Write a List Post [Day 2 - 31DBBB]

One of my most brilliant moves ever was when I created an “offbeat” category for posts like these

In March 2009 I traveled to Las Vegas for 4 nights and 5 days. This was my second trip to Vegas and, because I learn new things every time, I have vowed to go there every year. Also, Las Vegas is in essence – escapism – and for five days out of the year, who can’t use that?

I’m sure this list will get revised the more I go and discover new places, tricks and tips. But for now… here is what you MUST do or keep in mind to make sure you have a unforgettable time in Las Vegas:

1. Before you go, Twitter: Social media is your friend. But you already knew that. I tend to follow Twitterers with my same interests – personal and professional – so I often forget that there is an entire Twitterverse out there full of even more wonderful resources. Try Twittering “I’m going to Vegas… Vegas… Vegas!” and you will see just how fast those monitoring services pick up your tweet and, within seconds, @TweetVegas is following you and offering to help.
2. Pack: Comfortable shoes that are also dressy (plan to walk for miles), casual clothes for the day and fancy/trendy clothes to wear at night. Also, for those of us on a budget, pack a pre-party kit for your hotel room so as to not spend exorbitant amounts of money when you’re out on the town.
3. Transportation: To get to Vegas my first instinct is always a road trip because they are fun and unpredictable. However, the first time I went to Vegas I drove 26 hours non-stop from San Antonio, Texas (with three friends) so I was more than happy to buy a plane ticket the second time around. Hotels.com is usually your best in finding a good flight + hotel deal. While in Vegas, walk. There is nothing like going up and down the Strip and walking in and out of hotels. DO get a three-day bus pass though. For only $15 you can make sure that you always have a way to get back to your hotel if you’ve had too much… walking for one day.
4. Location, location, location: The Strip can be quite deceiving. Only because it’s crowded doesn’t mean it’s not miles and miles and miles long. Choose somewhere around the middle of the Strip. I recommend the Flamingo or Harrah’s. if you have more money, by all means treat yourself to a little Planet Hollywood, Mirage or Bellagio.
5. Money matters: Take only cash and don’t let your credit card tempt you. Do be generous with yourself, but spend wisely. Visit the Tix4Tonight kiosk (on the Strip in the same building as the M&M store) and check out what’s on sale. Treat yourself to a Cirque de Solei show and a buffet or a nice dinner – for only $3 you can get a discount ticket for 50 percent off your tab at a few of the restaurants in the hotels on the Strip.
6. During the day: Try to get up at a decent hour and walk down the strip to explore the hotels and casinos. They don’t call Las Vegas an adult’s playground for nothing. At least once, get yourself one of those huge frozen mixed drinks. Trust me, when you are walking around and start seeing every other person carrying one in their hand, starting the night early… you are going to find it hard to resist. Make at least one afternoon a “pool” afternoon and relax (feel free to skip this if you are going during the winter months). And, at least one day, venture off the Strip a bit and check out the places near Circus Circus – Slots-A-Fun followed by the Freemont Street evening light show are the perfect way to start to get in the mood for night time fun. 
7. Mind the taste buds: If you are on a budget, grab yourself a Subway for lunch (at the time this post was written the $5 footlongdeal was made in heaven as far as eating in Vegas is concerned) and take your money to a good buffet or a restaurant for dinner. And you already know how to make this happen without going broke – HINT: re-read #5.
8. At night: After a bit of pre-partying in your hotel room (by the way, this post assumes you are going with your group of 20-something friends. In case it wasn’t evident already) head over to watch teh Bellagio fountains (probably one of the top most magical moments of one’s life) and then, please direct yourself to a bar or nightclub. There is no dancing around this. Except the only way to do so is precisely that – dancing. The clubs in Vegas are too many to name, too dificult to put in order from best to less best and I haven’t seen and done eveything (yet) so I won’t go into terrible detail. I will say that you will be satisfied and have plenty of fun wherever you end up. It’s Vegas afterall.
9. Best for last? don’t even think about it: A lot of doors to exclusive clubs will open for you if you are a girl but because I am not sexist I have four words for you (and an ampersand) – Carnival Court Bar & Grill, A.K.A. one of the greatest places on Earth. One visit here made me want to never have to leave Las Vegas. It could have been the great location (middle of the strip right at Harrah’s), the outdoor-concert-venue-meets-indoor-bar building features, the yard and double-yard Long Island ice tea, the bartenders-meets-circus-performers bartenders or the amazing live music by Heavy Petting Zoo…. actually, it was all of these things coming together as one – no two – of the greatest Vegas nights. Don’t save this for last. You’ll want to do it again.
10. A final word to the wise: If you are a girl going with a group of girls consider yourself MADE. A stroll down the strip is guaranteed to result in at least three encounters with club promoters wanting to get you on their VIP list, which sometimes includes a free first round of drinks. I know, I know. I said I wasn’t sexist… my bad.

You’ll notice how there is nothing whatsoever on this post about gambling. I guess that goes to show that there is so much to Vegas besides the first thing people think about when one says “Vegas.” I hope I did it justice.

But if you are into gambling here is my advice – Don’t. Odds are you are going to lose money and go back home at least with somewhat of a grudge. I prefer avoiding that altogether. But, if you absolutely must, stick with the penny slots. The hurt is lessened there and if you play the odds you might even make $5… Hey! Lunch money!

One last thing. Don’t get married.

Photo credits: Flickr users, roadsidepictures, desert dan and pbo31