Back to Basics

Living in Las Vegas you tend to notice a lot of different things. Things you should do, things not to do. I’m referring to the street smarts, common sense, and changes throughout the city you need to know. It never ceases to amaze me the things I see. Most say, “Only in Vegas” but it makes me wonder if people do it here, why wouldn’t they do it everywhere else? Here is my list of random things that should and should not be done in the city.

-          DO read up on the changes made at McCarran Airport. It is the first place visitors encounter coming into the city, and a place where locals return to the most.  McCarran has added a new terminal (terminal 3) where all international flights have been moved to, however the signs say domestic flights. If someone is flying in from an international flight but have a domestic layover they come in terminal 1, but it will be listed in terminal 3. Do you understand my frustration? Terminal 3 is still a work in progress; it is a bit creepy walking in an empty airport, a very “end of the world” feeling.

-          DON’T wear boots at any pool with any type swimwear… that includes guys as well. I don’t understand this fashion statement. It is over 100 degrees, why? I can’t imagine how horrible the sweat is, then to know the boots are removed and that sweat is floating in the pool. It is just gross and completely not needed. I don’t think people should be allowed into the pools if they are wearing boots.

-          DO bring swimwear. Leave the boots at home, but make sure you actually bring swimwear. Every party pool requires guests to wear swimwear, even if you don’t plan on swimming. They will make you purchase swimwear on site, and it won’t be cheap. If you don’t, you will have to go elsewhere and by the time you get back it may be too late to get in.

-          DON’T keep your young kids out until the wee hours of the morning. This is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to Vegas. There is nothing more disturbing than seeing parents strolling their three year old through the casino at two in the morning while drunk tourists are roaming around. Come on parents! Put your children to bed at a decent time or don’t bring them to Vegas.

-          DON’T ask for hookups or favors on holiday or major event weekends from any local. In fact, unless you are a really good friend of someone that can “hook” you up in Vegas, don’t ask at all. Holiday weekends, festivals, big fights or games, and big convention weeks are nearly impossible to get on a guestlist, comp bottles, or not wait in line. Even as a local, it can be hard to get in unless you are a very big deal.

-          DO tip accordingly. If you don’t know the standard tipping rate, ask. Bartenders, servers, and hosts remember those who take care of them. You want to get served first or sneak past the line? Take care of those who take care of you. Also, when you have bottle service in a club, always side-tip the busser. He works the hardest and the one you probably see at your table the most. Depending on how much you tip the waitress (18 – 20%) of the check, which should include if you anything comped, you should tip 20% of the tip to the busser. For those who may be a little confused, if you are tipping the server $200, give $40 additionally to the busser. Also make sure you tip the host if you get in for free or set you up with a great deal.

-          DON’T ever and I mean ever take your shoes off in a nightclub, walking around a casino, or through the parking lot. I can’t tell you how many I see this in one night. I get it, as a woman wearing heels can get painful after dancing all night. However, I want you to think about what you are walking on, and you get hurt if you step on glass or anything else thrown on the floor. I don’t care if my feet are bleeding, I never take off my shoes. Keep some flats, flip flops or buy some on the way out of the club to walk around in.

-          DO be respectful to everyone you speak to. One thing about Vegas is you never know who are talking to. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend or who you think you are. If you are disrespectful to the wrong person, you will be thrown out without a beat.

-          DON’T walk across the street without the “walk” sign lit. Jaywalking is taken very seriously in Vegas. If you cross the street illegally and get hit by a car, you are 100% liable. My friend got hit by a car, broke both of her legs, knocked out her teeth, and suffered head injuries. She was served a jaywalking ticket later that week and was left responsible for every hospital bill.

-          DO venture off the strip every now and then. There is an entirely different world outside of the strip including great restaurants, shopping, and views. It can be expensive taking cabs so you may want to rent a car, just don’t drink and drive. Speaking of cabs, be very careful of them taking the “long” route to make more money. If you are unaware on how to get from point A to B, map it on your phone. Cabs love drunk people and will take advantage of it.

-          DON’T use your debit card at the strip clubs. All strip clubs are going to charge a $200 authorization every time you swipe your card. If they ask you if you want to keep your tab open, it may be a better idea than closing it. If you decide to get a “dance” and you need chips, there is also a service charge of 10% so if that’s your big goal, get cash. Nothing against strippers trying to make a buck, but be careful on who you choose.

-          Lastly, DO take advantage of free opportunities when you can. All right, I know I’m self-promoting but SpyOnVegas.com is useful to get into places for free, enjoy open bars, and free access to concerts. Throughout the whole summer we have Thursdays Live at The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool with an open bar from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. of a sponsored product. Also, my birthday party this year is open to all for free admission to Haze Nightclub and Liquid Pool along with an open bar for ladies for the first hour.

If you aren’t sure of what to do, what to wear, or where to go while you’re in Vegas, simply ask. Those who work here know the city and locals are usually happy to assist.

Join in on the celebration of my birthday at Haze Nightclub, Friday July 20 and Liquid Pool Lounge, Saturday, July 21 with free entry when you get on the list. Open bar for ladies at Haze Nightclub from 10:30-11:30 p.m. and Liquid from 11 a.m. to noon.

RSVP for Haze Nightclub on Friday, July 20
RSVP for Liquid Pool Lounge on Saturday, July 21