So the husband is planning another trip to Vegas. Hmmmm – well, I guess I can let him have a little guy time. I’ve been there twice and enjoyed it. Unfortunately I was NOT prepared the first time and didn’t pack well. I had a full suitcase, enough stuff for at least two weeks - it was just all the wrong things.
Whether you’re going for a quick weekend or a bachelorette party, here are a few suggestions on what to pack for your trip. I’m also ending with general tips at the end.
What the ladies should bring to Las Vegas:
1. Comfortable Shoes. You have to do LOTS of walking in Vegas. The casinos are huge and everything is really far apart. Even going from your room to the hotel lobby is a hike.
If you are determined to wear high heeled sexy shoes, I suggest you buy some of Foldable Flats to throw in your purse.
2. Lots of cash including dollar bills. You will need this for cabs, tips, coffee counters, splitting the dinner bill, etc. Oh – and gambling.
3. A warm sweater or sweatshirt. The casinos are freezing!! I was there during two different seasons and froze each time.
4. Aspirin, Advil, Midol, etc. Pack and bring a little medicine supply. There are one or two drug stores on the strip and the items there are ex-pen-sive. The same goes for the gift shops of the hotels. I think my husband bought a 12 count of Benadryl for $15. Yikes.
5. Are you a coffee fiend like me? Double check to see if your room has a coffee maker. I found out that our room did not have one the hard way. For the love of God I was ready to kill someone by the time I found a Starbucks. You may want to buy some bottled coffee drinks after you land at the airport or on your drive in.
6. Bring a sexy black dress
, a swim suit, and bathing suit cover up. I know what you’re thinking – “Oh we aren’t going anywhere fancy.” OR “I’m not going to want to put a suit on in the middle of winter.” Trust me – you will. There are lots of fun night clubs, fancy restaurants, and many people who are as pale or chubbier than you sitting by the pool in a bikini.
You need to show some skin in Vegas – everyone does!!
Don’t walk around, looking like a frump in your boring clothes. Bring fun and fancy things! Check the links above and buy something. Some of the dresses are as low as $30. You deserve a sexy dress.
7. Buy a bottle of water on your drive in or at the airport after you land and save the container. You can consider buying one of these for all the gals in your party. You will be very thirsty from all the walking, drinking, dance, laying by the pool. Water is like everything else in Vegas – expensive.
8. An appropriate bra for each outfit. If you plan to show some skin, you’ll need strapless bras, one shoulder models, etc. Think through the clothes you have packed and toss in the right bra – or buy one that can convert to all of the various positions.
9. Sunglasses, fun jewelry, hats, etc. Play it up – Vegas is for partying and standing out.
10. Your cell phone charger. I always forget this. Also, load your phone with the numbers of everyone in your group. It may be a good idea to write them down on paper as well. Leave a copy in the rooms and one in everyone’s purse.
11. Surprise the gals in your party with fun gifts – especially if you are in Las Vegas for a bachelorette party. There are lots of funny bridesmaid gifts. (But no temporary tattoos? Why?) There are personalized wine glasses, tank tops that say “Maid of Dishonor”, bags, picture frames, etc.
12. Lists. If your trip to Vegas is a more low key adventure to see shows, shop, and eat, I suggest you research and make lists of potential spots to hit before landing in NV. You don’t have to stick to these ideas, but you will be less overwhelmed. Vegas has tons to offer and you’ll get sidetracked easily.
That’s all I can think of at the moment. If I come up with more I will add them. Do you have any suggestions?
~ * ~ * ~
General Trip Tips for Vegas:
1. Stay in a hotel even if you have friends and family who live there. I’m sure they are bombarded with guests they need to entertain and cart around. Just get a hotel room. It’s part of the experience.
2. Don’t rent a car. Cabs are the way to go. You will also walk a lot. Bring lots of cash for the cabbies – they dislike credit cards. There are also many shuttle services from the airport to all the hotels.
3. When you arrive at the hotel you may be greeted by workers offering to take your bags. Say no thank you and bring your luggage up to the check in counter yourself. These are hotel workers but wheeling your own luggage to the counter will save you a tip. The same goes for hailing a cab, making dinner reservations, etc.
4. It’s OK to split up. If you are going in a large group or with another couple, set the ground rule that from time to time you will break into smaller groups – or even go off on your own. It will be impossible to keep everyone happy by staying together. There are sports bars, fancy jewelry stores, indoor zoos, arcades, museums, blues bars, sex shops, etc. Name one person who’d like to do all of that? You can’t. Keep everyone happy by setting the ‘it’s ok to split up’ rule.
This is my rule for all vacations.
5. In my opinion, three nights in Vegas is plenty. PLENTY. It’s a hustling, bustling place – kind of like a carnival midway. This gets old quickly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful vacation spot. I usually feel I’ve had enough after the third night.
6. Stay out as late as you can stand it, sleep in, go down to the pool around 10:00 or 11:00 am, and doze in a lounge chair while you tan or soak up some sun. If you like – head back to your room around 3:00, take a proper nap, shower, get ready, meet up for dinner around 7:00 or 8:00 pm, and begin the night again.
7. You won’t need an iPod for the pool area. Most have music playing. Some of the music is a bit loud. (hangover? am I old?) So ear plugs may be needed and a big floppy hat to block out the sun.
8. Want to extend your vacation? Piggy back your NV trip with one to Arizona. It’s an easy drive.
~ * ~
That’s it for now folks. I hope you have a wonderful time in Las Vegas!!
~ Jenna
