Well when I go to Vegas, I will be a rookie, but I don't think I am 'dumb'. You really think it wise to call your viewers dumb if they make these mistakes? Maybe a better way to put it would have been to say "Rookie mistakes that are easy to make" instead of implying we have sub-par thinking skills.
I STALK TH-camrs to see what TH-camrs post w/out having to subscribe to TH-camrs because I see no point in subscribing to people who post videos when it is FREE to watch videos posted on TH-cam - stalking on TH-cam is simply seeing what people post w/out having to subscribe to people who post videos.
Checking the room door upon leaving is such a great tip. I was victim of this when we walked away with the door closing behind us not realizing it bounced back open at Caesars. We returned after a wonderful night to discovery our luggage and all our clothes were gone. Thankfully we had all of our major valuables with us and well it's Vegas you can buy new clothes. And for the record Caesar's security was not helpful at all and literally did nothing.
just stayed at the aria like a week ago and i had to double check as a few times it didnt shut all the way. and another weird thing is it seems no matter what hotel i stay at in vegas the last few years even when i have a do not disturb/privacy on the knob i still get my room entered. or like at the aria the privacy sign lights up plus i opted out of room service and i still had housekeeping enter my room. they said they were just checking the minibar, which i never touched, and then left.
@@sorensjeThat might be because guests will use the do not disturb signs a lot when they leave and don’t want room service to make up/touch their room. Hotels don’t like not being able to check on the rooms for damage or chaos. But obviously some staff will also steal. Portable hidden cameras might be the way to go in this day and age. Such a rise in the cost of living today is the number one reason for the crazy rise in crime so those on vacation are more of a focus than ever. Maybe use a lock box at the reception desk as a safe and a portable hidden camera. If staff steal then it’s on camera including noting on video upon arrival all of your belongings and then you can try to hold the hotel responsible but still don’t hold your breath for them taking any responsibility. Vegas is run by the biggest criminals after all. You take a big chance if you don’t try to cover your a*# when you’re there.
Agree! My daughter and I went to Vegas and would order an appetizer and split an entree. We had plenty to eat and didn’t waste food because we had no fridge for leftovers. We also hit up places for small snacks instead of going for full meals three times a day. We got to sample a lot of different items this way. The elote at Dirt Dog was one of our favorites!
@@judyfroemming7756 we did carry a soft side bag cooler to keep in the room for drinks. One of our traveling party emptied his rolling suitcase when we first arrived and we went to Walgreens. We stocked up on Diet Coke, water, beer, and mixers. Also grabbed some liquor, and rolled it all back to our rooms. We used ice from the hotel and put it into the bathtub when we left for the day. Had happy hour daily, and had drinks to go without spending a fortune!
My husband and I recently traveled to Vegas and were talking about how cool it would be to see you while we’re out and about, and not even a couple hours into our trip we saw you and Mr. Ruby filming at the Bellagio! You can see me turn and wave as we’re walking away in the background of your shot! We love your videos so it was a great way to start our trip! 💓
A lot of great tips. I just traveled here. We used cabs everywhere that we went. I didn't check the receipts until the last evening in town. That is when I finally noticed the $3.00 taxi fee for using a credit card. It's just for using a credit card. That's it. We probably spent nearly $50 in taxi/credit card fees. Never again. It's cash only next time.
Grew up in Vegas, it's also a fat ticket for any drivers caught moving if there is a single foot in the street on either side, it's also the best way to instantly fail your driving test if you didn't notice a pedestrian trying to cross either legally or illegally.
Hi Ruby, I'm a Las Vegas veteran and try to get there 1-3 times per year. I agree with all your tips! Just wanna tell you that I love your travel videos! It gives me a taste of Vegas even when I can't be there. Puts a smile on my face. Keep doing what you do!
Omg thank you for the waterproof phone case idea! I’m getting ready to go to Vegas next week on a solo trip and I was already getting anxious about how I was going to handle the pool without someone to watch must stuff. Perfect solution!
I am a Vegas regular. Just got back last week. I'm usually pretty cynical about these videos, but kudos to you. These are actually solid practical suggestions. Excellent video.
I've been going to Vegas 2-3 times a year for over a decade and I totally agree. Especially the "everything is further away than you think" tidbit. Still catches my wife and I sometimes 🤣
One thing you didn’t mention and I feel it should be here is MAKE RESERVATIONS! Hotels, shows, and restaurants sell out FAST! Hell’s Kitchen for example will be booked for an entire weekend in like 20 minutes. I used to live in Vegas and I can’t tell you how many times people didn’t get to see the show or eat the restaurant or stay where they wanted because they didn’t make reservations.
The walking tip is spot on. I like to get the exercise in the morning. I walk from NY/NY to Circus Circus and you easily get in 14,000 steps. Not something you want to do if you are dressed up.
Yep - my wife and me are “walkers” but Las Vegas tested that theory to its limit. The buildings are so large it disorientates your perception of distance.
One thing I’ve learned is that hotels can’t charge resort fees if you book the room on points. I stay at Best Westerns when I travel for work so I use my points at the Strat. Also you can purchase points directly from BW. Anyway, you can avoid resort fees if you pay with points.
Heads up--This is true for Best Western and Hilton properties, but not for Marriott properties. If you book at a resort fee Marriott property with points, you still have to pay the nightly resort fee. One reason why I find Hilton Honors to be a better loyalty program than Marriott Bonvoy.
Not drinking enough water. Remember, you're in a desert, and humidity levels can get down very low. Even when the temps are in the 60s and 70s, you can still dehydrate if you're partying all day or even just walking from casino to casino. Also, don't throw away those annoying slot machine tickets that are less than a dollar. Save a bunch of them and either cash them out in the casino cage or load them all into a random slot machine. The latter will total them all up and you can then cash out a single ticket. Note: this only works if you are combining tickets from the SAME casino. Casinos don't cash each others tickets, even if they are part of the same company.
Who cares about U leaving behind cash tickets less than $1? Combining tickets from same casino works - no sh*t Sherlock. That's like joining scraps of soap bars to make a bar of soap - Lisa Simpson said to mom Marg Simpson.
Ruby: I've been to Vegas many times in the last 20 years and feel I know a thing or two, but your videos are always instructive and informative. Keep up the good work.
I always find it amazing how many people vacation or take cruises without researching channels like yours first. There is NO REASON for people to show up with no clue how many ways there are to mess up your trip by not watching a few videos first. This was a great one!! I'm sure it'll help those who travel to Vegas or anywhere.
i didnt know about Ruby prior to my vegas trips otherwise i would of looked her up. I definitely talked to alot of people and read Lonely Planet though 🤣
Ruby! I noticed you never mention the bus when wanting to travel up and down strip or anywhere on strip etc … if you’re not wanting to spend money on taxis or Lyft/Uber just take the RTCBUS you get full strip access ..2HR $6/ 24HR $8.00 && a 3DAY PASS IS just $20 😊
Or if you are staying more than say 6-15 nights get the 15 day pass at the boneville transit centre in downtown Vegas. You ask for the 15 day pass they won’t ask you if you’re a local or not. 😅
We always take the bus downtown. We usually make a stop or two on the way there or back. It's also a great way to get to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and the Pinball Hall of Fame.
@@fisherguy88 yes when I’ve came and visited Las Vegas and went to Fremont st the bus is what I would get on .. & yes I great way to get to see the “ Welcome to Las Vegas “ sign …honestly in my “ opinion “ depending on what you are doing and where you’re going the bus is just more convenient/less expensive 🤷🏽♀️
As someone who lived in Vegas for a decade and spent ALOT of time there before living there, my main tips are as follows - don't go during the summer. It gets absurdly HOT, like 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit hot, and you could get heatstroke and badly sunburned. Also, prices skyrocket during the summer, particularly on weekends. If you go on the off season, like maybe late November- March, you will pay less and it will be alot cooler. Also, make use of Fremont Street, too. It's alot cheaper than the strip, generally, but it's not in as good of an area. Honestly, it's much less known by tourists and is alot of fun as well. Lastly, there isn't all that much for young kids to do in Vegas, it's geared for adults. There are certain shows that you do NOT want to take your kids to (the Cirque Du Coleil show at... I THINK it was MGM Grand.... was a VERY adult, VERY "mature audiences only" show not suitable for young kids). DO YOUR RESEARCH on shows you want to see before just picking a show at random to go see and hoping for the best. I know that, unless they have changed their repertoire for the worse, Blue Man Group is something for people of all ages. You might not think it would be some mind blowing act, but honestly, I saw it a couple times and loved it. I took my mom one of the times and she walked out loving it. Another kid friendly act is the show at Excalibur. That one is equally awesome for the kids. So my advice is it may be best to have the kids stay with grandma and / or grandpa for a few days, or maybe their auntie or uncle, while you parents go to Vegas.
