When to Book and How Far Ahead to Plan
The ideal planning window for a Las Vegas trip is two to three months in advance. This gives you the best balance between availability and pricing for hotels, shows, and flights. If you are visiting during a major convention like CES in January or a big fight weekend, you will want to book even earlier — four to six months ahead is not unreasonable.
Hotel prices in Las Vegas fluctuate dramatically based on demand. A room that costs $89 on a Tuesday might be $289 on a Saturday. Use comparison sites to track prices, and consider midweek travel if your schedule allows it. Many visitors find that arriving on a Sunday or Monday and departing Thursday or Friday gives them the best rates while still catching some weekend energy.
Pro Tip
Set price alerts on Google Flights and hotel comparison sites. Prices can drop significantly two to three weeks before your trip as hotels try to fill remaining inventory.
Choosing the Right Hotel Location
The Las Vegas Strip stretches over four miles, and where you stay matters more than you might think. The central Strip area between The Bellagio and The Venetian puts you within walking distance of the most popular attractions, restaurants, and shows. This is the sweet spot for first-time visitors.
The south end of the Strip near Mandalay Bay and Luxor tends to be quieter and slightly more affordable. The north end near The STRAT and Circus Circus offers budget options but requires more walking or transportation to reach the action. Downtown Las Vegas around Fremont Street is a completely different experience — grittier, more historic, and often cheaper.
Pro Tip
Even if your hotel is on the Strip, distances are deceiving. What looks like a short walk on a map can easily be 20-30 minutes on foot, especially when you factor in navigating through casino floors.
Must-See Shows and How to Get Tickets
Las Vegas shows are a highlight of any trip, and booking in advance is strongly recommended for popular productions. Cirque du Soleil shows like O and KA regularly sell out, and David Copperfield’s intimate theater means limited seats. For the best selection, book your show tickets at least two to four weeks before your trip.
That said, last-minute deals do exist. Discount ticket booths on the Strip sell same-day and next-day tickets at reduced prices, though selection is limited and you may not get the show you want. For a guaranteed great experience, we recommend WOW – The Vegas Spectacular at the Rio, which combines acrobatics, illusion, and spectacle at a reasonable price point.
Pro Tip
Many shows offer better prices for weeknight performances. Tuesday through Thursday shows are typically cheaper than Friday and Saturday.
Budgeting for Your Trip
A realistic daily budget for Las Vegas depends heavily on your style. A budget-conscious visitor can get by on $100-150 per day excluding hotel, covering meals, a show, and some gambling money. A moderate budget of $200-300 per day allows for nicer restaurants, premium show seats, and more entertainment options.
The biggest expenses are typically hotel, food, and entertainment. Gambling is a separate category entirely — set a firm limit before you arrive and treat it as entertainment spending, not an investment. Drinks are often free at casino tables, but tipping the cocktail server $1-2 per drink is customary.
Pro Tip
Bring a set amount of cash for gambling and leave your debit card in the hotel safe. Casino ATMs charge hefty fees, and the temptation to withdraw more is real.
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Harry Reid International Airport is conveniently located just minutes from the Strip. The most common transportation options are rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which typically cost $15-25 to reach most Strip hotels. Taxis are also available but generally cost slightly more.
If you are on a tight budget, the RTC bus route 109 runs from the airport to the Strip for just $2. Hotel shuttles are another option, though they are less common than they used to be. Rental cars are generally unnecessary unless you plan day trips to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, or Red Rock Canyon.
Pro Tip
The rideshare pickup area at the airport is on Level 2 of the parking garage. Follow the signs — it is a short walk from baggage claim.
What to Pack and What to Wear
Las Vegas is casual by default, but you will want some variety in your wardrobe. During the day, comfortable walking shoes are essential — you will walk far more than you expect. Casual clothes are fine for most restaurants and all daytime activities.
For evening shows and upscale restaurants, smart casual is the norm. Men should bring at least one collared shirt and nice shoes; women will want one dressier outfit. If you plan to visit nightclubs, check the dress code in advance — most require upscale attire and prohibit athletic wear, sandals, and hats.
Pro Tip
The desert sun is intense even in winter. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for any outdoor activities. In summer, temperatures regularly exceed 110°F.
Tipping Etiquette in Las Vegas
Tipping is a significant part of Las Vegas culture, and knowing the norms will help you navigate smoothly. At restaurants, 18-20% is standard for table service. For cocktail servers in casinos, $1-2 per drink is customary. Valets expect $2-5 when they return your car.
Hotel housekeeping should receive $2-5 per night, left daily rather than at the end of your stay since different staff may clean your room each day. Bellhops expect $1-2 per bag. For exceptional service at any point, a larger tip is always appreciated and often remembered.