Things to Know for Your First Vegas Trip

You’ve probably heard countless rumors about what Vegas is really like, but take it from a local – Las Vegas is unlike any other city! You’ll undoubtedly end up with countless memories (or…. lack of memories), and you’ll have a good time no matter what! Here are a few quick things to know in preparation for your first trip to Las Vegas!

1. Chapels charge extra for everything

   Literally. Everything. The chapels here make their money by selling packages, so when you want to modify your package, they charge extra! If you’ve booked a chapel that includes a photographer, expect there to be an added fee to bring in an outside photographer – like me! I’ve seen this fee range from $150 to $800, so be sure to ask the chapel before you book what their added costs are.

2. Assume that you should tip everyone

   Most of the Las Vegas industry is service-based, so tips drive our economy. When you’re sitting at a slot machine and drinking for free, don’t forget to tip your cocktail server. When you have an attendant help bring your bags up to your room, don’t forget to tip. When you get married, even, you should tip your minister, as they reportedly are volunteers for the chapels. Cash is king here, so make sure you have some on hand. Bring it from home, as the ATMs here charge some pretty hefty fees.

3. The Strip is way bigger than you think

   Someone will tell you it’s only a mile long, but it’s actually closer to 5 miles, and those 5 miles seem to go on forever when you’re visiting between April and October, when the average daily temperature is anywhere between 80º and 115º. Google maps says it’ll take you an hour and 45 minutes to walk from one end of the strip to the other (from the Strat to the Welcome sign), so save your time and energy and snag a ride. The Las Vegas monorail is hit or miss, so I recommend getting a ride whenever you can.

   Bonus tip: the Las Vegas Welcome sign is not easy to walk to. Don’t do it.

4. We’re only 30 minutes from the mountains

   It’s true! We have the most incredible views of the Red Rock Conservation Area just 30 minutes from downtown. If you want to drive a tad further, you’ll end up at Mount Charleston, which literally looks like someone plucked a mountain from Colorado and dropped it in the desert. The greenery and the snow during the winter are unmatched!

5. People who live here have normal lives

   Kids go to school. We grocery shop, get the mail, walk our dog, and have hobbies. The only “minor” difference between living in Las Vegas and anywhere else is that there’s always an opportunity to gamble (yes, even at the grocery store). We rarely go to the Strip, unless it’s date night – because how could you not go to some of the most amazing restaurants in town!? We have local bars we like to go to, and they just happen to be right next to the locals' casinos. It’s a bit of an adjustment when you first move to Vegas, but it’s otherwise a normal city – with an extra pretty skyline.

If you’re stoked for your first Vegas trip and ready to get some bomb photos while you’re here, hit the button below, and let’s boogie!