I can't help it, I LOVE Vegas weather in August! It's 90+F with 90% humidity every day here in Houston and it's soooo nice to catch that crisp oven fresh air when I arrive. I can finally breathe for a few days haha😂😂
@@Mhel2023 Oh, i can tolerate the 110-120 degree dry heat of Vegas. I spent every summer, the entire summer, with my maternal grandparents (both of whom have long since passed. they lived there on a permanent basis since a few years before i was born in 1979) from age 3 until age 12, when my parents divorced. i did spend at least a few weeks there every summer from age 12 until age 18. I would regularly spend time there over the summer during my college years, which were cut short when my grandfather passed in march 2001. I started working after that, but still spent some weekends there visiting my grandmother, durig both summer and wintet. when her health declined drastically in 2009, my husband and I moved there to help my mom take care of her. she passed almost 21 months later, and my husband and I stayed until a couple months shy of 10 years there from when we first moved to Vegas. I acclimate easily to it, but i REALLY prefer the snow, heavy rain and more temperate weather Michigan offers. Hey, everyone is different and has their preferred climates. I will never judge.
😄 Please have some tolerance with the revolving door pushers. In the olden days (and some areas of the world) they we’re not automatic and we HAD to push them! Old habits die hard but we’re trying. 🙏🏼
Years ago, we learned you can't hail a cab. When we just got in a cab, the driver was, uh, irritated, and told us we put him at risk of being fined. Lesson learned, and a great tip for your first time to Vegas
Hi Ruby! As we are locals, we go to the Strip pretty frequently. You are absolutely on point with these rookie mistakes. The people touching the revolving doors drive us crazy as well, as do the jaywalkers. We saw a lady next to us almost get hit by a bus. I also don't think the resort fees are a scam. Even if you add them to the advertised room rate, it is still quite a bargain. Which brings me to an additional rookie mistake. Before you make your reservations, check the rate calendars. If something big is happening in town, those hotel rates can go through the roof! As a nurse, I also have to say STAY HYDRATED! We see so many people walking the Strip in the heat with those yard-long drinks. Don't make the mistake of not drinking enough water. You don't want to spend the rest of your trip feeling sick and not enjoy all the fun things you had planned. Thanks for all you do! Linda
Majority of countries do not have Jaywalking as a thing. It amazes me that it is even an offense (I am from the UK and there is no concept of it here) - it's like enforcing a law telling people they aren't smart enough to cross the street by themselves when it is safe, so they make it illegal. Anyway the point is, a lot of people Jaywalking in Vegas I imagine will be tourists, they may not even be American, or from a country where it exists - so they are likely not even aware that it is an issue to cross the road anywhere you want to.
We were there in February at MGM grand and the resort fees are definitely a scam there! Way to high! And the Uber driver had a underhanded deal with the Valets and then the front desk “Official as well”” took us aside and took more $ it was terrible! We knew they were ripping us off but couldn’t do anything about it ! Tips your Uber, tip your valet ( which we didn’t ask for, tip the front desk staff “officials, and tip the valets again when they bring up your luggage all of which ( besides the Uber). We didn’t want! They basically use the valet runners to hold off on bringing your luggage till all the rest of them get tips! Don’t use a valet. We wanted to carry are own stuff up, they basically held it hostage ! Crazy and MGM was no great stay on top of it,
Hi Ruby, love your videos! One mistake, which is huge in my opinion, is not carrying enough cash and having to use Vegas ATM machines! The ATM charges are sky high ($8+). It can be a little cheaper if you go to a machine not in a casino such as CVS, Walgreens, etc.
Omg! I’ve totally done the “it’s just over there, let’s walk”. That was between the then Las Vegas Hilton and the Strat which is a very scary part of town. It was at night and my partner wasn’t too happy but thankfully we made it through safely. I now call anything anywhere, “Vegas close” and take a cab or ride share.
I still recommend cabs, even if cabs are a little more money. The flat rate has really changed things, the prices have been close. 1) Cab line at the airport is close and very convenient. The Ride Share pick up and drop off is a little walk. Cabs are allowed to pull up to the terminal. In the summer, it can feel like a long walk. 2) Many strip properties give preference to taxi's vs. ride share. Taxi's are generally allowed to pull up to the same vicinity as hotel valet and many hotels have taxi lines with taxi's ready in seconds. Many hotel require ride share to drop off/pick up near their property's general parking garages. This adds another walk. And I have had to wait 10-15 mins for a ride share during busy times. But out front, there are 20 taxi's waiting.
I was in Vegas for the first time last month. It was 115 when I got there I could barely think straight, and there was probably 30-40 people waiting for Ubers. But I could see downstairs and saw a whole line of taxies. Walked down, was ushered in with no wait. And Uber was doing surge pricing, so the cab was cheaper. Next time I go I'll do the same thing.
Love these videos! My tip is do not buy any of the drinks that the people on the street try to sell you. They make it sound cheap, but much safer to buy from walgreens or CVS.
Great video and very helpful! My first time in Las Vegas in 2000 was with my father and two young sons. We walked from the Strat to New York New York in one day in July because my very conservative father didn’t want to pay for a taxi. We ended up taking a shared shuttle back to our hotel. What were we thinking! Never again. Now that I’m a local we stay and play in ONE hotel/casino. No walking around. Also because we are locals we bring our own small coffee pot and cups to avoid the lines and high costs. Also bring granola bars for first thing in the morning if you take meds or vitamins in the morning it might be awhile before you get to a restaurant.
I have admittedly made 1 or 5 of these mistakes. I love your thoughts on walking through casino's. I learned this the hard way as well, after walking up multiple non functioning escalators. The inside escalators are always working. Also, I love snacks in my room, so a trip to CBS/Walgreens/Target for snacks is always a great idea. Helps you to avoid the $5 snickers in the mini bar. I also bring a collapsible water kettle, which can help me make tea, coffee, oatmeal for breakfast, or ramen for a late night snack. I'm not cheap, but I don't always want to leave my room early in the morning or late at night, and room service is ridiculously priced and not great at most hotels.
I don't agree with walking through the casinos. Once you know you're way around in one, it's not bad but frankly those places are laid out so it's confusing to navigate, you can end up adding a lot of time on your walk if you go the wrong way. The last time I tried to shortcut through the cosmo I ended up near the buffet.
Love this! I'd have to add a rookie tip for my fellow Europeans: bring layers of clothing in summer!!! You'll be freezing inside the hotel room and the casinos when it's 40ºC and dry outside because they crank up the air-con, compared to what we're used to (not sure why, since it makes staying indoors also unpleasant). Summer is one of the best times of the year to visit Vegas, don't let that ruin your experience.
Good tip! It's often common in America to keep it really cool indoors, especially in hot climates like this. I'm from the Southeastern US and I personally have never liked how cold everything is inside during the summer because I'm cold-natured. I'm more comfortable in Europe haha.
Thanks Ruby for pointing out that ride share areas are usually in different area than the cab pickup area. Being a ride share driver I can't tell you how often my passenger will tell me they're in an different area than what's pre-scribed by the hotels. As always..great job!
Walking from the stratosphere at night through not so safe areas to avoid getting an Uber… dumbbbb. And definitely always carry cash. I love your waterproof case idea!!! Brilliant!!
The most important tip-wear comfortable shoes day and night! Spent a week in Vegas last month for a conference and husband and I walked at least 8 miles per day. Just getting from our room to the hotel conference hall was about a half mile walk.
This had to be Mandalay Bay. I ended up walking from Luxor to Mandalay Bay, got into some entrance at ground level near the spas and felt like I walked MILES to get to the aquarium. I saw that they were renting mobility scooters in the lobby and I was SO tempted!
I'm a local. A Vegas block is something special indeed, sometimes it goes on for eternity lol. I had some friends that stayed at the Flamingo, and we all were gonna go to the Palms to the club called Moon. I told them ill pick them up, and they were like "no, we want to walk, the GPS says its only 1 mile". Lol, that may be true, but around the resort corridor, there usually isn't a direct route from point A to point B when you're walking. Long story short, it took them 90 minutes to make it to the Palms and they were absolutely exhausted, while we were chlling in the downstairs bar waiting for them, haha.
The coffee hack is a big one. I work on the strip sometimes and Starbucks is massively expensive. I'll usually just get a regular small black coffee and starbucks will run me 5 bucks for that. The center bar or sportsbook is like 2 bucks sometimes. Another quick tip is make sure you get a receipt when you stay at a room. Ive had some hotels not release the deposit especially if its a lower deposit like 50 bucks. Sometimes you have to call and ask and also make sure you have a receipt to prove you stayed there.
Theres no sign, there tons of people walking in and out. People will assume due to the lack of instruction that its spinning due to people manually spinning. Its a dumb thing to have a peeve about. Bellagio should label it better.
