Vegas4Heroes Visitors Guide

How to Get VIP Service

2011-07-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

The top hospitality people in the world work at Las Vegas resorts.

They hustle and give great service. Or they don't work here very long.

Greet them with a warm, sincere smile. A smile goes a long way.
'Ask' instead of 'Order' or 'Demand'.
Look them in the eye and say 'Thank You' like you mean it.
A good tip. Tips are how these folks make a living.

What Is Las Vegas Syndrome?

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

“People come here,” says EMT Paul Lopez, “they don’t drink enough water, they get dehydrated really fast, and that’s when their problems really start.” A lot of drinking, too much walking, and not enough sleep add up to something the paramedics call the Las Vegas syndrome.

Join travel editor Peter Greenberg as he rides along with Las Vegas paramedics and describes the unique challenges of handling 200,000 tourists on any given weekend.

An older article. But still good info...from TodayShow.com and MSNBC.com, October 12, 2007

Paramedics' guide to surviving Las Vegas

How to Save Money in Las Vegas

2011-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

There are lots of ways to save money in Las Vegas: coupons, discounts, special promotions, comps and so on.

But use them wisely,

Some General Suggestions

Most resorts have Promotions or something similar displayed on their homepage.
Ask about a room upgrade at check-in. (ASK, not DEMAND.)
Ask your hotel about Fun Books -- a Las Vegas vacation term for a book of coupons, usually good for deals on things like gambling, restaurants and attractions.
Locals can sometimes get great discounts not available to outsiders. If you're visiting family or friends who live in Vegas, maybe they can help.

More Ways to Help You Save Money

Summer 2011 Deals hosted by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)
Attractions, Dining, Golf, Shows and lots more

Weekly Las Vegas Deals and Promotions hosted by Vegas.com
Hotels, Shows, Tours and more

VegasFreebie.com
Attractions organized by locations and category. ALSO: free transportation (shuttles & trams).

Las Vegas Coupons
Discounts, 2-for-1 specials, VIP coupon books, etc.

What's On Magazine
Coupons for a variety of activities.

How to Find Great Clothing Made for Travel

2011-07-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

4 places to get started...

TravelSmith -- full range of quality clothing and accessories for men and women who need to look great while traveling.
Recreation Equipment, Inc. (REI) -- brand-name outdoor gear as well as their own brand. While the clothing is designed primarily for camping and outdoor sports, the accessories and bags can be perfect for business travelers as well as recreational use. REI has frequent sales. And an outlet section online that features steep discounts.
Ex-Officio -- mostly expedition-style clothing. Top quality and broad selection.
Tilley -- all sorts of hats for men and women travelers.

What's the Best Way to Pack Luggage?

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Some airlines charge to check bags.

TSA has to inspect whatever you have.

And no one wants to lug a suitcase that's way too heavy.

All good reasons to know a few packing secrets.

This Times Online video does a packing challenge. Then shows you how you can develop your own wining packing skills.

Bring You Own...

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you drive to Vegas -- or get a rental car -- you have options that other visitors do not.

If you're visiting on a tight budget, pick up a cheap ice chest -- or bring a cooler with you. Throw in some ice. And save some money by getting your food and drink a lot cheaper at a grocery store.

Or if you're on a special diet, you can be sure of what you're eating by buying the best at Whole Foods, for example.

This provides you with the added benefit of being able to throw a party no matter where you go.

Suppose you meet some people you want to hang out with later. Stock up the cooler. Invite a bunch of them to go out to Red Rock Canyon. Or Lake Mead. Or even Mt Charleston. Throw a tail-gate party and pot-luck lunch.

Great opportunity to make an impression that they'll remember for years to come.

Do You Really Need to Keep it Clean?

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine huge crowds of people. A lot of them under the influence. A lot more probably mildly dehydrated, at least, and not thinking as clearly as they should.

Wanna bet that hygiene is not at the top of their priority list?

Now...no reason to become a germ-a-phobe. But probably wise to at least take a few simple precautions to keep from getting the flu. Or something worse.

Wear clean clothes every day.
Wash thoroughly from head to toe daily.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Or regularly use individually wrapped towelettes or a hand sanitizer.

Put together a few things in a small durable bag you can call a Hygiene Pack that can hold...

travel-sized container of liquid soap
1- or 2-oz pump spray bottle with disinfectant (a 100:1 solution of water to chlorox works for paramedics)
extra toilet paper
a few paper towels
wet-naps or hand sanitizer
small package of tissues
inventory list of items in this Pack (makes for easy restocking)
and anything else that helps you do a quick cleanup in extreme circumstances

You might think this is a waste of time. Overkill.

