Travel Advice: First Time Las Vegas Travel Tips
9th Jul 2012
Tags: vegas travel tips, vegas vacation
Heading to Sin City for the first time isn’t anything less than exciting. It’s one of those places that no matter how high your expectations are you won’t be disappointed. Before head straight to the neon lights, here are some tips to make sure you’re not spending more money than you have to and get the most out of your vacation:
Dress the Part
When it comes to any sort of dress code, let’s just say there is none in Vegas. In casinos you’ll find people that look like they are going to accept an award at the Grammy’s and people who look like they just got off a beach. Dance clubs have their own dress codes and guys won’t be allowed in if they are wearing sneakers or timberland boots.
For some, part of the fun of going out in Las Vegas is dressing up. Women will have to decide if they are “fashion over function.” Because you’ll be doing a lot of walking we recommend comfortable shoes during the day and wearing insoles in your going out shoes. Guys who are planning on going out should bring a nice dress shirt and slacks and girls can pack a cute dress or skirt.
Because Vegas is in the desert you can expect the temperature to reach 115 degrees in the summer. However, don’t be naive and think it’s hot year round. If you are visiting in the winter (Oct-Feb) you’ll need pants and a jacket. Casinos keep the air conditioning on full blast year-round, so bringing a sweater or cover-up is recommended.
If you do need to buy a jacket or going out attire, the shopping is second to none on the Boulevard, head to the Forum Shops at Cesar’s Palace, Showcase Mall or Fashion Show Mall.
Upon Arrival
If you are flying into Las Vegas, there’s no need to rent a car as there are many different modes of transportation to get you around the city. We recommend taking a taxi from the airport and having the taxi driver stop at a grocery store on the way to the hotel so you can stock up on snacks, breakfast food and beverages. Once you’re on the strip you’re pretty much stuck there and eating out 3 meals a day won’t be good for your waistline or wallet.
If you arrive before check-in, don’t waste your time in the hotel lobby. Drop your bags off with the bellman and start to explore the hotel and city.
Look to see what transportation services your hotel offers from the hotel to the airport and taking advantage of those when you depart the city.
Where to Stay
Planning in Las Vegas is almost an oxymoron. Some of the best times you’ll have is when you don’t have a plan at all. With that being said, having a general idea of what you want to do and knowing what hotel you’ll stay at is probably a good idea.
If saving money is a priority, consider staying off the strip in old town Las Vegas. Freemont Street has good cheap options that provide a more relaxed vibe, if that’s your thing. Not all Las Vegas hotels that are on the strip are going to be expensive either, especially if you plan ahead and don’t visit Vegas on weekends or holidays. An insider tip is to request a room near an elevator. After walking around all day and all night, the last thing you want to do is walk another mile to your room.
What to Do
The best thing about Last Vegas is that free attractions are built into the city: circus acts at Circus Circus, the Fountain show at the Bellagio, M&M World showcase, wild life gardens at the Flamingo and let’s not forget about people watching.
Besides free attractions, some underrated things to do in Las Vegas include the Neon Museum, The Imperial Palace Car Museum and Pawn Stars Pawn Shop.
If you’re planning on going to a show, read reviews before you go.
The best part about Las Vegas is that there are an endless amount of things to do. As a first-timer there is no way you’ll see and do everything you plan. Know that if there is something you stumble upon that wasn’t on your initial to do list, check it out anyway. If you go with an open mind and a good attitude you’ll leave with stories and an adventure of a lifetime.
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