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First trip

Discussion in 'Las Vegas for the Frugal (not Cheap)' started by Diger79, Aug 6, 2013.

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  1. Diger79

    Diger79 Tourist

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    Ok.In a week wife and I will be making our first trip to LV... Neither of us are big gamblers but will play a little. What would you say is the biggest mistake of a first timer. Also what would be the must dos...
     
  2. Gino

    Gino "The King of Inappropriate."

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    1) Learn the rules and paytables to each and every game and every machine you're going to play. This benefits you financially and other players at the table with you.

    2) Do not think the casinos are a quick walk from one another just because they look close together. They're not. Familiarize yourself with bus routes, monorail schedules, cab fares, and a map of the strip or downtown.

    3) Vegas is a 24 hour town. You can drink there all day everyday, anywhere, openly. Be careful not to overindulge in an area you're not familiar with. Asking questions here on this board will help you out a lot in this regard. Vegas is a very safe town, but there are assholes everywhere that will take advantage of a drunk tourist.

    4) Ignore the pornslappers on Las Vegas Blvd. Don't make eye contact with them and don't take whatever they are handing out.. If you take a card from one of them, expect to be swarmed like you just stepped into a yellowjackets nest.

    5) I know you posted you're not big gamblers but this is important as hell. Whatever monies you have allotted for gambling that day, stick to it. Once you hit the limit, get to a pool, or find other things to do. The machines and the tables will be there forever.

    6) Have fun and see as many of the places as you can. You will be amazed at the sheer size of some of these resorts...If I can think of any more I'll list em. Cheers :beer:
     
  3. hundth

    hundth Low-Roller

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    Make sure you check out some of the free things!
    1.TI Sirens Show (the old pirate fights)
    2. Bellagio Fountains
    3. Mirage Volcano eruptions
    4. The statue show in the forum shops at Caesars
    5. Explore the extravagant casinos (Wynn, Venetian, Encore. Bellagio) they are beautiful inside.
    6. Go downtown and see the light show on the canopy.
    As far as gambling.....learn how to play Black Jack, Craps, Baccarat or Video Poker these give you the best odds of winning.

    And make sure you have at least one nice dinner!

    Good luck and have fun!
     
  4. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    If someone approaches you asking if you'd like to see a show or have a nice meal on them, they're trying to sell you something you don't need - usually a timeshare. Smile, shake your head, politely say "no thanks" and keep moving. Do not stop or they will badger you relentlessly. (Even if you're interested in a timeshare, this is not the place to buy one.)

    Get a player's card for every casino (or rather, family of casinos) in which you plan to play. Use it whenever you gamble.

    Pack a pair of comfortable shoes, Chapstick (or similar), sunglasses, sunscreen and hand lotion/moisturizer (I'm a guy who NEVER uses lotion, except when I'm in Vegas).

    Take advantage of the "play $X on us" promos going on (Cosmo, Trop et al.). With these promos, casinos "reimburse" you for a certain amount of losses in the form of free play. This is a great way to stretch your gambling $.

    Research restaurants. Whether money is no object or you're on a very tight budget, there's no reason not to eat well!

    Drink too much...eat too much...experience sensory overload at every opportunity...you can sleep when you're dead (or back at work).
     
  5. captainron62

    captainron62 VIP Whale

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    Dont buy anthing or take any advice from anyone soliciting on the streets. If you want to find something to do like show tickets, or a tour ask the concierge'. You may pay a bit more going this route than a seasoned vet that knows where the deals are, but you wont get ripped off!
     
  6. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    I love this topic. I don't think we've done it in a while.

    Everything is farther than you think it is.
    Wear good shoes! Sometimes comfort has to win over fashion.
    HYDRATE!! One water for every two drinks at least.
    Don't over-schedule. It's easy to plan to fill every minute, but leave some time to just wander around with your mouth agape. :)

    This is a good one I don't think I've seen on too many lists. It really applies to so many different possibilities. Porn Slappers, Time Share, future Rap stars with CDs, $1 water vendors, strip clubs, cabbies, hookers, costumed characters, etc.

    Just watch yourself and if it sounds too good... it is.

    Enjoy! :drunk:
     
  7. Diger79

    Diger79 Tourist

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    Thanks everyone for the tips.
    As for gaming we have done it before at the local places and have that down.Granted we play slots.Table games I enjoy but cost to much out here. If either of us make a profit we walk with the winnings and a small bank roll to start.
    Now we are making the trip to play in a pool torney so time maybe limited.Luckly no one sleeps there.
    The pornslappers dont' bother me.I got my wife its free.They got nothing for me.Time shares got me once and never again.
    My folks have said to make friends with the concierge for tickets to shows.
    Outside of playing pool we are not planning anything and just wing it and see what we want to do..
     
  8. OhioStateAlum

    OhioStateAlum High-Roller

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    Definitely agree about things looking close (walkable) despite being lightyears away.

