12 tips for visiting Las Vegas, straight from locals
Tourism rates have steadily increased this year in Las Vegas. In the first two months of the year, visitation was up to 6.5 million people, almost triple the valley’s population.
With summer fast approaching, those numbers will likely increase. We asked our Facebook fans for their tips and tricks for visiting Las Vegas.
Most commentors said to avoid jaywalking, especially on the Strip. Not only is jaywalking illegal, it’s also very dangerous. So, as a general tip for Las Vegas and probably most other places, use the crosswalks.
Here are some other suggestions locals offered:
1. Get away from the casinos
Yes, of course you should take advantage of what the Strip has to offer, since that’s one of the reasons you’re probably visiting, but take a day and check out the surrounding area. One of the joys of Las Vegas is that you can go shopping or club hopping in major casinos, then go hiking Mt. Charleston or Red Rock (not “Rocks”) or go for a kayak tour on Lake Mead the same day, both just outside of town.
2. Go off-Strip for food, alcohol
A lot of commenters wanted to remind visitors that the city has more to offer than what’s on the Strip as far as food and drink go. If you’re looking for some quick booze, there are drug stores on the Strip that will cost a lot less than your hotel mini-bar.
3. Don’t be that drunk guy (or girl)
This goes without saying, but a lot of locals felt the need to repeat it. Sure, you can drink openly almost anywhere in the city within reason, but you don’t want to spend your trip in a jail cell.
4. Take the bus on the Strip and to Downtown
As Nicole Shaugabay said on Facebook, “Take the bus if you’re going from resort to resort on the Strip and even if your heading down to Fremont from the Strip or vice-versa, way cheaper than a cab.” The bus might be a bit slower, but you’ll definitely save some cash.
5. Get player’s cards, and use them
Every casino has some sort of player’s program you can join for free, even if you’re only in town for the week. Many are pre-loaded with free play money (that’s actually free) and come with coupons for the casino’s restaurants or buffets. The player’s card at the El Cortez in Downtown gives you access to free or discounted parking.
6. Side streets are your friend
“Frank Sinatra Drive and Koval Lane are your best friends when driving to most casinos on the strip,” Amanda Martin said. Avoid the nightly Strip jam, and even explore some off-Strip casinos while you’re at it.
7. Take advantage of birthday deals
As fishy as the club promoters seem, they insist their jobs really are to help you have a better club experience than you would without them. For birthdays especially, they say they can help guarantee you special service. These people can be found up and down the Strip, usually with flyers for some event at some club. Anywhere else, though, you can probably score a free drink by mentioning that you’re celebrating a birthday in Vegas.
8. Find a local and take advantage of discounts
If you’re visiting friends or family, it doesn’t hurt to hit them up for a locals discounts as Alexander Thiel said, “particularly if you want to see a show that offers a 30% discount for locals.”
The next few most-mentioned tips are good for any trip, but will play a major role in your Vegas vacation:
9. Drink water
This can not be stressed enough. Between the heat and the booze, you’re going to dehydrate fast, and probably faster than wherever you’re from. Don’t forget while you’re surrounded by luxurious buildings and fountains that you’re still in a desert.
10. Wear comfortable shoes
The casinos are no where as close to each other as you think, trust us. Those high heels are not going to be nice to you after walking four miles to the next club. Pro tip: some casinos offer ballet flat vending machines.
11. Wear sunblock on sunny days
Like drinking water, this should not need to be repeated, but the desert sun is unforgiving, and your vacation photos will be ruined by your beaming complexion as soon as your get here if you don’t prepare.
12. Tip accordingly
As Heather Reeder put it, “Most employees are tipped employees in Vegas and live off of those tips. Please tip accordingly to your housekeeper, bartender, taxi driver, bell hop, food server, dealer, valet and anyone else that provides a service.”
Miss anything? Contact Kristen DeSilva at 702-477-3895 or kdesilva@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @kristendesilva
