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would you go solo if you had no choice?

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by gerry53, Feb 11, 2013.

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  1. gerry53

    gerry53 VIP Whale

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    hello,

    my dear wife recently passed away.
    we have done many trips to vegas over the years and love everything about it.
    now I am in the position of having to try a solo trip or give up the best place on earth for awhile.I would like to try a short trip to get my mind off things and see if solo is right for me.

    I am not the most outgoing person but it is so easy to strike up a conversation with others in vegas because everyone is so happy there.

    what are others experiences with trying solo and how did it work out?
     
  2. ardee

    ardee It's only money.

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    Yes. Go.

    If the both of you enjoyed Las Vegas, I believe you may have an emotional visit but a good one.

    Las Vegas is a fantastic city for the solo traveller. Might be the best thing for you right now.

    My condolences on the passing of your wife. I'd want my husband to do it.
     
  3. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    I am going solo for the first time ever in March. This is just to use up airline credits that are going to expire.

    My wife says it's OK, just go, but I'm not sure she means it.:confused2:

    I'm an outgoing person so I know it won't be a problem, but now I'm beginning to worry that she is going to be pissed that I'm going alone. There are no fears about escorts or any of that kind of thing. Just as the trip gets closer, I feel she is resentful, but when I say we can add another airfare to the trip, she declines.

    Where is Dear Abbey when you need her!
     
  4. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    I am very sorry for the loss of your wife. I think Las Vegas is one of the easiest places to travel solo to. I love my solo trips. As Ardee said, this may be an emotional trip, but it will get easier. Take care.
     
  5. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

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    I'm going to be in the minority here, but I don't enjoy going without my wife.

    I've done it a couple times...three, to be exact. One I went with a friend, and that was a great trips. The two that I went alone...just a lot of stuff I missed out on that I really enjoy. And the funny thing is, my wife and I split up for probably 50% of our trips. Just the idea that when I hit a jackpot, there's nobody to tell about it. There's nobody to eat brunch with or go to dinner with. These are the things that make it more than just a big gambling weekend. And it's not like I'm going to a show alone. Not saying you couldn't...that's just me.

    My recommendation is to keep it pretty short for your first try alone.
     
  6. Jersey_Bill

    Jersey_Bill High-Roller

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    Very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife but it could be the case that a trip to Vegas, despite the memories, could be a very good thing for you.

    Like you, I am no social butterfly but I travel solo to Vegas at least 2 or 3 times per year. It's funny but it is more rare when I catch up with friends or hang out with a crowd there. One of those trips is usually a business conference but I extend my time there solo.

    You see, my wife does not share my Vegas passion but is very tolerant of it up to a point - and she realizes I need my periodic trips there. Vegas remains the very best vacation for me (though not for her) so we do other vacations during the year to places of her choice.

    While there I have seen a lot of shows solo - Celine, Love, Blue Man, etc. - and I try to choose places to eat where they treat solo diners well. I have great memories of eating "at the bar" at my favorite Tapas places - Jaleo at Cosmo and Julian Serrano at ARIA. They have also treated me well as a solo at Craftsteak and Grand Wok at MGM - really almost anywhere.

    Yes, I miss the camraderie of gambling together with people I know but most people connect pretty well in Vegas at the tables and machines I find. Being solo also permits me more of a chance to "check things out" and take the time to wander and see things I wouldn't otherwise see when you need to negotiate it out with a significant other.

    Traveling solo can be different - but a lot of fun with the right attitude. Here are a couple of links that may help -

    http://www.vegassolo.com/

    http://solofriendly.com/one-for-vegas/

    I would give it a shot with a good attitude and you might surprise yourself. It's the best place anywhere to go solo for my money....

    JZB
     
  7. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    I am sorry. I enjoy being by myself. My next venture is to vacation solo. So far I do many things alone, so I would have no problem taking a trip solo.

    Best of luck to you.
     
  8. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    I would be okay with it. I am sure she means it. Bring her something back super special! She sounds like a great woman.
     
  9. RebelDiceMan

    RebelDiceMan VIP Whale

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    Eight or so years ago, I had two buddies back out on a trip at the last minute so I went alone. I enjoyed doing things exactly when and where I wanted to. I didn't have any problem having a great time for the first five days but the last two I was about ready to head home. Not ready enough to change my flight but still I was about ready. Seven days is a long time solo but anything five days or shorter should be a lot of fun.
     
