[Michael_K_Sr]

Figured this as useful a place as any to post helpful information for people that haven't been to Vegas before. First thing I'll add that I learned from my first trip there in 2002...bring lotion for your hands and feet and bring plenty of it. And bring lip balm. It's amazing how the dry desert air leeches moisture from your skin. I like wearing sandals (especially when it's 118 degrees), but the feet seem to fare better with shoes. Maybe socks keep the moisture in your feet from evaporating. In any case, I usually split my time between sanals and shoes while I'm out there.

[Patrick Sun]

Totally bring your most comfortable pair of shoes with you to Vegas. I was there in 2001 and walking is the number 1 activity you'll do unless you can sit at the gaming tables and not lose much for hours on end.

[captgoodguy]

Definitely make sure about the most comfortable shoes. A lot of people don't realize that due to the size of the casinos/hotels, it appears they are much closer than they really are. It's very misleading and you don't realize how much walking you will do. Even inside one casino itself.

[Andrew M]

I've been going to Las Vegas since 1980 to visit my wife's family, VSDA (EMA), CES and air shows/Red Flag Exercises at Nellis AFB. If you don't have a car and don't want to walk around in the heat try The Deuce, the bus that runs the length of The Strip. It's convenient, cheap and beats walking in 100+ degrees to get from casino to casino. Info can be found here:

http://www.rtcsnv.com/deuce/

[Andrew M]

A new natural history/nature preserve has opened up in Las Vegas:

http://www.springspreserve.org/html/home.html

There's also The Atomic Testing Museum:

http://www.atomictestingmuseum.org/


If a thunderstorm starts while you're outside in Las Vegas my advice is get inside and away from a window. I've seen hotel facades ripped off and blown away in the wind. Storm drainage can be rather poor in certain locales and some hotel parking lots have flooded in the past.

[mylan]

If you drink while at the tables/slots, order two at a time because the service is very slow. I ended up just going to the bar and paying $7.00 for a beer alot of times because it was actually cheaper than the "free" drinks you get while playing, when we ordered we felt obligated to stay at or near the slot machine and by the time our drink came we'd have blown $20.
When you get into town, go to the drugstore there on the strip (CVS I think) and buy a styrofoam cooler and water, cola, beer, etc. to consume in the room. This beats trekking to the gift shop for $3.25 bottles of water or cola or using the overpriced mini bar.

[Andrew M]

Sorry. No drinking or gambling tips from me. I don't gamble and only drink socially. I save my money for my art collection: Chesley Bonestell, Charles R. Knight & Alexander Leydenfrost. And, of course, my DVD addiction.

[mylan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew M

Sorry. No drinking or gambling tips from me. I don't gamble and only drink socially. I save my money for my art collection: Chesley Bonestell, Charles R. Knight & Alexander Leydenfrost. And, of course, my DVD addiction.

And this helps the newbie going to Las Vegas, how?

[Ronald Epstein]

<b>Mylan and all</b>,

Speaking of water, I am bringing 12 20-oz. bottles of water with me
in my checked suitcase just so I have enough to get me by the first
half of the week. The hotels charge an exorbitant amount for a bottle
of water and I'd rather lose my money at the tables.

Funny, a co-worker just back from Vegas recommended stopping by
the 7-11 on the strip and buying a styrofoam cooler and water.
<font color="red"><b>Where on the strip is the CVS and/or 7-11 in relation to the
Venetian?</b><font color="black">

Also, regarding the heat....

I have never been in heat that has neared 120 degrees, which is
what Vegas is at right now. I know you guys average 110 in the
Summer. <font color="red"> <b>How does it actually feel to be in that kind of heat?
Do you constantly find yourself needing water? Does it get difficult
to breathe? </b><font color="black">

You better believe that I am going to douse myself with sunscreen.

[Andrew M]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mylan

And this helps the newbie going to Las Vegas, how?

Sorry. Just chatting.

Here's the link for Las Vegas weather:

http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealocati

Check out the info on Excessive heat warning.

Note that by the late evening the temperature drops into the 90s and it's in the 80s early in the morning.

If you're walking the strip, you can often walk the length of the hotel/casino on the inside and stay cool before reaching the street. I'm staying at the Imperial Palace. To reach The Venetian, I walk through the casino floor of Harrah's and Casino Royale to reach the escalators going into The Venetian.