I believe that folks have to have some winnings coming out from Las Vegas. Las Vegas has a vested interest in folks winning at the slots. The pay-outs from slot machines are valuable statistics for the casino, so modest winnings are crucial. However, you have to hustle to find those winning slots. You have to move from slot to slot; casino to casino. In April 2016, I average about 5 miles per day in search of those lucky slots. Its a lot of walking and a lot of fun. If you cannot move around or have problems with mobility, then you have a problem.
My trips to Las Vegas are strategically planned. Here's how I do Fabulous Las Vegas:
Pre-Las Vegas:
1. Early bird your flight for the best seat selection with window seat.
2. Create a written itinerary so I know what I am going to do each day from boarding pass check-in to hotel checkout. No sense in sitting around thinking what to do. Plan early.
3. Head out early at wee early pre-dawn hours. Beat traffic and maybe avoid flight delays.
4. It's good to share details of travel on Facebook, but never post travel details. Just a check-in at airports. Maybe one check-in at hotel right before checkout. There are many scheming Facebook lurkers, so be strategic with check-ins.
5. Never use airport people mover! Get in good workouts and walk the distance. Plus, I can rest up at the gate and during the flight.
6. Take items to stay occupied for the 3 hour flight.. iPad fully charged and back up portable charger.
7. Take headsets as I will not permit adjacent passenger yak to me from MDW to LAS.
On Arrival:
8. On arrival to McCarran, remember, no people mover!!! Tram from gate to baggage claim is okay.
9. Stick with my preferred airport shuttle. So far, they have been excellent and I have no complaints with this same shuttle service.
On Arrival to The Strip:
10. Be prepared to pay for the early check-in hotel fee. Don't want to wait until 4pm to get into room.
11. Get a $20 bill and break into singles. Beverages at slots are free, but servers must be tipped. That is my strict rule.
12. Have fun fun fun!!!! Always request early housekeeping as I go to bed early and get up early! Enjoy the full Las Vegas Blvd. I walk and never use the bus. No time for that. Occasionally, I may use the Monorail, but mostly, I walk.
13. Take plenty of photos! Vegas is fun and photos should be shared.... when you return home!!!! One or two photos shared the during stay is okay, but be strategic.
14. I concentrate my fun depending on the location... north Strip (Wynn/Palazzo area); mid-Strip (Linx, Paris LV/Bally's) or south Strip- the grand MGM Grand.
15. Get a feel for the Player's card... If you are winning with it, use it. If you are not winning, do not use it.
16. No buffets! That's too much food. I do not negate my walking. I just do the cheap thing, McDonalds, White Castle or some other fast food. Just one meal per day. Unfortunately, the fast food places are the only places where I can get a decent serving size. Everywhere else is supersized Las Vegas style.
Leaving Las Vegas:17. Get to the airport early. I do not believe in the running to catch my flight.
18. Now the photos can be uploaded and shared on Facebook.
19. Now I can chat about the fun.
20. NEVER share photos of slot winnings / jackpots. That's none of anyone's business.
Finally, I am a solo traveler. Over the past many many years, if I waited for folks to join me on a trip, I never would have gone to Vegas for the first time. So now, I am stuck in my way and it is not possible for anyone to join me. I am not a tour guide and I am not babysitting adults. Only my niece can join me. We have traveled to Vegas twice and she is perfect. We arrive together and we go our separate ways (This is known as the Figure of Eight). We will meet up for a nice meal and cocktails. We both are independent ladies. She is social and connects well with others... I am the exact opposite. So, we do good.
