Where does a first time traveler to Las Vegas start? I was wondering the same thing and typed in “things to do Las Vegas” and boy was I surprised. So many! Add in the outlying areas of Las Vegas Nevada – Grand Canyon National Park, and Hoover Dam, well you might just decide that this city, with lots of things to do Las Vegas, and it’s nearby attractions deserves more attention than you thought.

Some of the best Las Vegas attractions are on the Vegas Strip. Hotels abound with attractions and shows. When checking out “things to do Las Vegas” you can’t miss the obvious, the hotel casino. Check them all out, just stop while you still have cash for other fun on the Vegas Strip. Other “things to do Las Vegas” is going to one of the many shows at Las Vegas Hotels. Some of the more popular shows in Las Vegas are Cirque du Soleil, the BeatleShow, the unique Blue Man Group, David Copperfield, sweet Donny and Marie, and truly one of a kind Celine Dion. These are some of the best in Las Vegas.

Other attractions on the Vegas Strip include shopping, which is at the top of some things to do Las Vegas. If you want to shop, why not at the best Las Vegas has to offer? The Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace hotel and the Fashion Show Mall are two of the best on the Vegas Strip. When thinking of other things to do Las Vegas, the Bellagio Hotel has an eye-catching water show and is one of the best Las Vegas attractions. Then, whisk yourself away to Venice, Italy by riding gondolas in “canals” and viewing outstanding art at the Venetian Hotel. Go south on the Las Vegas Strip to the Mandalay Bay Hotel and visit the highly-rated Shark Reef Aquarium. And don’t forget, you can always take a side trip to any casino or hotel of your choice along the way.

Looking for excitement in your things to do Las Vegas? The roller coaster ride at the New York New York Hotel may be the best in Las Vegas Nevada as you ride among the best “sites” of New York. Go off the Vegas Strip to the Stratosphere Hotel and you’ll find four extremely thrilling rides, with a capital “T”. The best screaming, heart-pounding excitement found in Las Vegas attractions, on or off the Vegas Strip. If you are wanting exciting things to do Las Vegas, don’t miss these!

Jump in the car and travel 35 miles to Hoover Dam, one of the top “Construction Feats” of the 20th century. Hoover Dam has one of the best views around, then go inside Hoover Dam for a one-of-a kind experience that may top the best things to do Las Vegas.

Take a day trip from Las Vegas and the Vegas Strip to see Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is of the seven wonders of the world because of its size and beauty. Don’t miss one of the best sites off the Vegas Strip and the best things to do Las Vegas.

All in all, the best Las Vegas attractions, hotels, casino and Vegas Strip never disappoint when trying to discover “things to do Las Vegas”!

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Things To Do Las Vegas

Casino
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I have a small confession to make, I have been to Las Vegas many, many ,many times and I have never seen the Hoover Dam, nor have I embraced other small Nevada towns like Laughlin.

Sign on San Diego has a great article that talks about the wild west that still exists in parts of Nevada, maybe I will be tempted to leave the lights next time I am in town.

Image by Ron Ham

Here is the gist, anyone that provides a service to you that make your stay more pleasurable deserves a tip. It’s a simple thing and rewarding that service is expected. A couple of dollars to anyone who is helping you out normally does the trick. Since some people still have problems I have decided to put together a little list so you don’t look like a complete loser.

At the tables

Ok you have just found a spot at a favorite table and you throw down a ‘Ben Franklin” to get the ball rolling. Obviously at this point you are not going to throw anybody a tip for breaking your hundred. But, let’s say you are just learning the game of Blackjack and you want to split 10′s while the dealer is showing a 6. (Yes, this is a BIG no no) if the dealer says nothing and just lets you screw yourself and the rest of the table. No tip but… if the dealer in a very nice way suggests that this is probably not a wise decision, you should listen, and then you should throw the guy/gal a buck or two. This is because they are being helpful, another occasion for tipping that you will see happen quite often is if you are on a hot streak. A LOT of people will tip because there dealer is hot for them or lucky. I usually tip whether I am winning or not as long as I like the dealer, I mean they actually engage in some sort of conversation.

Poker Table

These are slightly different. If you win a pot send a chip over to the dealer. They deal the cards and they have to put up with abuse from the players, A good dealer can split pots and keep the game going while a bad dealer can let things get out of control. Most Las Vegas dealers are very knowledgeable so drop a few chips in their pocket.

Cocktail Waitress

Ok this one I am a little bit opinionated on. If you are getting a free drink and the girl had to walk across the casino and find and remember you when you move around. Throw her a tip for god’s sake. And no a quarter is not enough. Not if you want another drink. I will tip a buck a drink, no matter what it is. Even a bottle of water.

Taxi

Most people get this one, because there are taxi’s in every town and people know to tip them for a good job. Right?

Bellmen

If they are hoisting you bags around and generally make your stay more enjoyable throw them a buck or two. Another thing is that these guys usually have their ear to the ground so if you are looking to find a special event of party , you want to get on their good side. Just a thought.

Buffet

It is customary to tip one to two dollars per person in your party for drinks and the clearing of dishes. Some buffets have eliminated beverage service and have made that self serve as well, for that you tip $1 for the clearing of plates per person in your party.

Restaurants

Now remember what I said at the beginning tipping is for people that make your trip or stay more enjoyable. For some reason it has become almost expected to give a tip at a restaurant whether you had good service or not. I don’t agree. I worked a long time in the service industry an I get it, tipping is a right not a privilege and if I wanted a buck from the guy at the end of the bar I better make sure that his pint stayed full. So if I go to a restaurant I cannot get my coffee re-filled or order a dessert, I know that someone is just punching the clock and is not interested in making my day any better. In these cases I will tip a nominal amount like 5%, why you say because I know that my whole tip does not go to the server, in fact a lot of it goes to the hostess, bus person and kitchen staff and I think that they deserve their money even if my server does not. On the flip side if you put a little effort in and a smile on your face I don’t care if you even bring me the wrong meal I will give you a GREAT tip.

Anyways for what it is worth there is my guide to tipping. The nice thing is this does not have to be a Las Vegas specific guide. It works everywhere.

First off finding information on this was kind of tricky, I chose the easiest route and grabbed the financial reports off of the Mirages website. Here is how it broke down.

What I found a little shocking is that the majority of the income was not derived from the casino but in what is described as Non-casino revenue. That’s right the Las Vegas hotels make more money from their hotel operations than from the gambling. To make it even a little clearer I added a nice chart.

This definitely confirms what I have been saying for awhile now that the price of a Vegas weekend has gone up a lot. Gone are the days of $1.99 buffets and freebies , if you want something you better be prepared to pay or… follow this blog and we will do our best to unearth specials, deals and general ways to get more bang for your buck.