very expensive in the casino if you are not playing. Take advantage of offers from your conference coordinator.
- If possible, avoid peak dinner times – large conferences place a strain on restaurants. You may want to book a reservation before you even arrive in Las Vegas
- Allow waiting time for cabs – the same applies to getting a cab. There are lots of them, however the lines can be long too.
- Budget for resort fees and parking fees – make sure your budget includes up to $45 for resort fees and $20 per day for parking along with normal taxes on everything.
If you have tips you would like to add, feel free to leave your comments.