1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Hello, 1st trip to Vegas. Needs tips!

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself!' started by Silverbullet767, May 23, 2012.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Silverbullet767

    Silverbullet767 Newbie

    Joined:
    May 23, 2012
    Messages:
    4
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    Hi, my partner and I will be travelling to Vegas for the first time in July, so wan't to get as much info as possible before leaving.

    We will both be 30 this year so it is out birthday celebration and our first holiday since 2004.

    We live in Scotland, so I guess the heat in July will be a little different in Vegas as it is here!

    We went all out for this trip. Staying at the Venetian with an upgraded suite, and a Mustang convertible for the 2 week duration. To say we are excited would be an understatement!

    We plan on doing as much as possible.

    So far we have as must haves....

    Helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon,
    Shoot a gun at the Vegas Gun Store (Can't remember the correct name)
    Drive to L.A. to see Hollywood.
    Take in a few shows.
    Eat and drink like kings!

    Bring it on!!

    What tips would you suggest to make the trip even more memorable?
     
  2. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2011
    Messages:
    3,282
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    24
    WOW TWO WEEKS??

    On a first trip use your concierge and hotel staff for help, they are less likely to rip you off than if you try to use outside vendors for show tickets, attractions etc.

    Dont buy any passes, VIP tic etc off the street people.

    When you drive to LA, make sure you check out Beverly Hills, much more visually stunning than Hollywood. A trip to Universal Studios is also a great time!

    It will def be hot, think tennis shoes, shorts, get up early and do things before it gets too insanely hot!

    See Mystere, Absinthe, and Carrot Top, that covers a wide variety and some of the most popular shows!!

    Have fun!!!
     
  3. jr7110

    jr7110 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2009
    Messages:
    1,556
    Location:
    NYC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    35
    A very good friend of mine lives in Scotland and often goes to Vegas and the heat in Vegas is MUCH different than the heat in Scotland. It is a very dry climate in Vegas, so even when it is blazing hot it is not as uncomfortable as a humid, tropical heat - not to say Scotland is tropical!!

    The most important thing is to wear EXTREMELY comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking, bring a good pair of sunglasses as the desert sun is especially strong and always make sure you bring plenty of water with you whenever you do any outdoor excursion where you will be in direct sunlight for a lengthy period of time.

    I love Vegas in July, but there are times when the sunburn index is so high that you can burn in as little as ten minutes, so just keep that in mind and use plenty of sunblock.

    You might also want to plan a trip to the Neon Boneyard (it is fascinating!):
    http://www.neonmuseum.org/the-collection/neon-boneyard

    There is also a 100% free bus excursion where you get taken to Hoover Dam for a 20 minute photo stop and then on to Laughlin, Nevada and a free buffet is included. (The reason it is free I suppose is to get people up to Laughlin, which also has a bunch of casinos!). It is an all day commitment as you are picked up at about 7am and return at about 7pm but if you are interested here is the website for more info:

    http://freevegastours.com/
     
  4. Silverbullet767

    Silverbullet767 Newbie

    Joined:
    May 23, 2012
    Messages:
    4
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    Nice, thanks for the tips, these are the kind of things I want to know!

    My fair Scottish skin will have the highest factor sunblock known to man at all times. As I have been known to burn through clouds and rain! and I'll purchasing a good set of sunglasses, I already have a couple of hats to protect my head.

    I have signed up for Groupon Las Vegas and have been keeping an eye out for good deals on the places I want to go.

    I also plan on trying the dollar sandwich trick when I check in to see if I can get an upgrade (hey, you don't ask you don't get!)

    Do you know where I can brush up on my tipping etiquette? It's not normal for us scots to tip in our country!
     
  5. addicted

    addicted High-Roller

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2011
    Messages:
    979
    Location:
    Lincoln, NE
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    When you make it to LA, you need to tour the pacific coast highway!!! All the beaches are amazing!
     
  6. jmsvss

    jmsvss Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2004
    Messages:
    408
    Location:
    Virginia
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    Everything everyone else said plus SPF clothing and saline nasal spray :)

    Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk 2
     
  7. sandc4e

    sandc4e Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2008
    Messages:
    302
    Location:
    Maine
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    6
    COMFORTABLE SHOES and make sure that you see LOVE (Cirque Du Soleil)

    Have fun and remember NOTHING is as close as it looks.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
  8. engicedave

    engicedave VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2005
    Messages:
    1,154
    Do not try and do everything, you'll run yourself ragged.
    Schedule in a lot of "do nothing" time.

