More than 42 million people visited Las Vegas in 2019. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the world but it’s a safe bet that a lot of those people don’t get as much out of their trip as they could.
Let’s look at 8 common Las Vegas vacation mistakes and how you can avoid them for a trip to remember.
1. Never Leaving the Strip
When most people think of Vegas, they think of the lights and sounds of the Strip. Sure, that’s where a lot of the action is but there are plenty of fun things to do away from the Strip too.
If you’re interested in some Vegas history, check out the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum. Or if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, or the Grand Canyon.
You’ll be surprised at how many natural wonders there are within a couple of hours’ drive from Las Vegas.
2. Underestimating Distances
When you eyeball distances on the Strip, most things look like they’re a short walk away, even from one end to the other. But everything on the Vegas Strip is bigger than life. It creates a false sense of distance.
The Strip is over 4 miles long from end-to-end so prepare yourself for long walks if you set out on foot. Even getting to something directly across the street can take some time since you’re not able to cross the Strip in most sections. You’ll likely have to go out of your way to get across and then walk back to your destination.
3. Not Setting a Budget
Casinos, especially Las Vegas casinos, are experts at separating people from their money. They’ve spent decades perfecting ways to keep you playing as long as possible.
Make sure you set a budget for how much you want to gamble each day. When you hit that limit, walk away. Think of this as an entertainment expense, not an “investment” in trying to make a profit.
The worst thing you can do when you’re down at the tables or slots is to keep gambling to try and recoup your losses. While there’s a chance you could come back, it’s more likely you’ll end up even farther in the hole.
4. Skipping Lesser-Known Hotels
The Strip has plenty of options for hotels, from older, more affordable properties like Bally’s and the Excalibur to the newest, higher-end hotels like Wynn and the Venetian.
Don’t be afraid to try some of the less popular places. Being older doesn’t mean they’re not just as comfortable and you can quite often find better deals on rooms as well as food and other things you’ll need.
You might even want to consider staying off the Strip. There are lots of great places off the main section of the Strip that can be quite a bit more affordable. Most of them offer free shuttle services to and from the Strip when you want to take it in.
5. Not Taking in Shows and Other Activities
People tend to think of gambling first when they think of Vegas but there are plenty of other things to do if you’d rather not take a chance on losing your hard-earned cash.
Shows like Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and Absynthe are staples along the Strip. There are also concerts, comedy tours, and other events all the time in Vegas. Whenever you plan to visit, chances are there will be plenty of shows to choose from.
You should also consider other activities like a helicopter tour over the Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon or unique experiences like ICEBAR. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to have fun in Vegas without spending a dime in any of the casinos.
6. Not Planning Enough Time to Get From Place to Place
Similar to the hard-to-judge walking distances, getting from place-to-place by taxi or Uber usually takes longer than you might expect. It’s not only about the physical distance between two points, it’s the route you have to take and other traffic on the road.
If you’re in Vegas on a weekend or holiday, there will be more people competing for those cars too. Taxi lines are longer and Uber wait times will be longer. Make sure you budget enough time to get to your destination with plenty to spare.
7. Paying (or NOT Paying) for Drinks
If you’re in Vegas to do some gambling, remember that most casinos provide free drinks to anyone who’s playing. There’s no need to spend money on drinks if you’re planning to play anyway.
But keep in mind that this is one of the tricks the casinos use to keep people gambling. Losing tens or hundreds of dollars to save a few dollars on the cost of drinks doesn’t make sense if you wouldn’t be gambling anyway.
And the more drinks you have, the more clouded your perception gets. It gets harder to stop yourself as time goes on.
8. Not Joining Players Clubs
Every major casino along the Strip has a Players Club. It’s a good idea to join them even if you’re not a high-roller. Every dollar you play will contribute to points and it might surprise you how quickly you can get enough points for freebies and discounts.
And keep in mind that many of the casinos are owned by the same corporations. If you join the Players Club in one, you can get points at any of the casinos under the same corporate umbrella.
Learn From Other People’s Las Vegas Vacation Experiences
A Las Vegas vacation should be on everyone’s bucket list but it’s a good idea to research things a bit before you so you don’t get caught up in the excitement. These tips will help you get more out Vegas while keeping more of your money in your pocket.
And if you’re looking for a unique experience while you’re in town, be sure to check out ICEBAR. We have 3 Vegas locations to choose from along the Strip.
Order your tickets online or get in touch with us if you have any questions.