But if you drive outside of town, it can get rustic real quick. Even at the major recreational areas. Especially with more and more budget cuts every year.

Things to Make You Comfortable

2011-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Vegas excels at satisfying your every need. Right here. Right now.

But sometimes it's easier -- and probably cheaper -- to bring a few standard things with you. Especially if the heat catches up to you. Or you all of sudden run out of energy.

Start with a small, durable bag (daypack, shoulder bag).

Collect the following for starters...

jacket / sweater *
energy snacks (whole-food bars, granola, nuts, apples, E-mergen-C)
extra water (here in the desert you should always carry a water bottle, and be sipping water regularly)
aspirin
small package of tissues
eye drops (it's a dry desert environment)
nasal spray (still a dry desert environment)
moleskin for foot blisters
small scissors (may not pass airport security)
inventory list of things in this Pack (makes it easier to restock)
anything else that you think you need.

* In winter, this is obvious. In summer, consider this... Temperatures outside reach 110 degrees easy. Let's say the air conditioning in the resorts is set to 70 degrees. That's an instant drop or rise in temperature of 40 degrees just walking through a doorway. If you spend a lot of time outside, you might actually need a jacket inside the casino in the summer, so your body has time to adjust.

Safety - LINKS

2006-10-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Most of these reminders appear elsewhere on Vegas4Heroes. But as individual suggestions, their importance can easily be missed. Gathered together in one place emphasizes just how important they could be.

Do not underestimate the skills of professional crooks.

Watch the short Tourist Safety video from the Las Vegas Police Department. Hosted by master magician Lance Burton. It demonstrates just how easy it is for professionals to rip you off.

BONUS: a list of safety tips.

Do not try to hide your valuables in your hotel room.

Ask about access to a hotel safe - located either in the room or at the registration desk.

Consider leaving the jewelry behind.

Jewelry can help you look your best. It can also draw unnecessary attention in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Rings can dig into fingers when you carry a heavy bag. Dangling earrings and long necklaces can catch on something embarrassing or dangerous. So use jewelry strategically -- only where appropriate. Or leave it home and avoid the hassle altogether.

Invest in clothing designed specifically for travelers.

Some travel companies sell sportcoats, jackets, pants and dresses designed specifically to be stuffed into suitcases or overhead airline compartments, yet bounce back looking fresh and pressed. This clothing often has hidden or more-secure pockets to discourage pickpockets.

Keep your phone fully charged to stay in touch.

Avoid losing touch with family, friends and emergency personnel at key times.

NO - Separate your checks and credit card from your petty cash.

For minor expenses, keep a small amount of petty cash in a place that's easy to reach. Keep checks and credit cards stored away in pockets or pouches that discourage pickpockets.

Remember where you parked your vehicle.

As soon as you park, record the level (floor) and section number in your phone, or on the back of a business card that you can tuck it in your wallet. While walking to the exit or elevator, turn around a few times. Memorize landmarks from the perspective of entering the garage. When you come back looking for your vehicle, you'll be glad you did. ALSO: if it's a rental, record the make, model, color and license number.

NO - Bookmark Las Vegas maps before you visit.

Know in advance where the airport, car rental, hotel, restaurants and convention location are relative to each other. You'll have an advantage, when it's time to book a room, drive or take a taxi, shuttle or tram.

Provide someone you trust with a copy of your itinerary.

Make sure someone knows the who, what, when, where and why of your trip, so they can track you down if you don't come home on time.

Schedule some recovery time to improve performance.

Regular breaks every 90 minutes or so can help you recharge, regroup and refocus your energy. It's a chance to catch your breath, purposefully drink some liquids (if you haven't been sipping all along), and put some fuel in your body. A clearer head and less stress can mean you see potential trouble before it finds you.

from: http://www.lvmpd.com/bureaus/tourist_tips.html

The following SAFETY TIPS are provided for you as reminders to makeyour stay in the Las Vegas area a safe and memorable one.

