One unforgettable place on a lot of people’s bucket list is Las Vegas, and it has largely opened its doors again to the public. If you’re seeing the neon lights for the first time, and want to know more, then here is a quick guide on how to prepare for your first trip to the infamous Sin City.
GENERAL TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO SIN CITY
BOOK AHEAD
Always think about peak tourism times when you go on a vacation, and take note that Las Vegas can get extremely busy. Even during 2020, it saw around 19 million visitors. It goes without saying that tourists will start flocking to Vegas again relatively soon, as the country reopens. If you don’t want to miss out on the entertainment then book everything ahead of time. It’s also important to consider that many activities in the city have waiting times, so plan your itinerary accordingly. Also, don’t forget to adhere to any safety measures and mandates that the city has in place – you might look at these while booking ahead as well!
PACK THE RIGHT CLOTHING
Knowing when you’re going to Vegas is vital. The weather is extremely varied in Vegas. It is generally chilly at night and very hot during the day. It’s best to fill your luggage with plenty of casual tops and bottoms. Pack lots of breathable and comfortable clothing, especially if going to escape the city and take on some outdoor activities, like hiking in the desert. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit if you plan on living large and taking a dip in the city’s famous hotel pools. Check out Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, The Mirage Pool, and the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace!
PREPARE TO WALK A LOT
Las Vegas is deceivingly large. Many stretches are longer than you expect, so be ready to do a fair bit of walking along The Strip. Don’t be tempted to use shortcuts, either, as they are actually very strict on jaywalking. There are plenty of crosswalks and bridges that can get you where you need to go. Be sure to pack some comfy walking shoes for your excursions on foot. That being said, Uber, taxis and city buses are alternative travel options if the distance is too far.
HAVE YOUR GEAR READY FOR HIKES AND ADVENTURES
There is a lot more to the Mojave area than the flashy lights and bustling nightlife of Las Vegas. There is a wilderness to explore filled with hiking trails like Valley of Fire or Ice Box Canyon. Or you can hop down to Arizona to enjoy a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, or kayak through the Colorado River. In the American Hiking Society’s list of essentials, they recommend packing the right footwear, a GPS, a snack, layered clothes, a first aid kit, and, of course, water. This advice stands whether you plan a short trip or a long one.
PREPARE FOR THE CASINOS
When you step foot on The Strip, naturally one of the most popular activities you may want to try is playing games at Las Vegas’s illustrious casinos. To get the full Vegas experience while still staying smart, make sure you understand the rules beforehand. Most casino games are also quite straightforward so picking up the mechanics won’t take long. If you’re a bit ‘green’ when it comes to the casino floor, try your hand (pun, intended) at the hot tables that have minimal buy-ins. If you’re not interested in playing card games, you have the option to play a few slots, or play some other classics like Craps, Roulette, and Bingo.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Vegas is considered the “Entertainment Capital of the World” so you won’t be short of things to do. Maximize your trip by narrowing down what you actually want to see and experience. There’s something for everybody, so you can mix it up with lots of attractions and live shows. A list of things to do on Poker.org shares some of the non-casino related activities you can enjoy in Sin City. For instance, The Vegas Golden Knights will be returning with limited capacity soon, the hotel pools which are open all year-round, and the tourist favorites along The Strip itself. The Voodoo Zipline, Fremont Street, and the Venetian Hotel gondolas are open for visitors but you may need to book in advance. Lots of live shows have had to pause due to the lockdown, so make sure to check ahead of time for availabilities and safety guidelines.
I hope that this little guide helps you plan your first trip to Sin City even during the pandemic. Whether you’re waiting to visit or itching to go sooner I hope you’re able to do so safely and that you have a lot of fun! After all what happens in Vegas… you get it.
Photo from Pexels
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