Here are a few tips to help you avoid those rookie mistakes:
1. Pack much less than you think. A dress (or dress shirt for the men), good walking shoes, your bathing suit and something super comfy to wear in your room when you're exhausted and hungover. Make sure you dress stylishly on the plane and for check in. Look the part.
2. Wear decent shoes on the plane. You'll walk about 10 minutes or so thru the airport to catch a cab. You'll NEED those good walking shoes the whole trip. So much walking. So much to see.
3. DON'T tell the cab driver it's your FIRST time in Vegas! They are notorious for taking you the long way. $20 is the typical fare to the strip. Just politely ask for the direct route. If it costs you $35, they got ya. Lesson learned.
4. Don't go overboard on day 1. Day 2 is when you have the most fun. Get up early, grab a coffee and get out there! There is so much to see and do. Hangover or not... get back in the game.
5. When you are playing slots, or table games (like blackjack) the drinks are free. Just make sure to tip your waitress a $1 or $2 every drink. She can also give you little bottles of water free. If you want a Corona, ask for a Corona. It's that easy. The better the hotel/casino, the better the drinks. Bellagio gives you double Baileys on the rocks. Just sayin.
6. Blackjack is great! Can be as cheap as $5 a hand. Just don't hit when the dealer shows a 16, PLEASE! Let the dealer bust. You still win. Also, split your 8s and Aces. Don't touch the cards, ever! To hit or stay is a subtle hand movement. Tap of the finger to hit, a flat wave to stand. (Now you look like you know what you're doing!)
7. You can't see it all. Don't even try. I've been at least a dozen times, and I haven't seen it all. It's ever changing and evolving. You are welcome in ANY casino at ANY time. Don't feel shy about walking in the front door at Bellagio even if you are staying at the Linq. (Bellagio gardens are a MUST SEE and free. Just beyond their front door.)
8. Open Table is a fabulous app. You can find out the different restaurants nearby, their menu and available reservations. Essential in Vegas, unless you plan to eat at the food court or buffets the whole time. (Yuck) Mon Ami Gabi is an amazing French restaurant in the Paris Hotel. It faces the Bellagio fountain show and costs less than dinner at The Keg at home. I LOVE the crepes from Aria. Giada's restaurant in the Cromwell is also amazing. Burgers at BURGR in Planet Hollywood are also excellent.
9. Walgreens and ABC stores are located on the strip and in Planet Hollywood Shops. Cheapest, best and easiest places to grab water, and booze. And sunscreen. You need sunscreen.
10. Don't plan to drink at the pools. First off, drinks are $20. More like $30 if you are Canadian. Secondly, it's hotter under the Vegas sun. Heatstroke is no joke and will ruin your vacation.
11. Free wifi is not easy to find. They don't want you hanging around in your room staring at your phone. But this is a good thing. Put your phone down and participate. Don't just Instagram it.... live it! Please either buy a roaming plan, or turn OFF your data when you leave home. Otherwise your phone bill will be a bigger regret than your drunk texting. Haha.
12. Used casino cards (from the hotel gift shop) are super cheap, super awesome souvenirs. At $2 a deck you can grab some for your coworkers!
That's it! Have fun. No 13th tip... that would be unlucky.
If you need to harness that pre-vegas excitement, start watching Vegas movies! Vegas Vacation and Oceans 11 are must see!
And if you do find my little 'escape' sign, DO take a selfie and tweet it! I love that sign. @cdntripseeker
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