In this section, we’ll go over the basic Vegas secrets and insider information. There will be some good details for the first time Las Vegas traveler as well as tips for the veteran. As we stated on the home page, you can skip around, but this website is best read like a book.

Make a List

Our first Las Vegas tip is to create a list, either on a piece of paper or on your phone, of all the things you want to see and do, and places to eat. This seems a little weird and unnecessary, but even though we travel to Vegas many times a year, we always have a list and keep it updated. The reason is because Vegas is fast paced and distracting. Once you’ve had a couple of drinks, spend a half hour walking through crowded sidewalks, then spend two hours staring at a slot machine, you are totally going to forget about the good restaurant deals (which we will talk about later) and settle for a gross hamburger at the food court. Trust us, make a simple list. Time will go by faster than you can imagine. We've included our Las Vegas Checklist to get you started.

This list becomes especially important if you are with a group. Plan out ‘must see’ attractions, shows, and meal locations with times before you go. That way, you can break up into smaller groups and meet back up to eat or to walk to a destination. Trying to keep a large group of people together for an entire Vegas vacation is a recipe for disaster. Many people try and they always end up frustrated and unhappy. Making a simple plan and giving each other space will result in a much more relaxing trip.

Extreme Weather

Next on our list of Vegas basics is a note about the weather. We all know that Las Vegas can be super hot, very cold, and everywhere in between, but the ultra-dry air catches a lot of people off guard. That combined with alcohol consumption leads to bloody noses, cracked lips, and pealing skin. Make sure you pack airline-compliant skin cream, lip balm, and saline nasal spray, even if you think you’re not the type of person that is susceptible to these conditions. This is an extreme environment.

Get Supplies

One of the best basic Las Vegas secret deals is the existence of multiple Walgreens and CVS right on the Vegas strip. You can pretty much find one walking distance to any hotel. Even though the prices are going to be higher than what you would expect to find in other parts of the country, it’s a whole lot cheaper than the hotel lobby. Make sure you stock up on water, snacks for the room, and maybe even some alcohol.

Get a Players Club Card

This is a must because it is free. Make sure you sign up for a players card at each casino chain. There is always a freebie for new player sign ups, plus you'll get offers to come back depending on how you play. Even if you're not really a gambler, get a card because in addition to the free play, you'll get discounts at shops, restaurants, and even free parking. I'll outline the players clubs below. You can sign up now, which will save you time when you get to Vegas, and still get your new player sign up bonus.

Caesars Rewards Players Club - This is one of the largest casino groups in Las Vegas, operating Caesars Palace, Harrah's, Flamingo, The Cromwell, Bally's, The Linq, Paris, Planet Hollywood, and Rio. In addition to their new player sign up bonuses, you'll get 500 Tier Credits just for using our link.

MGM owns the other large casino group in Las Vegas, operating the Bellagio, Aria, Vdara, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, New York New York, Luxor, and Excalibur. Their M Life Rewards program can be found at this link.

The other casinos operate their own individual rewards programs, so make sure check them out.

Credit Cards

Each casino group also offers a branded credit card that you can sign up for, but do it before you go to make sure you can get it activated and in your hand before your trip. Some of the perks are great. Offers change regularly and include things like free buffet passes, free play, and automatic upgrades to your players club status even if you don't gamble. This can be a very valuable perk since a higher players club tier can get you free parking as well as priority access to hotel check in, pools, clubs, and restaurants. When a line can be an hour long (not an exaggeration), this can be huge.

Legal Online Gaming

Each major casino chain also offers free, legal online gaming that have real rewards. They try to sell you play chips, which is how they make their money, but you can play with their daily free chip allowance and rack up real rewards. I've received multiple show tickets, buffet passes, and much more, all while never spending a dime.

MGM owns the MyVegas online gaming app through Facebook. This is probably the best app with the most rewards. The Wynn has a slots app that you can win free nights with, but the other online play money apps including the one operated by Caesars don't offer any types of actual rewards.