Sin City! It was at the top of my travel bucketlist and I am sure if you are American or visiting the states it is at the top of yours.
Should you fly to Las Vegas: I guess the answer is how far do you live from Vegas? We live in Oklahoma so we flew to Vegas. The flights are usually cheap, we can fly roundtrip as a couple for about $300. The McCarran airport has slot machines in it, so from the second, you land there is an opportunity to win or spend money! You can grab a taxi, uber, or a limo from the airport to the Vegas strip.
How long should you stay: Vegas is not cheap for us. We like to drink and gamble. We stayed for five days and that was too long. We were broke and on the brink of a divorce. I would recommend 24 - 48 hours!
Where to stay in Vegas: We stayed at the Mandalay Bay Resort which is at the south end of the strip. We were visiting for UFC fights and this is where our friends were staying. Mandalay is beautiful and has everything you could ever want: gambling, shopping, restaurants, clubs, and a beach.
There is a hotel for everyone on the strip regardless of budget. It really is a matter of what you want. If you like to stay in the action I would suggest you stay at Bellagio, Aria, Bally's, Harrahs, or Caesars.
I have always wanted to stay at the Venetian Hotel. It has canals and looks like an Italian castle.
Hit Me Or Stay Gambling In Las Vegas: My husband loves the slots and played his heart out. I love the tables and enjoy playing blackjack. This is a great way to earn comps from the casino like a free room or dining.
Are drinks free in Vegas: If you are gambling most nice hotel-casinos offer free drinks. If they don't I probably wouldn't gamble there. Don't forget to tip the waitress.
Dining in Vegas: There is so much food and it is so hard to choose where to eat. Here are my recommendations: I can't wait to go back and try other places. Make sure to tell me your favorites.
Brunch: Yardbird - The Bloody Mary's are to die for!
Lunch - Weera Thai Restaurant - You know I love my Thai Food.
Dinner - Casa Di Amore - I watch Jersey shore and they had dinner here so I must try it!
Other Honorable Mentions: Carols & Charlies, Juan's Flaming Fajitas & Cantina, Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Shopping in Vegas: I am all about living and less about buying things. I know there are a million places to shop. You have the fancy shops at the casinos and there is the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.
Party in Vegas: This is Sin City and who doesn't want to party while in Vegas. The hottest clubs: Jewel, Drai's, Tao Nightclub, and the Light Nightclub. Growing up I watched Coyote Ugly and there is one in Vegas, it was a must-visit. I also listened to Howard Stern so I wanted to visit Cheetas. (We never made it!) I will say lots of the night clubs have a dress cold so do your research prior to packing. I switched shoes, my damn feet were killing me, and the Light wouldn't let me enter. My husband was pissed because Skillex was playing and we stood in line for about an hour.
Pool Parties in Vegas: I haven't been to Vegas during this season, but I want to go. The Wet Republic is at the top of my list.
In closing, I say visit Vegas once and give the damn thing a try! You know what they say: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
