Tips to Plan the Perfect Vegas Getaway

New York City is the center of the universe—at least it is east of the Mississippi. When thinking of the West Coast, most New Yorkers immediately imagine Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, there’s one flyover destination that often gets overlooked by city-dwellers: Las Vegas.

In the last two decades, the city’s reputation has leaned away from gaming, which has made it a popular stopover for more travelers. In other words, there’s something for everyone on the Vegas strip today. The city has welcomed a few new sports franchises, along with an increasing number of big-name musical residencies.

Still, many New Yorkers in the mood for a big adventure might think New Jersey’s Atlantic City is a suitable stopover—especially those who want to play a game of roulette or blackjack. However, anyone in the mood for next-level showmanship is better off booking a trip to Nevada. Here are four tips to get you started in the right direction—no matter how long you’re planning to stay.

Start Budgeting Early

For most Americans, Las Vegas is a pricey vacation. For New Yorkers paying rent in Brooklyn or Manhattan, it’s par for the course. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t start budgeting for your trip early on. If you aren’t sure where to start, it's worth researching a short guide on lodging advice which outlines when and how to book hotels.

As mentioned in decent guides, it's important to keep a lookout for resort fees and other fees. You should only pay for the services and amenities you plan on using. If you can’t wriggle out of these fees, then be sure to take advantage of them. Remember, it’s okay to go all-out in Vegas—just be sure you know exactly what you’re paying for to avoid useless add-ons.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Distractions

As mentioned above, gaming isn’t the only activity du jour in Vegas. This means that there’s an unprecedented number of attractions and shows to see. Musical residencies are some of the most popular, along with magic and aerial shows from groups like Cirque de Soleil. Regardless of your interests, plan ahead.

Hawkers line the Vegas Strip, offering unique experiences—many of which are hard to turn down. However, keep in mind these tickets are often double or triple the standard price, and you won’t have a series of reviews to consult before deciding to opt-in or out. For this reason, always plan ahead. It can help you avoid distractions that aren’t worth your time or money.

Don’t Forget About Mother Nature

Vegas is billed as the City of Lights. However, it’s nestled in one of the US’s most stunning desert regions. Though Vegas’s high temperatures make it untenable for hikes during the summer and parts of autumn and spring, nature lovers will have plenty of options to explore the area’s rugged wonders. 

There are helicopter and small plane tours that can take small groups to see the Grand Canyon—and might even land to let you take a quick tour of the area’s Northern Rim. Other nature excursions include a tour of the Colorado River’s Emerald Cave, Bryce Canyon, and Antelope Canyon. Consider a private tour to avoid long tourist lines during the high season.

Off the Strip: Celeb Sightings, Sports Games, & Ghosts

Speaking of getting off the beaten path in Las Vegas, be sure to look into entertainment that’s not based on the Strip or billed in major advertisements. The city is home to some truly weird history and characters, which are preserved by local tours. For example, Zak Bagans, a ghost hunter from Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, curates one of the world’s most haunted museums, filled with terrifying artifacts. 

Those who aren’t interested in making eye contact with cursed dolls can head to the T-Mobile Arena or Allegiant Stadium to watch the city’s WNBA, NHL, or NFL teams battle it out. For non-sports fans, consider targeting one of the dozens of high-profile clubs—often tucked inside other big-name venues. At spots like OMNIA and TAO, you might even catch a glimpse of partying celebrities, from Miley Cyrus to Justin Bieber.