10 things you need to know before visiting Vegas

While you can find a variety of helpful tips for your first time in Vegas, like how to stay safe, or how to find the best hotel, there are a few more things you should probably know, too.

(For example, you can stop yelling at everyone on the Strip and in the restaurant and in the club and in Downtown that you just turned 21 — we could tell before you said anything.)

You won’t meet many locals on the Strip

Seriously, a lot of valley residents avoid the Strip at all costs.

You’re going to spend more money than you budgeted for

Especially if you’re staying on the Strip, where drinks can cost $10-$20 a pop.

Don’t leave your hotel room a mess just because it’s OK in movies

Party all you want, but there are 10 bins in your room for a reason.

Your souvenir cup will probably sit in a cupboard when you get home

Unless you get a bunch of them and host Vegas-themed parties.

Don’t do things because “it’s Vegas, baby!”

You will regret that tattoo, or those 20 shots, or being caught up in a lawsuit x-amount of states away.

Your local friend isn’t excited to host you

No matter what they say.

Locals won’t be amused by cliche questions

If you need guidance on that one, read this list of questions not to ask a Las Vegan.

Casino employees are there to work, not to party with you

Most bartenders can’t accept the shot you buy them and the cocktail waitresses need to walk a lot on their shift, which alcohol, you know, isn’t that great for.

Staying on the Strip only will give you some Vegas experience, but not the full one

The city’s best-kept secrets are all off-Strip.

Don’t make it obvious that you’re a tourist

We see you, socks and sandals.

Contact Kristen DeSilva at 702-477-3895 or kdesilva@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @kristendesilva