  10. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Sorry that you will no longer visit with your wife/partner.

    But - without a doubt I would make that trip. You will have a good time, have a fair time or maybe even not so great time. But, you will then have that experience to help you move forward.

    Without a doubt I would do it. I think I would have a good time, and I would miss my companion of 30+ years and 10+ trips to Vegas. But - it would be good, no matter how it turns out.

    Of course, I would continue to do what we do most as to eating - at the bar. Sitting alone at a table would not work. Okay, maybe an Mon Ami - I would sit at a table on the sidewalk by myself. But, only there.
     
  11. RPMCanes

    RPMCanes VIP Whale

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    I feel your pain buddy. My closest relative passed away in Vegas in 2007, and I had the best times of my life with him out there. I realized I had to keep going because he would want me to. It was bittersweet the first time after he passed but I'm glad i did it.
     
  12. sco5123

    sco5123 VIP Whale

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    My condolences on your wife's passing.

    Have you ever done anything solo? Traveling preferably? If so, then yes it would be so worth it because Vegas is the best place to be solo. And it will be a well-needed trip though emotional. If not, then I think you need time to explore that a little in smaller ways like a solo trip to the park or something. If it bothers you, take a friend or someone with you to Vegas before trying it solo. Best of luck. Wishing you the best.
     
  13. eloisegirl

    eloisegirl Low-Roller

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    I am sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad to hear you are thinking about travel and honoring your wife's memory. If it were me, I might want to plan a bit of a schedule, where I plan to do some completely new things, and still do some of the "we" things, rather than do everything I had done together with my spouse.

    I have found when I travel alone, I usually find nice people to spend time with - and you are right, Vegas is the "happiest place" on earth, usually everybody is happy and having fun. Have a great time!
     
  14. gerry53

    gerry53 VIP Whale

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    I totally agree with you nostresshere,eating at the counters or quick places will likely be easier for awhile but my wife even said that I have to continue breakfast by the patio rail at mon gabi.

    thank you everybody for all the great support and ideas to help me along.
     
  15. krashnash

    krashnash Newbie

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    I'm sorry to hear about your loss, survivor.

    The main reason I go to Vegas is to accompany my mom - she was in a similar situation to yours 9 years ago when my father passed. I bought her a plane ticket for her birthday the next year and was supposed to go with her but couldn't so she went solo. She had a good time, and started a lucky streak that's still going strong. :) 3 years ago she was diagnosed with cancer, and 2 years ago, for her "chemo is over" trip, I bought us both tickets. She's not as strong as she used to be, and I worry, so I've been back with her every 4-6 months since then. She's planning her first post-cancer solo trip in March.

    It's still a bit bittersweet for her, but she enjoys remembering all the fun she and dad and their friends had 20-30 years ago, and we have a fairly fun time making new memories.

    All that to say that I think you should give it a go. If you don't like it, you don't have to do it again.

    ~krash
     
  16. Julie888

    Julie888 VIP Whale

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    My condolences for your loss. Definitely go and go with the attiutude that it will be different and that's what you expect and want. Try doing some things you've never done.

    Wait till the weather is really pleasant. Sunshine makes everything feel brighter. Fortunately the wait shouldn't be too long compared to Canada.
     
  17. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    Definitely give it a try.
    Image if you find out you really enjoy the solo trip.
    If you find you don't like it then you could arrange joint vacations with others for future trips.
     
  18. VPDana

    VPDana High-Roller

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    So very sorry for your loss, survivor. If your wife said you should breakfast at Mon Gabi, then you should in her honor. At least give the solo trip a try. Then decide if it's for you or not.

    Note to Joe: Buy another ticket for Mrs. Joe, then tell her about it.
     
  19. jrinct1

    jrinct1 VIP Whale

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    Sorry over your loss. I went 3 weeks after my dad passed and a month afte rmy mom passed. Kinda needed a change os scenery for a bit.
     
  20. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

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    Vegas is one of the best places in the world for going solo. Tons of other solo people, no stigma (except from friends back home who hear you are going alone), and many things to do.

    My only suggestion (especially for your first time out) is to have a plan. Pick out things you want to do and see (maybe stuff your wife wasn't into so you never saw).

    You could also try the get togethers forum especially if you're shy, and meet some fellow Vegas addicts.
     
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