New To Vegas? These 10 Mistakes Are Common—But 3 Could Really Wreck Your Trip

Las Vegas has a way of turning first-timers into wide-eyed wanderers—and sometimes, into overwhelmed travelers by day two. From the moment you hit the Strip, it’s all lights, noise, and temptation. But trust me, there’s a fine line between living it up and burning out fast.

I’ve watched travelers blow their budget before lunch, underestimate the walking distances (those hotels are not close), or forget that Vegas never truly sleeps—and neither will you if you don’t plan properly. So, what are the most common mistakes people make in Vegas?

And which three could seriously wreck your entire trip? I’ve broken it all down to help you skip the stress and focus on the fun. After all, wouldn’t you rather leave with epic memories instead of regrets and blisters?

1. Walking the Entire Strip

Maps can be deceiving! The Las Vegas Strip stretches over 4 miles, and those massive hotels are much further apart than they appear. Many first-timers think, “I’ll just walk everywhere and see it all,” only to end up with blistered feet and wasted hours.

The desert heat multiplies exhaustion, making even short walks feel like marathons. Instead, use the monorail, ride-shares, or hop-on-hop-off buses to maximize your sightseeing time.

Pro tip: Plan your daily activities by hotel cluster rather than zigzagging across the Strip. Your body will thank you, and you’ll actually enjoy the attractions instead of just struggling to reach them.

2. Forgetting to Hydrate

Vegas sits in the middle of the Mojave Desert, where summer temperatures regularly soar above 110°F. The dry heat sneakily dehydrates you before symptoms even appear, and that’s before adding alcohol to the mix!

Air conditioning inside casinos creates a false sense of comfort, but the recycled air is equally dehydrating. I always tell friends to drink at least twice as much water as they think they need.

Carry a refillable water bottle everywhere. Many hotels now offer filling stations, and the investment in staying hydrated will keep your energy up for enjoying the slots, shows, and nightlife that make Vegas famous.

3. Skipping Reservations

Spontaneity has its place, but not when it comes to Vegas dining and shows. Top restaurants book weeks (sometimes months) in advance, especially on weekends. Nothing dampens the mood like being turned away from that celebrity chef spot you’ve been dreaming about.

Popular shows like Cirque du Soleil performances consistently sell out, leaving last-minute planners disappointed in the lobby. The best seats vanish quickly, leaving only partial-view options or nothing at all.

Make reservations for dinner and entertainment as soon as you confirm your travel dates. Many reservation systems open 60-90 days ahead, and setting calendar reminders ensures you won’t miss the window for must-do experiences.

4. Booking Hotel Too Far

Budget-conscious travelers often pick hotels off the Strip to save money, but this decision frequently backfires. Transportation costs and inconvenience quickly erase those savings, especially when late-night rideshare surge pricing kicks in after shows or club outings.

Time spent commuting to the action means less time enjoying Vegas. Even mid-Strip hotels can require 20+ minutes of walking to reach destinations at the opposite end.

Consider what activities top your list, then book accommodations nearby. For first-timers, I recommend center Strip locations like Flamingo, LINQ, or Paris for their accessibility. The slightly higher nightly rate pays off in convenience and a more immersive Vegas experience.

5. Overpacking for Nightlife

First-time Vegas visitors often stuff suitcases with multiple fancy outfits and shoes for clubbing. Reality check: you won’t wear half of them! Club-hopping after a full day of sightseeing is exhausting, and most visitors hit one club per night, max.

Heavy luggage means airline fees, crowded hotel rooms, and wasted packing time. Vegas hotel rooms aren’t known for spacious closets either.

Instead, bring versatile pieces that work for multiple venues. Men can use the same dress shoes with different shirts, while women might pack one statement dress and one versatile black outfit with changeable accessories. Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in your suitcase too – unworn and wrinkled!

6. Not Wearing Comfy Shoes

Fashion often trumps function for Vegas newcomers, leading to painful consequences. Those stylish heels or brand-new dress shoes quickly become torture devices on casino floors, where you might stand or walk for hours without realizing it.

Casino layouts intentionally maximize walking distance between amenities. Getting from your room to a restaurant often means navigating through the entire gaming floor, shops, and multiple elevators.

Cushioned insoles can save your vacation if dressy shoes are necessary. For daytime exploring, supportive athletic shoes are non-negotiable. My secret weapon? Packable slip-on shoes in my purse or pocket for when fashion footwear becomes unbearable during long casino nights.

7. Falling for “Free” Shows

Street performers promising amazing free shows are fixtures on Las Vegas sidewalks. While they seem like budget-friendly entertainment, these encounters often turn uncomfortable when aggressive demands for tips follow the performance.

