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- I went to Las Vegas with friends and learned a few lessons the hard way.
- I wish I were more specific when ordering water and that I’d avoided the many slot machines.
- Free bottle service is tempting, but it can be a slippery slope to spending a lot of money.
Many members of my friend group dispersed around the US after college — so our annual girls’ trips have become more of a lifeline than a luxury.
We’ve been on many, and a highlight was our long weekend in Las Vegas a few years ago. Between glitzy nightclubs, casinos, and pool parties that feel like something out of a movie, Sin City was an endless source of fun.
However, looking back, we made some mistakes on our Las Vegas girls’ trip that could’ve been avoided.
Here are five things I wish I’d known before I went — and what I’d do differently next time.
Ordering water without specifying which kind you want can be an expensive mistake.
When you’re partying in the middle of the desert, water is a must. However, if you forget to specify which kind, you could be in for a rude awakening when the bill arrives.
At one club, we ordered water and were given an ice bucket holding four small Fiji bottles. Later, we realized we were charged $80 for them.
We weren’t just paying a premium for what was in the bottle — we were paying for the luxury of drinking inside one of the city’s hottest clubs.
Next time, I’ll make sure the servers know I have zero qualms about drinking free water from the tap, and no fancy bucket is required.
Free bottle service can be a slippery slope to spending a lot of money.
Many Vegas club promoters look for any way to get more girls in the door, so it’s not uncommon to be swayed by the promise of complimentary bottle service.
However, I learned the hard way that this doesn’t mean you’re in for a free night out. Between cover fees, two rounds of shots, and one fancy water bucket, my friends and I left one “free” pool party with a $500 tab.
It’s easy to make less-than-stellar decisions when you’re caught up in the excitement, like ordering brightly-colored shooters instead of simply swigging from the bottle that was already on your table.
Hindsight’s 20/20, and I’ll try to be more aware of my spending next time.
Slot machines are almost everywhere and tough to resist.
Slot machines are synonymous with Sin City, and the flashing lights and sounds will do everything to pull you in from the moment you step off the plane at Harry Reid International Airport.
Yes, the airport has slot machines. Unlike many others, I resisted.
However, throughout our trip, those noisy machines were waiting around every turn, constantly telling me I was just one spin away from getting lucky.
The thrill of the lever pull got the best of me, and before long, I had dropped half a month’s rent on slots.
Take it from me — just because your hotel has a casino on the first floor, that doesn’t mean you have to empty your pockets. If you plan on gambling, set a firm spending limit before you get to Vegas and stick to it.
I wish I’d eaten more meals off the Strip.
Although many of the celebrity-chef restaurants on the Strip have great food and Instagram-worthy decor, they can get expensive.
I loved the ultra-hip vibes at STK and Hakkasan, but I wish we’d thought to save money by dining off the Strip for at least a few meals.
We could’ve savored authentic dishes without sky-high price tags or even super-long wait times. Next time, I’ll ask locals for their favorite affordable picks.
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in the desert.
We went on a group ATV ride in the nearby desert, which was awesome. However, veering off the course and getting lost wasn’t.
Somewhere between snapping selfies and racing each other, my friends and I wound up separating from our group. I don’t know about you, but Death Valley is not a place I want to be stranded in.
After a frantic search and a terrifying moment when one friend flipped her ATV, we learned a valuable lesson. No matter how much fun you’re having, safety comes first.
Next time, I’ll enjoy myself while still keeping my wits about me.
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