Las Vegas Travel Mistakes
It happens to even the most frequent traveler. There is bound to be some mishap when planning your vacation. Despite every precaution, something usually happens, though it could be no fault of your own.
Traveling to Las Vegas does take a little bit of research, particularly if you are visiting for the first time. From packing the wrong clothes to neglecting to make reservations, to simply staying at an inconvenient hotel, here we will attempt to go over the most common mistakes when traveling to Sin City, and what you can do to avoid them.
Packing The Wrong Clothes
Tourists often assume that because Las Vegas is located in the desert, it’s always hot! So they pack shorts and t-shirts no matter what the season, yet take a piece of advice and remember: it gets cold in Las Vegas! For example, during the spring, the average temperature in March is 69 degrees with a low of 44. Combine that with the occasional winds and the fact that Las Vegas is at an elevation of over 2,000 feet, it’s downright chilly. During the holidays many guests arrive to celebrate the New Year and are shocked to discover they need a warm jacket because the average lows are 34 degrees. And of course, during the summer months, it can get extremely hot. It’s not uncommon for temperatures in August to climb over 110 degrees.
The best advice is to pack for comfort. Chances are, you will be doing a lot of walking. The strip is over four miles long, and the casinos are massive, so the last thing you want to do is stop and take a cab back to the hotel in the middle of your day due to blisters. Wear well-worn shoes, and comfortable, loose clothing during the summer months and layers during the winter. Las Vegas hosts a wide variety of vacationers from all over the world, so chances are, you will see an eclectic group of people wearing all sorts of outfits.
Overall, keep this in mind. Be careful about over-packing as well. Remember the hefty charges airlines impose for luggage these days.
- sunscreen
- walking shoes
- long pants, sweater, and jacket in colder months
- t-shirts, shorts, lightweight pants, tennis shoes/sandals for the summer months
- bathing suit/suntan lotion
- Dress clothes for 5-star restaurants and/or formal shows
- sunglasses, because after all, it’s sunny over 320 days per year
Not Understanding The Rules Of The Game
Las Vegas doesn’t exist purely on luck and the goodwill of casino owners. No, the house always wins as the old saying goes. For those that travel to Vegas intent on making money to retire early, or finally buying that expensive Lamborghini they have always wanted, it’s time for a reality check. One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is that they will strike it rich. From the moment you get off the airplane, you will be greeted not by airport personnel, but by slot machines.
For those who intend to gamble, make sure you do a little research before you depart with your hard-earned cash.
- understand the rules of the game
- have a set limit on what you can afford to spend, then walk away when the amount is reached
- review the odds
- keep alcohol at a minimum. Casinos supply you with free drinks for the purpose of keeping you at the tables
Occasionally, there are those lucky people that score big. But it doesn’t happen very often or Las Vegas would have been out of business years ago.
Attempting To Do It All In A Weekend
Don’t overestimate your travel expectations when traveling to Las Vegas. Itineraries that are overscheduled take away from the fun of visiting such an action-packed and over-the-top city. If you plan on staying for a long weekend, don’t attempt to spend time in every casino, walk the strip, see shows, visit the Grand Canyon, and splurge on several spa treatments. Believe it or not, many tourists try and do it all and it simply can’t be done without feeling stressed, sleep-deprived, and even more exhausted than when your trip started.
What is the best thing to do on a long weekend? It all depends on your interests, but here are just a few suggestions that should be included on any visit.
- Visit The Canals at the Venetian: This popular destination is truly remarkable with luxury shops, and an intimate feel of Venice (the lights grow darker as the day goes on, suggesting an evening stroll in St. Mark’s Square). The Venetian gondola rides are very fun as well, albeit not cheap.
- The Gardens of Bellagio: No matter what time of year, this stunning display of seasonal flowers and plants is a must-see. Just a short walk away, you will find the world’s largest chocolate fountain. Best yet? It’s all free.
- High Roller at The Linq: Resembling The Eye in London, this is a great place to go and see Las Vegas in all of its glory. While riding the High Roller at night is a sight to behold, if you are following a strict budget, go in the day when tickets are much less expensive.
- The Fountains of Bellagio. Simply amazing.
Paying Full Price
If ever there was a tourist destination that offered coupons for just about everything, then Las Vegas is it. No one should ever pay full price for show tickets or other entertainment unless you are focused on attending only popular, highly sought activities.
- Visit our show pages where we offer some of the best discounts for Las Vegas shows!
- If you are about to book your hotel, check out our hotel deals page, you’ll find some very good offers for most Vegas hotels!
Keep in mind, Las Vegas is no longer the place for cheap hotel rooms and food. It can be a very expensive place but rest assured, coupons are not only accepted but they are also expected.
Las Vegas is a feast for all of our five senses. You can’t see, taste, feel, hear, or even smell enough in this one-of-a-kind city.. Overall, whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, the only true way to enjoy this amazing destination is to prepare and do a little bit of research before you leave. Have reasonable expectations, pack comfortably, and don’t attempt to do it all if your time is limited. The point is to see enough so that you want to come back and take in some more.
