Las Vegas Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Smart Savings Categories

Explore various avenues to reduce expenses without compromising your experience.

Entertainment & Dining

Tix4Tonight booths offer same-day discounted show tickets.
Happy hour menus provide discounted gourmet food and cocktails.
Search online for "Las Vegas happy hour deals."
Many free attractions are available, like Bellagio Fountains.

Travel & Accommodations

Utilize RTC Deuce bus or Las Vegas Monorail.
Consider sharing rides or taxis with your group.
Off-Strip hotels or vacation rentals are often cheaper.
Gambling loyalty programs earn points for discounts.

Experience & Budgeting

Prioritize free attractions like Fremont Street Experience.
Walk the Strip for people-watching and atmosphere.
Always gamble responsibly and set a strict budget.
Signing up for casino loyalty programs earns comps.

Strategic Choices

Compare hotel prices carefully.
Factor in resort fees and tips from the start.
Look for package deals that combine elements.
Explore alternative dining options beyond resorts.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning fits more into your Las Vegas visit without feeling rushed.

Booking & Timing

Pre-purchase tickets online for popular shows.
Visit popular attractions early or late to avoid crowds.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Pre-booking is for shows, dining, and day trips.

Navigation & Transport

Las Vegas Monorail is faster for specific routes.
Utilize free trams between connected resorts.
Group attractions by location for efficient routing.
Use mapping apps to plan walking routes.

Smart Practices

Skip the line for attractions like High Roller.
Consider museum visits during off-peak times.
Pre-booking especially during peak season or weekends.
Confirm all reservations before arriving.

Strategic Movement

Mandalay Bay-Luxor-Excalibur tram for convenience.
ARIA Express and Mirage-Treasure Island trams also exist.
Estimate travel times between venues with apps.
Spend a day exploring North, Central, or Downtown Strip.

Local Insights

Insights from experienced travelers.

Common Tourist Pitfalls

Underestimating vast walking distances on the Strip.
Not wearing comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
Underestimating the intense summer heat.
Not budgeting for resort fees and tips.

Behavioral Guidelines

Do not photograph gambling tables or security personnel.
Keep pedestrian traffic flowing; avoid blocking pathways.
Bringing outside food or drink into casino restaurants is frowned upon.
Demonstrate basic politeness and respect for service staff.

Responsible Conduct

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure during midday.
Utilize indoor walkways and air-conditioned spaces.
Set a budget for gambling and adhere to it strictly.

Cultural distinctions

Tipping is a significant part of the U.S. Service industry.
The motto: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."
Prioritize what interests you most; you cannot see everything.
Basic politeness is always appreciated by locals.

Traveler-Specific Advice

Tailor your approach based on your travel companions.

Solo Travelers

Las Vegas is generally safe for solo travelers on the Strip.
Hostels Downtown offer social common areas.
Many shows and activities are enjoyable alone.
Meet others in hotel common areas.

Family Travelers

Choose family-oriented resorts like Circus Circus or Excalibur.
Plan non-gambling activities suitable for all ages.
Carry snacks and drinks to avoid expensive hotel purchases.
MGM Grand has kid-friendly pools and attractions.

Group Travelers

Book shows, dining, and transportation well in advance.
Consider vacation rentals for group accommodation.
Splitting taxi/rideshare fares is economical for groups.
Utilizing group passes for public transportation.

Accessibility

Las Vegas is highly accessible.
Communicate specific needs to hotels in advance.
Venues can accommodate special requests.
Refer to dedicated accessibility guides for details.

Hydration Reminder

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently at water fountains or designated stations.

Digital Resources

Online tools are invaluable for planning your trip and navigating the city.

RideRTC

For navigating the public bus system and accessing real-time bus tracking.

Uber/Lyft

For ride-sharing services. Set up your account before you arrive.

OpenTable

For making restaurant reservations, widely used in Las Vegas.

Further Exploration

Documentaries

Las Vegas: An American Story (History Channel)
Casino (1995 film)
Ocean's Eleven (2001 film)

Online Communities

Reddit communities like r/LasVegas offer real-time tips.
Connect with locals and frequent visitors.
Babbel or Duolingo for language learning (if desired).

Music & Art

Listen to "Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis Presley. Enjoy Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack classics. Explore Dale Chihuly's art at Bellagio. Visit galleries in the Arts District.

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Contacts

Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance: Dial 911 (national emergency).
Non-Emergency Police: (702) 828-3111 (Las Vegas Metro).
For immediate assistance, dial 911.
Use non-emergency for non-urgent matters.

Hospital & Clinics

Sunrise Hospital: 3186 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas.
Valley Hospital: 620 Shadow Ln, Las Vegas.
UMC Trauma Center: 1800 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas.
Urgent care clinics for non-emergencies.

International Support

Embassy/Consulate info handy for passport issues.
Most are in D.C., Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
Contact for passport loss or other consular needs.
Know your country's local representatives.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport Procedures

Report loss/theft to local police immediately.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate.
Obtain a replacement or emergency travel document.

Credit Card Procedures

Report lost/stolen cards to your bank immediately.
This prevents unauthorized use.
Have your bank's emergency number readily available.

Further Information

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is important.
Protects against medical emergencies.
Covers trip cancellations.

Online Resources

Reddit communities like r/LasVegas and r/vegas.
Offer real-time tips and discussions.
Recommendations from locals and visitors.

Essential Services

Airport Services

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) has various amenities.

Currency Exchange

Use ATMs for USD; they generally offer better exchange rates.

Medical Care

Hospitals and urgent care clinics are available throughout the city.

Emergency Contact Best Practice

Save emergency contact numbers to your phone and email them to yourself. Carry a separate list in your wallet.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Planning Milestones

Careful planning ensures a smooth and enjoyable Las Vegas trip.

Booking Essentials

Book flights and main accommodation
3-6 months before, especially for peak season.
Research major shows, concerts, or events
Many popular performances sell out months in advance.
Apply for or renew your passport
For international travelers, ensure you have required visas.

Detailed Preparations

Book specific show tickets, fine dining, and day trips
This is important 1-2 months before your trip.
Arrange for a rental car if needed
Especially if you plan to explore beyond the Strip.
Purchase Travel insurance
Against unforeseen medical emergencies or trip cancellations.

Travel Smart Tips

Budgeting

Start saving money for your trip budget several months before departure.

Packing List

Make a preliminary packing list 1-2 months before to organize items.

Document Checklist

Confirm all flight, hotel, and activity reservations 1-2 weeks before.

Arrival & Departure

First Steps Upon Arrival

Clear customs and immigration if international.
Collect luggage from baggage claim.
Proceed to pre-arranged transportation.
Check into your hotel.

Departure Considerations

Inquire about shipping large or fragile souvenirs.
No state sales tax refund program for tourists in Nevada.
Allow ample time to get to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
Confirm flight details and check-in online for return.

Home & Personal Prep

Pre-Travel Routine

Check the weather forecast for your travel dates.
Begin packing appropriate clothing and essentials.
Notify bank/credit card companies of travel dates.
Download essential apps to your smartphone.

Home Security & Logistics

Arrange for pet care or plant watering.
Stop mail or arrange for neighbor to collect it.
Secure your home (lock doors/windows, set alarms).
Notify trusted contacts of your absence.

Document Safety

Make copies of important documents and store them digitally and physically separate from the originals. This is for situations where documents are lost or stolen.

Las Vegas Travel Hacks