Las Vegas is a destination like no other. It’s a dazzling playground of neon lights, world-class entertainment, and nonstop action. I’ve been there, and I know how easy it is to get caught up in the glitz and glam of a Vegas vacation and forget how to travel smarter. No matter how many times you’ve been to the area, Sin City has its fair share of pitfalls that can drain your wallet and energy before you even realize it.
To help you make the most of your trip to Las Vegas, we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes to avoid on your trip. From overspending on the Strip to forgetting to check out some of the most fun nearby attractions, we’ll cover the biggest Las Vegas vacation mistakes — plus, we consulted a few experts to share their best insider tips.
Don’t overdo it
We all want to do, see, experience, and eat (it’s one of the best food travel destinations) everything we can while on vacation. But in Vegas, unless you have an extended stay planned, there’s no way that’s going to happen.
Veteran traveler and owner of the travel SIM company Simify Mac Steer warns that people try to do too much in one visit. Cramming everything in will only make you tired and worn out in a few days. Planning is the key here, but sticking to the plan is more important. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and there’s no way you’ll see everything Vegas has to offer during one vacation.
He also advises taking time out between activities, saying that “most people are so busy running around and seeing all the sights that they forget to have fun and enjoy themselves.”
Watching your budget
Everyone plans a Las Vegas trip, thinking they’re going to be the one to hit it big. But author and public speaker Barry Maher says people should be more realistic about what they’re willing to lose when they have fun gambling. His expert advice is pretty solid when he says to “figure out how much you can comfortably lose per day, and figure you’re going to lose that every day you gamble. And stick to that amount.”
Co-founder and COO of the travel app Upaway, Lauren LaBar, agrees that budget is number one when visiting Vegas. Her advice is simple when she states to “plan how much you want to spend on your trip and don’t forget to include tips — as tipping is expected in Las Vegas.”
Betting on games you haven’t played
We get it, part of the fun of a Las Vegas trip is diving into the excitement of the casinos. The flashing lights, the sound of chips stacking up, the rush of a big win — it’s all part of the experience. But if you sit down at a table without knowing the rules, you might as well just hand over your cash and walk away.
Trying out one or two new games is fine (hey, it’s Vegas, live a little), but if you want to stretch your budget and actually have a shot at winning, stick to what you know. The house already has the edge, and you don’t need to make it easier for them by guessing your way through a game of craps or letting a blackjack dealer school you in basic strategy.
If you do want to learn a new game, find a low-stakes table or even a free lesson, many casinos offer tutorials in the mornings.
Not tipping
This is one of the most serious Las Vegas vacation mistakes and a surefire way to get bad service in Vegas: forgetting to tip. With over 300,000 leisure and hospitality workers keeping the city running, many people rely on tips to make a living — so don’t be that person who stiffs the staff.
From bartenders and dealers to bellhops and valet attendants, tipping is just a part of the Vegas experience. Slip your bartender a few bucks, and you might just find your drinks arriving a little faster. Tip your dealer, and you’ll keep the good vibes going at the table. And don’t forget the hotel housekeeping staff. Leaving a little something each morning can go a long way.
There’s more to do than gambling
We love Steer’s advice about getting off of the strip. He wants people to know there are other places to visit. like “museums and galleries, historical sites and monuments, parks and hiking trails.”
If you are the type to post about your vacations, this is important because “otherwise, all those pictures will just be wasted memories of a vacation spent playing slots in an air-conditioned casino.”
Other advice to remember
- The alcohol might be 24/7, but you don’t need to drink that much. You want to remember the trip.
- Yes, places are walkable, but if you want your feet to work when you get home, choose function over fashion when it comes to your footwear.
We want you to have the best time leaving it all on the table in Vegas, but we also want you to make it home without the scent of shame following you. Know the Las Vegas vacation mistakes so you enjoy your time at Adult Disneyland and make it back home with as much dignity as possible.
