7 Tips for a Perfect First Trip to Las Vegas

It’s no secret that Las Vegas is one of the world’s best tourist destinations. More than 40 million people visit Sin City each year, and there’s no indication that that’ll change anytime soon. Las Vegas is always looking to the future, ensuring that it continually offers a world-class experience.

With that said, while Las Vegas may be fun, exciting, and all the rest, it’s not for the faint of heart. Unprepared visitors can find the city overwhelming, or even disappointing. With Las Vegas, understand when, where, and what can make all the difference.

If you’re planning on visiting Vegas for the first time, then you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll run through a bunch of tips that ensure you can get the most out of your first trip — and you’ll likely have such a good time that you’ll almost certainly plan another trip to the city in the not-too-distant future. 

Go During The Shoulder Seasons

Las Vegas really is a year-round destination that can be enjoyed during all the months of the year. However, if it’s your first trip, then it’s best to visit when the city is at its best. If you’re coming from the UK, the ‘best time to visit’ will almost certainly be the shoulder seasons, which refers to the periods on either side of the peak summer months. 

Visiting in May – June or September – October offers fewer crowds, more agreeable temperatures, and more affordable hotel rooms. In other words: it offers the best of all worlds. 

Keep Trips Short and Sweet

Las Vegas is a whole lot of fun, but it’s also pretty intense. While there are opportunities to relax and unwind, the sheer pace and madness of the city will begin to take its toll if you stay for too long.

Keeping your visit short and sweet will allow you to soak up all the fun and enjoyment of Sin City without feeling that you’ve overstayed your welcome. Most people find that three or four nights is enough to experience the city to the fullest.

Coming from the UK, and don’t want to fly all that way just for a few days? Take a look at travelling to another part of the US. You can drive to California from Las Vegas in a matter of hours, or you could take an internal flight from Las Vegas airport. 

Stay on the Las Vegas Strip

People tend to think of Las Vegas as a small city. Yet, while it’s certainly not New York or Los Angeles, it’s also not exactly a village. It’s bigger than you might think. If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, and especially only for a few days, then it’s best to stay on the famous Las Vegas strip. That’ll put you in the heart of the action, allowing you to enjoy all of the sights and attractions without having to worry about how you’ll get there.

It’s also worth remembering that the Strip, at four miles long, is also bigger than you might think. Staying at one of the hotels in the middle, such as Caesar’s Palace, The Cromwell, or Flamingo Las Vegas, will put you in the heart of the action. 

Get Ready for the Casino

Everyone knows that Las Vegas is the best casino destination on the planet, so even if you don’t normally frequent casinos, you’ll absolutely want to spend at least a little bit of time trying your luck at the tables! If you’re staying on the Strip, then your hotel will very likely have its own casino, but it’s also worth exploring the others, too. The Wynn, Paris Las Vegas, and Ellis Island Casino are regarded as three of the best.

It’s best to brush up on your casino game skills before you visit. After all, your money will be on the line! There are sites that offer poker, roulette, and blackjack for free online, allowing you to develop your strategy before playing for real when you touch down. It should go without saying that it’s best to set a budget for how much you’re willing to gamble, and you should also be prepared to lose it all. You might win some cash at the tables, but it’s far from guaranteed! 

Get Discounted Tickets to a Show

Las Vegas isn’t only the casino capital of the world; it’s also the entertainment capital of the world. Some of the planet’s best shows, including concerts, magic shows, and dance performances, take place in Las Vegas every single day.

Even if you don’t normally go to shows, it’s highly recommended that you do so when you’re in Sin City. You’ll be amazed at the production levels, which are simply out of this world. 

The only downside is that tickets to these shows can be expensive if you buy them online from the first result that appears on your Google search. The better approach? Wait until you’re in Vegas and go to one of the ticket-selling kiosks near the venue. 

Pack Comfortable Shoes

As we said above, Vegas is a fun and exciting city, but it’s not exactly relaxing. You’re going to be doing a lot of exploring while you’re in town. While you’ll want to pack some nicer footwear for when you’re going out to restaurants and cocktail bars, during the day it’s best to wear comfortable shoes. Remember, the Strip is four miles long — you’ll be walking a lot! 

Head Out Of The City

Finally, look at setting aside a day to head out of Las Vegas. This might not sound too appealing when you’re only in town for a few days, but trust us, it’s worth it! Why? Because there are some truly outstanding attractions within easy driving distance of Sin City. The best of the best is the incredible Grand Canyon National Park, which is a four-hour drive from Vegas — though if you have some extra money to play with, consider taking a helicopter tour. They cost a few hundred dollars but offer an incredible experience. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.