Las Vegas Tips from a local

Tips About Las Vegas From A Local

     So you are planning a trip to the fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. Well I'm here to give you some tips on where to stay, places to visit, and how to save money. My name is Phoenix but Fe (pronounced fee) is fine. I have been a local here in Las Vegas for about 4 years now. I have been all over Vegas. I have talked to so many people to get advice on putting this together. I hope you will find it useful.

Hotel Secrets:

    Here are some tips for you that a lot of people who come here do not realize. If you come to Vegas it is cheaper to stay off the strip and Fremont. There are many hotels just off of both that are going to be good fit for your budget. When it comes to booking your hotel call them directly. 

    Insider tip: If you're like me and you do not spend much time in your room, you can ask them to remove resort fees and you can have them take off amenities like wifi and it saves you money there to. I stayed at Tresure Island recently and the room was nice. When I checked in it saved me like $30 a night just by having them remove the wifi access. Also if you get gamble even $20 at a lot of casinos you have points that save you money on food. Arizona Charlies on Charleston and Decatur for example after my friend spent like $25 in slots we went to eat at the little cafe there. We went to eat it was around $15 for the both of us to have breakfast. We did it another time and he forgot his card same exact meal was almost $50 without it.

Get to your hotel early and cannot check in yet? Most the hotels on the strip will let you check your bags with front desk so you can start enjoying your trip.

Next up is getting around the strip...

Honestly the simplest way to get around the strip is to use the busses. They run like every 15 minutes. I drive here as a local but when I go on the strip I take the bus. They are a bit crowded but worth it. 

Another tip: if you download the RideRTC app you can pay local prices. All day passes are $5 for locals. 

What about Weed Fe?

Yes weed is legal here for personal use. The best dispensaries are just off the strip. They charge more on the strip cause locals do not buy there as much. Cure leaf has good stuff. Keep in mind if you drive while high you can get a DUI. Please be responsible. 

Things to take with you on the go...

Remember you are in the desert. Summer it gets above 110 degrees most days. So things not to leave without are.

• Bottles of water - Lot of hotels give you complementary bottles.
• Sunscreen - Higher spf is recommended. The sun is very unforgiving here.
• Chapstick - The dry air here will dry your lips out.
• Cash - for tips but also if you get your picture taken with performers they ask for it
• Hat - its a good idea to cover your head here to prevent sun sickness. 
• Jacket - or hoodie during the day keeps the sun from dehydrating you faster but as it dark temperature drops rapidly here.

"Wherever my travels may lead, paradise is where I am."

Places of absolute beauty for introverts.

I came up with some places a lot people do not know about, locals included.

Red Rock Canyon

As you can see from the picture it is very beautiful. It has a one-way 13 mile scenic route, hiking trails, plants and wild life. Has some pretty cool campsites. 

Black Canyon

The Black Canyon of the Colorado river where the Hoover Dam was built. Black Canyon gets its name from the volcanic rocks in the area. It has caverns you can explore in a kayak. Beautiful as the sunsets over the water. I have been several times.

Mt. Charleston

Mount Charleston is like a 45 minute drive. I promise you it is worth it. The peak is 11,916 feet. They have cabins for rent that are super cozy. They also have a population of less than 400 people. The scenic byway is nice for photo ops. I went up here late at night just so I watch the sun rise over the ridge. Couple things to consider there is snow there a lot due to the altitude. 

What? You more of an "on the beaten path" kind of person? I have some unique suggestions for adults to enjoy yourself.

    Check out the Pinball hall of fame. Its a cool place. Maybe you are a gamer but prefer something different. I would give Player 1 on Maryland Parkway by the Boulevard Mall. They have stand up arcade machines, gaming consoles (nes to present) free popcorn and the serve booze.

    If you like karaoke might I suggest going to Cat's Meow on Fremont. They open at 5pm. Admission is free until 8pm. They are open until 2am. It is cool atmosphere due to the fact they run it like a night club.

    Also if you are LGBTIQ like me or the alphabet mafia as my sister calls it you need to check out The Phoenix. Its a cool place to get a drink. 

A secret if your a couple who are engaged or married...

    When my partner and I first got here to Vegas we were checking out the strip. We got approached about sitting through a "travel club" presentation. We thought why not. We left with gambling vouchers, visa gift card and free tickets to a show. It was well worth the 90 mins we spent.

I do hope this has been helpful on your trip to Las Vegas planning. Stay safe out there.