Sin City, City of Light, Adult Disneyland… Las Vegas in Nevada is known by many different names but is most famous for its grand casinos and excellent entertainment variety. With so much to see and do in this great US city, Vegas can be fairly daunting for people who haven’t been before.
Las Vegas is a once in a lifetime vacation for many international visitors. Visitor numbers are growing year on year with more than 38 million visitors last year, and the city is now ranked fifth in the world for tourism related awards.
Whether you are planning a visit for a special occasion such as a wedding or birthday or just a short sightseeing break with friends, here are some recommendations and tips to take note of before setting off on your Vegas adventure:
Get to grips with casino games.
No trip to Las Vegas is complete without visiting some of the destination’s best casino venues. In fact, 76 percent of visitors in Las Vegas report enjoying some form of casino gaming whilst in the city.
Visiting the strip is the best way to see a variety of venues, or iconic hotels such as the Bellagio or the Venetian resort also contain sprawling casino floors with classic casino games like poker, blackjack and slots.
In Vegas, the standard of gaming can be high in comparison to other cities, so you could be playing amongst some of the most skilled and experienced players in the world, particularly if you participate in high stakes games and tournaments.
Therefore it could be wise to go online and take advantage of poker no deposit bonus offers to brush up on your poker skills if planning on playing out there. Getting in a bit of practice pre-trip will help boost your confidence and get you in the spirit to enjoy the casino experience once there.
Pack the right clothing and footwear.
Las Vegas is an expansive city and things are much more spread out than you might expect, the strip alone is more than four miles long. While you might want to dress up smartly for a night on the town, be sure to wear comfortable shoes such as a smart pair of sneakers when walking around.
Suffering from aching or painful feet will put a real dampener on your trip. Furthermore, while the climate in this part of the country is usually very hot, remember that many venues will have the air conditioning turned up high and so it can be cool indoors. Bring along a jacket to avoid the chill when inside.
Casual dress is acceptable in most places but if you plan to attend any formal events or visit more exclusive locations, check out the dress code in advance and pack accordingly. It won’t hurt to have a couple of smart outfits in your case just in case the need for them arises.
Take cash to avoid high ATM fees.
ATM fees in many areas of Las Vegas, particularly the tourist centered areas like the strip, have exceptionally high fees for withdrawing cash. Taking cash in dollars with you will help save on this additional cost.
Make use of the safe in your hotel room to avoid taking more cash than you need out with you and take extra precautions to look after your purse/wallet in busy areas and tourist hotspots. Internationally visitors may want to read up on tipping culture in the US as this is another reason for carrying cash.
Plan some day trips in advance.
While the casinos are a big part of Vegas, there are plenty of other things to see and do there. For live entertainment and a bustling city vibe, Fremont Street in the downtown area is must-see.
While many activities can be done without pre-booking, booking some trips is recommended and will help structure your day. For example, the Grand Canyon is just a few hours away and booking a bus or air tour could give you an unforgettable experience.
Take a look at what shows are running before you book your trip, that way you can time your visit to be able to catch a show of your choosing. You will find everything from music and comedy to theater and magic shows live at some of the city’s top venues.
Know the rules.
Lastly, be aware some rules may be different in Vegas compared to the city where you live. For example, cabs cannot pick up passengers along the strip and so you will need to take a cab directly from a hotel or other venue to your chosen destination.
Also, drinking outside is permitted in some locations but not others so look out for signage or ask bar staff when purchasing your beverage.