Las Vegas is one of the world’s most famous cities. Caesars Palace, The Strip, the iconic Las Vegas sign — Sin City is a place like no other.
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, it’s worth doing some preparation beforehand. Read on to learn what every Las Vegas first-timer should know before visiting.
Start saving now for an extravagant vacation
For many of us, Las Vegas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A visit to Sin City can get costly, so it’s really only affordable for a single trip, especially if you’ve got plenty of other destinations to tick off your bucket list.
But just because Vegas is an expensive trip, it doesn’t mean you have to be frugal while you’re there. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, so why not enjoy it? Start saving for your vacation now by making small changes here and there.
For example, instead of buying lunch every day, batch cook your meals at the start of the week. And rather than having a few drinks after work, why not stay in with a film instead? A little restraint now means you can enjoy yourself when you arrive.
Don’t buy drinks — wait to be served
Here’s a nifty little trick for the thrifty gambler: when you visit a casino, don’t head straight for the bar. Instead, head on over to a table, start playing a little roulette or poker and wait for a member of serving staff to approach you.
Why?
Most casinos want to keep you at the table gambling, rather than wandering off. Consequently, a waiter or waitress may offer you a free drink to keep you playing. Sure, you might need to wait a little longer for your drink. But when a free drink is on the line, it’s well worth it.
Carry these three essential items with you
What you bring to Las Vegas is up to you: camera, poker visor, a selection of Hawaiian shirts — it’s your choice. But whatever you opt for, be sure to bring a light jacket, a reusable water bottle, and plenty of sunscreen.
The latter two items are obvious — in that desert heat, you’re going to get thirsty and/or burnt. Prepare in advance and keep yourself fighting fit for the poker table.
And while Las Vegas is scorching in the middle of summer, most casinos and hotels make up for it with ice-cold air conditioning. While it’s a welcome relief when you get inside, it gets chilly after a while. A light jacket will keep you warm inside, so it’s worth bringing.
Get your gambling game on-point
No visit to Las Vegas is complete without a trip to one of the city’s many casinos. In fact, with 104 at the last count, Las Vegas may be the mecca of gambling. Whether you want the glitz and glamor of Caesars Palace or the quiet elegance of the Bellagio, you’ll be sure to find the right casino for you.
But there’s no point going on without a clue how to play and losing your money from the off. Consequently, it’s worth spending some time learning and practicing poker, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat beforehand.
Thankfully, most casinos offer free lessons to teach first-timers the ropes. Speak to one of the croupiers and ask for some tips and guidance — they’ll be happy to oblige.
Plan your trip to a T
Las Vegas is more than the iconic Strip and casinos galore. You’ve got circuses, shows, historic sights, and the Grand Canyon is only a short drive away. Sure, it’s not as many as New York, but there’s still plenty to keep you entertained beyond the casino floor. Consequently, it’s worth doing your research and planning in advance where you want to go.
Top tip: grab one of the many open-top buses that take you around the city. You can take in the sights with a narrated tour and hop on and off whenever you like with 24 or 48 hours, depending on the service. Plus it’s the perfect opportunity for photos too, so be sure to take your camera too.
Las Vegas is a city with lots to offer. It’s big, bright, and brimming with sights and sounds. Consequently, it’s worth preparing yourself to make sure you get the most from your vacation. Follow the tips above and enjoy the Las Vegas experience to the full.