@@joebecht5554 More like THIS!!! to @trippinainteasyva, who's absolutely correct. Like you really think people say oh look an automatic door, but F that S it's going too slow, I'm gonna push it? Seriously, is that what people think is happening? Have you ever seen someone going thru the door alone who pushes it? Or only when there's multiple people? So then use common sense to realize what's happening.
WOW!!!!! Great Ruby. Thanks for sharing. Alot of people will be traveling to Vegas this Summer so these tips are awesome. Heres an idea for another video. Hows about 20 things you need to know when coming to Vegas in 2023. Such as buying cheap water and snacks at CVS & Walgreens. Another one is beware TimeShare people trying to scam you. Another one is brings comfortable shoes and be ready to walk ALOT.
The tip about distance between places on the strip is 100% correct. Only been once, got dropped by UBER at the mirage and walked to the Wynn then back to Bellagio, it's a long way for an oldie. The ONLY reason I went was to see the Fountains at Bellagio but enjoyed the whole trip so much we are going back again this year.
Lots of solid advice here! Great reminder about portions; most food orders are huge and easily sharable, even if you have a good appetite. It's a good thing to remind myself I can always order again if I want more. You can easily spend a full day exploring one resort, so your point about walking the Strip is right on. Consider picking a part of the Strip to explore instead of trying to walk the whole thing, or take a tour by bus or even limo.
#21 Check with your bank before your trip to see where available partner ATMs are. Some of the major banks will allow you to use the ATMs inside Walgreens and 7-11 for free. The ATMs inside the casinos charge absolutely outrageous fees.
Those are Allpoint ATMs. They are also inside of CVS stores. A lot of mobile based banks also let you use them for free. Varo, Current, Chime, just to name a few. Even if you can't use them for free, their fees are a lot more reasonable than the ones inside of casinos.
I approve of this video. My husband made most of these mistakes in the beginning. I definitely advise to bring the lanyard for clubs and just walking around during the day. It keeps from people pick pocketing or stealing your bags.
Ruby I use to take the city bus from the airport parking garage. Cost me 3$. The workers take the bus. So I figured why not. It stopped behind the flamingo & continued to Carson Ave station. I walked the 2 blocks to Fremont and checked in at the D. Waay cheaper.
Oh wow thanks so much for those 20, but I feel you probably could make a list of 20 different ones lol. I appreciate the cab one especially. Thank you so much for your hard work that goes into these videos you and Mr. Ruby!!!
Stayed at the Sahara last year. I was able to order from the Starbucks there on the mobile app while in my room and it was ready by the time I came down on the elevator, even when there was a line. Also the prices are higher than a non hotel Starbucks, but the bonus points for free items are the same. If you're a Starbucks regular you may want to accumulate points if you know you're headed to Las Vegas in the near future.
Wow! That was great Ruby. We’ve been to Vegas 0:30 many times & .I’ve been comp. To a 4 night stay in NOLO. But, some of what you mentioned, I’ve never even thought of. Thanks!!❤🎉
My wife and I decided to walk from the Paris to the Rio. You are so right, properties look close but they are not. Oh I forgot to mention that this occurred in July. I think the high temp that day was 185F. We took a cab back, and everywhere else in town after that. Hopefully your video will benefit others, you are doing God's work.
I am no longer a rookie but the coffee & "I'm a local" hacks were gold! And I DEFINITELY learned the "distances are farther than they appear" my first visit. I vividly recall filling my hotel room trashcan with ice and water and submersing my feet at the end of the day! :) Lesson learned. Great video! Tip I would add - look for happy hour specials on the strip. In my experience restaurants that have them don't freely offer the happy hour menu, you have to ask - but it's well worth it!
Great video. One suggestion is to make sure and get a player's card even you don't plan on gambling. We got one at Mandalay Bay for MGM Rewards and turns out because my spouse is a veteran, we were upgraded to a higher card which gave us free parking at all MGM properties. AND they also include the spouse! I wouldn't mind paying "resort fees" if it included parking and coffee, but most don't.
I made the terrible mistake of trying to walk from the Luxor to a new exhibit most of the way up the strip. I did this on the second day of a three day trip. I couldn't walk the rest of my trip, and had to have knee surgery when I got home.
1. I've been to Vegas at least 5xs or more and going back this July. I did not know about the Jay walking. And the waterproof pouch is a great idea, and Ruby, you are spot on about the food portions
I’m 52 years old and planning my first Vegas trip. I want my first time to off season and a hotel that fits my age group. Not the party scene for me, looking to gamble and eat good food. I’m binge watching your videos and love them all. Keep it up!
I stayed at Aria Sky Suites mid-week. Got the benefits of an amazing room at a reasonable price. Come Friday it got much more crowded. Food and atmosphere are amazing. Highly recommended.
Ruby I followed your videos for months prior to a trip to vegas in 2021. We STILL tried to walk from the Venetian to top golf. I had to buy so many drinks for my boys to apologize. People! Do NOT try to walk to save money. Good lord it's absolutely not worth.
I’ve been to Vegas once in 2007. Made the mistake of trying to hail a taxi on the strip while in a time crunch. Tried 3 times and gave up. Ended up walking fast a good distance outside early September…not crazy hot but was a bit sweaty at my destination. Great exercise in runners but felt a bit foolish when someone finally told me taxis cannot stop on the strip. It was a lot of live and learn before smartphones became popular and platforms like TH-cam came along. ❤ from Victoria, BC.
Wonderful. I hope everyone who is going to Vegas for the first time watches this video. Thanks for the advice about the cell phone waterproof bag. I have never heard of that. Again, wonderful!
My wife just went on a bachelorette Vegas weekend and we booked directly with the resort. We did that call in everyday trick and dropped the price by slightly over $300! The 20 dollar trick worked too! Thanks for all these tips they really worked.
That was excellent. I've been to Vegas many times but people really need to know about the added fees to a room. They didn't do that 20 years ago to my knowledge but today it is so bad. I was helping someone reserve a room and I couldn't believe the fees. The other item you covered was the distance between resorts, wow it's insane. I was there in 1988 and you could get a real good idea about bldgs but by the early 2000's it was very hard. Thanks for your hard work.
Hi Ruby, love your videos! Question: do you trust leaving cash in the room safe at the hotels? Maybe going to LV next month and probably staying at Harrahs. My concer is that I heard stories of cleaning staff having the master unlock code for the room safes? Thanks
I stayed in a hotel last week that has a sign on the door "Make sure you have your key card. Doors lock automatically" Imagine my surprise when I woke up in the middle of the night and the door was not locked. the lock was sticking out. The door did not in fact close completly after me NONE of the time I was there. Great Tip!
Starbucks initially was about the experience. The higher price came with that experience. It's all about production now and I refuse to pay the premium for what's no more than a McDonald's experience. Also, I'm a former Starbucks supervisor.
Man, I needed this video the first time I went! Had to learn a majority of these the hard way in my first 2 trips! But it was still fun, cant wait to go back
I've been watching a lot of videos and hear a lot of the same stuff -- but THIS video was extremely good, helpful, and had a lot of perfect tips no one else is saying. Look forward to watching more of your videos!
Yes, I didn't realize things were on a sensor . I removed items to place food and drinks in there-and I was wandering where the $737 charges were coming from. They politely came to check and removed the items prior to checking out
Be careful with older hotel doors that get “stuck” and check the adjoining doors if they’re in the correct position. The best way is to just peek between the door and frame to see if the deadbolt is indeed slid closed and you may need to lift the handle up to actually lock it (example is the Luxor)
I definitely made the portion-size mistake when I was in Vegas last month (hint: it is NOT advisable to eat the BBQ pork wonton noodle soup AND the crab fried rice at M.Y. Asia by yourself in a single sitting).
Coffee hack: buy a collapsible travel kettle and bring instant coffee or travel pour over packs (Copper Cow is one brand). I don't trust in room coffee makers anywhere, Vegas rarely has them anyway, and those sbux cups add up fast. The kettle will pay for itself in 1 weekend.
Extension to the mini bar tip: buy your own stuff (snacks/drinks) at Walgreens and if they don't have an empty mini fridge, tell front desk you have medication that needs refrigeration and they'll send one up to you
I knew the domination - $1 slot - but I didn't know how that slot worked when I went last month. My ignorance led to me gambling away $47 to only win nearly $2300. My first bet was only for $2 but the second bet (I was trying to figure out what the buttons do!) was for $45. Ignorance can be bliss, I guess. I went back to my room immediately. I figured that there was no topping that bit of good luck. I then volunteered to give up my seat on my flight home as I was in no hurry. Ka-ching! Another grand in my pocket in compensation! I have new kitchen range being delivered tomorrow! Woot Woot! I don't usually gamble in Vegas as I enjoy exploring more than the thought of gambling and I doubt that I will change my habits or mind. But I had a reason to enjoy the strip that trip and I did. I really, really did.
