Know Before You Go: Las Vegas

We went out to Las Vegas for one of my best friend’s bachelorette parties. We were all a healthy mix of nervous and excited because there were 9 girls going. Anyone who has traveled with a group before knows how it can add a bit more stress trying to coordinate that many people, but we were all extremely excited. After we returned (yes we survived) we all had a different perspective of things we wish we had known before we went to Sin City.

The strip is huge

I don’t think you really get an idea of just how long it is to go from one end of the strip to the other – from end to end it is a little over four miles. If you have certain places you would like to visit in mind, take that into account when making your hotel reservations. You can absolutely uber or find a driver (there are always cabs and limos waiting outside hotels and a lot will go lower on price just so they have a ride), but if you definitely want to be able to walk to the Bellagio to see the fountain show, do a quick check on google maps and see how far it is from your hotel.

If you don’t like clubs, don’t go to clubs

This seems very obvious, but we were in Vegas so we wanted to check out the different clubs since that was what they are known for. While I do suggest at least trying it out for a night, keep in mind if you hate them normally, you suddenly aren’t going to like them in Vegas. They are still loud, the drinks are still overpriced, the lines are long – these things don’t just disappear. There are ways to make them a little less stressful…

Talk to a promoter

We are from Philadelphia, aka one of the many east coast cities you are taught to ignore random people on the street handing out things. Grab the random handouts. Some of them are nothing, but others are drink specials or skip the line options. More importantly, a lot of them will have promoter information on the card. If you know someone who lives in Vegas or has been before, ask them if they have a promoters number. You can also do research online to find out what company is in charge of which clubs and events. This is especially helpful if it is just a group of women celebrating something. Clubs will give out express line passes, happy hours, even open bars so they can get people in their club.

Check Groupon

There are a lot of shows and activities listed on Groupon that you can check out. We went to the High Roller and I would highly recommend it. It is the giant ferris wheel on the strip that has pods on the end. You have a 30-minute trip and can decide to do it at night or during the day, and have an open bar or not. Groupon also has shows like Cirque de Soliel or Backstreet Boys! If you are at a loss for what to do check out Groupon for ideas.

Theft is high

When I visited New Orleans that was one thing that my friends repeated, you have to be aware of your bags at all times. In Vegas, I assumed it would be about as likely as when we go to Atlantic City. I was very wrong. The first night out my phone got stolen with all my credit cards. They were nice enough to leave my wallet with my ID at least. When I went to the mall the next day to get a replacement the worker told me it was very common. They always stock a couple hundred extra phones on the weekends. I know a few people who now either don’t bring their phone with them out or buy a tracfone for the weekend.

You shouldn’t make it an extra long weekend

If you are visiting Vegas for longer than 2 nights, do something outside the strip. Rent a car and go to the Grand Canyon for the day, check out Fremont Street and zip line, or head to the Neon Boneyard. There is plenty to do outside of Sin City for the day. Your liver and bank account will thank you.

Open container law

For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Savannah or New Orleans, you might not be familiar with the open container law. This means you can openly walk around with a drink in your hand. Stroll down the strip at night to see everything lit up, fill a cup for yourself and explore! Just make sure it is plastic.

There are bridges

This isn’t a super important thing but is helpful when trying to plan your night. Most places on the strip require you to cross the highway on a bridge, there isn’t a crosswalk. So you might have to backtrack depending on your destination. If you are running late for a reservation this is especially helpful to know.

Not all hotels are created equal

When booking a hotel be sure to check out if it offers additional fun features. For example, the MGM Grand has a lazy river and top golf, the Bellagio has a conservatory, or you can take a gondola ride at the Venetian. Some of these things you can do even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. However, if any seem like must do’s on your group’s list, consider making one your hotel for the weekend. The other thing to check is not just the price of the room, but the resort fees. Also if they are per person or per night. Some places have the resort fee built into the room. However, others charge them for every person who is staying in your room.

What are some things you wish you had known before you went to Vegas?