    Tips I give everyone their first time....
    1. That hotel is NOT as close as it looks.
    2. Drink a LOT of water, carry a bottle at all times. Order a bottle of water with every drink. Alcohol dehydrates.
    3. Stay in shade as much as possible. Walk out of your way if it will keep you in shade. The sun will beat you down and wear you out.
     
  9. jmsvss

    jmsvss Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2004
    Messages:
    408
    Location:
    Virginia
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    Really - Our first trip we walked from Harrah's to Hard Rock because on the map it really didn't look so far. Thank goodness it was November!

    Water is readily available in any casino.
     
  10. Brensan

    Brensan Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2011
    Messages:
    367
    Location:
    Near Houston, TX
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    53
    I highly recommend Maverick Helicoptor tours for your Grand Canyon trip - they are first rate. Also, do the one that lands in the Canyon, and includes river rafting also. Don't waste your money on the "sunset trip", which brings you back after dark over the strip. Honestly you have a better view from the airplane when you fly in.

    Since you have a convertible, be sure to cruise the strip with the top down at night - it's a real cool sensation!

    Also, be sure to drive out to Red Rock canyon, it's also nice. Have fun, and stick to a daily gambling budget!!:beer:
     
  11. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    Messages:
    9,892
    Location:
    Northern Nevada
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    248
    Outstanding advice... seems so obvious, but so many try to do too damn much!
     
  12. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2009
    Messages:
    16,023
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    175
    All good advice so far. Besides Groupon, check out Restaurant.com for dining. Every month they have a sale, just check this board for codes.

    Make sure to spend one evening downtown on Fremont Street, a totally different feel than the Strip. Check out the overhead show and maybe do the zipline. Get your picture taken with a million dollars.
    Weekends they have 2-3 stages going with live bands, plus the street entertainment.

    Coupons here:
    http://www.vegasexperience.com/coupons/

    Password is "realvegas"
     
  13. raraavis

    raraavis VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2010
    Messages:
    1,118
    Location:
    NJ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    9
    water may be readily available from bartenders and cocktail waitresses, but be warned that there aren't any drinking fountains! i discovered that on a trip in late june. i always carry a water bottle around. well i drank it all and was looking for a drinking fountain. no one seemed to have one! thank goodness a friendly bartender saw how dehydrated i was. if i'm wrong about those drinking fountains, can someone please tell me where they are?? thanks! :nworthy:

    there are quite a few tipping threads on this message board. just remember a lot of the advice is subjective as some people tip more or less than others. good luck!
     
  14. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2009
    Messages:
    6,341
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    75
    Welcome to the board. I can’t add too much – you’ve already received some good advice.

    There are probably several threads floating around this site on tipping you could find if you dig a little. But here’s my take:

    Cab driver: 15-20% of the fare IF you don’t feel he’s endangered your life, long-hauled you or tried to convince you to go somewhere you didn’t ask him to take you.

    Valet: $2-5 is standard, I think. More ($10-20) if you want them to keep the car close if you are just running up to your room and will be coming back down in a few minutes.

    Cocktail Waitress: $1/drink is fine. $2 or more for premium booze. $5+ if you’re betting bigger money.

    Bartender: Same as cocktail waitress.

    Waiter/Waitress: 15-20% of the bill for good service. More (25+%) at fancier places where there are several people waiting on you.

    Bellman: $2/bag when they take your bag and the same when they bring it to your room.

    Room Service: First check your bill. Gratuity is often included, in which case don’t bother unless you’re feeling generous or the service was outstanding. Otherwise, 15-20% is more than enough.

    Cab-Stand Attendant: There will be a guy at the taxi stand at the hotel hailing cabs for you (actually, he doesn’t have to hail them; they’ll be waiting in line for the next fare). I don’t think it is necessary to tip these guys simply for opening the door for you. If he finds you a special cab (ie a minivan if you’re in a large group) or helps you with your luggage, a few bucks is sufficient.