Hi Ruby, your tips and advice is so helpful, and your enthusiasm at putting it all together, is wonderful, you obviously care so much about your content, it just creates instant trust in what you put out! Well done you! Thanks for a great channel 👍
Our first trip about 20+ years ago - stayed at the Excalibur (first mistake), looked out the window and said lets check out the pirates show at Treasure Island - it's right down the road.. So we walked there (second mistake)... And yeah - who hasn't hit done the denomination mistake at least once! Cheers y'all!
Love your videos. Made several trips to Vegas from Florida. Can't travel anymore due to health reasons, so watching these brings back wonderful memories of days gone by. Thank you Ruby❤
Really great tips Ruby. A few hubby and I have learned the hard way. We just recently stayed at Excalibur and you need your room card to access your floor in the elevator which I thought was great. I always check to make sure my door is locked though.
You are so smart and explain things so easily. Great amazing advice. I love the professional way you create your videos. I especially love your Buffett reviews as you have a very special way of explaining the food and tastes and how things are prepared and displayed. You are just such a joy. Mr Ruby you are a lucky man.
I’ve never forgotten my first trip to Vegas as an adult, with my friends. I thought the free drinks while gambling were free, no tips required. 😳 So after getting my first one with a smile and saying, “Thanks so much!” She stared and me, then eventually stomped away and said something like, “Thanks for NOTHING!!!!” Whoops. I didn’t even have any cash so I think I went to find some cash then tried to track her down. Felt really bad! (This was a long time ago, way before helpful TH-cam videos, by the way!)
The one I really relate to is that everything is farther away than you think. The buildings are huge; that makes them look closer than they are. I also use the Deuce for getting around during the day. It's slow, but the air conditioning is great. I wonder if you can cover tipping cab drivers. I never know how much makes sense.
Being a cab driver myself I think I can help you out here. When my customers ask me what a good tip is I tell them to think of it as if your in a restaurant. Tip for good service and a good time.
@@buddy36265 I have a question since it will be my first time going and I plan on using a cab to and from the airport. I saw that the fee to The LINQ was $27 + $2 cab fee = $29 if I round that up to $35 to include a $6 tip would that be fair? Or should it be more? First solo trip for me. Thanks for your time answering
@@LizIsHauntedMiddleton that is perfectly fine. You should always tip what your comfortable doing. I have received $5.00 tips and $100.00 tips. Was happy with both. Its nice to be recognized for job well done.
@@buddy36265 Good advice. I'm always happy to tip the driver. If more than one of you are riding, the cost per person is negligible anyways. You guys work hard.
great tip about the coffee. So true about the distance between hotels. Please make sure you have plenty of water too if you are walking even a short distance. It is extremely hot in the summer time. Resort fees are ridiculous. We pretty much never use anything like the pool or work out room. At the very least they need to lower them. They make more than enough money. If we do go swimming thanks for the idea of water proof phone case!
Hi Ruby! So a mistake I made last trip was forgetting to cash in a a slots ticket before heading to the airport. I remembered at the airport and just gave my $50 ticket to a woman working at baggage claim. Hope she was able to use it.
Great info Ruby. One mistake I made was not knowing the price of certain beers that may be classed as premium beers. Being from the UK, beer and spirits are not that expensive and spirits tend to be cheaper than beer. Bought a few pints of Stella in Blondies one year whilst watching the Football (Soccer) We were flabergasted when the bill for 1/2 a dozen beers came in at over $100. ouch. Stay safe enjoy. Steve C.
The distance thing is real. Back in 2002, my friend and I walked from NYNY to the (old) Hard Rock hotel. It didn't seem that far away. We were wrong. 😅
I'm so glad to know about the taxi charges now. My introduction to Vegas was a creepy cab driver who definitely long hauled me to The Palazzo. The trip was uphill from there though!
The absolute best advice here is the walking distance on the strip. I've had a friend a TI and I was at NYNY. They said they were walking and see us in 30 minutes. Almost an hour and a half later they showed up. Just take a cab if you're going more than 2 properties away. SOLID advice. The strip is deceiving distance wise and it's not a straight shot. You have to walk in and out of casinos. Take cabs, Ubers, or trams.
Actually now it is faster to walk than the traffic as the F1 construction is at it's frenzy. I'm a local and I commute by bus to work at Aria. I get off at Flamingo corner of Horseshoe coming from the west side and pre-construction I would take the Deuce again and get off at Park MGM which would normally take all of 10 to 15 minutes, 20 at the most maybe on weekends. Well, now with a lot of the sidewalks being closed due to installation of grandstands and lights along the race paths, I jumped on the Deuce at Caesars and it took us about half an hour to reach the Bellagio fountains sidewalk! Now I just walk and cut through the casinos and I would be at work in 20 minutes for my graveyard shift. If you are not a fan of Formula 1, avoid Las Vegas during the week of the race in November. It will be mayhem.
Excellent video. May I add one. I am not a fan of Las Vegas, but have gone for trade shows, vacations, etc. If you like to walk & see sights, get up early & walk all the great casinos. There is fabulous architecture, you can climb stairs, go inside/outside & hop from one spot to another.
Great video! As someone who goes to Vegas about 2x a year I actually learned something! Do you know if the taxi rate by zone apply when you’re going back to the airport?
We’ve made most of those mistakes lol we definitely split a meal after much wasted food, the walking is real, not a good feeling when you’re in heels and looking up at a broken escalator. We always do the coffee hack now, Awesome great & informative video!!!!
I love Monations! I always have the best time seeing everyone and just coming together with like minded people! After attending my first one, I will never miss it!
Thanks for watching!
Have you made any of these mistakes?
The distance thing got me last time. Walked from Park to Mirage and had no clue how far it was
I also mistakenly thought Strat to Ciecus Circus was close...thus was before resorts world
Well when I go to Vegas, I will be a rookie, but I don't think I am 'dumb'. You really think it wise to call your viewers dumb if they make these mistakes? Maybe a better way to put it would have been to say "Rookie mistakes that are easy to make" instead of implying we have sub-par thinking skills.
Hello Ruby, how much is the CC charge for cabs??
@@hobbs2005 i think its about $3
My wife's version of the Starbucks hack is To avoid the line by sending her husband down to get her Starbucks in the morning at the bellagio.
Thats my hack too 😂
Smart wife
Lol! Sameeeee
I don’t live my life based on anyone’s life advice, opinions and beliefs because it’s not my responsibility to live up to anyone’s
expectations
I STALK TH-camrs to see what TH-camrs post w/out having to subscribe to TH-camrs because I see no point in subscribing to people who post videos when it is FREE to watch videos posted on TH-cam - stalking on TH-cam is simply seeing what people post w/out having to subscribe to people who post videos.
Checking the room door upon leaving is such a great tip. I was victim of this when we walked away with the door closing behind us not realizing it bounced back open at Caesars. We returned after a wonderful night to discovery our luggage and all our clothes were gone. Thankfully we had all of our major valuables with us and well it's Vegas you can buy new clothes. And for the record Caesar's security was not helpful at all and literally did nothing.
Hopefully the room mades also check if the doors are closed after cleaning the rooms 🙏
Doesn't surprise me I'm sure the hotels are full of pickpockets and thieves checking room doors.
just stayed at the aria like a week ago and i had to double check as a few times it didnt shut all the way. and another weird thing is it seems no matter what hotel i stay at in vegas the last few years even when i have a do not disturb/privacy on the knob i still get my room entered. or like at the aria the privacy sign lights up plus i opted out of room service and i still had housekeeping enter my room. they said they were just checking the minibar, which i never touched, and then left.
@@sorensjeThat might be because guests will use the do not disturb signs a lot when they leave and don’t want room service to make up/touch their room. Hotels don’t like not being able to check on the rooms for damage or chaos. But obviously some staff will also steal. Portable hidden cameras might be the way to go in this day and age. Such a rise in the cost of living today is the number one reason for the crazy rise in crime so those on vacation are more of a focus than ever. Maybe use a lock box at the reception desk as a safe and a portable hidden camera. If staff steal then it’s on camera including noting on video upon arrival all of your belongings and then you can try to hold the hotel responsible but still don’t hold your breath for them taking any responsibility. Vegas is run by the biggest criminals after all. You take a big chance if you don’t try to cover your a*# when you’re there.
@@sorensjethat’s because of Mandalay Bay
Splitting meals and not over-ordering is a great tip. Saves money and also because most hotels don't have fridges for leftovers!
Agree! My daughter and I went to Vegas and would order an appetizer and split an entree. We had plenty to eat and didn’t waste food because we had no fridge for leftovers. We also hit up places for small snacks instead of going for full meals three times a day. We got to sample a lot of different items this way. The elote at Dirt Dog was one of our favorites!
Be one of those people like in Vegas vacation and bring a big cooler to keep your things cold.
