Making the Most of Vegas
It’s true what they say – you haven’t really lived until you have been to Vegas! Las Vegas, in Nevada (US), is known for being an ‘adult playground’. You can do almost anything from pool parties to shooting ranges – Vegas has it all!
Plan your trip?
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But how do you get the most out of your trip to Vegas?
When I arrived in Las Vegas for the first time, it was around 11.30pm at night, and my first sight of Vegas was the bright lights of the strip – amazing! Arrive in the evening if you can – the Vegas strip at night is an exciting introduction.
How long should I spend in Vegas?
I would recommend spending a week in Vegas. Anything less is probably too short and you will miss things. But any longer than a week and may will be all partied out!
Choosing your Hotel in Vegas
The best hotels in Vegas are along the Vegas strip itself. These hotels are themed, such as the ‘Luxor’ with an Egyptian theme and the ‘Venetian’ with the Venice theme. Vegas don’t do things on a small scale – they actually recreate scenes from world cities in their hotels.
If you want pure luxury, go for the MGM or the Bellagio (featured in the film oceans 11).
I would not recommend going as far down the street a Circus Circus. There is actually not that much price difference between some of the three star hotels like Circus Circus and the themed and more luxurious hotel such as Excalibur.
If you stay Downtown, you probably won’t save that much on your accommodation, but you will spend a lot of time travelling up and down the strip on the Deuce (Bus that goes up and down the strip).
You can go into all the hotels and casinos regardless of which hotel you are actually staying in, so make sure that you check out some of the other themed hotels along the strip. I really enjoyed seeing actual Flamingoes at ‘The Flamingo!’
Gambling in Vegas
Remember that every hotel is a casino, so you will need to get used to the sound of the slots! Most hotels in Vegas offer free gambling lessons. If you want to learn how to play Roulette or Blackjack, you can learn without spending a dollar.
These lessons usually take place between 10 AM and 12 o’clock noon, so make sure that you find out when your hotel is running a free gambling lesson and make the most of it.
When you come to play the tables, remember that there is a massive difference in ‘minimum bet’ between hotels. If you are gambling at the MGM, expect a minimum best of at least US$50.
However, if you are doing Vegas on a budget, you can head down to Fremont at the other end of the strip, where you can place a minimum better just five US dollars.
How do you get Free Drinks in Vegas?
If you want free drinks in Vegas, just sit at the slots and play at a busy and popular time. The Cocktail Waitresses will come round and offer you something as long as you are putting money on the machines. Also, if you have a birthday, definitely mention it you may get free drinks in Vegas!
Don’t Forget your Watch!
Oh, and one last thing. Don’t forget to wear your watch in Vegas. There are no clocks in Vegas. This is deliberate, as it encourages people to spend more money gambling and drinking as time runs away with them.
It is possible to enter a casino on the Monday and come out on Wednesday, still thinking it is same day! Whatever you do, don’t go to Vegas without a watch!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Amy, a social media marketer, teacher and traveller with a lust for life. After travelling from Moscow to Beijing on the trans-siberian and volunteering with genocide survivors in Rwanda, I decided it was time set up my own business to work my way around the world.
Follow me as I explore temples and search for paradise, while teaching others to work remotely and do the same!
Great post! I went to Vegas a few years ago but by myself and I stayed in a dodgy hostel right in the middle of the strip which did mean a lot of walking or Deuce trips. I’d love to go back with some friends though and do it properly. There’s nowhere in the world like Vegas is there! 🙂
The first time I went to Las Vegas I drove there with some friend. We got into Las Vegas in the evening, probably around 7pm. Seeing the city lights and the strip as we approached the city was a pretty cool experience, definitely one I recommend if possible.