10 Tips for Vegas Virgins

It’s OK if you’ve never been to Vegas. You’d be surprised how many people wear your same shoes. The first thing you should know is that it’s not all about the gambling. Being nervous or excited by the opportunity to win or lose big money on a vacation is all part of the thrill—but if you wouldn’t think of betting your tax refund, or if you don’t understand what the nation’s obsession with Texas Hold’em is all about—don’t worry about it. Las Vegas is ready to show everyone a good time, whether you do or don’t roll the bones. This tip sheet addresses the average curious first time visitor to Las Vegas.

10 Tips for Popping Your Vegas Cherry

1. Arrive at night. There’s nothing like seeing the Vegas lights as you’re coming in on the plane. And once you get on the ground, fuhghetaboutit. Las Vegas as you’ve seen in the movies and on TV, is all about the lights of the Strip. Trust me, arriving on the Strip in the day time will be confusing, if not a let down. Come at night, and get a full-on first impression of the Glitter Gulch we know and love. Even if you’re driving in, the lights of Sin City will guide your way from many miles away.

2. Book your stay at a themed hotel. The 90s brought us the mega resorts including Treasure Island, MGM, Luxor, New York New York, Excalibur, Bellagio, and Paris. Your first time in Vegas will be all the more wild if you’re staying in a pyramid, fed by the grape goddess lounging at the Caesars pool, or greeted in French before dining on pastries at Paris. Vegas is surreal. If you have fun with it, you’ll have a better time. We offer great Las Vegas hotel deals right here.

3. Get used to tipping. A majority of workers in Vegas make their money off tips. and I’m not just talking about your restaurant waitress. If you take a taxi/shuttle, have a bell cap carry your bag to your room, order room-service, get a FREE drink from a cocktail waitress, or wager a bit at the casino tables, then tip your servers. Tips, or tokens, are appreciated, no matter how standard. If you are on a winning streak at the tables, place a bet alongside yours as the dealer’s tip.

4. Buffet Time! Whether you’re dining out for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner, you have to try a buffet on your first visit. You can find a buffet at nearly every casino in Vegas, and know that there is a wide variance in quality. Popular buffets on the Strip include the Aladdin’s Spice Market Buffet, Le Village Buffet at Paris, and Buffet at Bellagio. Off Strip, go to the Rio’s Carnival World Buffet, of the Golden Nugget Buffet downtown. Note that the cheaper the buffet, the more grease you’ll find. And Sundays usually mean unlimited champagne for a few extra bucks. More often than not, you get what you pay for.

5. See a Show. Las Vegas considers itself the Entertainment Capitol of the World. Despite those that would argue on behalf of New York City or Hollywood, you can’t deny that a great show is right around the corner in Vegas. Las Vegas has a history of headliners on it’s stages including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Barbara Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr., and oh so many more. Today, catch the big music acts at Mandalay Bay, the Hard Rock’s Joynt, and MGM Grand. For big name comedians keep your eye on the Mirage and Caesars. And if you want to see why everyone is raving about Cirque du Soleil, you’ll have five shows to choose from. If you want to see an old school Vegas show with topless women in big headresses, don’t miss “Jubilee!” at Bally’s, or “Folies Bergere” at the Tropicana.

6. Go Downtown. The Fremont Experience is not to be missed. While the surrounding streets can be a little bit shady, grab a friend and stroll down Fremont Street starting from The Plaza hotel on Main Street. Every hour after dark a light show occurs on the overhead canopy. You can also see a live band, eat a fried twinkie, check out the casinos old Vegas was built on, visit the neon light museum, buy some Sin City souvenirs and much, much more.

7. Take public transportation. There’s no need to spend money on a rental car if you’re only staying a few days. Take an airport shuttle or taxi to your hotel, and then ride the new Monorail or take the bus and FREE inter-hotel transport to get around.

8. Cut corners. Try to save your time and money by any means you can. Both are better spent on having fun, fun, and more FUN. So, save time by dining at off peak hours. Try dining at 5:00 p.m. instead of between 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. to avoid the long dinner lines. And don’t ignore the fun books. Coupons that have 2 for 1 show tickets, discounts on attractions, and all-around deals for doing Vegas on the cheap can be found in the coupon books your hotel gives you, 24/7 found in the back of taxis, and magazines like What’s On, Showbiz, and the Las Vegas Weekly.

9. Try Your Luck. The slot machines are obviously the easiest games to play. You put your money in and hit spin. If you insist on playing the one armed bandits, read these tips on playing slots in Vegas first. But otherwise, try your hand at real gambling. Blackjack is the easiest game to learn on the quick since all you have to do is count to 21. But remember this is a game of rushes. Test the waters, see if you can get a streak going, but if the water is cold, find another table. Beginners should buy the little plastic card of Basic Strategy and bring it to the table with them. You can find it in most casino gift shops and the dealers accept it at the tables. That said, don’t bring it to a high limit table…serious gamblers want a smooth and flowing game. If you like to play the lottery, try Keno. The cards and crayons can be found in nearly all casino cafes.

10. Splurge. Make your first trip to Vegas more memorable with at least one act of true pampering. Get a massage or body treatment at a spa, dine at a celebrity chef restaurant, or take a night time helicopter ride above the Strip. If Vegas is good at one thing, it’s letting you escape your own reality for a holiday in complete pleasure indulgence. Whatever your fantasies are….they can come true in Las Vegas.

So, are you ready to book your flight? Get on over here already!