One time I saw a lady trying to walk on 4 inch heels that's a big No-No.
@@judyfroemming7756 we did carry a soft side bag cooler to keep in the room for drinks. One of our traveling party emptied his rolling suitcase when we first arrived and we went to Walgreens. We stocked up on Diet Coke, water, beer, and mixers. Also grabbed some liquor, and rolled it all back to our rooms. We used ice from the hotel and put it into the bathtub when we left for the day.
Had happy hour daily, and had drinks to go without spending a fortune!
"splitting meals" isn't allowed at a lot of places. They'll charge you for an extra plate at most decent restaurants.
My husband and I recently traveled to Vegas and were talking about how cool it would be to see you while we’re out and about, and not even a couple hours into our trip we saw you and Mr. Ruby filming at the Bellagio! You can see me turn and wave as we’re walking away in the background of your shot! We love your videos so it was a great way to start our trip! 💓
Timestamp? Lol
You should have tried to give her a CD.
A lot of great tips. I just traveled here. We used cabs everywhere that we went. I didn't check the receipts until the last evening in town. That is when I finally noticed the $3.00 taxi fee for using a credit card. It's just for using a credit card. That's it. We probably spent nearly $50 in taxi/credit card fees. Never again. It's cash only next time.
I drive a taxi. I always let the passengers know that paying with cash is $3 cheaper.
Thank you for addressing issue of JAYWALKING---The majority of Las Vegas pedestrian/auto deaths, are on the Strip.
Grew up in Vegas, it's also a fat ticket for any drivers caught moving if there is a single foot in the street on either side, it's also the best way to instantly fail your driving test if you didn't notice a pedestrian trying to cross either legally or illegally.
Hi Ruby,
I'm a Las Vegas veteran and try to get there 1-3 times per year. I agree with all your tips! Just wanna tell you that I love your travel videos! It gives me a taste of Vegas even when I can't be there. Puts a smile on my face. Keep doing what you do!
hey tucson arizona is just as good. the city is older and you have the A mountain to look at sundown.
Omg thank you for the waterproof phone case idea! I’m getting ready to go to Vegas next week on a solo trip and I was already getting anxious about how I was going to handle the pool without someone to watch must stuff. Perfect solution!
I am a Vegas regular. Just got back last week.
I'm usually pretty cynical about these videos, but kudos to you.
These are actually solid practical suggestions. Excellent video.
I've been going to Vegas 2-3 times a year for over a decade and I totally agree. Especially the "everything is further away than you think" tidbit. Still catches my wife and I sometimes 🤣
What hotels not to go to?
One thing you didn’t mention and I feel it should be here is MAKE RESERVATIONS! Hotels, shows, and restaurants sell out FAST! Hell’s Kitchen for example will be booked for an entire weekend in like 20 minutes. I used to live in Vegas and I can’t tell you how many times people didn’t get to see the show or eat the restaurant or stay where they wanted because they didn’t make reservations.
The walking tip is spot on. I like to get the exercise in the morning. I walk from NY/NY to Circus Circus and you easily get in 14,000 steps. Not something you want to do if you are dressed up.
You were a trooper to walk that far! Brutal amount of walking is required in Vegas - even when you plan things out!
After checking into our room @ Luxor my wife wanted to go see "that tall" casino down the strip. An hour later we got to the Stratosphere. Oops!
Yep - my wife and me are “walkers” but Las Vegas tested that theory to its limit. The buildings are so large it disorientates your perception of distance.
One thing I’ve learned is that hotels can’t charge resort fees if you book the room on points. I stay at Best Westerns when I travel for work so I use my points at the Strat. Also you can purchase points directly from BW. Anyway, you can avoid resort fees if you pay with points.
Heads up--This is true for Best Western and Hilton properties, but not for Marriott properties. If you book at a resort fee Marriott property with points, you still have to pay the nightly resort fee. One reason why I find Hilton Honors to be a better loyalty program than Marriott Bonvoy.
Not drinking enough water. Remember, you're in a desert, and humidity levels can get down very low. Even when the temps are in the 60s and 70s, you can still dehydrate if you're partying all day or even just walking from casino to casino. Also, don't throw away those annoying slot machine tickets that are less than a dollar. Save a bunch of them and either cash them out in the casino cage or load them all into a random slot machine. The latter will total them all up and you can then cash out a single ticket. Note: this only works if you are combining tickets from the SAME casino. Casinos don't cash each others tickets, even if they are part of the same company.
Who cares about U leaving behind cash tickets less than $1? Combining tickets from same casino works - no sh*t Sherlock. That's like joining scraps of soap bars to make a bar of soap - Lisa Simpson said to mom Marg Simpson.
Solid advice. I can totally see a first timer thinking TITOs are likely good across Strip casinos, especially casinos that are conjoined.
Ruby: I've been to Vegas many times in the last 20 years and feel I know a thing or two, but your videos are always instructive and informative. Keep up the good work.
Know your denominations - good advice! I accidentally bet $25 instead of $2.50 the other day and won $2000, but that's the exception, not the rule 😊
I always find it amazing how many people vacation or take cruises without researching channels like yours first. There is NO REASON for people to show up with no clue how many ways there are to mess up your trip by not watching a few videos first. This was a great one!! I'm sure it'll help those who travel to Vegas or anywhere.
i didnt know about Ruby prior to my vegas trips otherwise i would of looked her up. I definitely talked to alot of people and read Lonely Planet though 🤣
Analysis of Paralysis
Ruby! I noticed you never mention the bus when wanting to travel up and down strip or anywhere on strip etc … if you’re not wanting to spend money on taxis or Lyft/Uber just take the RTCBUS you get full strip access ..2HR $6/ 24HR $8.00 && a 3DAY PASS IS just $20 😊
Also, you can take the bus from the airport too. Done it many times.
@@stephenh5944 I didn’t even know that, I will definitely keep that in mind when I visit in a few
Months Stephen.
Or if you are staying more than say 6-15 nights get the 15 day pass at the boneville transit centre in downtown Vegas. You ask for the 15 day pass they won’t ask you if you’re a local or not. 😅
We always take the bus downtown. We usually make a stop or two on the way there or back. It's also a great way to get to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and the Pinball Hall of Fame.
@@fisherguy88 yes when I’ve came and visited Las Vegas and went to Fremont st the bus is what I would get on .. & yes I great way to get to see the “ Welcome to Las Vegas “ sign …honestly in my “ opinion “ depending on what you are doing and where you’re going the bus is just more convenient/less expensive 🤷🏽♀️
As someone who lived in Vegas for a decade and spent ALOT of time there before living there, my main tips are as follows - don't go during the summer. It gets absurdly HOT, like 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit hot, and you could get heatstroke and badly sunburned. Also, prices skyrocket during the summer, particularly on weekends. If you go on the off season, like maybe late November- March, you will pay less and it will be alot cooler.
Also, make use of Fremont Street, too. It's alot cheaper than the strip, generally, but it's not in as good of an area. Honestly, it's much less known by tourists and is alot of fun as well.
Lastly, there isn't all that much for young kids to do in Vegas, it's geared for adults. There are certain shows that you do NOT want to take your kids to (the Cirque Du Coleil show at... I THINK it was MGM Grand.... was a VERY adult, VERY "mature audiences only" show not suitable for young kids). DO YOUR RESEARCH on shows you want to see before just picking a show at random to go see and hoping for the best. I know that, unless they have changed their repertoire for the worse, Blue Man Group is something for people of all ages. You might not think it would be some mind blowing act, but honestly, I saw it a couple times and loved it. I took my mom one of the times and she walked out loving it. Another kid friendly act is the show at Excalibur. That one is equally awesome for the kids. So my advice is it may be best to have the kids stay with grandma and / or grandpa for a few days, or maybe their auntie or uncle, while you parents go to Vegas.
I can't help it, I LOVE Vegas weather in August! It's 90+F with 90% humidity every day here in Houston and it's soooo nice to catch that crisp oven fresh air when I arrive. I can finally breathe for a few days haha😂😂
@@Mhel2023 Oh, i can tolerate the 110-120 degree dry heat of Vegas. I spent every summer, the entire summer, with my maternal grandparents (both of whom have long since passed. they lived there on a permanent basis since a few years before i was born in 1979) from age 3 until age 12, when my parents divorced. i did spend at least a few weeks there every summer from age 12 until age 18. I would regularly spend time there over the summer during my college years, which were cut short when my grandfather passed in march 2001. I started working after that, but still spent some weekends there visiting my grandmother, durig both summer and wintet. when her health declined drastically in 2009, my husband and I moved there to help my mom take care of her. she passed almost 21 months later, and my husband and I stayed until a couple months shy of 10 years there from when we first moved to Vegas. I acclimate easily to it, but i REALLY prefer the snow, heavy rain and more temperate weather Michigan offers. Hey, everyone is different and has their preferred climates. I will never judge.
