First Solo Trip Advice

I am heading out for 8 nights on May 27. This will be my first solo trip, not to get into it too much or sound pathetic but I am just getting out of a long term relationship (23 years) and not sure how it is going to be after going on 16 trips with my SO. I would love to bring some of my girlfriends but none of them can swing it on this short notice with the airfare being so high. I know nobody can tell me how I will feel and I am sure there will be some sadness, but I already booked this trip solo a few months ago and I really need a vacation so not a chance of postponing it or cancelling. Even though I have gone with the SO for the last 16 years, I have still spent a lot of time doing my own thing while there. This has been part of our problem is not wanting to do things together anymore. Where I would enjoy the pool, gamble and go to shows myself about the only thing we would do together is eat our meals, casino hop and explore off strip (always have a car). So any advice for a first time solo trip would be helpful.

 

I am leaving Tuesday for a week solo. It's my 3rd trip in as many months but the others weren't solo; March with husband and early April with a friend. The plus about a solo trip is being able to do whatever you want whenever you want. The only downside I've found in the couple of solo trips I've done is missing having someone to joke and laugh at the funny things you see and that happen along the way. Easy to strike up conversations while gambling though.

The other downside as a solo female traveller is sometimes being uncomfortable walking alone at night. I've taken a cab from The Rio to the Palms in the wee hours and not gone across the road from Palms to Gold Coast in the wee hours when I would have liked to, just too deserted. I had some drunk homeless guy hassle me on the overpass just walking from Tropicana to MGM late one night, fortunately a guy behind me scooted up beside me and pretended he was with me and walked me in. Eating Aline is quite comfortable, so many do in Vegas and many restaurants have counter seating.

I have booked 4 shows so I have some firm plans, booked a daybed at the pool and the rest will be flying by the seat of my pants. I am meeting up with some people I know while in town as well and will be meeting some board members at Cosmo.

Don't fret, I am sure you will have a great time. I always meet people every time I'm in Vegas whether I'm on my own or with hubby or friends. You may have some lonely moments but you'll meet lots of people. Enjoy not having anyone there to cramp your style!

 

You could always try to meet up with people from the board. Considering the time of year, I would put money on there being at least a couple people out there during some portion of your stay. I've never done a solo trip but I've done plenty of solo gambling. You could probably play VP and chat up the bartenders at any number of places and get bombed out of your mind. Likewise, eating at the bar of many establishments isn't an odd thing, I don't think.
I suppose it all depends on how social of a person you are and how much interaction you require, but you can definitely find people to party or gamble with if you're a fun, outgoing person

 

My advise is to enjoy yourself and try not to lose all your money the first few days, as a solo trip veteran I think you will like it, although 8 days seems a bit much. My personal recipe is gamble, drink, eat, and repeat as necessary, be friendly and you'll be surprised how many conversations you can get into.

 

I have done MANY solo trips. While its nice to have people with you for the "fun" factor.... I enjoyed having the freedom more. FWIW 53 yr single male. And I don't mind being alone.

And FWIW I went on trips, 2 of them actually-- one a month after my dad passed , one less than a month after my mother passed. So I can kinda understand where ya might be coming from emotionally. Both times I wanted to cancel, but didn't( virtually all of my friends and my mom after my dad died INSISTED I GO.), and it turns out I NEEDED the vacations...for a LOT of reasons.

Now that said.. ya have a car which I strongly agree with( many of my trips in the fall were of a week or so). Because you will be out there for more than a a week. Go on day trips!! Pahrumph ( winery), Valley of Fire , Hoover Dam, tour etc... Ya get the drift. I say that because I am NOT a person to suntan at the pool.. Now swimming is another issue ( ALWAYS enjoy that) so the car is important IMHO. Now if ya choose to go day trips pick out a restaurant/bar in that area.

Now depending on where ya stay get a message or day spa treatment. That will open up to the private workout steam sauna facilities. if they have them. which I happen to LOVE ( I really enjoy the steam room/whirlpool).


Now onto the dining issue. Some feel funny eating at a table alone at a decent restaurant which I get. If you go that route bring a book magazine or newspaper. You can also sit at the bar which is always IMHO better. Its easy to strike up conversations with folks and if ya like sports all the more better. But I do get that being a single gal that if you feel funny not going to the restaurant bar to dine. But I will say this w/o reservation. If yo feel slighted at any place dining because you are dining alone for WHATEVER reason.. LEAVE. There are a zillion businesses that would welcome you.

