Budget, Tips, and Tricks

Some additional tips and tricks I've learned while visiting Las Vegas:

1. Always plan ahead.
• Don't just go to Las Vegas without some information backing the trip. Like in anything else, knowledge is power. I'm not saying that having every minute planned out is essential, but have an idea of what you'd like to see. A show? A little gambling? Being ignorant about planning can lead to more than just a bum trip, but also financial ruin. Like cousin Eddie always said, "It's people like you who come to Las Vegas and blow the family nest egg who built this town..." Video
2. Pack for a Vacation, not for a move.
• If you've never been to Las Vegas, chances are over-packing is in the future. I know because I did it my first time. Don't be mislead by Hollywood movies because Las Vegas is not all glam and glitz. Pack comfortable clothes for being a tourist during the day and consider something business casual for evening, especially if a nice dinner, show, or nightclub are planned. Remember, airlines charge fees for checking bags. Stay underweight to avoid spending vacation money at the home airport.
3. Get to the airports EARLY.
• This cannot be stressed enough; especially for return flights home. Going to Vegas, at least from Akron/Canton Regional, is not too bad. Arriving about an hour or so before my flight usually gives me time to check in, go through security, grab a snack, and get ready to board. However, McCarren International gets very crowded due to both arriving and departing flights. Don't get stuck there because of a heater at the casino (unless you can afford to change in your plane ticket for a later flight, then more power to you). I usually try to get there [McCarren] no less than 2 hours before my flight home. Security lines will usually eat up 45 minutes to an hour of that time alone. Not to mention that most flights will require passengers to take the shuttle to the gates at the other terminal following security check in. Just be smart and again, plan ahead.
4. Know where you're going before you get there.
• Make sure someone in the party knows where the hotel is from the airport. This way, even though a tourist, one will not appear as a rookie who can get stuck with paying high taxi rates. Once the luggage is collected and it's time to load into a taxi, make sure to tell the driver A) where you're heading and B) to take Paradise Rd. This will end up saving the party $5 - $8 at least. The interstate, though quicker, will increase that cab fare and if you hit traffic, game over. Refer to the blog entry about keeping cab costs down because this will not only get you to the resort quickly, but for a more reasonable rate. Don't forget to tip the driver as well.
5. Take comfortable footwear.
• As usual for first timers, walking the strip is definitely something to consider doing. If that is on the itinerary, be sure to take walking shoes. The strip alone is miles in length, down and back, and the last thing anyone wants is swollen feet or shin splints after one day of "vacation." Take it from someone it happened to, just make sure the feet are comfortable while walking.
6. Gambling: An overview
• Now, I know we aren't all great gamblers and for those who haven't tried it, here are a few pointers.
• If there's a game you want to play but don't know, look into the morning lessons offered in most Las Vegas casinos. Nearly every casino offers lessons in Craps, Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, and more. Call the hotel or inquire at the front desk about the daily casino game lessons.
• Know your limits. Don't feel pressured into betting more than your comfortable with. If the casino your in only shows $15 and $20 minimum tables and that seems high, don't play. From my experience, casinos fluctuate the table minimums depending on casino traffic. The more luxurious hotels are not going to have many $5 tables, if any. Find something that feels right before just throwing money down.
• Don't hand your money to the dealer. This is a big No-No in Las Vegas casinos. No cash tender is to be taken from hand to hand. If you want to acquire chips, place the currency on the table where you will be playing. The dealer or a member of the pit crew will change your cash into chips during the next break in the game.
• If you know the game and the minimum is in your range, but there isn't anyone at the table, should you play? Sure. Never be afraid of opening a table. Of course, it is more fun if friends or others are willing to play with you, but sometimes opening a table is great because the crowd is watching YOU! I usually choose my table off a few key factors:
• Crew Personality, Minimum Bet, Traffic near the table
7. Why pay for drinks when they're on the house?
• What? Did someone say free drinks? That's right. If you play in the casinos, the waitresses will be around offering free drinks and cocktails. If you play your cards right (no pun intended), place a minimum bet, get your free drink, then cash out. Odds are, you will probably walk away with a drink that's cheaper than going to the bar yourself. Like with the taxi drivers, just remember to tip the waitress. I've found the better the tips, the more frequent the drinks will be delivered. [Of course, I do gamble. Therefore, I'll probably be at the table awhile. Either way, consider this trick]. 
8. Great Bar deals
• Meeting up with a few local friends one time out in Vegas, I learned that not all beverage providers are reasonable with prices. For instance, a $3 beer at the casino will probably be $12 at a nightclub. Pre-gaming is definitely recommended if the Las Vegas nightlife is something being considered for your trip. The state liquor store on the strip has very good prices on most beverages. One place to definitely check out is Casino Royale on the strip. They've been noted for doing $1 domestics which is great if you want to live it up on a budget. Casino Royale
9. Rewards Programs are a MUST.
• Whether a gambler or not, I encourage all Las Vegas tourists to sign up for the resorts' rewards programs. One of the first blogs provided links to a few sites, but there are certain to be others. Points can be redeemed for some pretty good incentives. Even if you just stay at the basic level, discounts are available. If gambling isn't your thing, that's okay. Just consider it for booking purposes.
10. Do you really need ALL those amenities?
• I would bet that more than half Las Vegas tourists are in their rooms for between two and six hours a day; and if anything like me, it's to sleep! Ponder how much time is going to be spent using all the room amenities offered by resorts. This could help everyone reconsider staying at that 5 star hotel with a 5 star price. Unless, of course, you plan on spending a good amount of time in a hotel room. Then, by all means, go for it!