💯 Although I'd be shocked if someone hadn't figured this out themselves
😄 Please have some tolerance with the revolving door pushers. In the olden days (and some areas of the world) they we’re not automatic and we HAD to push them! Old habits die hard but we’re trying. 🙏🏼
Yes, they need to post a sign for us from the olden days!
@@LL-zw2qb 😄👍🏼
There's nothing quite as fun as pushing a (non-automatic) revolving door and going around, and around, and around....
@@djm5687 😂Omg, I love that and you are so right.
Years ago, we learned you can't hail a cab. When we just got in a cab, the driver was, uh, irritated, and told us we put him at risk of being fined. Lesson learned, and a great tip for your first time to Vegas
Hi Ruby! As we are locals, we go to the Strip pretty frequently. You are absolutely on point with these rookie mistakes. The people touching the revolving doors drive us crazy as well, as do the jaywalkers. We saw a lady next to us almost get hit by a bus. I also don't think the resort fees are a scam. Even if you add them to the advertised room rate, it is still quite a bargain. Which brings me to an additional rookie mistake. Before you make your reservations, check the rate calendars. If something big is happening in town, those hotel rates can go through the roof! As a nurse, I also have to say STAY HYDRATED! We see so many people walking the Strip in the heat with those yard-long drinks. Don't make the mistake of not drinking enough water. You don't want to spend the rest of your trip feeling sick and not enjoy all the fun things you had planned. Thanks for all you do! Linda
😏😒🙄
Majority of countries do not have Jaywalking as a thing. It amazes me that it is even an offense (I am from the UK and there is no concept of it here) - it's like enforcing a law telling people they aren't smart enough to cross the street by themselves when it is safe, so they make it illegal.
Anyway the point is, a lot of people Jaywalking in Vegas I imagine will be tourists, they may not even be American, or from a country where it exists - so they are likely not even aware that it is an issue to cross the road anywhere you want to.
Great points Linda. I stick to water when walking the strip and use sunscreen.
We were there in February at MGM grand and the resort fees are definitely a scam there! Way to high! And the Uber driver had a underhanded deal with the Valets and then the front desk “Official as well”” took us aside and took more $ it was terrible! We knew they were ripping us off but couldn’t do anything about it ! Tips your Uber, tip your valet ( which we didn’t ask for, tip the front desk staff “officials, and tip the valets again when they bring up your luggage all of which ( besides the Uber). We didn’t want! They basically use the valet runners to hold off on bringing your luggage till all the rest of them get tips! Don’t use a valet. We wanted to carry are own stuff up, they basically held it hostage ! Crazy and MGM was no great stay on top of it,
Don’t think Linda is really a local.
Hi Ruby, love your videos! One mistake, which is huge in my opinion, is not carrying enough cash and having to use Vegas ATM machines! The ATM charges are sky high ($8+). It can be a little cheaper if you go to a machine not in a casino such as CVS, Walgreens, etc.
Omg! I’ve totally done the “it’s just over there, let’s walk”. That was between the then Las Vegas Hilton and the Strat which is a very scary part of town. It was at night and my partner wasn’t too happy but thankfully we made it through safely. I now call anything anywhere, “Vegas close” and take a cab or ride share.
I still recommend cabs, even if cabs are a little more money. The flat rate has really changed things, the prices have been close.
1) Cab line at the airport is close and very convenient. The Ride Share pick up and drop off is a little walk. Cabs are allowed to pull up to the terminal. In the summer, it can feel like a long walk.
2) Many strip properties give preference to taxi's vs. ride share. Taxi's are generally allowed to pull up to the same vicinity as hotel valet and many hotels have taxi lines with taxi's ready in seconds. Many hotel require ride share to drop off/pick up near their property's general parking garages. This adds another walk. And I have had to wait 10-15 mins for a ride share during busy times. But out front, there are 20 taxi's waiting.
I was in Vegas for the first time last month. It was 115 when I got there I could barely think straight, and there was probably 30-40 people waiting for Ubers. But I could see downstairs and saw a whole line of taxies. Walked down, was ushered in with no wait. And Uber was doing surge pricing, so the cab was cheaper. Next time I go I'll do the same thing.
ALWAYS use a cab. Or a limo. Make the most of it. Its not time to pinch pennys.
Love these videos! My tip is do not buy any of the drinks that the people on the street try to sell you. They make it sound cheap, but much safer to buy from walgreens or CVS.
Great video and very helpful! My first time in Las Vegas in 2000 was with my father and two young sons. We walked from the Strat to New York New York in one day in July because my very conservative father didn’t want to pay for a taxi. We ended up taking a shared shuttle back to our hotel. What were we thinking! Never again. Now that I’m a local we stay and play in ONE hotel/casino. No walking around. Also because we are locals we bring our own small coffee pot and cups to avoid the lines and high costs. Also bring granola bars for first thing in the morning if you take meds or vitamins in the morning it might be awhile before you get to a restaurant.
I have admittedly made 1 or 5 of these mistakes. I love your thoughts on walking through casino's. I learned this the hard way as well, after walking up multiple non functioning escalators. The inside escalators are always working. Also, I love snacks in my room, so a trip to CBS/Walgreens/Target for snacks is always a great idea. Helps you to avoid the $5 snickers in the mini bar. I also bring a collapsible water kettle, which can help me make tea, coffee, oatmeal for breakfast, or ramen for a late night snack. I'm not cheap, but I don't always want to leave my room early in the morning or late at night, and room service is ridiculously priced and not great at most hotels.
I don't agree with walking through the casinos. Once you know you're way around in one, it's not bad but frankly those places are laid out so it's confusing to navigate, you can end up adding a lot of time on your walk if you go the wrong way. The last time I tried to shortcut through the cosmo I ended up near the buffet.
Love this! I'd have to add a rookie tip for my fellow Europeans: bring layers of clothing in summer!!! You'll be freezing inside the hotel room and the casinos when it's 40ºC and dry outside because they crank up the air-con, compared to what we're used to (not sure why, since it makes staying indoors also unpleasant). Summer is one of the best times of the year to visit Vegas, don't let that ruin your experience.
Good tip! It's often common in America to keep it really cool indoors, especially in hot climates like this. I'm from the Southeastern US and I personally have never liked how cold everything is inside during the summer because I'm cold-natured. I'm more comfortable in Europe haha.
Thanks Ruby for pointing out that ride share areas are usually in different area than the cab pickup area. Being a ride share driver I can't tell you how often my passenger will tell me they're in an different area than what's pre-scribed by the hotels.
As always..great job!
Walking from the stratosphere at night through not so safe areas to avoid getting an Uber… dumbbbb. And definitely always carry cash. I love your waterproof case idea!!! Brilliant!!
The most important tip-wear comfortable shoes day and night! Spent a week in Vegas last month for a conference and husband and I walked at least 8 miles per day. Just getting from our room to the hotel conference hall was about a half mile walk.
This had to be Mandalay Bay. I ended up walking from Luxor to Mandalay Bay, got into some entrance at ground level near the spas and felt like I walked MILES to get to the aquarium. I saw that they were renting mobility scooters in the lobby and I was SO tempted!
I'm a local. A Vegas block is something special indeed, sometimes it goes on for eternity lol. I had some friends that stayed at the Flamingo, and we all were gonna go to the Palms to the club called Moon. I told them ill pick them up, and they were like "no, we want to walk, the GPS says its only 1 mile". Lol, that may be true, but around the resort corridor, there usually isn't a direct route from point A to point B when you're walking. Long story short, it took them 90 minutes to make it to the Palms and they were absolutely exhausted, while we were chlling in the downstairs bar waiting for them, haha.
The coffee hack is a big one. I work on the strip sometimes and Starbucks is massively expensive. I'll usually just get a regular small black coffee and starbucks will run me 5 bucks for that. The center bar or sportsbook is like 2 bucks sometimes. Another quick tip is make sure you get a receipt when you stay at a room. Ive had some hotels not release the deposit especially if its a lower deposit like 50 bucks. Sometimes you have to call and ask and also make sure you have a receipt to prove you stayed there.
Touching the rotating doors is my number one pet peeve!! I’m with you Ruby!
Theres no sign, there tons of people walking in and out. People will assume due to the lack of instruction that its spinning due to people manually spinning. Its a dumb thing to have a peeve about. Bellagio should label it better.
@@TrippinAintEasyVa I Always Go Thru The Side Doors Bc I Am Claustrophobic 🤣
THIS !!!!!
I hate when people do that because it stops
@@joebecht5554 More like THIS!!! to @trippinainteasyva, who's absolutely correct. Like you really think people say oh look an automatic door, but F that S it's going too slow, I'm gonna push it? Seriously, is that what people think is happening? Have you ever seen someone going thru the door alone who pushes it? Or only when there's multiple people? So then use common sense to realize what's happening.