Many visitors feel pressured into giving money after watching, sometimes $20 or more per person. These sidewalk shows also frequently create pedestrian bottlenecks in already crowded areas.

If you stop to watch, decide beforehand what you’ll tip – $1-5 is reasonable. Better yet, enjoy the many legitimately free attractions Vegas offers: the Bellagio fountains, Mirage volcano, or wildlife habitats at Flamingo and Resorts World. These scheduled shows provide quality entertainment without the awkward payment pressure.

8. Ignoring Resort Fees

That amazing $79/night hotel deal? It’s hiding a secret that shocks many first-timers – mandatory resort fees ranging from $30-45 per night that nearly double your actual cost! These fees rarely appear prominently in initial price displays, creating budget-busting surprises at check-in.

Resort fees supposedly cover amenities like WiFi, fitness centers, and local calls, even if you never use them. They’re non-negotiable and apply to every night of your stay.

Always check the total price including taxes and resort fees before booking. Some booking sites now display “total stay” prices, which helps with comparison shopping. A few downtown hotels like Casino Royale still don’t charge resort fees, making them genuinely budget-friendly options worth considering.

9. Blowing Budget Night One (Trip Wrecker)

Vegas excitement can overwhelm financial common sense, especially that first night. The adrenaline rush of arrival combined with the sensory overload of lights, sounds, and free-flowing drinks creates a perfect storm for impulsive spending.

I’ve seen countless visitors drop half their vacation budget in the first 24 hours on expensive meals, VIP club experiences, or ambitious gambling sessions. The remaining days become exercises in penny-pinching regret instead of carefree fun.

Set strict daily budgets before your trip and track spending in real-time. Consider dividing your cash into daily envelopes, leaving credit cards locked in your room safe. Remember, Vegas is designed to separate you from your money – the longer you can make it last, the better your overall experience.

10. Losing ID Before Flight (Trip Wrecker)

Nothing kills Vegas joy faster than realizing your ID is missing as you prepare to fly home. Between multiple venue checks, pulling it out for age verification, and changing outfits, IDs frequently disappear during Vegas trips.

Without proper identification, you’ll face lengthy TSA secondary screening processes that can take hours. In worst-case scenarios, you might even be denied boarding altogether.

Take a photo of your ID with your phone immediately upon arrival. Always return ID to the same secure pocket or bag section after use – never set it down on bars or tables. Consider leaving your regular wallet locked in your hotel safe and carrying just essentials in a slim cardholder to minimize what could be lost.

11. Misjudging Casino Limits

The glamorous $5 blackjack tables shown in movies are increasingly rare on the Strip. Many first-time visitors arrive expecting to gamble all night on a small bankroll, only to find $15-25 minimum bets during peak hours.

Higher minimums mean your gambling budget disappears much faster than anticipated. Weekend evenings see even higher table minimums, sometimes jumping to $50 or more at popular casinos.

For budget-friendly gambling, explore downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street) or off-Strip locals casinos where $5-10 tables still exist. Gambling during weekday mornings or afternoons also typically offers lower minimums. If you’re new to casino games, free lessons are available at many properties during off-peak hours.

12. Drinking on an Empty Stomach

Free drinks while gambling seem like the ultimate Vegas perk, but they create a common pitfall. Cocktail service combined with excitement and air conditioning mask alcohol’s effects until it’s too late, especially when you’ve skipped meals to maximize vacation time.

Casino environments intentionally lack clocks and windows, making it easy to lose track of time and food needs. Dehydration from desert conditions intensifies alcohol’s impact, creating a perfect storm for overindulgence.

Always eat before gambling sessions, even if it’s just a quick snack. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water, and set meal reminders on your phone. Most casinos offer quick dining options like food courts that won’t take you away from the action for long – a small investment that helps ensure you remember your Vegas adventures.

13. Missing Flight Home (Trip Wrecker)

Vegas runs 24/7, blurring the line between night and day. This timeless environment leads many visitors to miscalculate their final evening, staying up until 4 AM before a morning flight.

Hotel checkout, returning rental cars, and airport security take longer than expected, especially with hangovers or sleep deprivation. McCarran Airport often experiences heavy traffic, particularly during convention departures or holiday weekends.

Set multiple alarms for departure day and schedule a backup wake-up call. Consider booking afternoon flights to accommodate Vegas’s late-night culture. If your flight leaves before noon, treat the night before as a regular night – get proper sleep rather than pushing until dawn. Nothing ruins great vacation memories faster than an expensive missed flight and the scramble to rebook.