Are you planning your first trip to Las Vegas, hoping to avoid common rookie mistakes? If so, you’re not alone.
According to a survey conducted by the LVCVA, 14% of visitors in 2024 were first-timers. While it’s a tough destination to “do wrong”, there are a number of things to avoid in Las Vegas.
Learn from my, and other people’s poor decisions (and pain) so that you can avoid the same fate!
First Timer Mistakes
Misjudging distance: Looks are deceiving. Resorts in Las Vegas look close, but typically take a lot more steps than you think to get to.
Map out where you want to go in your phone’s maps app to ensure an Uber/Lyft isn’t a better option.
Renting a car: There are exceptions (day trips outside the city), a rental car isn’t really necessary.
Vegas is chock full of transportation options, spanning from the Deuce Bus and the Monorail to taxis and Uber/Lyft. You’ll find yourself walking more than anything.
Resort parking ramps are often difficult to access, expensive to park in, and a hike from the action too.
Taking a taxi: Cabs are usually more expensive than rideshare.
Additionally, cabs are notorious for taking a longer route than necessary to “earn” an increased fare.
Although mandatory flat rates to and from the airport now prevent long hauling on that specific route, rideshare options are still typically cheaper.
Taking an Airport Shuttle: While I’m on the topic of airport transportation, put airport shuttles on your list of things to avoid.
If traveling in a group of 2 or more, Uber/Lyft will almost always be the cheaper, quicker option. Even if you’re traveling alone, saving a few measly bucks isn’t worth having to sit through multiple stops on a shared shuttle.
Staying too long: Look, Vegas isn’t exactly a relaxing beach trip to a Gulf Coast beach.
Day drinking, walking, and gambling take a toll. Perhaps the wife and I are more abusive to our bodies than others, but we once took an 8-night trip, and that necessitated a sober day in the middle to recharge. My sweet spot now is 2-3 nights.
Not bringing comfortable shoes: You’re going to walk. A lot. Don’t torture your tootsies.
Not escaping the city: If you enjoy the outdoors, not exploring popular national parks and natural sites outside of Las Vegas could be a huge misstep.
With numerous outdoor options within day-trip range from Vegas including the Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, and Red Rock Canyon, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city could be a welcome reprieve.
Paying HUGE ATM fees: Casino ATM fees are notoriously high, hit a CVS, Walgreens for less sticker shock. The ATM at Casino Royale is the cheapest at $3.
Not booking direct: Booking directly with resorts in Vegas tends to be cheaper than booking with 3rd party OTAs like Orbitz, Travelocity, etc.
If possible sign up for that casino’s loyalty program before booking to score a modest discount. Rooms booked directly can almost always be canceled and refunded if the need arises, which allows you to continue to check rates, cancel, and re-book if prices become more advantageous.
Booking a hotel away from the action: While resorts like Palace Station, Trump, Circus Circus, Sahara, and STRAT boast their proximity to tourist centers, they aren’t that close. Drop yourself into the action for your first trip.
Not using a player’s card: Casinos use that player’s card to track your play and will offer discounts and even complimentary stays in the future based on your spend. Even low rollers can score deep discounts and free rooms on subsequent trips.
Play games with poor odds: Stay away from games like 6:5 blackjack and triple zero roulette which dilute your odds of winning and are common at Strip casinos. 3:2 blackjack can be found on the Strip at a higher minimum bet or at resorts downtown or off the Strip.
I usually walk a few blocks behind Horseshoe to Ellis Island, a small casino that deals a cheap 3:2 blackjack game. For the best roulette games, check out the single zero roulette game at Plaza on Fremont Street.
Be Mindful of Slot Denominations: Here’s what happens. You plug cash into a slot machine thinking it’s a penny denomination, select how many credits you want to play, and hit spin only to realize it’s a dollar machine and you are playing $20 or more per spin.
I made that mistake recently and was fortunate to hit a $100 win. Whew.
Not taking public transportation: Among the easiest ways to save money in Las Vegas is utilizing the bus to get from place to place. The two most common uses for the bus are from the Strip to Fremont Street, and from the airport to Downtown Las Vegas.
