Favorite tips for Solo Vegas trips...

Dr. Seuss Style Solo Trips ~
You have Brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

My tips for solo trips (and general)

• Don't gamble more than you can afford to lose. Pace yourself gambling, drinking, whatever.
• Be flexible. Plan a few things from your study but don't over plan. Be open to serendipity.
• Sign up for a player's card and use it.
• Get the coupons from the American Casino Guide and/or Las Vegas Advisor coupon book. Besides stretching your gambling budget, you'll visit new places and experience different vibes.

Safety

• Know where your cash is and make sure it is safe.
• Have a plan on what you're going to do if you run out of money, lose your mobile phone, or have an emergency.
• You're probably young and healthy, but keep a list of medications you take and your doctor's and pharmacy's numbers if your flights get canceled, especially due to weather back home. It happened to me once and I had an extra week in Vegas.
• Obey your spidey senses.

Dining

• Love solo dining! Eat where you when and when you wish. Bars in nice places work well. It's Vegas. Servers in any Vegas establishment are used to solo travelers. I bring something to read or check my email or catch up on the news.
• Need to relax? Get take out and eat in your room while watching TV or gazing out the window at the view. On a walk you may find a funky little hole-in-the-wall. Remember serendipity?

Transportation

• Uber/Lyft are my new friends.
• Don't drink and have the $, rent a car.
• Buses work if you do't mind waiting for them (says Mr. Impatient).
• Downtown? Walk-walk-walk.
• Strip? Monorail works for me. Actually, casinos are really far apart, but even at my age I like to speed walk and take in the sights.

Entertainment

• I'm kind of showed out. Love comedy clubs and Carrot Top, a guy who I swore that I would hate. I was so wrong. Absinthe was great.
• This old man doesn't do clubs.
• If you've never seen a major production, do it!

Meeting people

• I do't go to Vegas to meet people. I've a niece (real niece, not a "niece" ) and a friend who live in Vegas, but I normally don't let them know I'm in town. First, they get a lot of visitors; second, I am selfish for "my Vegas" time.
• I'm a gregarious person and love to chat. That is one reason why poker and table games are wonderful for me. I love meeting folks from everywhere!

Typical Day

• Get up when I want.
• Drink coffee, have breakfast..
• Play some video poker.
• Walk & sightsee
• Check out poker tournaments and play in morning one.
• Check out other tournaments or cash games and play poker.
• Just general rounding ~ poker, craps, video poker, perhaps a very little slots, blackjack ~ all of the above or none. Hopefully, I get into a big tournament and play for hours making bank and pay for my trip. Hey! It has happened, not often, but hope springs eternal…
• Celebrate my long day with a drink.

 

I like that, and I'm missing Las Vegas and my solo after-trips more and more reading this thread!

I won't do a high end place solo. A nice meal is to be a shared experience. I've had real good luck eating at the bar at those places at the Linq, like Off The Strip and that Mexican place that I can't remember the name of and a couple of others. I don't know if any of those are open again, or if they can serve at the bar yet.

No {f-bomb}ing way! I can eat in my room watching TV during quarantine! I don't need to do it in LV!

I've had real good luck with the Monorail. If staying at Sahara or Westgate doing something at LVCC, it's a great way to get to the Center Of The Action (tm) in a few minutes. Remember, though, that it turns into a pumpkin rather early (in Vegas time, that is) and you may get stuck doing a taxi back. IIAC, they still are not running again, so this is moot for a while.

I've never been a fan of those oh-so-trendy velvet rope clubs and I'm sure not gonna start now! I enjoy the places with the live bands much more, such as O'Shea's, Paris, Bally's, and PH when their off-again on-again bands are on-again. Again, prolly moot for a while.

One thing I will do, in my room, by myself, is a power nap in the afternoon. Get rejuvenated for the evening!

Just watch it! As I said in a TR, last summer I had far too much to drink. I made it back TO my room, but had some difficulty getting into the room and it was scary! I actually thought of asking security to escort me up to be sure I got in OK, but said the heck with it. I accidentally dropped my key card on the floor and I knew that I would not be able to simply reach down and get it in my condition. I kinda squatted/sat on the floor to get it and had a challenging time getting back up, from too many drinks and being out of shape in general. I finally grabbed on the door handle and pulled myself up.

