The City of Sin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America, a place where all of your dreams, however decadent they may be, can come true. You might be planning the craziest blowout of your life, but if you don’t prepare properly, Vegas will leave you broken and wondering what just hit you. If you’re looking to survive the Strip, here is everything you need to know before your first trip to Las Vegas, Nevada.
1. Never Pay for What You Can Get for Free
One of the first things you need to know about Vegas is that, while there are ample opportunities to burn money, you’d be surprised at how much you can get for free. If you’re on the casino floor, you may be tempted by those neon-lit signs advertising crazy cheap drink deals, but hold off. Before you know it, one of the cocktail waiters will pass by your table and ask if you want a free drink. The same goes for food coupons, nightclub entry, and hotel upgrades. Ask and you shall receive.
2. Dressing Appropriately is Not As Straightforward As It Sounds
It’s Vegas, and Vegas means searing desert heat, right? Well, if you arrive at McCarran with nothing but shorts and t-shirts, you may find yourself making a trip to the nearest mall. For one, the temperature inside the casinos, where you will be spending most of your time, is often bitterly cold, with the AC always cranked up to the top. Weather in Vegas can also drastically alter depending on what time of year you arrive, so prepare for anything.
3. People Play to Win, so Come Prepared
It’s important to know that while you might rock up at the blackjack table, hoping to become a high roller, you’ll be up against some serious players who have been doing this for longer than you. The best way to prepare is to practice your poker, blackjack, baccarat, and even slot skills as much as possible. Before you fly, take advantage of casino promotions at MagicalVegas.com to get some practice in with some free online gaming. Especially classic slot machines such as Starburst are regularly part of online bonus offers. Only practice will you stand a chance against the hardcore players.
4. Las Vegas is Bigger Than You Think
A rookie mistake that many people make in Vegas is assuming that they can walk the whole Strip in 20 minutes. The Strip, not including other nightlife and gaming hotspots such as Freemont Street, is over 4 miles long. Try walking that in 110ºF weather. Fortunately, the Las Vegas Monorail is clean, cheap, and connects to all major casinos. The bus system is pretty poor, and taxis are expensive, so this is your best way to get around by far.
5. Pace Yourself and Drink Responsibly
It’s all too easy to get carried away in Vegas and end up going too far on the first night. Vegas is best experienced in a rising tempo, so pace yourself and turn up the volume gradually throughout the night. Also, drinking laws are not as lax as you might think. Drinking an open container on the street is a guaranteed way to end up in handcuffs, as is drinking anywhere near a public building such as a church or school. Use your brain and pace yourself if you want to have a hassle-free Vegas experience.
Once you’ve internalized this information, Las Vegas is yours to conquer. Good luck!