Ten mistakes often made by Las Vegas, NV visitors

 

 "We won't EVER do that again!" Both experienced and novice Las Vegas travelers commit errors before and during their trips simply because of their humanity. Vegas travelers also commit errors simply because of an anxious excitement that often accompanies Sin City visits ; we can't wait to get to the next lurid event. Planning and executing an enjoyable Las Vegas getaway is truly a learned art. Individual visitor's accountings of their own real or perceived trip / visitation errors varies widely due to personal likes, dislikes, budgets, and Vegas visitation experience. Yet, there are some common mistakes that many Las Vegas trekkers have made (including this author). Ten common misplays are described here.

1. Underestimating scale and size of hotel - casinos on the strip :    

I once rounded the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard on foot with my significant other. This was our initial trip to Vegas and we were in awe of the kitschy visual spectacle that the town is partially famous for. As we walked north in front of MGM Grand, I spotted Caesar's Palace which appeared to be on the not-so-distant architectural horizon. Wrong, Gertrude! As we eventually and painstakingly approached Caesar's, I was fully prepared to pay someone to toss me into the oncoming Las Vegas Boulevard traffic. The sheer inherent mass and size of the monstrous concrete monoliths we refer to as casino-hotels can easily render us error - prone in judging walking distances. On each and every subsequent Sin City visit , car rental has been a standard for us due to this experience.
 

2. Remaining too long at gambling venues :

Overstaying at an individual table game or slot / video poker machine in attempts to recoup losses is both common and foolhardy. It's almost always cheaper and wiser to get up and do anything else.

3. Poor or inadequate overall trip planning :  

This error can potentially add significant costs to a Vegas trip budget for those who consider costs important. That said, it's also enjoyable to leave some time slots for unplanned, spontaneous activities as well (see next entry).

4. Over-planning Vegas trips :

Visitors who plan out every last detail and minute may exhaust themselves and their entire travel party into a condition of extreme fatigue..or anarchy.

5. Failure to sign up for player's club and or casino website email memberships :  

This is a massive no-brainer if any gambling at all is anticipated, particularly in light of the current economic environment in Vegas. They're handing out reams of good room offers with attached freebies in order to entice patronage. Don't neglect to use player's club cards at table games or in slots once you obtain one.

6. Gambling at casino games that have an insurmountable house edge :  

Keno comes to mind, despite the mass of sweet grandmothers who enjoy this game. Roulette, big wheel, and a number of the newer offshoot blackjack games like Super Fun 21 or Spanish 21 also have high house edges off the top.

7. Poor driving habits : 

That unique Vegas adrenaline that arises in most of us can be detrimental when behind the wheel. Driving as if one's hair was on fire to arrive at the next exciting event can be dangerous. Drive defensively because there are lots of other excited drivers out there on the roadways.

8. Failure to bring comfortable walking shoes :

Simply navigating within a single casino on foot can resemble a Trail of Tears at times. Have you ever roamed around and within MGM Grand or Mandalay Bay in uncomfortable footwear?

9. Failure to utilize valet parking services when toting luggage :

This particularly applies for those locales with parking garages located what seems to be a county away from hotel check-in desks. It's a hike at some of these hotels (eg MGM Grand) even without luggage. Consider valet services anytime toting luggage to and fro, such as arrival and departure days or during hotel changes in town within the trip. The minimal costs are usually worth avoiding a marathon trek on concrete.

10. Failure to use alternate access routes to strip hotels when driving : 

Driving down Las Vegas Boulevard in heavy traffic conditions can be prohibitively time-consuming. There are some well-known alternate driving routes that can save considerable time and frustration. There are some thoroughfares that roughly parallel the strip on the east (Koval Lane and Audrie Street) and west (Frank Sinatra drive and Dean Martin / Industrial Road ) sides that allow access to strip properties from behind. 

There's some comfort or solace for novice Las Vegas visitors to know that subsequent treks to town become easier and less mistake - prone after some experience at it. Sin City travelers can identify their own set of Vegas likes, dislikes, budget constraints, and preferences for ensuing trips. Enjoy!

Cheers...

Charles Higgins