Not gambling away from the Strip: This isn’t a hard and fast rule, just a suggestion. Even I gamble on the Strip… because it’s fun, BUT slots are looser, and table game rules more player-friendly the further you get from the Strip.
While casinos downtown offer slightly better odds, casinos in Boulder like Sam’s Town, Green Valley Ranch, or M Resort have been shown to have the loosest slots in town.
Eating at the wrong buffets: Don’t eat at cheap Strip Buffet, which usually land in the $35-$45 range. They’re fine, but unimpressive.
Instead, spend the extra $30-$50 to enjoy an enhanced experience at Wynn, Caesars Palace, or Cosmopolitan.
There, you’ll find a TON of variety, high quality, prime rib, seafood, and more. These are pictures from Caesars Bacchanal Buffet.
Agreeing to a timeshare presentation: You’re likely to be approached by timeshare salespeople. Their goal is to entice you to attend a high-pressure sales pitch and property tour in exchange for show tickets, or other carrots.
Not only are timeshares in Vegas a ripoff, but the presentations are a waste of time. Just buy the show tickets.
Engaging with salespeople: You’re bound to be approached by salespeople or buskers as you walk the Strip. They’ll lead with a question like “How long are you in town for?”, or “How long have you been married?”.
For the Vegas rookie, ignoring such an inquiry can feel rude, but trust me, you don’t want to waste your vacation hearing a pitch. While first-timers may take the bait, you’ll learn to blow right past them on subsequent trips.
Getting scammed: Rookies are susceptible to scams in Vegas that regulars are aware of. Keep your slot vouchers and cell phones within your view, avoid “long hauling” cab drivers, and don’t grab CD’s or bracelets from peddlers on the street as they intend to shake you down for cash.
Speaking of shakedowns, don’t feel obligated to overtip street performers on the Strip. While tips are their only compensation, they are not legally able to set a price but commonly insist on a $20 tip (or more!) per photo when a few bucks will do.
Not being prepared to tip: Don’t make the mistake of showing up in Vegas without the right denominations to tip properly. Everyone from the driver who delivers you to your hotel, to the bellman who stores your bags will expect you to pony up.
Skipping Fremont Street: Visit Downtown Las Vegas at least once during your stay. While the Strip boasts shiny, new, mega-resorts, downtown Las Vegas exhibits that historic neon charm you have seen in the movies.
See Also: If you decide to check it out, I recommend reviewing my list of things to do on Fremont Street besides gambling and my favorite historic things to see on Fremont Street!
Staying on Fremont Street if you need sleep: First-timers may not be aware that the party on Fremont Street comes with live music on 3 stages, extending until the wee hours of the morning.
The vast majority of rooms downtown are exposed to a noise level that will be viewed as unacceptable by light sleepers or those in town for work purposes.
Fortunately, there are a few quieter rooms out there, usually in towers set back from the madness.
Thinking she’s into you: This one is for the guys. Gentlemen, if you’re approached by a member of the opposite gender while sitting at the bar or at a slot machine, it’s not safe to assume she is speaking to you due to your good looks, charm, and intellect. It’s safe to assume she’s a lady of the night.
Taking the red-eye flight home: Overnight flights are cheap. I get it. But Don’t.
Few things are less enjoyable than arriving at the airport for a 1 am flight home when you’re sweaty, exhausted, and coming off a chemical buzz. Spend up for a respectable flight time.
Shopping at the hotel gift shop: That little store in your resort is going to be absurdly expensive. There’s a reson they don’t post prices at many of them. Take a few steps and head to a CVS or Walgreens.
Overindulging on night one: There is nothing like the excitement of arriving in Vegas. That excitement usually drives me, and others like me, to stay up too late, drink too much, and regret it dearly the next day.
Hopefully, I was able to help steer you away from some of the most common mistakes made by Vegas first-timers. Have a great trip, and win big! Even if a mistake or two is made, I trust you’ll have a great time in Sin City!
Feature Image: ©somchaij/123RF.COM
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.