WOW!!!!! Great Ruby. Thanks for sharing. Alot of people will be traveling to Vegas this Summer so these tips are awesome. Heres an idea for another video. Hows about 20 things you need to know when coming to Vegas in 2023. Such as buying cheap water and snacks at CVS & Walgreens. Another one is beware TimeShare people trying to scam you. Another one is brings comfortable shoes and be ready to walk ALOT.
The tip about distance between places on the strip is 100% correct. Only been once, got dropped by UBER at the mirage and walked to the Wynn then back to Bellagio, it's a long way for an oldie. The ONLY reason I went was to see the Fountains at Bellagio but enjoyed the whole trip so much we are going back again this year.
Lots of solid advice here! Great reminder about portions; most food orders are huge and easily sharable, even if you have a good appetite. It's a good thing to remind myself I can always order again if I want more. You can easily spend a full day exploring one resort, so your point about walking the Strip is right on. Consider picking a part of the Strip to explore instead of trying to walk the whole thing, or take a tour by bus or even limo.
#21 Check with your bank before your trip to see where available partner ATMs are. Some of the major banks will allow you to use the ATMs inside Walgreens and 7-11 for free. The ATMs inside the casinos charge absolutely outrageous fees.
Good point. I found out the Target on the strip had a fee free ATM for my bank when I was there last year
Those are Allpoint ATMs. They are also inside of CVS stores. A lot of mobile based banks also let you use them for free. Varo, Current, Chime, just to name a few. Even if you can't use them for free, their fees are a lot more reasonable than the ones inside of casinos.
Great point!
I approve of this video. My husband made most of these mistakes in the beginning. I definitely advise to bring the lanyard for clubs and just walking around during the day. It keeps from people pick pocketing or stealing your bags.
Ruby I use to take the city bus from the airport parking garage. Cost me 3$. The workers take the bus. So I figured why not. It stopped behind the flamingo & continued to Carson Ave station. I walked the 2 blocks to Fremont and checked in at the D. Waay cheaper.
Oh wow thanks so much for those 20, but I feel you probably could make a list of 20 different ones lol. I appreciate the cab one especially. Thank you so much for your hard work that goes into these videos you and Mr. Ruby!!!
Stayed at the Sahara last year. I was able to order from the Starbucks there on the mobile app while in my room and it was ready by the time I came down on the elevator, even when there was a line. Also the prices are higher than a non hotel Starbucks, but the bonus points for free items are the same. If you're a Starbucks regular you may want to accumulate points if you know you're headed to Las Vegas in the near future.
Wow! That was great Ruby. We’ve been to Vegas 0:30 many times & .I’ve been comp. To a 4 night stay in NOLO. But, some of what you mentioned, I’ve never even thought of. Thanks!!❤🎉
My wife and I decided to walk from the Paris to the Rio. You are so right, properties look close but they are not. Oh I forgot to mention that this occurred in July. I think the high temp that day was 185F. We took a cab back, and everywhere else in town after that.
Hopefully your video will benefit others, you are doing God's work.
185? I guess global warming IS real.
185 degrees or not, walking that INSANELY far in Nevada summertime is SELF-TORTURE.
Huh?? Sorry 185 F is not in vegas. But yes Rio is too far to walk
185 degrees?, you weren't in Vegas you were under Satan's nutsack.
what month did you go?
I am no longer a rookie but the coffee & "I'm a local" hacks were gold! And I DEFINITELY learned the "distances are farther than they appear" my first visit. I vividly recall filling my hotel room trashcan with ice and water and submersing my feet at the end of the day! :) Lesson learned. Great video! Tip I would add - look for happy hour specials on the strip. In my experience restaurants that have them don't freely offer the happy hour menu, you have to ask - but it's well worth it!
Great video. One suggestion is to make sure and get a player's card even you don't plan on gambling. We got one at Mandalay Bay for MGM Rewards and turns out because my spouse is a veteran, we were upgraded to a higher card which gave us free parking at all MGM properties. AND they also include the spouse! I wouldn't mind paying "resort fees" if it included parking and coffee, but most don't.
Hey there Ruby! I was just in Vegas for DTW this week. I relied heavily on your content for a first timer. Love the videos!
Really excellent info for newbies…or anyone! It never hurts to get a refresher course! Great job, Ruby!! 👍
I made the terrible mistake of trying to walk from the Luxor to a new exhibit most of the way up the strip. I did this on the second day of a three day trip. I couldn't walk the rest of my trip, and had to have knee surgery when I got home.
Thank You, Ruby! I know at least 1/3 of these, but it is GREAT to always get a refresher and to remember what to lookout for! ❤
1. I've been to Vegas at least 5xs or more and going back this July. I did not know about the Jay walking. And the waterproof pouch is a great idea, and Ruby, you are spot on about the food portions
I’m 52 years old and planning my first Vegas trip. I want my first time to off season and a hotel that fits my age group. Not the party scene for me, looking to gamble and eat good food. I’m binge watching your videos and love them all. Keep it up!
Stay off strip, South point is good for our age range.
- if you haven’t gone yet, look up LipSmackingFoodieTours & check those out. The culinary adventure & the savours on the strip are both great.
I stayed at Aria Sky Suites mid-week. Got the benefits of an amazing room at a reasonable price. Come Friday it got much more crowded. Food and atmosphere are amazing. Highly recommended.
I recommend Fremont Street it still has its old school charm
Ruby I followed your videos for months prior to a trip to vegas in 2021. We STILL tried to walk from the Venetian to top golf. I had to buy so many drinks for my boys to apologize. People! Do NOT try to walk to save money. Good lord it's absolutely not worth.
I’ve been to Vegas once in 2007. Made the mistake of trying to hail a taxi on the strip while in a time crunch. Tried 3 times and gave up. Ended up walking fast a good distance outside early September…not crazy hot but was a bit sweaty at my destination. Great exercise in runners but felt a bit foolish when someone finally told me taxis cannot stop on the strip. It was a lot of live and learn before smartphones became popular and platforms like TH-cam came along. ❤ from Victoria, BC.
Wonderful. I hope everyone who is going to Vegas for the first time watches this video. Thanks for the advice about the cell phone waterproof bag. I have never heard of that. Again, wonderful!
Ruby KNOWS! Just when i think i got Vegas down, Ruby comes up with MORE hacks! GO GIRL!
Rubys videos are by far the best and most informative I wish these videos were around when I first visited Vegas….I would’ve saved hundreds of dollars
I like the fact that you get to the point quickly! So many vloggers are mostly bs & string there videos out way too long! I appreciate it.
The separate loading zones for Uber/Lyft is HUGE. Sometimes it's really poorly marked and really far away from the cab zone!
I lived in Vegas for decades so thanks for the tour down memory lane. I am hanging out in the PHILIPPINES now. Great place to visit or retire to.
My wife just went on a bachelorette Vegas weekend and we booked directly with the resort. We did that call in everyday trick and dropped the price by slightly over $300! The 20 dollar trick worked too! Thanks for all these tips they really worked.
That was excellent. I've been to Vegas many times but people really need to know about the added fees to a room. They didn't do that 20 years ago to my knowledge but today it is so bad. I was helping someone reserve a room and I couldn't believe the fees. The other item you covered was the distance between resorts, wow it's insane. I was there in 1988 and you could get a real good idea about bldgs but by the early 2000's it was very hard. Thanks for your hard work.
Very well done. You're definitely one of the most well informed Las Vegas vloggers.
I was In Las Vegas this week and your video helped out a lot. Thank you,
Hi Ruby, love your videos! Question: do you trust leaving cash in the room safe at the hotels? Maybe going to LV next month and probably staying at Harrahs. My concer is that I heard stories of cleaning staff having the master unlock code for the room safes? Thanks
Yes, that what I heard too.
I have been going to LV for 30+ years and these are fantastic tips!!! Sage advice!
I stayed in a hotel last week that has a sign on the door "Make sure you have your key card. Doors lock automatically" Imagine my surprise when I woke up in the middle of the night and the door was not locked. the lock was sticking out. The door did not in fact close completly after me NONE of the time I was there. Great Tip!
Out of the 20+ videos I have watched about las vegas, this is the best one
Best tip for starbucks. Dont buy it. Worst coffee and pricey.
YESSSSS! ❤ someone with taste here!
Starbucks initially was about the experience. The higher price came with that experience. It's all about production now and I refuse to pay the premium for what's no more than a McDonald's experience. Also, I'm a former Starbucks supervisor.
America in general: coffee tastes like pure aids.
Just avoid it until U actually go to a GOOD country with GOOD coffee.
Man, I needed this video the first time I went! Had to learn a majority of these the hard way in my first 2 trips! But it was still fun, cant wait to go back
Been to Vegas a bunch and still found myself going "oh that's a great idea" to a lot of your tips. Keep up the great work!
