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To Trip or Not to Trip?...that is the question

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by VegasSchemer, Jun 7, 2016.

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  1. VegasSchemer

    VegasSchemer VIP Whale

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    Here is the situation I'm in, let me know what you'd do:

    A friend is going to be in Vegas over Labor Day and asked for some help finding a good room deal. Being a holiday weekend, there isn't much on the cheap, so he's really only saying no to Circus Circus on the strip.

    Now, the gf wants to go back to Vegas again (took her for her first trip in March), so this presents an opening for another trip of my own to hang with this buddy because there's a potential benefit:

    If I get 21,000 more tier credits (which I think is $7k on slots), I'll level up at mLife and thus qualify for a status matching program that will get me an extra 3 night stay for next year at another property I love to visit.

    So, to lay out the pros and cons:

    Pros:
    I have the points needed on Southwest to get my plane ticket for free
    I haven't used my summer room offer yet
    21,000 TCs gets me a trip I'd like to take next year with my buddies

    Cons:
    It'll just be a 3 day trip and I'm flying from the East Coast
    Visiting with the gf means less gaming than I prefer (enough to get the status I need but it doesn't help my future offers)
    Visiting to help with that friend's room offer probably means I'm using comps to put him up and/or sharing a room one of the nights (I'm looking for one of those CET 2 weeknights free coupons to help cover him- that'd put me over the top)

    Basically it's, "I'm getting back to Vegas but not exactly how I prefer."

    Would you book it? All thoughts welcome as I weigh this.
     
  2. Uranium 235

    Uranium 235 Low-Roller

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    Life's too short. Get on the plane, forget about future offers and just have a great time.
     
  3. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    When in doubt I abort and go when everything lines up well.

    I'm not a comp player at all so I really can't speak to that but for the most part when I had doubts going into a trip I usually had a mediocre trip at best. My past ten years or so have all been trips that I was prepared for mentally (staying at the hotel and room type I wanted, got good rates for airfare and hotel, made sure no big conventions or mega events were in town during my stay that would make rates skyrocket across the board etc.) and financially (make sure my financial house is in order at home and I can take the daily BR that I am accustomed to).

    I go 2-3 times a year but I put a lot of planning and preparation into those 7-8 day trips. In my early Las Vegas days there were a few trips when I was under bankrolled or even played with scared money and they were absolutely zero fun. There were also trips that I compromised on which property I stayed at in order to save a few bucks. Those trips were also so-so, at best.

    My last 25 trips or so have been a blast. The common denominator(s) have always been a sufficient and worry free BR and being completely comfortable with where I'm staying and the price associated with it. I've found that when I've done everything I can do before my trip to maximize my chances of having a fun time I usually do. If something is nagging me about the trip I'll just regroup and pull the trigger when it feels right.

    OP, I realize this has very little to do with your post but I thought I'd share my thought process and maybe shed a little light from my experiences and it might help a VMB newbie out. As to your question as to trip or not to trip? When I ask myself that question about a potential upcoming trip if the answer is not a resounding "yes, I can't f@&$ing wait to go" I'll pass until it is. :peace::beer:
     
    Annual CCA (Casino Collectibles Association) Show at South Point
    Long Overdue Stay At The Golden Nugget
  4. Kolmeseiska

    Kolmeseiska Low-Roller

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    I would book it, why not? Also keep in mind that you get 25 tier credits for every $1 on purchases, so for 21,000 TCs you'll need to spend $840. If you're staying at an Mlife property for 3 nights during the Labor day weekend, I have a feeling that you'll make a the next level just by checking in or at least come very close. Which in this case might be a good thing so you don't have to worry about gambling if you're already facing limited gambling time with your GF.
     
  5. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    I would agree with a few others that say " when in doubt - just go".

    By the way, though you may not pay out of pocket for that SW flight by using points/miles - it does actually have a cost. Just like when my family asks to use my miles, there is always a cost. Not today, but when you go to take a flight at a later date and have no more miles, you then have to pay cash. They like to fool that way - LOL!
     
  6. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

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    Yep I'd go and just have the mindset it will be a different type of trip.
     
  7. emmas

    emmas VIP Whale

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    You have to decide if you're comfortable with the limitations - shorter trip, less time gaming b/c of GF, and helping friend to get room. If you are then I think you have your answer. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut answer.
     
    I need all the luck I can get!
  8. deansrobinson

    deansrobinson VIP Whale

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    It's Vegas.
    I take it you have heard the term "reckless abandon"?

    "It'll just be a 3 day trip and I'm flying from the East Coast - you do know how much can be accomplished in three days in that desert town, right?
    Visiting with the gf means less gaming than I prefer (enough to get the status I need but it doesn't help my future offers) - future? Tomorrow is promised to no one.
    Visiting to help with that friend's room offer probably means I'm using comps to put him up and/or sharing a room one of the nights
    (I'm looking for one of those CET 2 weeknights free coupons to help cover him- that'd put me over the top) - your call, which more valuable...your perks or chillin' wiff homie?

    Basically it's, "I'm getting back to Vegas but not exactly how I prefer."- much in the same way I get to the beach in a Camry and not a Centenario. But I do end up at the beach.
     
  9. VegasSchemer

    VegasSchemer VIP Whale

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    Dean, that was gold. Just what I needed to hear.
     
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  10. VegasSchemer

    VegasSchemer VIP Whale

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    Totally true point. I'm also at 80,000 miles right now though (and flights tend to run from 15,000 to 30,000 RT), so it feels free knowing I'm a few flights away from needing to pay.
     
  11. VegasSchemer

    VegasSchemer VIP Whale

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    I think it relates. Appreciate the insight.
     
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