    On top of making sure you're drinking plenty of water while there, I'd drink water in excess in the days leading up to your trip. It has worked for me when I've tried it on my last few trips. The flight, heat, activity, and alcohol will catch up to you either way, but being proactive will help. I've also found Pedialyte came in handy for hangovers as well as just general rehydration purposes throughout the day. Have a great trip!
     
  9. aashleyjc

    aashleyjc Low-Roller

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    Don't eat anything, or anywhere, you can eat at home. That means don't go to IHOP, go to HHAGG. Want a burger? Don't go to McDonald's go to Holsteins, Burger Bar, BurGR. Pizza? Don't get Dominos, go to Five50 or Secret Pizza.

    Go somewhere to see the Strip all lit up at night. Mix, Foundation Room, top of The STRAT , Eiffel Tower, Mandarin Bar. The view during the day is good, but absolutely amazing at night.

    Go to Fremont St. You didn't say where you are staying but Fremont and the Strip are two different animals and every vegas virgin should experience both.
     
  10. Diger79

    Diger79 Tourist

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    Ooops staying at circus circus
     
  11. makikiboy

    makikiboy VIP Whale

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    IMHO, some of the biggest mistakes that a first timer does: Overplanning and trying to see too many things on your visit. There are so many things to see in vegas, just try to choose the most important things and hit them first, then hit the next important things on your list, and so forth. Make sure that you allow adequate time for your travels, with the crazy drivers you don't want to be another one on the road, drive safely and within reason of the speed limits but try to keep up with the flow of traffic so you don't cause problems on the road, stay away from aggressive drivers and let them pass so they are the next person's problem, not yours. Try to combine your visits in an area so you don't end up driving back and forth across vegas.

    staying at the CC there aren't many things to do in the immediate area so good that you have a car to get around. If you want to see some sights on the strip (bellagio fountain show, Mandalay Bay, etc.), best to drive your car and park in the area and then walk around. while the walk from cc isn't very far it does take up some time to get around on foot. Blocks are long on the strip.

    downtown and local casinos have lower minimums (the el cortez even has some $3 tables). also be forewarned that a lot of things on the strip are more expensive than off strip things.
     
  12. BethChicago

    BethChicago Newbie

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    Also interesting "paid" attractions

    Pinball Hall of Fame - free entrance but you just pay as you play. Fascinating for us slightly older folks (40-something) who miss these games!

    Neon Museum - We are heading there for the first time on our upcoming trip but we've heard great reviews. Essentially a Neon "boneyard" of old Vegas signs. $18-25 depending on when you go (night tours are pricier), but still probably a cheaper way to spend an hour+ than gambling!

    Both of these are a cab or bus ride away from either the strip or downtown.

    BLL
     
  13. BigGTMike

    BigGTMike Low-Roller

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    Any idea of Cosmo plans to extend the $100 on us past Aug 31? Am I missing something?
     
  14. GetEmLuke

    GetEmLuke Tourist

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    THIS! Yes this is a rule my wife and I have. Never eat at a restaurant you have at home.
    You will find some really good options if you just look.
     
  15. TuneinTokyo

    TuneinTokyo High-Roller

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    Since you have a car and this is your first time, I would suggest study the hell out of the map and try to stay off the strip if you can. Streets like Harmon or Maryland Parkway can get you through town quickly.

    Depending on the time of day the strip can be hell. Avoid it during the afternoon rush hour.

    Hit the top off the strat at night. You can drink at the bar and not have to pay to go up the elevator

    The restaurant also does a 360 degree turn every hour.
     
  16. VegasKing

    VegasKing High-Roller

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    Make sure the taxi driver takes the tunnel from the airport. It is a shortcut
    Go to the front of the line at XS on Saturday night, and ask them to let you in ahead of everyone else. If they decline, try to use the phrase, "Do you know who I am?" - they love that
    Do not wait in line for taxis in front of hotels, just go on the strip and flag them down. No lines.
    Criss Angel has the absolute best show in Vegas. Must see to "believe"
    Do not take comfortable shoes, all of the hotels are right next to each other

    Oh wait, this is a list for what not to do
     
  17. Diger79

    Diger79 Tourist

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    Vegasking but I really like tunnels.
    XS i was gonna slip the bouncer 10 bucks and say i'm santa ( guess I shouldnt have shaved off the beard)
    Comfy shoes.I thought flip flops would work fine.
    Criss angel best hack out there..

    Don't know if I should go now...LOL
     
  18. topcard

    topcard Here's to $10 3:2 two-deck, $5 Craps, and $5 UTH!

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    Annual Spring Trip!
  19. sapphirevegas

    sapphirevegas High-Roller

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    Make sure to go to the conservatory at Bellagio. They have a beautiful seasonal display, all made of flowers. Amazing! Also walk thru the outdoor nature area behind Flamingo. Lots of fish and birds to take pictures of, and it feels relaxing for a while to get in a green area in Vegas with all of the cement.
     
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