As far as cities go, Las Vegas is practically timeless. In a list compiling the happiest travel destinations in the world, Las Vegas counts as one of the best cities — right up there with Barcelona, Budapest, and Amsterdam. The metrics for this list include inclusivity, day trips, and safety. But Vegas offers a lot more than that.
The city is known for its world-class food and entertainment, luxurious hotels, and endless sightseeing. The main tourist attractions are the sprawling casinos of the Strip, whilst Las Vegas’ poker rooms, including the Bellagio, the Venetian, and Wynn Resort, are also some of the best in the world. This makes “Sin City” the perfect trip-of-a-lifetime destination for the lucky tourist.
If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, here are 5 travel tips for you ahead of your journey.
Safety first, second, and last!
With a city as exciting as Las Vegas, it’s easy to let your guard down. However, the last thing you need is to lose important items on a trip.
Our article ‘Travel Tips – 4 Ways to Secure Your Hotel Room’ suggests simple measures you can take to avoid this inconvenience. Precautions like using a door wedge, getting portable door locks, or using a chair can protect you from theft.
Book your tickets in advance
Looking for world-class entertainment? Vegas is the place. Having been a familiar haunt for legends like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, the city continues to be frequented by the world’s biggest stars today. It’s also the home of numerous Cirque du Soleil shows like ‘O’ and ‘Ka’.
If there’s a show you’re planning to see in Vegas, don’t wait for it to get sold out. Never underestimate just how quickly tickets run out, and make sure you book yours in advance.
Day trips are a must
Las Vegas is packed to the brim with unique sights, but it can’t hurt to take a day trip out of the city to see some of America’s most iconic landmarks. With just a couple of hours’ drive from Vegas, you can already reach sites like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Joshua Tree National Park. Of course, the most recognizable of these landmarks is none other than the world-famous Grand Canyon. It’s a life-changing bucket-list staple, and its immensity can’t be encapsulated in words.
You can either join a day tour or rent a car and explore the Grand Canyon and other sights at your leisure.
Don’t forget your ID
One very big mistake you could be making when in Vegas is forgetting your ID. While the city is known for its extravagance and vice, failing to carry ID with you could mean missing out on a night of fun. This is because many establishments ask for ID when admitting guests or when scanning your credit cards for payments.
Keep a photocopy of your passport, driver’s license, and other IDs. They may not be acceptable for buying alcohol, claiming casino winnings, or getting into clubs. But it’s good to have a backup if you’re carrying the original.
Explore on foot with caution
The Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles. While you can easily cover that distance on your morning run, it’s a lot more chaotic in the city. The streets are busy and full of life, and there’s an infinite number of eye-catching things that will keep you stopping in your tracks. So explore on foot with caution!
Stay on the Strip if you’re walking and take advantage of how packed it is to ensure you’re making the most of your time. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and plan ahead before deciding on your route!
No matter how much research you do, for the first-time visitor, Las Vegas will always be greater than you imagined. But it need not be overwhelming. With these tips, make sure that your Vegas experience will go smoothly.