    Dealer: This one’s a tough one – it is hard to give a nice neat number. I guess I’d advise to give the dealer (or bet for the dealer) a chip “every now and then”. What kind of chip? Depends on what you’re betting. If you’re betting $5/hand, make it a $1 chip. $25/hand, make it a $5 chip. Couple hundred a hand, make it a $25/chip. Or, just observe what everyone else is doing and follow suit. Tip better if you’re new at the game and the dealer helps you with rules/strategy/protocol advice.

    “Hand Pays”: If you’re lucky enough to win more than $1200 on a single spin of the slot machine, an attendant will come by and “hand pay” you your jackpot. There is much debate over whether or not it is necessary to tip these people. I’d say if you have to wait an eternity for them to come around and pay you, don’t tip. If they are quick (and friendly) about it .5-2% of the jackpot is more than generous.

    Masseuse: I think 20% of the bill is more than enough. Check your bill though. Like room service, the gratuity may already be included.

    Housekeeping: Leave $3-5/day on your bed for the maid.

    I’ve probably missed some – everyone has their hand out these days. Also, the above are just general “rules of thumb”. Base your tipping on the service you get. If someone goes out of their way for you, give them a big tip. If someone just “goes through the motions”, make it a small tip. And if someone is rude, makes you feel uncomfortable or makes you feel obligated to buy something or go somewhere that you don’t want, stiff ‘em. Then try to find their boss.

    Best of luck. I’m sure you’ll have a blast.
     
  15. Silverbullet767

    Silverbullet767 Newbie

    Joined:
    May 23, 2012
    Messages:
    4
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    Wow, alot of good advice so far, thanks to everyone, and special thanks to thecarve for typing all of that!

    I knew there was a reason I joined these message boards!

    I did plan on taking in Freemont street. But I didn't know you could get your photo taken with 1 million dollars!

    I think I'll buy a small camera bag and keep some water in that. That should hopefully see me OK.

    I can't believe I'm going. It's been a dream of ours for years to experience Vegas.

    Just picked up some dollars from my local bank today. They have changed a little since I was last in America (1996 - Florida) (either that, or I've forgotten what dollars looked like!)

    Holding some dollars is just making the wait even more unbearable!

    56 days to go and counting!

    I better go and browse around the other message boards.

    Thanks for making me feel so welcome!

    Cheers from Scotland!
     
  16. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2009
    Messages:
    16,023
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    175
    Better check with John Travolta on that one.:wink2::wink2:
     
  17. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2009
    Messages:
    6,341
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    75
    :haha: He’s here all week, folks. (Try the veal.)
     
  18. ssyx

    ssyx Low-Roller

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    173
    Location:
    London, UK
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    Good advice on here already especially the comfy shoes thing, can cover a lot of ground in Vegas.

    As a fellow Brit i recommend going to the premium outlets to do some shopping, i prefer the North outlets. First time i went the prices blew my mind compared to the UK. Clothes and shoes/trainers for over 50% less than in England isn't uncommon.

    I hate shopping unless everything you buy feels like a bargain!

    Also see Love at the Mirage.

    Good luck!
     
  19. ebuzz7

    ebuzz7 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2005
    Messages:
    217
    Location:
    Oregon
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    20
    Also on the shoes issue. I always bring two pair of comfy shoes because it so helps to be able to change shoes. All shoes fit just a little different and the difference in pressure points is a big deal when your feet are killing you.
     
  20. cathead

    cathead Tourist

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2010
    Messages:
    17
    Location:
    Massachusetts
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    6
    to add on to some tips already given:

    the sneakers thing is really a must-have. I've walked around in Vans slip-on shoes for 2-3 trips and every time I ask myself why I do it to my self. This summer, I'll have New Balances. if you sit all day for work, not only will the walking get to you, but so will just the constant standing. if your job allows you, try to mix it up and stand. luckily my job has standing desks that go up and down.

    i would take that mustang through red rock canyon. It's $7ish and a great place for photos and is only 30 minutes away from the strip.

    if you are a water nut like me, you may want to visit a grocery store and buy some big jugs for your room. the hotel tap water is bad and waters cost a lot of money from hotel stores as you can imagine. walking on the strip is not bad as street vendors only charge $1 for a bottle of water.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.