Vegas Myths and Facts

Today's topic discusses perception vs. reality in Sin City. Here's five myths and facts:

Myth: It's a bad idea to drive the Strip because it's always so dang crowded.


Fact: Yes, the Strip is frequently gridlocked. However, if you plan ahead, you can enjoy the sites and lights. Try driving early in the morning (before 11am) and later at night (after 11pm) to really enjoy the Strip. Stay in the left lane because most drivers are looking to turn off the Strip or into a casino parking lot in the right lane.

Myth: Taxis are cheap and you can pick them up anywhere on the Strip.

Fact: Taxis can be a good source of transportation if you are going to Vegas with a bunch of people who will be sharing the cost of the cab. However, if you are just going with one or two people, it may make more sense to rent a car. You can actually save money because taxis are expensive. I rented a car for $68 for a 4-day weekend trip in January. Considering that it would cost about $30~40 just for a trip to and from the airport in a cab, I think I got a good deal.

Also, by renting a car you can come and go as you please. You cannot pick up taxis on any street on the Strip; you have to pick them up at the taxi stand located at the hotel's portico. And you often have to wait to get one.

Myth: Anything goes in Vegas.

Fact: Well, almost anything. Heck, you can drink alcohol on the street, as long as you are not being a bozo and, of course, as long as you don't drive. However, you may be surprised to find that prostitution is illegal in Clarke County (that includes Vegas), so don't try it! There are houses of ill repute north of the city, but not in Vegas.

Myth: Shows are expensive, and tickets are very hard to get.

Fact: Some shows are priced at over $100 per ticket. But, you can often get tickets for great shows at great prices. A good friend of mine recently visited Vegas and recommends V-the Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood, ICE at the Riviera, and the Fab Four Beatles show at Planet Hollywood. I haven't seen these myself, but I've seen reviews and these shows look pretty great. Also, try Tix-4-tonight and Tickets2nite for 1/2 price tickets. They have tickets for specific shows, and you can get the tickets the same day as the show only. But they are worth checking out.

Tickets are not always hard to get. I have gone to Vegas without tickets for any shows and seen some great ones just by seeing what strikes my fancy once I get there. There are a lot of shows to see, so I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Myth: Jump on a slot machine as soon as someone quits playing it, because chances are good that you'll hit a jackpot.

Fact: Um, no. These things are very, very random and will take your money regardless of whether someone else just lost or won $1000. There's no such thing as a lucky machine, a lucky spot in the casino (sorry, mom, I don't think the ones near the door are better than any others), and so on. If you must play slots, and I suggest you don't, your best bet is to play a progressive machine and play the maximum amount every time because you will only get bonuses and jackpots with "full coin in."

Well, that's it for this week. Maybe I'll include more next week. Send me your thoughts and questions about fact vs. fiction in Vegas.

Viva,
Mike