Trip Guide: Las Vegas!

So I did something absolutely spontaneous this weekend and it was the most fun I've had in a long time. Well, the 14 hour car ride wasn't, but everything inbetween was a blast! I gambled, drank overpriced margaritas, and walked over 10 miles.  That's right bitches...I went to Vegas! Two of my girl friends and I headed out to the desert to party away our Spring semester stress.  We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel for the night and enjoyed as much as the strip as we could. I now consider myself a Vegas Vet (not really) and I want to provide you tips in how you can survive your next trip to Sin City!

Trip Guide: Las Vegas

Fly, Don't Drive

There is nothing worse than driving 14 hours when you're hungover and sad. We may have driven this time and were able to enjoy a few stops on the way home (the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon), but I would NEVER do it again.  I hate being cramped in a tiny car and expected to survive off of Cheetos and Sour Patch Kids. Next time I go, I am definitely flying.  If you do decide to drive (bless your heart) I would suggest listening to a book on tape or language-teaching CD so you can benefit from the hours of no rest. Or my friend Christina recommended listening to comedians -- you can't sleep when you're laughing!

Bring Alcohol With You

I paid $10.50 for a frozen strawberry margarita at Margaritaville...and that was in a little plastic cup. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy fun drinks when you can (Fat Tuesdays!) but bringing a bottle or two with you will definitely save you money, especially when you can split the cost with your friends.  We brought a bottle of vodka and a chaser to do shots before we went out so we wouldn't need to buy $12 drinks to get buzzed. It'll save you money in the long run!

Walk the Strip Early

By hitting the Strip early, you are avoiding a ton of tourists and other people that you'd normally start to see in the afternoon.  We arrived at around 9AM and started exploring right away, and we skipped SO many lines because of it. It's nice to be able to explore and take photos without hundreds of people using their selfie-sticks behind you (why is that a thing?).  That way once it starts to crowd up, you can retreat back to your hotel and lay by the pool!

Buy a Macaron at the Venetian

It's a Vegas tradition (according to my favorite professor)! On the first floor of the Venetian is the Bouchon Bakery. They have everything from croissants to baguettes, but you MUST get one of their macarons.  They are a little pricey but definitely worth it, trust me.  My favorite is the salted caramel! :)

Be Willing to Splurge

This is Vegas, after all! I'm not saying you should drop $45 for every meal, but I think one fancy dinner would definitely be worth it.  We weren't hungry enough (or prepared for) a big meal, but next time I go I want to try one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants or some other big name place. There are so many options to choose from that I doubt you'll be disappointed.  We ate at Pink Tacos at the Hard Rock and it was so yummy and decently priced (especially because free chips and salsa YES). Explore beforehand and see where you want to go, that way you have something to look forward to!

Have you been to Vegas? Any other tips or tricks? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.