I have been to Vegas a few times and each time there has been a change. There are some things I wish i hadn't wasted my time, tasted, or did not pay attention to once there. Don't worry! I got you covered! Read below to see what you can avoid in order to enjoy your time. 

9 Vegas Rookie Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating the length of the Strip – In pictures, it looks like getting from Mandalay Bay (furthest south) to the Venetian (more north) is a quick walk. What most don’t realize is that the Strip is four miles. Since you will be walking a lot, comfy shoes are a must. Don’t feel like walking? Spring for a ride share. 

2. Staying at the cheapest and/or at an off-Strip hotel – It’s tempting to go for the best bang for the buck, but it might not be your best bet in Vegas. Off-Strip and the cheapest hotels are further from the action. So, yeah, you might be saving on a room, but how much are you spending on ride shares to get to where you want to be? Consider staying mid-Strip on your first visit so you’re central to everything!

3. Not booking certain things in advance – If there are certain must-dos on your visit, you need to book them well ahead of your visit. For example, if you want to dine at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, take a tour to the Grand Canyon or see O at the Bellagio, it’s highly recommended you make reservations well in advance.

4. Thinking everything is expensive – Not everything in town is expensive. Save money by booking a moderately priced hotel, check out a buffet, take advantage of a good happy hour and dine off-Strip (there are a bunch of highly-rated restaurants away from the action and aren’t Strip prices). There are also free or reasonably priced activities to explore.

5. Not checking out hotel resort fees – The majority of hotels in the city charge a daily, mandatory resort fee that will allow access to certain amenities on property. This will not be prepaid, and it will be automatically charged to your room upon check out. Always check this ahead of time and budget for it. 

6. Not exploring beyond the Strip – You’ll likely be tempted to ONLY explore the Strip, but there’s so much to do beyond it! Downtown has resorts, activities (some free) and museums to explore. Or, consider a day trip to the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon or Valley of Fire State Park. Go ahead – get out there and explore!

7. Not signing up for a player’s card – Even if you’re not a gambler, sign up for the casino’s player’s club. With it you might gain exclusive access, enjoy valuable benefits, and earn incredible rewards at participating resorts.

8, Forgetting water and sunscreen – Bring a refillable water bottle and plenty of sunscreen with you. You will need both, especially during the summer months. Always carry it with you! If you forget, both will be available in a resort gift shop but typically at a premium.

9. Purchasing drinks at a casino bar – Another thing you’ll be charged a premium for! As a workaround you could do a few things. If you gamble, do so! You might get free drinks. Check out happy hours around town, or purchase fixings upon arrival at an off-Strip convenience or liquor store.

There you have it, the most common mistakes first-timers make in Las Vegas. Are you guilty of any of these? Do you have a mistake you’d like to share? Let us know! For more tips and tricks and to get you booked, reach out. We’ll help make sure you do Vegas right! And remember I'm planning a trip to Vegas to celebrate the last trip in my emancipation tour! More details to come!