You can read all the guides to Sin City in the world, but nothing quite prepares you for stepping out into 44°C heat at 9 am, only to be handed a cocktail by someone dressed as Chewbacca.
Las Vegas is, quite frankly, ridiculous. It’s loud, dazzling, slightly unhinged—and totally unmissable! A bucket list destination if ever there was one, who among us hasn’t dreamed of taking a trip there at least once? Whether it’s to catch world-class artists like Mariah Carey in their residencies, living the lavish life in the Nobu Sky Villa, or shaking things up on the casino floor, this city is made for leisure and entertainment.
Here’s the thing though: Las Vegas can be a difficult animal to tame, and even the most seasoned travelers might find themselves stuck in a few snares. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!
Heading to Vegas this year? Here’s what not to do—and what to do instead.
Don’t: Travel Without a Plan
Do: Book the Essentials
Vegas is the type of US destination that does reward spontaneity… to a point. Rocking up without a game plan might sound carefree, but it’s also the easiest way to blow your budget and miss out on the good stuff.
What to do if minute-by-minute itineraries aren’t your thing? Easy – just book the essentials. Obviously, you’ve probably covered your flights and transportation to this desert oasis, but it’s also a smart idea to book your accommodation and any specific experiences you’d like to try.
One thing you might not realise about Vegas is that accommodation prices swing wildly depending on the season, or if there are any major conventions or events in town. The same room you can snap up for $120 a night in July might triple during a boxing weekend in September. The same goes for concerts and residencies—these sell out quickly, and last-minute tickets can be eye-watering if you’re not savvy.
Pro Tip: Lock in your room well in advance, and make sure to book any show tickets direct via venue websites or apps like Dice (especially handy if you’re after presales). If you can be flexible in the time of year you travel, avoid peak periods like Christmas, New Year’s, and keep an eye on the sporting calendar too. Shoulder seasons—think March or October—offer better weather and more competitive rates.
Don’t: Bet on Casino Games You Don’t Know
Do: Brush Up on Your Skills Online
Let’s face it, even if your knowledge of casino gaming comes solely from movies and TV shows, visiting one of Las Vegas’ megacasinos will probably be first on your list. The thing is, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the scale and thrill of these venues. Everything here is designed to get you gaming: immersive sounds, flashing lights, crowded blackjack tables… but you’ll soon realise (like I did) that if you’re sitting down without a clue, you might as well head outside and throw your chips down the street!
Blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat—all of these casino classics come with their own rules, variants, and table etiquette. Even the humble slot machine can trip you up if you don’t understand paylines, volatility, or bonus mechanics.
Pro Tip: Before you take off, take the time to do a little research online. Get gaming if you can, too, as there are ample reputable platforms that specialize in online slots and the like—plenty of which also offer demo modes, so you can play without wagering real money. You’ll soon learn more about how the games work, what approaches you should take, and how to manage your bankroll. Plus, with online slots, you get a lot of variety, which is great news – even the huge casinos in Vegas can’t really compete with the catalog and choice you’ll find in the digital realm.
This isn’t about suddenly becoming a pro gambler. Understanding how a game works and having some experience keeps you in control, which makes it way more fun to play in this metropolis of gambling. Whether it’s slots, poker, blackjack, or something else, playing online first can make things feel less daunting and far more enjoyable when you step into a physical casino for the first time.
Don’t: Assume the Strip is Walkable
Do: Treat it Like the Urban Safari It Is
So, here’s a fun little story… I touched down in Vegas, grabbed a map, and immediately made the rookie mistake of thinking I could stroll from one end of the Strip to the other. Easy, right? One hour and two litres of sweat later, I was limping into a Walgreens begging for electrolytes!
The Strip is deceptive. Everything looks close in 2D because the buildings are massive. Hotels and casinos take up multiple city blocks. Add in overpasses, zig-zagging footbridges, and the kind of heat that melts mascara off your face, and you’ve got a recipe for heatstroke.
Pro Tip: My best advice? Don’t try to conquer the Strip on foot in a day. There are free trams buzzing up and down for a reason, so take them. Ride-shares are also a great way to see the sights and connect with locals or other travelers, and the Las Vegas Monorail will get you from key zone to key zone without a hitch.
As for footwear, if you are spending a few days sightseeing, it’s got to be comfort over aesthetics. You can glam up with a pair of Jimmy Choos when you hit the casino later, but as long as the sun’s in the sky, keep it easy-breezy on your feet.
Don’t: Think Vegas Is All About the Strip
Do: Broaden your Horizons
And speaking of the Strip. After two days of noise, neon, and buildings that give you vertigo, you’ll naturally want to take a breather. Vegas isn’t all high-stakes gambling and adrenaline-fueled attractions; there are some really chill things to do here too. You just need to know where to look.
Pro Tip: Experience the Vegas of the past at the Neon Museum—as the name suggests, this is a venue dedicated to the city’s plentiful scenes and setpieces. The Red Rock Canyon is a 30-minute drive away, or why not take a morning helicopter tour over the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon National Park? Alternatively, check out the 1-day itineraries and spend a whole day in this incredible place.
