TMM | Las Vegas | Congratulations, your winter holiday in las vegas has begun and are you ready for some unforgettable restaurants, fabulous casino and more? Let the unlimited adventure begin!
Distance decoded
In Las Vegas, distance is a deal and while it looks near, it is actually pretty far. Make your mind before you plan a trip that you might need to walk a lot in order to cover it all. The Strip is four miles long, and because the buildings are so close together, they appear closer than they really are—a two-building walk from, say, Bally’s to Planet Hollywood is manageable, but any more than that, and you’ll wear out your walking shoes. It is suggested to use walkways inside and outside the casino, as well as trams and the Las Vegas Monorail to get where you want to go more quickly.
Avoid buying drinks in casino
Make it a point and avoid buying cocktails at a casino bar beforehand—wait until the cocktail waitress approaches you. In an effort to keep you gambling, the casinos offer free cocktails; you may have to wait a little longer for it, but you’ll save money. And if you’re hitting the clubs later, start your drinking on the casino floor so there’s less you have to spend—for any type of performance, even a DJ spinning, you’ll get hit with an additional live entertainment tax. Better to start early!
Jacket and water
This might sound ridiculous to many, but it is important to carry a light jacket or wrap with you—it may be scorching hot outside, but casinos overcompensate by blasting the AC and once inside you’ll be chilled to the bone. Also, don’t forget to carry a water bottle, because with so much walking involved on the Strip, you’ll get dehydrated and will need some fluids up so you can make the most of every day and night!
Player’s club
Even if you don’t plan on doing much gambling, signing up for a casino player’s club is a great way to get freebies and discounts on shows, restaurants, attractions and more. Swipe it everywhere you go within the property. If you’re gambling, you definitely don’t want to be without a player’s card, because accruing your points may mean enough for freebies on a return trip to Vegas!
Gambling lessons
If you are new to the game of gambling, take some free lessons on gambling, hosted by Las Vegas casinos large and small. You’ll get a primer on the rules of the games and pick up crucial things such as dealer-speak, where to sit at a table and more. And before you arrive in town, Google to know gambling basics since it’s good to have at least some preparation. Also, there are free online gambling books that can help you gain some confidence before you land in the city of poker, blackjack, baccarat and other table game.
Avoid peak dinner time
Just like any other place, the peak dinner time in Las Vegas is between 6-8 pm. If you’re flexible, make the plan before that or post, particularly if you are visiting a buffet, as lines can get unmanageable at peak time and the multiple hours you spend in line could have been better served anywhere else! We suggest planning a house party or something fun at the hotel room to make the best of the trip.
Cab chaos
In Las Vegas, you should allow for no less than 30 minutes; bump it up to an hour at the prime dinner times as mentioned above. If you’re leaving a convention, concert, or other events that draw thousands of people, two hours may be a better estimate. However, in those cases, you may want to consider our next tips.
Ride-share
Learn the art of saving and be ready for ride-share. It behoves you to ask those in taxi lines around you at the airport or your hotel if they’re going to the same property/near the property you are. If you’re at a convention, they’ll even help you with this. It could also mean taking a shuttle from the airport—your price will be less, but you’ll have to wait as others are dropped off at their destinations as well. If time is not a factor for you, it’s an inexpensive way to get downtown, the Strip & Downtown Express (SDX) bus picks up.
Costumed-character game
If you love getting clicked with dressed up creatures, then be game for fun shots with Elmo, Bumblebee and a Minion at various points along the Strip. But, be forewarned, if you stop to take a photo with them, they expect you to pay for it. Avoid a potentially nasty situation by either taking a pass or negotiating a price you feel comfortable with beforehand. In most cases, these costumed characters are at iconic sights you snap photos of anyway. Are you ready for it?
The post Las Vegas Unlimited appeared first on TMM.