How To Not Screw Up A Trip To Las Vegas: Tips To Know

Planning a trip to Las Vegas? There’s so much to see in “Sin City” and you probably already have a long list of things to do. But what about the things to avoid? This post isn’t just another guide – I’m revealing what not to do. These are the Las Vegas tips you need! Because face it, a fantastic trip can go awry if you’re wasting time on the wrong things or making rookie mistakes. Here’s how to not screw up…

What comes to mind when you picture Las Vegas?

Neon lights?

Booze?

Scandalous-ness? (Is that a word?)

Gambling until the wee hours of the night?

Ok I’ll admit, Vegas does have those things. But there’s so much more! And you’re honestly missing out if you go to Las Vegas and only do the typical things.

I’ve been to Las Vegas numerous times and luckily have had the chance to explore the real Las Vegas – not just what you see in the movies. But I remember not wanting to go to Las Vegas in the first place…

My husband wanted to go – he had been there before and wanted to go back. I wrinkled up my nose in distaste when he suggested it. Ugh! I was thinking why does he want to go there??? In my mind, Las Vegas was all about gambling and drinking, and it just didn’t appeal to me.

Tips for Sin City

Looking back now , I’m glad I went! And I’ve been back several times since.

Now I want to share with you what I’ve learned so you can make your trip to Las Vegas amazing and unique. So here’s my advice, my best Las Vegas tips, and the 5 biggest things to avoid so you don’t screw up your trip…

Las Vegas Tip #1: DON’T Only Go To The Strip

Many people visit Las Vegas and never leave the strip. But consider this – based on its size, if you only see the strip you’re exploring less than 5% of what Las Vegas has to offer. Crazy, right? I’m no mathematician, but that leaves 95% to explore. Here are a few cool areas in Las Vegas you’re missing out on if you only go to the strip:

• Visit Fremont Street, a super cool entertainment district in historic downtown Las Vegas Nevada
• Check out First Friday, a free local festival of art, live music, and great food
• Explore nature at Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire State Park where they have off-roading and guided tours
• Check out the Arts District for shops, restaurants, and a boho vibe
• Visit Chinatown for over 150 restaurants to choose from

Las Vegas Tip #2: Don’t Assume It’s All About Gambling

It’s safe to say there’s no shortage of casinos in Las Vegas Nevada. But don’t assume that means gambling is all there is to do. It’s so much more than that! So if gambling is your thing, cool. But if it isn’t, don’t assume your trip to Las Vegas will be a bust. Here are some really cool things you can do besides gambling…

• Watch the Bellagio fountain show (yes, it’s pretty cool)
• Go to a museum – The Mob Museum and Neon Museum are a few great options
• Drive a fancy sports car at Exotics Racing
• Experience a show – tons of amazing entertainers perform in Las Vegas all the time
• See an icon – the Hoover Dam
• Visit a famous gold mine at nearby Eldorado Canyon
• Wander the Botanical Garden at the Springs Preserve

Las Vegas Tip #3: Don’t Eat Normal Food

When in Vegas… eat great food! There are so many different types of cuisine (and even some fun and unusual ones!) So take advantage of the foodie scene by trying something new. Here are a few ideas to get the wheels turning:

• Get authentic Chicago-style pizza at Giordano’s (I HIGHLY recommend it!)
• Indulge at the Heart Attack Grill
• Visit an ice bar at Minus 5 Degrees
• Eat at a celebrity chef’s restaurant like Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen and Bar or Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen
• Dine with a view at Top of The World or the Eiffel Tower Restaurant
• Try one of the iconic buffets!

Las Vegas Tip #4: Don’t Wear Uncomfortable Clothes

Ok, you may be wondering what I mean by this… But hear me out – Vegas is HOT. And you will do a LOT of walking. So whatever you do, don’t bring only party dresses and high heels, ladies! Pack some comfortable clothes (and shoes) so you aren’t limping down the strip. As far as dress code goes, it’s kind of a free-for-all in most places. You’ll see flip flops and tank tops to wedding dresses and everything in between. Here’s my advice:

• Bring layers – in the summertime they crank the A/C indoors but it’s super hot outside
• Your shoes matter – you’ll end up walking a lot (and especially if you go to the strip)
• Pack a variety of outfits, because you might be hiking, poolside and at a nightclub all in a span of a few hours
• Consider the season! December in Vegas gets cold at night, and the desert, in general, can have big temperature swings

For more help with packing, be sure to check out the GENIUS Packing Method and get my free Travel Essentials Packing List below:

Las Vegas Tip #5: Don’t Only Experience The Nightlife

There are plenty of reasons to explore Las Vegas Nevada at night. Between entertainment options, great dining and the beautiful city lights, there truly is something for everyone. And hey, maybe you’re just trying to escape the sweltering heat. But don’t rule out all the fun things you can do during the daytime on your trip to Las Vegas:

• Soak up the sun! Las Vegas is known for its fantastic pool parties
• Take a day trip – The Grand Canyon, Death Valley National Park, and Zion National Park are a few hours away
• Take a helicopter tour and see the city from above
• Enjoy watersports at nearby Lake Mead
• Do some shopping

Enjoy Your Trip To Las Vegas

So there you have it, the top 5 things to avoid on your trip to Las Vegas. So no worries if this is your first trip to Sin City. Now you can explore the city and know you’re making the most of your time!

I truly believe if you follow these Las Vegas tips you’ll love the city and have a much more well-rounded experience. Here are a few more quick reads you may find interesting:

• Fun and free things to do in Las Vegas
• There’s more to Las Vegas than partying
• Vintage Vegas: finding the forgotten strip

Let me know what you thought! Comment below and let me know which tip you’ll be using on your upcoming trip. I’d love to hear from you…