When your luggage is in your possession, treat it as if it were GOLD. Never leave these items unattended.
Carry travelers checks, instead of large amounts of cash. Onlycarry what you will need for the day (or evening). Leave all your valuables,such as credit cards, jewelry or airline tickets, in the room safe. Write down your traveler check and credit card numbers and place this information in your room safe.
Be alert. If you are in a crowded area, carry your purse (wallet)close to you and keep a firm grip on it. Do not leave purses (handbags or cameras) on the back of chairs, under tables or restroom hooks.
Keep track of your hotel key. You may want to return your key to the front desk while you are out. Close you hotel room securely, even if you are going for ice. Ask a security officer to escort you to your room if you have lost your key.
Use automatic teller machines in well-lighted areas of the hotel you are staying in. Walk in pairs or groups whenever possible.
Make sure your family or friends have contact numbers for you while you are in the Las Vegas area. Keep in touch with them and tell them where you are going.
Look for the VIVA patrol if you need directions or other assistance.The VIVA Patrol (Visitor Information, Visitor Assistance) is part of the LVMPD*s volunteer program. VIVA members wear bright yellow shirts with the VIVA logo as well as caps and can be found walking in pairs along the Strip, Fremont Street and McCarran International Airport.
Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you see suspicious people loitering near your hotel room or auto mobile do not approach or confront them . Report any suspicious activity to the hotel, a police officer, a security officer, or hotel staff member immediately.
In crowded areas or in situations where crowds are expected (such as show lines, buffet area, bus stop, baggage carousel ect.) be aware of your valuables. Keep your purse or luggage close to your body. In situations as these, it may be wise to carry any monies in your front pocket or use a secured "fanny pack."
If you are vacationing with young children, the same rules apply. Instruct them to never talk to strangers or open doors without first knowing who it is. Make sure they know the name of the hotel, the phone and room number. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department does use a 9-1-1 system so be sure your children are familiar with it in case they become lost or separated.
Three Card Monte, a game played with cards on the street or sidewalks (shellgame) is a losers game. YOU WILL NOT WIN. The persons are in essence stealing your money. There are "shills" (persons who appear to be playing and winning at the game are actually involved in the scam) who will entice you to play because they win so easily. Remember, they are in on the scam. If you play, you will become a victim and because it is illegal you may get arrested.

RELATED LINKS

Safety Tips -- from Las Vegas Police Department
VIDEO: Tourist Safety -- from Las Vegas Police Department; Magician Lance Burton hosts this short video demonstrating how easy it is for PROFESSIONAL crooks to take your stuff.
Travel Safety Tips for Women -- from Detective Kevin Coffee's website

RELATED LINKS

Safety Tips -- from Las Vegas Police Department
VIDEO: Tourist Safety -- from Las Vegas Police Department; Magician Lance Burton hosts this short video demonstrating how easy it is for PROFESSIONAL crooks to take your stuff.
Travel Safety Tips for Women -- from Detective Kevin Coffee's website

GUIDE: How Do I Save Money?

2006-10-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

The standard rates for hotel, airfare and convention registration are not the only way to go.

Here’s some alternatives that might help you trim your costs.

ROOM

Ask about special discounted convention rates.
Share a hotel room with one or more other people.
Locate a clean and safe budget-priced hotel within reasonable driving distance.
Rent a room with kitchen in a suites hotel at the weekly rate.
Stay with a friend or relative.
Find a travel hostel.
Bring a tent and sleeping bag for some low-cost camping at a local campground.
Call local colleges; do they rent out dormitory rooms over the summer vacation?

TRANSPORTATION

Make reservations early to take advantage of any special discounts.
Invite one or more people to share the drive and expenses to/from the convention.
Invite several people to share the drive and rent a passenger-van at a weekly rate.
Take the bus.
Take the train.
Locate any free local shuttles.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Register early to take advantage of any special discounts.
Volunteer as convention intern or similar in exchange for admission or reduced rate.
Make a similar arrangement with an exhibitor.
Be a presenter.
Write an article on the convention for publication and get admission as member of the Press.

MEALS

Locate the all-you-can-eat buffets.
Bring your own food from home.
Prepare meals with items from local grocery stores.
Find out which special events feature a complementary buffet.

FINDING PEOPLE

Obvious: ask associates and colleagues in your company, your school, the local chapter of your professional organization, etc., if they will be attending and would they like to save some money by sharing costs.
Do these same people know anyone else who might want to share the costs with you?
Does the convention website have a forum or bulletin board section where you can connect with other people planning to attend the convention?
Does your industry have a forum or online bulletin board for the same reason?
Do you publish a blog? Maybe you can find someone among the readers of your blog?

Return to the MONEY page.