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Different for one?

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by lnz, Apr 22, 2012.

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  1. lnz

    lnz Tourist

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    I'll be arriving at McCarran next month for my first ever solo trip to Vegas.

    I usually travel with hubby but this time Vegas is my stopover from New Zealand to London (hubby reckoned there might be a more direct route, but I think he's mistaken!)

    I've researched the dickens out of the trip (it's fun living Vegas vicariously through this site!). I was just about to book myself on a kayak hoover dam tour until I checked the 'policies' section and noticed that the "minimum number of booking participants is 2". I can 'waitlist' on the off chance that another single kayaker wants to take the trip on the exact same day I do, but I suspect we are into slots-odds here......

    I was wondering if there is anything else that is difficult for a solo traveller.

    And... any advice on how to best enjoy being a solo traveller. I'm a bit self conscious of eating in restaurants or going to shows alone and I'm looking for tips on how not to feel like 'billy-no-mates' sitting in a bar or show. (or should that be betty-no-mates as a 50-something female?).
     
    It's been a while
  2. BreakEven

    BreakEven High-Roller

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    I can't give you advice on adventures or similar things that might be difficult for a solo traveller. Hopefully others have advice.

    But I wouldn't worry about being solo when dining. Almost all of the times I've been to Vegas it's been as a solo trip. Just like when you go with friends, the quality of service can vary wildly. I never felt like I got crappier service just because I was solo. If you're really worried about it, you might want to have a light lunch & for dinner, try going near the start of dinner hours. Many of the restaurants are pretty empty then. The bonus is this allows you to have a late night snack several hours later :thumbsup:

    If you're a real social person, you'll find plenty of friends in no time. If you're not (I'm not), you'll still have a great time. I'm guessing a NZ accent might help too :)

    Another way to look at it: Screw what other people think. This is YOUR vacation.

    Search around on "solo" and you'll find a few other threads on the topic, filled with people's experiences.

    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68296&highlight=solo
    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67510&highlight=solo
    https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64609&highlight=solo

    I'd do a better job of looking for them, but I'm heading to Vegas solo today and I still have work to do before catching my flight :)

    Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your vacations in Vegas & London!

    :wave:
     
  3. OKC Gal

    OKC Gal Low-Roller

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    I USUALLY travel there solo - I don't think you'll find any problems. I take something to read when I go to restaurants, go to concerts, etc. I don't think you need to worry at all. You'll feel really free!
     
  4. savage810

    savage810 Low-Roller

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    My Vegas trips have been probably 60%/40% group and solo trips. There are big upsides to both. For a solo trip, I suggest embracing it. Not having to compromise your trip for the sake of group harmony is very freeing. If you want to eat now, you go eat. If you want to move to a new casino, you move. If you want to go see the hoover dam, you go. If you want to sleep in, you sleep in. Are there things you've always wanted to do there that your husband wouldn't? DO IT!

    I bet there are things you have to drag your husband to (we all have different tastes, right?). Take this opportunity to do those things without the hassle.

    And lastly, I know plenty of people feel odd about dining alone. But really, no one is staring at you. Have you ever enjoyed your meal at a restaurant, looked at someone dining alone and judged them? For me, I never even notice, and I am very comfortable dining alone. Heck, with today's smartphones, you can easily read during your meal if you'd like.

    :beer:
     
  5. habs0nut

    habs0nut VIP Whale

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    I say go and enjoy yourself. I went solo last trip and had some of the same concerns but I had a blast and came to the conclusion that traveling solo is the way to go. You get to do whatever you want to do when you want to do it. I also found most folks to be quite friendly and didn't have problems striking up conversations.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
     
  6. UTE

    UTE Plastics

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    I'm usually solo in Las Vegas half the time. I do have an aversion to eating alone in a restaurant - it just does not feel right. So, if I eat out I like to sit at a bar where they deliver food to you. Then, I can either strike up a conversation with the bartender or patrons, or just watch one of the big screens.

    Bill
     
  7. jgates8

    jgates8 VIP Whale

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    Trust me I am normally happier when I travel alone - exception is if my bff & her family are going, my mom or my aunt. We all do our own things.

    I always have a book in my purse to read when I am eating alone. Nice & relaxing for me. (Now a kindle). I also surf the net on my phone - but you may not have a plan that covers that.

    I haven't really encountered anything else that I couldn't do alone, although there may be other tour oriented items.

    I'm 49 also.
     
  8. slimmy28

    slimmy28 Low-Roller

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    I love to people watch, but I never notice people who are solo (whether dining alone, etc.) I am going solo the first week of July, and quite honestly, am as happy as I can be as I plan this trip. I haven't been solo on a Vegas trip since 2007, and since then I've gone a half dozen times, all with other people. I have had great fun, but I always compromise something. Whether it be restaurants, pool time, where we go gamble, etc. I truly can't wait until this trip when for 5 days and 4 nights, it will all be on my terms.
     
  9. larryg

    larryg Low-Roller

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    lnz, about kayaking below hoover dam: is it possible that "minimum number of booking participants is 2" merely means that the tour won't be held unless a total of at least two people sign up? When I took the tour (many years ago), I was able to sign up as a single. As it turned out, they signed up something like 10 or 15 people, so there was no problem meeting any minimum-person requirement.

    The company I used provided me with a single person kayak. I believe I used what is now called Boulder City River Riders, but I have no idea which outfitter is best.
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2012
  10. br549

    br549 High-Roller

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    Memorial Day weekend will be my 3d solo trip to Vegas. I enjoy going solo because I can do whatever I want, go wherever I want, etc. I have found that most people are sociable, if I want to carry on a conversation; although usually I just want to gamble, lay at the pool, or play games with the hookers.
     
  11. ATXTX

    ATXTX VIP Whale

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    Solo is no problemo! The servers in Vegas are used to single travelers & I had excellent service eating alone at a table. Good luck with the kayaking!
     
    When we Were Young
  12. lnz

    lnz Tourist

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    Thank you all so much. The more I read, the happier I am about travelling solo.

    Thanks larryg - I checked the Boulder City River Riders and their website definitely says minimum 2 per tour rather than 2 per booking. I'll give them a call tomorrow.
     
    It's been a while
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