Las Vegas Vacation Tips

I've been to Vegas twice. The first time was for to participate in a wedding. The second time was to get married. There is a lot of information available about vacationing in Vegas about what to do, what not to do. I've found that oftentimes the different sources contradict each other.

Here are a couple things I'd recommend for your Las Vegas vacation.

1. Rent a Car. There are a lot of websites that say you don't need to rent a car if you are staying on strip. They say that there are trams, taxis and buses you can take. I took a taxi my first time. Naïve little me ended up with a $75 cab fare cause he decided to take the long way 'round. Every hotel on the strip has parking. It's a lot more convenient to hop in the car and drive down to a section of the strip than it is to wait for a bus especially if it is hot out.
2. Ditch the stroller. If its possible, leave the stroller at home. A lot of hotels now will not allow strollers inside if you aren't a guest. This cuts back on a lot of shopping.
3. Water, water, water. Vegas is hot. There are some enterprising young people who set up shop on the strip and sell water to the tourists. I found it easier and cheaper to go to CVS and buy snacks and water there to keep in the hotel room.
4. Extra clothes. Because it is so hot there, I found I had to change outfits twice a day. Bring an extra couple of outfits with you just in case.
5. Keep carry-on bags to a minimum. With a layover in Denver, keeping a bag a person was just exhausting. I'd settle on one bag with the necessities then check the rest.
6. Pictures. Take lots of photos. Alternate photographers so everyone is in the shots. If only one person takes the pictures, they won't be in the photos.
7. Fremont Street. Go visit the old downtown at nighttime and watch the light show. My son LOVED it.
8. Stratosphere. While it could be expensive, if you have a little extra, go have lunch at the top of the Stratosphere. It rotates giving incredible views of the city.
9. Check-in. We waited an hour and half to check into our hotel because of long lines. Holding the bags was terrible. If you do rent a vehicle (hopefully with tinted windows) leave some of the bags in the car to retrieve after you have your room key. Don't walk in empty handed though. That just screams please break into my rental car. Make sure to take a bag or two with you.
10. Moderate yourself. Don't try to do too much when you first get there. Spread it out a bit so as not to overloaded. You don't have to see everything the very first day.