 

Write your room number on your room key and wear it around your neck for easy access. Should you have a bit too much to drink, just show it to someone and they'll help you back to your room. If you get a second key, tape it to the outside of your door in case you lose the first one.

If you're inclined to help out the homeless, feel free to give them a credit card. Give them a half hour or so, they need to go to the nearest participating Walgreen's or CVS to swipe it.

Pickpockets abound, so keep your cash in your hand, preferably sticking out on each side, so you can look down and immediately confirm it's still there. Keep an empty wallet in your purse / pocket to frustrate the thief. Psyche!

It's a town full of tourists - don't be afraid to hand someone your phone so they can take your picture, they'll understand. You may have to step back a few more feet for perfect framing...

Feel free to photograph the buskers. They may tell you they work for tips, but it's not true; they're on the municipal payroll. They may insist on a tip, but just take your picture and give them a firm "No."

I've found Las Vegas to be expensive, but you're on vacation, so live it up. Weee!

 

What are your favorite tips for solo trips? I go to Vegas to relax and gamble a bit. I typically plan out all my meals/shows before I arrive. I like having a rough schedule of what I'm doing and where I'm eating.

Tips for safety? Like everyone mentioned before me, know your limits when drinking. I also avoid certain parts of the strip either altogether or at night just because of some of the things I've witnessed.

Dining? I try to make a reservation for any place I can. There's so many great restaurants on the strip, I rather not show up to a restaurant with an hour + wait or have a mediocre meal. Table vs. bar? Depends on my mood.

Transport? Uber/Lyft. I'll also walk or take the monorail.

Entertainment? I've seen many shows solo. Once you're in the theater, no one really knows your by yourself. For a 4 or 5 night trip, I'll plan 2 or 3 shows and leave at least 1 or 2 nights open for whatever. I have a lot of favorite bars on the strip, so a few nights I'll just bar hop and grab a drink at various places along the strip. I've been to clubs solo (I go for the music), but it's not really that enjoyable.

Meeting new people? I've been to one VMB meetup and it was fun. Otherwise, meeting new people is not my goal.

Typical Day? Wake up, eat breakfast, go to the spa, go to the pool, back to the spa, grab dinner, see a show and then gamble or hit up a few bars and gamble. Repeat.

 

A majority of the trips that I've taken to Vegas or other places have been traveling solo. I actually prefer traveling myself, since I don't have to follow anyones agenda, but my own. I'm also more of an introvert, so I don't need other people with me to have a good time. LOL Although, one benefit of traveling solo is that it sorta forces you to meet and socialize with new people. I've actually met more interesting folks while traveling solo, than when I've had a traveling companion or traveled with a group.

In regards to Vegas, it's one of the most solo friendly cities that I've been too and I've visited quite a few places in the US for both work and vacation over the years. I think solo dining is what makes most folks feel awkward, especially if it's their first time traveling solo. Although with the number of solo travelers growing over the years, a lot of restaurants have become solo friendly. I usually like to dine early to avoid the main dinner crowd and if the particular restaurant is busy, I often opt to dine at the bar if it's available. At many of the higher-end restaurants, you can also dine at the bar. Sushi bars, buffets, and cafe's are also good options for solo diners, if you feel awkward dining at a nicer sit-down restaurant.

Safety is always a concern when you're traveling alone. Although if you just use common sense, you'll often avoid trouble. At night, I always stay in areas where there are other folks around and I avoid going off the beaten path like taking shortcuts down dark side-streets and whatnot. I would feel safe walking from Strat to downtown during the daytime, but I surely wouldn't do it after dark ...safer to drive or take an Uber/Lyft instead. LOL

 

I know someone who used to discreetly drop a second key into something like a planter by the elevator lobby in case he misplaced his.

 

I mostly agree. A buddy and I had this amazing meal at Mesa Grill, and when I was solo I wanted a repeat performance in the bar. I had an interesting conversation with a guy a few seats away that was almost like dining with someone.

Point taken. I only turn it on to catch up on the news because …

… try as I might, I just can't seem to power nap. I'm tempted to say, "Heck, dmr, I can sleep at home during quarantine!" Sadly, I have sleep issues and have difficulty sleeping anywhere. And when in bed in Vegas, I hear the casinos' Sirens' call.

