Key Highlights:
- Underestimating the Walk: The Strip is 4.2 miles long; hotels are massive, and those “next door” properties can be a 20-minute trek.
- Ignoring Resort Fees: That $50 room rate will jump to $100+ once mandatory daily resort fees (now averaging $45–$55) and taxes are added.
- Buying Essentials on the Strip: Avoid “convenience taxes” by hitting a CVS or Walgreens for your water and snacks.
- Forgetting a Layer: It might be 105°F outside, but casinos are kept at a bone-chilling 65°F year-round.
We’ve all seen it: the first-timer walking the Strip in brand-new high heels, looking exhausted while clutching a $12 bottle of water they bought at the hotel gift shop. It’s a classic scene, but it doesn’t have to be yours. Understanding the common Las Vegas travel mistakes first timers make is the best way to ensure your debut in Sin City feels like a jackpot rather than a bust.
I remember my own first trip—I thought I could walk from the Luxor to the Wynn because they “looked close” on the map. Three miles and two blisters later, I learned my lesson. Now, after years of navigating the neon, I’m sharing the honest, “no-fluff” advice for I wish someone had given me.
1. Thinking You Can Walk the Whole Strip
The most common mistake first-timers make is assuming the Strip is a walkable downtown area. While there is a sidewalk, the “Mega-Resorts” are deceptive in size. A hotel that looks like it’s right next door might actually require you to walk through a massive casino, up an escalator, across a pedestrian bridge, and back down again.
By the end of day one, most rookies have clocked 10+ miles of walking without even realizing it.
Direct Answer: To avoid over-walking, use the free trams connecting major hubs. The current routes are: Mandalay Bay-Luxor-Excalibur, Bellagio-Aria-Park MGM, and Encore-Wynn (note: the Mirage-Treasure Island tram remains closed during the Hard Rock transition).
2. Not Budgeting for Mandatory Resort Fees
You found a “steal” of a room for $39 a night? Check the fine print. Almost every hotel on the Strip charges a mandatory daily resort fee ranging from $45 to $62 per night (after tax). This is collected at checkout and is rarely included in the initial price shown on booking sites.
- The Fix: Always calculate the total price including fees before booking.
- The Hack: The only ways to skip these are by having Elite Status (e.g., MGM Rewards Gold+) or staying at a “no-fee” hotel like Best Western Plus Casino Royale.
3. Paying “Strip Prices” for Essentials
If you buy a bottle of water, a bag of chips, or ibuprofen in a hotel gift shop, you will pay a convenience tax that makes your eyes water. I’ve seen $10 bottles of water and $25 sunscreens that would cost $6 at home.
- The Fix: There are large CVS and Walgreens locations right on the Strip (near Park MGM, Venetian, and Planet Hollywood).
- Pro Tip: Stop here on your first night to buy a case of water for your room. You’ll save $50 to $100 over a long weekend.
4. Forgetting the “Free” Drinks Rule
Many first-timers head straight to a high-end bar and pay $22 for a mediocre cocktail. While those bars are beautiful, you can get the same drink for the price of a tip if you’re playing.
- How it works: As long as you are actively gambling—even at a penny slot—cocktail waitresses will take your order.
- The Golden Rule: Always tip your server at least $1 or $2 per drink. If you don’t tip, they won’t come back, and your “free” drink service will evaporate.
Also Read: Free Drinks in Las Vegas Casinos: How It Really Works
A Final Pro Tip: Join the Rewards Club
Before you place a single bet, go to the rewards desk and get a Player’s Card (MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards, etc.). It is completely free and often gives you instant “New Member” perks like $10 in Free Play or dining vouchers. Even if you don’t win, using the card ensures you’ll get discount “teaser” offers in your email for your next visit.
❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Travel Mistakes First Timers Make
Is the Las Vegas Strip safe to walk at night?
Yes, the Strip is heavily patrolled and crowded, making it very safe. However, stick to the main boulevard. Avoid the industrial side streets (like Industrial Road or Frank Sinatra Drive) behind the casinos, where lighting is poor and foot traffic is minimal.
What is the “20 Dollar Trick”?
It’s the practice of sandwiching a $20 bill between your ID and credit card at check-in while asking for “complimentary upgrades.” While less guaranteed than it used to be, it still works about 50% of the time for securing a better view or a higher floor.
Is the buffet always a good deal?
No. Top-tier buffets like Bacchanal can cost $85+. Unless you plan on eating your body weight in crab legs, you can often get a better, more relaxed meal at a world-class sit-down restaurant for the same price.
Keep Reading:
- Is Las Vegas Safe for Tourists?
- How Many Days Do You Need in Las Vegas?
- Hidden Costs of Visiting Las Vegas
- Best Month to Visit Las Vegas for Weather, Deals & Fun
- Is Las Vegas Expensive for Tourists? Cost Guide
- Las Vegas Weather by Month: Best & Worst Times to Visit
- Las Vegas Travel Tips for First Timers: What Nobody Tells You
