Las Vegas Travel Tips: First and foremost, the biggest mistake many travelers to Las Vegas make in planning a trip is to book the cheapest air fare/hotel package "available anywhere". These are offered everywhere from your hometown newspaper to television ads to especially, e-mail spam. Beware!
Why? A Cheap Las Vegas Vacation is good, we agree! BUT, did you know virtually all Las Vegas Hotels have 2- 3 levels of room quality (or options)? Now, we mean even many of the five star, "big ones" many of these are just plain substandard rooms, maybe with a nice view of the air conditioning system! (This actually happened to me personally, and was it Loud!)
Things like older bed mattresses, no safes, old decorating, long walks to the casino, restraunts, shows, or even a taxi. Did you know there are monorail trains running right behind some of the rooms? How about a roller coaster right outside your window? And lots more. Just remember "cheapest" is just that. Ask at the front desk at check-in exactly where your room is, look at it before signing in if possible infrared ink.
We aren't pushing for only high dollar rooms here, just get the best quality room your budget will allow, you will be very glad you did.
Why book your Hotel first? Las Vegas is booked up an average of 94% year round, so plan ahead (at least 30+ days is recommended) to get the exact days you want, where you want, room quality you want. Plus, usually it's less expensive to book well in advance. Did you know that Sunday through Thursday is less expensive? When you get your selected Las Vegas Hotel booked, then you can book a flight to fit the days in and out to fit YOUR schedule.
Makes sense doesn't it?
Once you get your Las Vegas Hotel booked first. Then you can book the Las Vegas Shows that you want, when you want. Be sure to check to see if your particular show choice isn't "dark" on your selected days. Holidays are a good example of dark days.
Then book your Las Vegas Tour. (If you have never experienced the thrill of a Helicopter Ride at night over "Glitter Gulch and Downtown", or a daytime trip over the Boulder Dam and Grand Canyon this is something you will never forget!) It isn't as expensive as you might think! Check our tours links for prices and times.
This is the entertainment capital of the World, so allow yourself enough time to take in as many attractions (dozens are free) as possible, it will make your Las Vegas Vacation much more memorable. If possible, book an extra night stay just to allow for a special Las Vegas Tour or a day of Las Vegas Golf.
Las Vegas Gambling Tips:
Gambling is the lifeblood of Las Vegas. You didn't really think those billion dollar hotels were built by "winners" did you? Set a daily budget for gambling and stick to it! You do have a good chance at winning. Hundreds if not thousands of "Hand Pay Jackpots" are paid every day. Be careful though, those chips, tokens and ticket-in/ticket-out seem too much like "play money" they are not they are your real money! Stick to your budget! Did I say that already?
Get a "players card" everywhere you go and use it, or if you are a "table player" ask the pit boss to "rank" or "rate" you. They will track your play and comp you accordingly with all kinds of free stuff. Such as meals, rooms, clothing, limos, gift shop points and even cash. These really help put the odds in your favor.
Seems like my "budget" is always too small, but try your best to set a reasonable daily goal and stick to it, don't tap into tomorrows budget! Just maybe you'll walk away a big winner! It happens every day. Remember the phrase: "Walk away when ahead"!
It's not my place to preach, but here are some very useful Las Vegas tips on handling your money. All that cash in the casinos you see everywhere attracts some pretty shady characters (read Crooks!) Security is excellent, but there are always a few, and it just takes one to ruin a perfect vacation.
Las Vegas Security:
Ladies, bring or buy a small purse with a neck strap or waste pouch, or fanny pack, something that is comfortable enough to keep on your person all the time. Never ever set your purse on the floor or next to a machine, or on a stool next to you. This is a magnet for thieves! Keep that strap around your neck.
Most thieves work in pairs, one to distract you, the other to snag your purse. Just a couple types of distractions they use are: one will drop a coin or dollar bill or two near you on the floor and ask you "is that your cash on the floor?" while the other grabs your stuff, or overly talkative "players" will sit down next to you and jabber to get your attention, while their partner grabs your stuff, or hits the payout button and walks away with your ticket. Believe me. This does happen. They are very slick and fast trick cards, so just be aware.
When you do accumulate a couple winning tickets, hide them in your wallet or purse until you are ready to cash them in, and then stash the cash. Remember the "walk away" tip?
Men: It isn't degrading to wear a waste pouch. Okay, if you just don't want to, then fold your bills and keep them in your front pants pocket. If they "pickpocket" your wallet with all your credit cards in it at least you'll have your cash, or vice versa, just keep them seperated. And, watch those tickets.
If you do hit a good size jackpot, take the money to the safe in your room or take it to the Hotel desk for safekeeping. Or, ask for a Security escort to your room or car. They are happy to provide this service. Don't walk around the casino or streets with a big wad of cash!
The Security at all Hotels and Casinos is excellent. With all those thousands of cameras (Eyes in the sky) every inch of the casino is being taped continuously. (Did you know that Nevada law requires casinos to have this level of security?) It is for your protection as well as the Hotel/Casino.
Now please understand, we are not trying to scare you away here, but rather just make you aware! It is real easy to get caught up in all the flashing lights, noise, overhead shows, people watching and normal distractions of a casino. Just don't give them an opportunity to ruin your fun.
Follow these Las Vegas Travel Tips and they will make your Las Vegas Vacation a lifetime memory.
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