 

When I go to Vegas alone, it's just to gamble and piddle around at my leisure. Most of my adult working life has been spending the day working alone and spending time alone outside of work doesn't bother me. I enjoy it. A solo trip to Vegas for me has absolutely no plan at all outside of planning which casinos I want to patronize most and eating cheap. I can sit at VP machine or craps table without The Wifester walking up to me after 20 minutes asking if I'm ready to go.

You probably have certain things you want to do but everyone should take at least one solo trip where they play it all by ear.

 

Stay sober and keep your head on a swivel. Be alert to your surroundings.

 

Probably the most overlooked safety aspect....use the safety latch on your door...

 

I've been traveling solo to Vegas for a long time, here are some of my tips:

- Learn hotel/casino layouts before you get there, property maps are easy to find on the web. Tired, tipsy and lost is a trifecta for problems.

- Don't carry more cash or credit cards than you need to, leave the rest in the room safe.

- Don't carry all of your cash or credit cards together. I carry a bankroll in a money clip and a small wallet for extra cash, id, backup room key and credit card. Put each in a different front pocket if possible. Back pockets are much easier for items to fall out or be taken by others. Jackets with zipper pockets or sport coat inner pockets are great too during the cooler months. Ladies know how to guard purses but even then, do not put frequently used items in your purse so you do not have to open it very often.

- Carry a room key in two different places as well. Keep one easy to access so you are not digging around in pockets, purses, etc. to find it. The primary room key is the only thing I put in a back pocket. Loyalty cards go in the other back pocket.

- Never drape clothing or purses over the back of a chair while playing at a table or machine. Eventually, you will forget it is there and walk away.

- Never leave any money in a machine while you go to the restroom. Take your TITO with you even if the bartender puts a napkin or sign on you machine to reserve it for you.

- Take a picture of your room number with your phone. It's easy to forget your room number especially when you change hotels.

- Take a picture of where you parked your personal or rental car. Parking garages are huge and it is very easy to forget the last place you parked, especially if you are hopping around from casino to casino or going in and out of your hotel a lot.

- Do not cash out at the casino cage and go directly to the elevators and your room. This goes for cashing out at the cage in the poker room as well. Be especially discrete if carrying large sums and ask for a security escort if you feel uncomfortable at any time. Or if you are overly intoxicated. Hey, it's Vegas and we all have been there so no need to feel embarrassed when you get up from your chair, take a step or two and think whoa! Just do it and be safe.

- Solo trips many times provide more down time in the room since it's the only place you can really let loose and relax, snack, have a cocktail, contact others, count your winnings, etc.. Get an upgraded room that has an amenity that you really like such as a view, tub, separate living area, kitchen, balcony or whatever gives you that "I'm in my happy place" feeling. It's well worth it especially on the days when the casino is not very friendly or it's time to rehab.

- Finally, stay at a hotel home base that is also a happy place for you to play at. As the day/night wears on, migrate closer and closer to your home base and make your final plays there until reaching the point of "no return". Now that you know the casino layout you can safely get to your room with or without security, go up to your room for a nightcap to toast another day in Vegas!

 

I like doing trip reports when I travel solo. I'm enjoying myself, having a great time and I get to share it with others in real time without having to bend my vacation desires.

 

I'm sure I could think of more, but other than stuff that's already been mentioned, here's a few of mine (as someone who pretty much always goes solo):

- Look into what restaurants you'd like to visit, then see if they have a happy hour. Without having to time your preferred eating times with other people, it's easier to make these times and often you can get great deals and/or try small plates without committing to larger meals.

- Do have someone ready as an emergency contact. You shouldn't expect the worst to happen, but it's good to have a plan of some sort in case you do have some sort of emergency.

- Cash out if you win big and don't immediately to gamble it somewhere else - you wouldn't believe how many time's I've done this in the past and lost all of a big win (and more), so it's not a bad idea to cool down in between and put at least some of that money in the safe. Likewise, if you feel like you won't be able to not play with the money, ask for a check when you get a handpay (I've only had a couple that were $5000 or more, and I asked for a check both times because I didn't want the temptation to waste it immediately to exist).

- Solo dining may be weird elsewhere, but as others have said it's definitely normal here. If you don't want to just sit around awkwardly waiting or use your phone, you can definitely read a newspaper or magazine while at a restaurant.

