Tips

savetexomabeaches

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Anyone got any good tips for first time plane rides and first time to visit Vegas?
 
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Scott Danforth

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Relax and dont loose too much money (and no, the chances of hitting it big are slim)
 

savetexomabeaches

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Are there any "must see" or "must do" in Vegas? I'll only be there 2 nights, and would like to make the most of it
 

garbageguy

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depends what you like. Nighttime ride on chair that blasts you up from top of Stratosphere is fun. My favorite part is leaving Vegas and going to nearby Lake Mead. Hoover Dam tour is very interesting. Las Vegas Marina rents boats, etc
 

southkogs

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I've been out there too much - kinda' tired of it. BUT, the first time I was in Vegas, I spent the first night walking the strip just to see the "schtick" of the casinos. The marketing out there is pure genius. The statue at Caesar's Palace, The canal at the Venetian, the white tigers at the Mirage, etc. A walk in and of itself is pretty cool (assuming you're staying at the South end). All of the casinos have shops and stuff to visit inside them too. First time I ever just went exploring, I was out walking for close to 8 hours.

In my opinion, the "must dos" are out of town - Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, etc. - after that: see Vegas for what it is and check out the casinos. I don't gamble (except to toss a dollar in the big mechanical slots 'cuz they're kinda' cool) especially since everything went electronic. But walking around and checking out all the layout is pretty interesting.

Shows = Blue Man Group before anything else, including Cirque (IMHO). Restaurants = Fogo de Chao (Brazilian Steak House).

After that - the town is impossible to suggest a "must do." There's just way too much out there.

First time flying: get a window seat and relax. If you get a southern route, and get to come in over the Grand Canyon and such, the view of the landscape is beautiful. The topography changes dramatically and the look from the air is pretty unique. Especially if you can also catch a glimpse of the cool planes flying outta' Nellis AFB.
 

savetexomabeaches

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I'll be staying at Mandalay Bay Hotel. We have a boxing match at the t-mobile arena Sept 16th floor seats we have to go to. (not really a boxing fan) Will be flying out of Love Field in Dallas. I'd like to do a little gambling (seems kinda fun) and visit Freemont Street. I will see what shows are playing, and how much they cost. This trip was kinda sprung on us a few days ago, giving us 2 weeks to plan and come up with extra spending cash.
 

jbcurt00

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Theres also a small canyon, w a picnic area and parking, just north of Red Rock Canyon, thats one of the top 4 free climbing destinations in the US. No idea how busy (or hot) it might be in Mid-Sept. IIRC, its Calico Basin

Wild burros are everywhere in Red Rock

If you are there for more then a couple days check out Armagosa Sand Dunes, about 90min north on 95. You'll drive by the entrance to Mercury.
 

southkogs

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First time I was out there, I played with the slot machines. I monkeyed around at the $5 black jack table, but it was evident I was a loser early on.

Way back when, the slots were more mechanical and coins dropped out on wins so the slot pits were kinda' loud but fun to watch. I spent most of my week up by about $10, and then bust out when I got gutsy ... losing a grand total of $32 (I'm a cheapskate). Since then everything has become beeps and buzzes. Not as much fun anymore for me ... and I don't win :)

I did pass a high end poker game - think James Bond tuxedo game - one night. The doors were open when a couple of the "goons" were helping the drink cart in. I have no idea who you have to be to get into that action ... but it had the "cool-o-meter" peggin'.
 

Scott Danforth

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Are there any "must see" or "must do" in Vegas? I'll only be there 2 nights, and would like to make the most of it

pay the two bucks, ride the deuce and people watch.
go to the venitian
take in a show or two (saw david copperfield last time in vegas)
walk freemont street
take a drive to the hoover dam
if your going to gamble, go to the older casinos, they pay out more
Mandalay Bay is connected to the Luxor and a few others. been there for NFPA trade shows
 

avenger79

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first flight -- don't drink. it won't calm your nerves and will make the feeling worse. just relax it isn't all that bad. I remember my first flight like it was yesterday. Jan 1986, in the airport, nervous as hell. On my way to basic training. as I am in line to get my ticket, the tv monitors show the shuttle blowing up. I almost lost my lunch, if that thing can blow up, this plane can....

got on the plane, sat at the window, guy on the outside, was first flight going to basic as well (McCrae was his name) in between us was this little old lady. 60 or better. she looks at us and says don't worry buys it will all be fine. up we went. when we landed we both thanked her for putting up with our nervousness. LOL

as for the trip, I agree with above, walk the strip a little, gamble a few bucks, than get out of town and see the scenery.
 

sam60

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Hopefully you are renting a car to escape the jungle. There are so many things to see as mentioned before. In addition to Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam, You can be up in the pines in 45 minutes. The peak is 11, 990' elevation. http://mtcharlestonlodge.com/about-us/
 

savetexomabeaches

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Made it back alive and not completely broke. Got kidnapped for 6hrs by timeshare people. Watched some show called Zumanity (I think I need a preacher after seeing it)
 

southkogs

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Yikes! I can't even look at the ads for Zumanity without praying for forgiveness :eek:

Hope you had a good trip.
 

avenger79

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glad you had a good time.

Next time you fly you will be an expert at it.
 

DeepCMark58A

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One thing to remember in Las Vegas, they do not build those big shinny buildings to because they give money away.
 

aspeck

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And when flying, remember to sit in the BACK of the plane. When was the last time you heard of a plane backing into a mountain?:D:eek::eek::eek::faint2:
 
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