Top 7 Mistakes Las Vegas Tourists Make

Las Vegas, where the world comes to play. The rich and famous blend into the background and everyone can become anyone they want. It's an exciting place, bound to give you some of the best memories of your life... but before you start planning your trip, check out this list of Top 7 Mistakes Las Vegas Tourists Make:

Micromanagement:

8am spa package, 10:30 brunch, 11:15-3pm walk the strip, 3pm-4pm get ready for dinner, 4pm-6pm gamble, 6pm-7:30 dinner and cocktails…..you get my drift. The absolute worst thing you can do for yourself and your vacation crew is micromanaging every minute and hour of the day. Vegas is the home of spontaneity. You are missing out on the best of the city if you’re planning like this. Plan the big stuff, your upscale dinner reservations, shows, and guest lists or bottles but let everything else come as it will…because it WILL come. All you are doing is stressing yourself out when it takes you 5 extra minutes to get your hair done, or your party wants to take a selfie with Elvis (because he’s always in the building). Don’t sweat it! Big tip - plan to arrive at your shows a little early to get your seat and drinks before the good stuff starts, but your favorite DJs don't get started the minute the doors open so don't sweat that one as much if you have purchased tickets and have guaranteed entry.

Ignore their Concierge Service:

Their entire goal is to make sure you knock off everything on your “To Do” list, to include finding tickets to that sold out show of KA and reservations at Giada's you’ve been dying to get into! They are usually right on the casino floor, or a quick phone call away from your room. If you book your hotel through me, I can also help you with anything you need as well as your concierge! That’s a 2 for 1 vacation planning tag team knockout!

Dismiss Casino Loyalty Cards:

If you gamble, this is a mistake. For every dollar you gamble, you get points that can be used toward dining, entertainment, or your stay. The more you gamble, the more valuable you are to the casinos and the higher up you move through the Tier system then your points and time become more valuable. My Dad and Step-Mom do not come to Vegas that often, but they make sure to always use their players cards.  They get front of the line and other VIP amenities just for their Tier level. Married couples can also tie together their cards for a simplified points system.

No Extra Room In Suitcase:

We have some of the most amazing shopping centers in the country. From the wildly Luxurious Shops at Crystals with Louis Vuitton to Jimmy Choo, to the “Everything 9.99 or Less” shops all over the strip and downtown LV. Not to mention Certified Ave Boutique where you can pick up the latest urban trends. You are BOUND to find something you just HAVE to have. Plan ahead to bring at most half as much back with you as you brought. To avoid extra baggage charges at the airport, go ahead and bring your large suitcase and ensure you are able to check a bag and carry on a small bag/tote. Even if you don’t fill both bags, it’s better than buying an extra $200 for a piece luggage while you are leaving, and $300 for an extra bag check at the airport.

Bad Timing:

While a midweek trip to Vegas is going to be easier on your wallet, you also miss out on some of our epic night/day life, some shows, and restaurants.  If you are a club goer looking for a midweek escape, you will only have a few options including the standard hotel bars in the winter and early spring months …but some of these places end up being a great time themselves! Just make sure you know when your clubs/events/shows are dark so you don’t plan your trip while they are closed.  Conventions and events also play a huge role in the costs of everything. If you come during Magic Fashion Week, iHearRadio Festival or a Golden Knights game prices are forced way up so keep that in mind when setting dates. An almost $600 stay for 3 nights in a standard room is avoidable when planned accordingly.

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Underestimating Distance:

One end of the strip-Stratosphere, CCLV and SLS is WORLDS away from the rest! You CAN walk it, but it gets pretty slow after you pass the Wynn going towards SLS. The Rio and Palms are MAD FAR! It’s an easy cab ride but that walk is brutal and in the dead of the Winter/Summer the temperature is EXTREME.  DTLV, and the Fremont Street Experience is NOT in walking distance AT ALL. I will never advise or suggest you walk that. It is far, and you will NOT be happy about it. Be careful when advertisers say “minutes from the Las Vegas Strip” this does NOT mean you could or should walk there, but it will be a quick and easy taxi or uber.

But I don’t even like The Strip:

There could be several reasons you don’t like the Strip. You are annoyed by all the gaming and people not paying attention to where they are walking, smoking everywhere and general touristy attractions. Easy fix, we have several boutique and specialized hotels with absolutely NO casinos, no smoking, and private entrances. Vdara, Four Seasons, Signature, Palms Place, Westin, Hilton and that’s just a few! There are SO many shows Salt-n-Pepa's I Love The 90's, Jabbawockeez, Britney Spears, Boys II Men, Absinthe, Magic Shows...this list is endless! World-class spas, exhilarating hiking, restaurants, roller coasters, get up close and personal with animals... and you just can't beat the view, the vibe, and the experience. There's so much more than gambling and partying. DTLV is a whole new ballgame and spreads so much further than just the Fremont street experience! The Gold Spike is hidden in DTLV (dress to impress) and has all kinds of activities only for the fun seekers. There are gems all over the place, and if you are one of the “I don’t like the strip” vacationers, hunting for these can wind up being the best vacation you’ve ever had! Depending on what your version of entertainment is, or what kind of downtime you are looking for, WE GOT IT ON LOCK. It’s what we do.

Want to get my insider discounts? Head to my BOOKING page to get them sent straight to you. Need help planning your trip? I offer travel advisement so we can put together your perfect vacation free of charge, fill out the form HERE and expect to hear back from me ASAP!

Do you have any stories about things you wish you would have known before coming to Vegas? Leave a comment down below!

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- Nikki