- Don't make too many firm plans - since you're not on anyone else's schedule, just see what you're feeling like on any given day. There have been days where I barely left my room except to gamble every once in a while, and that's perfectly fine if you feel like it!

- This is definitely optional, but take some pictures. It gives you something to show friends/relatives when they inevitably ask what Vegas was like, and can add some fun memories for you down the road as well.

 

I went solo to LV for the first time in Feb. I wasn't sure if i would have a good time but out of all my yrs of traveling, and i've traveled many yrs alone elsewhere, this was i think the best trip ever. My prev times to LV was w.someone i dated so i was able to window shop a ton and stay in stores as much as i wanted. I played the morning after i got in and i think on my last day which is prob not alot but i was there to relax and unwind, play when i wanted and window shop. I ended up staying in after running around most of the day as i was still on Chicago time although i was in Sin city. My last night i went to a happy hr as i mentioned in a sep post and stayed up and played at Aria since i was staying at Vdara. I did not want to venture too far since i was there solo. I was fine during the day though and went to wherever my heart desired. What others said above re: money and drinks and safety is right on point so just remember it all when you go. Oh and one other thing, i usually research food destinations i want to eat at for all my trips but i really did research on where i wanted to go for this last trip which helped so i'm suggesting you google whatever you can re: food in LV before you go so you will know what your options are in advance.

 

My solo trips are filled with similar activities as mentioned. I plan a loose itinerary prior to going, because it is not good if I sit at the machines gambling nonstop!
I have planned trips around shows I want to see (Journey, Wicked at the Smith Center), and have gotten last minute tix (Menopause was surprisingly fun).
I walk alot, but have learned where I feel safe (pretty much stay on the strip, but walking in the business area of downtown during the day is nice).
I have a contact that I text when I am up in the a.m., and another that I text when I'm in my room for the night. That way, the family doesn't worry that something has happened, and it's a good safety factor for any health issues.
Even tho spa services can be pricey, it often costs me less than the money I might have lost gambling that day!
My meals vary.....there are restaurants with great areas to people watch, and some nights I just take something to the room and crash. Mornings are my favorite time.....I can leisurely drink coffee, watch the local news, catch up on internet news and plan my day. I also do a written report of what happened the day prior....that way I have my memories and can do a trip report if I want. Sometimes it's a good reminder of what I should NOT repeat.....overdrinking, overgambling, etc.
I hope you enjoy your solo time as much as many of us have!

 

I do something similar.....Right after getting to the room for the first time, I take a picture of my room # right outside the door. That way it's on my phone if I forget my room. Now if I lose my phone AND forget my room number, that's another problem

 

If there's a full-service bar, have dinner there. You'll meet people and have a great time.

 

Alternatively, especially for the room, I put the number in my phone (as an "event" in my calendar, but without any sort of alert/reminder). I view this as being a little safer - if I lose my phone, someone can just see a number and, even if they assume it's a room number, may or may not be able to figure out which hotel it's in. If they find a picture of the room itself, it's much easier to know exactly which room it is.

 

You can lose track of time gambling. It's a marathon. Remember to sleep once in a while. Serious. Eat snacks. The desert air will dry you out if you don't drink a little water throughout the day. Keep an eye on your drink so no one slips anything into it.

 

I absolutely love going to Vegas solo. I go to Vegas primarily to gamble. When going to Vegas with a group you quickly find out that each person has their own personal viewpoint/comfort level/budget with regards to gambling, and it's often all over the place. If I'm with people who actively dislike gambling or only brought $100 per day, then trying to hang with and appease them comes at the expense of what I want to do. I'm only out there for a limited amount of time, so I want to make it count. Gambling is ultimately an individual experience - it's your money, your actions, your results. Besides meals and downtime, going solo isn't all that much different than going with a group who then breaks off to do their own things. If I had friends who like the same things I do (gambling-wise) then my feelings may different, but as it is solo is about as good as it gets. I sometimes meet people at VP bars, while eating good meals at bars, or at the tables who I end up hanging with for the night. That can offer a fun adventure, although it's never something I specifically strive to do. Sometimes I'll catch a comedy show solo, but nothing else really. The main point is how I enjoy Vegas doesn't require any other people, which likely isn't the same for everyone.