Finally shows are always a good route. Also have ya done helicopter trip???. Might be worth a consideration.


I KNOW this was a bit long winded...but I hope this helps. Any questions feel free to fire away. and ENJOY your trip and ya better have a TR!

 

I've been to LV solo a number of times now, but never for 8 nights. I would think that would be a bit much, but of course I'm not you.

I've never had any major issues. I consider myself to be very streetwise and I think I know where not to go and what not to do.

When I go to LV on business I'll often times fly out early and spend a night or a weekend solo and I've always really enjoyed it. Just hanging out, surfing the casinos, people watching, doing a photo walk, things like that.

I'm not at all into the club scene (much too old for that) but I do occasionally enjoy hanging out at some of the casino lounges particularly if they have a good band. I really enjoyed Oshea's for that this recent trip.

 

My last 3 Trips have been solo and I have loved it. different circumstances than yours currently but I'm sure it will be a rewarding trip altogether.
No doubt there will be moments of sadness and reflection but that could happen in your neighbourhood grocery store. Geography is not going to change the healing process.
The only thing that might be tough is solo meals. I'm sure there will be lots of opportunities for chit chat etc but maybe you could do meet up with other members who might be there as others have already mentioned.
Just get out if bed everyday and don't get stuck inside of the casino. Good luck !

 

By your handle, are you a female Chief Petty Officer?

Having worked for the Navy for 29-1/2 years, I know you can handle yourself.

I have gone on many the solo trip and I can guarantee that as long as you watch your six, you will be fine.

Remember, the big advantage to a solo trip is the total freedom. You do not have to kiss anyone's butt or bend to their will.

Situational Awareness is what you have to remember the most.

Relax and have fun.

 

Before I got so old... I'm 80... and my kids don't want me to fly alone... I had gone to Vegas solo a couple of times... usually because I had booked a trip and the person going with me backed out for one reason or the other. I have enjoyed the trips. Did not ever feel discriminated against because I was alone.
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Usually you will find solo diners are not out of place...i.e. ate solo at upscale Hugo's in Four Queens and got royal treatment. If I am at a quick snack type of place, I usually have a book to read... but found that other solo travelers seem to want to talk to me... so I'm not lonely.
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As mentioned in the posts above, the only disadvantage is not having someone to share something good that happens to you gambling or otherwise... like long ago at Desert Inn when I got upgraded to a suite because I had to wait so long... and no one to see it! Nowadays with smart phones you can share your experiences! Good luck to you... have lots of fun!

 

Thank you everyone for the great advice. I am really looking forward to my vacation and I know I will have a great time. I'm not even really concerned about the eating alone as I rarely go to upscale restaurants. I prefer more casual and will be having a few buffets courtesy of MyVegas, so have no problem doing that alone. And yes the car is nice to have as I love to do the side day trips (after my morning hour or 2 at the pool) - I know 8 nights seems very long to some but that is how many nights we have been staying for the last several years since due to financial and work restraints can only do Vegas once a year. If I could go more than once a year the stay would be shorter. I am going to look for a thread (or start one) to see if anyone from the board will be there at same time a meet up would be great. I can never go when Sonya has the big ones.

 

Yes retired Navy Chief after 24 years (both active and reserve) and yes you know I can handle myself you are so right about Situational Awareness - I am always careful when walking the strip even when going with the ex a lot of times I would walk the strip back from a dinner to get the exercise while he would hop in a cab or take a cab back.

And looking forward to not having to check with someone else before doing something or going somewhere!

 

Just got back from a solo trip! I like it a lot. My only thought is 8 days would be WAY too long for me...

I'd stick to casual dining, I didn't feel weird eating at casual places went to brunch at Border Grill and at at the coffee shop a few times alone. Also shows are totally cool alone. Go check out the High Roller ferris wheel. I'd suggest renting a car... since you are there for 8 days gotta get away some time. Head out to Red Rock, do the scenic drive, and check out the casino there it's very nice. Also do the Neon Museum it's awesome! For me, it's all about finding things to do that aren't gambling. Because I just gamble and gamble and gamble and blow through my bank roll, there is nobody to stop me!

Just take the time to relax, take a nice bath.. go to the pool and the spa. I had a great top of the line pedicure on my trip that was great.

As everyone else said, just be aware.. I didn't feel awkward on any of my trips. There is always so many people around anyways.