I've been watching a lot of videos and hear a lot of the same stuff -- but THIS video was extremely good, helpful, and had a lot of perfect tips no one else is saying. Look forward to watching more of your videos!
Yes, I didn't realize things were on a sensor . I removed items to place food and drinks in there-and I was wandering where the $737 charges were coming from. They politely came to check and removed the items prior to checking out
Yes, I was once using the liter-size water bottles as exercise weights. They were on a wood thing, with no mention of it being a scale!
Be careful with older hotel doors that get “stuck” and check the adjoining doors if they’re in the correct position. The best way is to just peek between the door and frame to see if the deadbolt is indeed slid closed and you may need to lift the handle up to actually lock it (example is the Luxor)
I definitely made the portion-size mistake when I was in Vegas last month (hint: it is NOT advisable to eat the BBQ pork wonton noodle soup AND the crab fried rice at M.Y. Asia by yourself in a single sitting).
Coffee hack: buy a collapsible travel kettle and bring instant coffee or travel pour over packs (Copper Cow is one brand). I don't trust in room coffee makers anywhere, Vegas rarely has them anyway, and those sbux cups add up fast. The kettle will pay for itself in 1 weekend.
Great tip
I just bought one for $18 including tax and shipping from Home Depot. Thanks for the tip! Toyama 2.5 cup collapsible travel kettle.
Extension to the mini bar tip: buy your own stuff (snacks/drinks) at Walgreens and if they don't have an empty mini fridge, tell front desk you have medication that needs refrigeration and they'll send one up to you
I knew the domination - $1 slot - but I didn't know how that slot worked when I went last month. My ignorance led to me gambling away $47 to only win nearly $2300. My first bet was only for $2 but the second bet (I was trying to figure out what the buttons do!) was for $45. Ignorance can be bliss, I guess.
I went back to my room immediately. I figured that there was no topping that bit of good luck. I then volunteered to give up my seat on my flight home as I was in no hurry. Ka-ching! Another grand in my pocket in compensation! I have new kitchen range being delivered tomorrow! Woot Woot!
I don't usually gamble in Vegas as I enjoy exploring more than the thought of gambling and I doubt that I will change my habits or mind. But I had a reason to enjoy the strip that trip and I did. I really, really did.
Hi Ruby, your tips and advice is so helpful, and your enthusiasm at putting it all together, is wonderful, you obviously care so much about your content, it just creates instant trust in what you put out! Well done you!
Thanks for a great channel 👍
Our first trip about 20+ years ago - stayed at the Excalibur (first mistake), looked out the window and said lets check out the pirates show at Treasure Island - it's right down the road.. So we walked there (second mistake)... And yeah - who hasn't hit done the denomination mistake at least once! Cheers y'all!
Love your videos. Made several trips to Vegas from Florida. Can't travel anymore due to health reasons, so watching these brings back wonderful memories of days gone by. Thank you Ruby❤
Really great tips Ruby. A few hubby and I have learned the hard way. We just recently stayed at Excalibur and you need your room card to access your floor in the elevator which I thought was great. I always check to make sure my door is locked though.
You are so smart and explain things so easily. Great amazing advice. I love the professional way you create your videos. I especially love your Buffett reviews as you have a very special way of explaining the food and tastes and how things are prepared and displayed. You are just such a joy. Mr Ruby you are a lucky man.
I’ve never forgotten my first trip to Vegas as an adult, with my friends. I thought the free drinks while gambling were free, no tips required. 😳 So after getting my first one with a smile and saying, “Thanks so much!” She stared and me, then eventually stomped away and said something like, “Thanks for NOTHING!!!!” Whoops. I didn’t even have any cash so I think I went to find some cash then tried to track her down. Felt really bad! (This was a long time ago, way before helpful TH-cam videos, by the way!)
Don't feel sorry for not tipping because it's your money.
Tipping ensures they come back, 😊
@@paulgerrard9227Cool, so I get a free drink and they leave me alone? It's a deal
As a veteran of many trips to the town, I really like this video. So many of your points are spot on.
Nicely done, ma'am ...
The one I really relate to is that everything is farther away than you think. The buildings are huge; that makes them look closer than they are. I also use the Deuce for getting around during the day. It's slow, but the air conditioning is great. I wonder if you can cover tipping cab drivers. I never know how much makes sense.
Being a cab driver myself I think I can help you out here. When my customers ask me what a good tip is I tell them to think of it as if your in a restaurant. Tip for good service and a good time.
@@buddy36265 I have a question since it will be my first time going and I plan on using a cab to and from the airport. I saw that the fee to The LINQ was $27 + $2 cab fee = $29 if I round that up to $35 to include a $6 tip would that be fair? Or should it be more? First solo trip for me. Thanks for your time answering
@@LizIsHauntedMiddleton that is perfectly fine. You should always tip what your comfortable doing. I have received $5.00 tips and $100.00 tips. Was happy with both. Its nice to be recognized for job well done.
@@buddy36265 thank you
@@buddy36265 Good advice. I'm always happy to tip the driver. If more than one of you are riding, the cost per person is negligible anyways. You guys work hard.
great tip about the coffee. So true about the distance between hotels. Please make sure you have plenty of water too if you are walking even a short distance. It is extremely hot in the summer time. Resort fees are ridiculous. We pretty much never use anything like the pool or work out room. At the very least they need to lower them. They make more than enough money. If we do go swimming thanks for the idea of water proof phone case!
Hi Ruby! So a mistake I made last trip was forgetting to cash in a a slots ticket before heading to the airport. I remembered at the airport and just gave my $50 ticket to a woman working at baggage claim. Hope she was able to use it.
Ughh we’ve done this one!
Feel great knowing you made someones day
Thanks Humberto! It was a bonus.
I hope she could use it too...but... handing off a slot ticket for someone else to cash is illegal.
@@TravelRuby I’m guilty of that too lol
Great info Ruby. One mistake I made was not knowing the price of certain beers that may be classed as premium beers. Being from the UK, beer and spirits are not that expensive and spirits tend to be cheaper than beer. Bought a few pints of Stella in Blondies one year whilst watching the Football (Soccer) We were flabergasted when the bill for 1/2 a dozen beers came in at over $100. ouch.
Stay safe enjoy.
Steve C.
The distance thing is real. Back in 2002, my friend and I walked from NYNY to the (old) Hard Rock hotel. It didn't seem that far away. We were wrong. 😅
Great tips. Love the calming background sounds. Thanks for the tip on EVERYTHING, especially the slots, transportation and the trams.
For the Resort Fee thing, you just should be considering the fee when you book the hotel. They have to, by law, show what the fee will be up front.
I'm so glad to know about the taxi charges now. My introduction to Vegas was a creepy cab driver who definitely long hauled me to The Palazzo. The trip was uphill from there though!
The absolute best advice here is the walking distance on the strip. I've had a friend a TI and I was at NYNY. They said they were walking and see us in 30 minutes. Almost an hour and a half later they showed up. Just take a cab if you're going more than 2 properties away. SOLID advice. The strip is deceiving distance wise and it's not a straight shot. You have to walk in and out of casinos. Take cabs, Ubers, or trams.
Actually now it is faster to walk than the traffic as the F1 construction is at it's frenzy. I'm a local and I commute by bus to work at Aria. I get off at Flamingo corner of Horseshoe coming from the west side and pre-construction I would take the Deuce again and get off at Park MGM which would normally take all of 10 to 15 minutes, 20 at the most maybe on weekends. Well, now with a lot of the sidewalks being closed due to installation of grandstands and lights along the race paths, I jumped on the Deuce at Caesars and it took us about half an hour to reach the Bellagio fountains sidewalk! Now I just walk and cut through the casinos and I would be at work in 20 minutes for my graveyard shift. If you are not a fan of Formula 1, avoid Las Vegas during the week of the race in November. It will be mayhem.
Your friend had a little pit stop on the way.
Excellent video. May I add one. I am not a fan of Las Vegas, but have gone for trade shows, vacations, etc. If you like to walk & see sights, get up early & walk all the great casinos. There is fabulous architecture, you can climb stairs, go inside/outside & hop from one spot to another.
Great video! As someone who goes to Vegas about 2x a year I actually learned something! Do you know if the taxi rate by zone apply when you’re going back to the airport?
We’ve made most of those mistakes lol we definitely split a meal after much wasted food, the walking is real, not a good feeling when you’re in heels and looking up at a broken escalator. We always do the coffee hack now,
Awesome great & informative video!!!!
Your videos are so informative and well-paced, thanks so much!
I love Monations! I always have the best time seeing everyone and just coming together with like minded people! After attending my first one, I will never miss it!
You tipped a guy, he immediately tells you stop filming. LOL!
Great tips, I’m heading to Vegas for first time for work/bringing 2 of my teens with me & trust me, I want to be safe & smart