If you have been considering where to go for your next vacation, a trip to Las Vegas is one of the most glamorous and exciting destinations in the world. With all of its bright lights, headlining shows and entertainment, nightlife, world-class dining, and shopping – and of course the gambling, it’s a fantastic choice!
Even if you have been to Las Vegas before, there may be some things that have changed since your last visit. Here are a few things you need to know before you make the booking for your trip.
● Avoid Conventions & Other Peak Times
Las Vegas remains one of the most popular places to hold trade shows and conventions. Many casinos will offer significant discounts for those wishing to save some money and avoid the crowds.
● Keep Your Eye on the Bottom Line
When booking a trip to Las Vegas, know that there are accommodations available to fit almost every budget. You may not find a $30 room, but you can find comfortable places to stay. Whether you want some decent casino action, a pool and spa, or one with internet access so you can relax and play slots online in your room, you’re sure to find it in Vegas!
When planning your trip, It’s helpful to check out the room rates on the website of where you want to stay. Remember that more often than not, what shows as the room rate that hotel-casinos charge guests, isn’t including the resort fee. This can cost an additional $10 – $ 40 per night.
Also, in Las Vegas there’s a 12% hotel tax that you’ll have to pay at checkout time. A visit to the hotel-casino’s checkout page will give you all the information you need so you can do the math and stay within your budget.
● Stick to Your Gambling Budget
Most visitors come to Vegas to gamble and believe that they are going to “break the bank.” Because most visitors tend to leave with less money than they came to town with, have a gambling budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get lured in and forget how much you have actually spent. No matter how lucky you’re feeling, it’s probably best to avoid any cash advances on your credit card to cover your bets. Just be sure to make your gambling budget no higher than what you can afford to lose.
● The Hotel Concierge Desk is Your Friend
Nearly every hotel has a concierge desk. The staff behind the desk are well-informed on where and when to go and can often clue you in on getting discounted tickets to shows, and recommend places to eat and celebrate. They can even get you VIP treatment so that you avoid the lines and get faster admission into the clubs and seating in some of the best restaurants. Most hotels partner with other businesses in town to offer great deals for guests. Your concierge staff is there with the express purpose of helping you make your Vegas vacation even better than if you did it all yourself.
● Pack for Casual and Formal
For a trip to Vegas, casual wear will generally get you through almost every occasion. However, you are planning on going to certain restaurants, clubs, or shows; there may likely be a dress code to follow. For some venues, that may mean a jacket and tie for men and business or evening attire for women. Las Vegas is generally pretty warm during the day throughout the year while the desert nights can be cool – and so can the casinos. Pack a sweater or a light jacket so you can be comfortable throughout your stay.
● Keep Your ID with You
Today, Las Vegas is considered a great destination that is geared toward enjoyment for the whole family. There are lots of venues in town that cater to and appeal to families to be had. However, if you are planning to either drink or gamble, it’s a good idea to have your ID with you at all times. Bouncers and floor managers at casinos do check ID. Because Las Vegas is more geared toward adult entertainment, the city has a strict curfew that prohibits unaccompanied minors from being on the street after 9:00 p.m.
● Interacting with the Locals
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who lives in Las Vegas is a dealer, a cast member of a show, or a professional gambler. Locals can get very annoyed with tourists who are essentially bad guests. Like any other town across the country, Las Vegas residents are very generous with guests who have good manners. By being polite, they will often be more than happy to reward you with sound advice and tips that can save you time and money and help you to better enjoy your stay.