A First Timer’s Guide to Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Sin City, the Entertainment Capital of the World, or whatever moniker you associate with this city — it’s surely one in a million. So are your odds of winning a fortune on The Strip. Located in the Mojave Desert, Vegas is a literal vacation hotspot for folks wanting to get away from it all or find it all with everything in between.
That said, there isn’t just one way to enjoy a trip to Las Vegas. You can gamble away your fortune on a casino floor, meander the arts district, or soak up all the live entertainment. Some folks will do all three or something else altogether. A trip to Vegas is what you make of it.
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Paul / Adobe Stock
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers
Management / The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers
Sandy Allen / Via Travelers
lucky-photo / Adobe Stock
Welcome to Las Vegas
Best Time to Visit
March to May/September to November: Las Vegas’s peak tourist season is, understandably, during the months when the weather is less oppressive. Highs fluctuate from the low 70s to the 80s. These months are the most popular and expensive to visit the city. Still, it is also prime time for vacations for those who work in industries with inflexible breaks, like teachers.
December to February: With highs in the upper 50s or low 60s, wintertime is a terrific opportunity to experience Las Vegas without blistering desert heat. These months are the shoulder season, so you’ll get cheaper rates and also experience far fewer crowds. It is a noticeable difference, particularly when walking down Las Vegas Boulevard.
June to August: The dead of summer is the absolute cheapest time to visit Las Vegas. Why? Because highs are usually in the 100s. You will feel the surrounding desert landscape if you visit in the summer. Should you opt to do this, take advantage of the indoor walkways connecting some hotels like Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur to avoid the heat.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Card Slappers
These guys stand around on the sidewalks, usually along Las Vegas Blvd, with a handful of cards. To get your attention, they will slap the cards together and then try to put one in your hand. Cards will usually have women on them advertising adult entertainment (prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas).
Folks who actually call the numbers on the cards have reported being robbed or drugged. You should also know that some of the card slappers have no discretion. As a very obvious and kiddish-looking 13-year-old, more than one tried to put one of the cards in my hand.
Scams
Unsurprisingly, there are many common scams that run rampant in Las Vegas. There are too many for us to list, though we can give you an idea of some of the more common ones to look out for.
- VIP Club Passes: You might encounter men trying to give out “VIP” passes on the street. They’re not legit. Don’t pay for a street “promoter” VIP pass, which is worthless and will cost you more in the long run.
- Las Vegas Sign Photographers: There is no such thing as an official photographer at the Las Vegas Sign. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. If you want to tip a stranger touting their photog status, you can—but you absolutely don’t have to use them.
Showgirls and Elvis Impersonators
Just like in Times Square in New York City, if you want a photo of or with a street performer, it’s going to cost you. Don’t think the chummy Elvis Impersonator will want to bother talking to you if you aren’t going to tip him generously.
If you do happen to get a photo with a showgirl or other performer and don’t intend to tip them, they might make a scene about it. The scene might happen even if you do tip them, but they determine it isn’t enough. Buskers are known for expecting at least $20.
Substance issues
For all of its glitz, Las Vegas still has a dark side. Likely in part because of its notoriety for party culture, alcoholism, and drug abuse are both rampant in Las Vegas. Fentanyl, in particular, has been a problem in the city, leading to a lot of deaths in the last few years. Las Vegas isn’t alone in this; of course, a lot of major cities are struggling with fentanyl.
Homelessness
Homelessness has been on the rise in cities all over the country. Las Vegas, too, has issues with housing. In the city, homelessness has been on the rise for the last several years. Rising rent costs have forced a lot of people out of their homes. If you encounter unhoused folks or panhandlers, treat them with respect and dignity.
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Plan Your Trip to Las Vegas
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Las Vegas, United States. From its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant neighborhoods, this destination offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler.