I felt bad for a ‘new artist’ guy selling his CDs in Vegas so I gave him $5 for it. Got back and put it in the player - nothing on it! 😂

Howard Hughes had a very nice ploy for not getting taken advantage of by the hotel/casino where he was staying. When they were asking/forcing him to check out of his luxury rooms, he bought the place so that he could stay as long as he wanted. This may not be feasible for every tourist but it is worth a shot if you can pull it off.

First of all, I vote for Option #2. As far as the $20 trick, I do encourage people to try it as well, but also tell them to book the level of room that they will be satisfied with. If they won’t be happy in anything under a deluxe style room, but they book a lower type of room figuring they will get the upgrade with the $20 trick, they are often disappointed with the outcome and then they have a room that they don’t like for however long they are in Vegas. For #9, Caesars is talking about an actual fridge that they will bring to your room and you have during your stay for a small daily fee. They are not talking about the fee to remove personal items from the mini bar. However, if you have medical stuff that needs refrigerated, such as insulin, most (maybe all) hotels will give you the fridge for free. Of course, I don’t encourage lying to get a free fridge because they can run out and somebody that actually does need one for their insulin may not be able to get one.

Can't believe he didn't mention the time share people in all the lobbies, they will get you!

My wife and I went to Vegas a few years ago and stayed at Planet Hollywood. We were taking a co worker of my wife’s and her husband and everything was on us. The lady had just conquered breast cancer and at the desk my wife asked if there were any upgrades for her friend and her husband. The check in lady upgraded them to what appeared to be the whole top floor. We gladly gave her the twenty. We of course had a dinky little room but that was ok, it was all about them.

Yep, #13 applies to me. I walked from Planet Hollywood to a convention center clear out past the airport. Got a great photo of the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign along the way. I made it but I took a cab back.

I definitely made the shoe mistake. I wore brand new sneakers I bought just for the trip and learned the hard way. My feet were covered in blisters. Thankfully, in addition to the bandages I bought at a little shop, my man's mother had packed a huge Ziploc bag full of all sorts of bandages and first aid items for all of us to share. 🙂

Fantastic points to consider! 👍 @ 11:33 - Unprepared Gambling - Another option is watching KZfaq tutorials on the games you would like to learn.

I frequent Vegas and know that some cabs will try to take a longer route if they think they can get away with it but never knew this was illegal and they had to eat the fare! This happened to my fiancé and I on one of our trips last year. We called the driver out on it but he still went on his way and we paid the fare just didn’t tip. Fortunately most of the cab drivers we’ve talked to are cool people but this is good to know if this ever happens again!

The first thing I do when I go to Las Vegas is get a 3 day RTC pass for $20. This is the cheapest way to get around on the Strip and Downtown. Plus, you can people watch while you ride.

Definitely get the players card! I’m going back the week of Christmas and they comped 4 nights of my 5 night stay!

I'm close to booking an air/hotel package for March spring break, finding your videos entertaining and helpful. Haven't been to Vegas in 6 years and this will only be my 4th time ever going. Thanks for everything, Jacob!

We've NEVER done the $20 trick. We always just come out and ask, when checking in, if there are any available upgrades. We get upgraded 99.999% of the time.

1 more rookie mistake is waiting until check-out time to drive back to Cali on a Sunday.. You'll be in traffic for 8 hours. So either leave by 9am on Sunday or just leave on Monday.

14th mistake is * do not occupy the phototaking spots a long time* allow others the space to shoot as well 😊

Walking walking walking!!!. When me and my husband first webt to Vegas in 2012 we were at TI and we could see MGM and I thought it was so much closer than it was. I argued with my husband over how close it was because I could see it. He still picks on me about it. It was 100° outside to boot. 😂

I don’t live there anymore as an adult but I was born and raised in Vegas with parents that worked in the casinos and I laughed at myself because I still totally say “old Vegas”😂 Probably because that was the Vegas I remember since we never went to the strip as locals

Very good video. All good points. Regarding the burnout or pace yourself mistake, if you are a first timer or someone who thinks I can make one trip to Vegas and do it all you will be badly mistaken. Assuming you decide you like the place, I would recommend 3-5 day stays for most people and plan on multiple trips. And don't forget there is a lot of other things around Vegas to see besides what's on the strip. Taking a day to travel to places like Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, or a number of other outings is a nice way to break up your time while in Vegas. Also, Vegas is a good place to plan a trip around a concert or sporting event.

Got two more tips to add: 1. Bring more cash than you plan to bring because atm fees are high and with our current economy, saving $ is more valuable than ever. 2. Any items you bring that fit in your pockets or small bags, keep them in front of you to prevent thieves from pickpocketing you from behind. If they attempt to steal from you, see them face to face.

my vote is definetly to bring both videos. I'm from Germany and I wasn't able to come to Vegas for so long...during this waiting time I really enjoyed watching your vidoes....especially because my wife an I plan to move to Vegas in 3-4 years to life there for 6 month every year...thank you so much for your work and the very good job you're doing !!

#1 rookie mistake should have been going to vegas with the intention that you’re going to win money 😂

Here are four extra tips: 1. Don't eat too much at breakfast buffets. Naturally, you're going to be hungry and when seeing all the food, you'll probably want to pile it onto your plate, but if you do that your stomach will NOT be happy, and you'll probably start to feel lethargic. So to avoid potential stomach upset, acid reflux, impromptu bathroom breaks, and feeling tired from having eaten too much, moderate what you eat. 2. Check out the restaurants that aren't downtown or on the strip. Sometimes you can find some amazing places that aren't touristy. My wife and I found an Eastern European restaurant that, from the outside, looks very unimpressive (it was in a strip mall of all things!) but inside it was awesome and the food was fantastic. 3. If you're there during the summer, always make sure you have water with you. Hydration is super important because of the heat and lack of humidity. Plus, it'd be a good idea to wear a hat and even apply some sunscreen if you're prone to sunburns. 4. Get some wool hiking socks. I know that sounds weird, but wool can help prevent blisters (unlike cotton) and it's very easy to get blisters when walking around Vegas. I'm very prone to blisters and I bought some wool hiking socks (I believe the brand is called Icebreaker) and the difference has been night and day. These socks won't stop your feet from feeling tired or general soreness, but at least you won't have to deal with blisters.

Pic nic weather for us Canadians. Walked around in shorts everyone was wearing winter coat. This is February.

I’ve done the “go too hard the first night” all my life. Every trip, it’s part of the vacation ritual. Rookie Tip #14: Don’t ever tip the valet (or anyone) in loose change. I’ve seen it, it gets ugly.

My tip I'll add is that if you book a limo, be sure to specify "STRETCH" if that's what you'd like. I was so excited for my first trip only to be picked up from the airport by a SEDAN. Our party of four could barely even fit in there. I was definitely annoyed because I thought it was apparent that most people who refer to a limousine mean a stretch limo. 🤦

My vote is option 2. The fees will continue to rise and it's like the casinos aren't making enough money now

One thing to add about walking distance on the strip is getting from strip to the actual hotel/resort is additional factor example after walking to the Wynn to see 👀 lake of dreams adds to your actual journey and the hotels themselves are bigger inside than new visitors may realize great 👍 job

Only been to Vegas once,I cannot complain at all about the taxi drivers,they were very nice and got us to our destinations in a timely manner

To all Vegas first-timers: WATCH THIS VIDEO! These are all really good pieces of advice.

Stop at ABC store and pickup a 1 liter. Go back to hotel and fill bag with ice from ice machine. Go to room and put bag in bathroom sink. Put it in sink so you don't get water all over when the ice melts. You may get charged for being stupid.

Number 2 would be good. Most people don’t know what they’re missing

If you want to take a picture at the famous 'Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas' sign and avoid the crowds of people parking there, standing there, and mugging it constantly for their own selfies (as well as the Elvis impersonators and other 'performers' trying to hustle you for photo cash tips) - do it on a weekday like Monday or Tuesday (if you can), and always try to do it early (7am to 9:30am to get a well lit shot). Do not underestimate the '5 Skull' drinks at Frankie's Tiki Bar either. Having 3 or 4 or more will ensure you're incapacitated for 2 to 4 hours of your day/night.

The $20 trick at the Travel Lodge on the strip will get you an extra trash bag...

We ended up walking at least 50 miles in a week, at least there are no mountains to scale. We were at Treasure Island and some of our work friends were at MGM Signature. Finding them on the strip at night was difficult, to say the least. Yes, 1st time in Vegas. We also had a cabbie disable his credit card machine so we had to pay in cash. A very drunk friend went over to a couple fake showgirls and we took his picture. They demanded $40 from him and he asked both of them for $ because they got their picture taken with him. My wife won $420 with two $20 bets on the slots. I lost $40.

one of the best and easiest to understand primmer on Vegas I have seen. I used to visit Vegas 4 times a year and now do an annul "old fart" trip with my high school buddies (all of us 77). I only disagree with the $20 trick. After giving that $20 and then heading to their room, they have no idea if it worked because they have no experience with the property to know if they truly got an upgrade or just wasted their money. Experence with the property is needed.

#14..never count your money out in public, best to do so inside a casino..but, even then, do so cautiously. #15..once you arrive at your destined hotel, don't open your trunk with all your goodies, take an item, then check in first before coming back to bring out all your stuff..thieves are always watching//

You omitted the biggest I made when I was a Las Vegas rookie. Agreeing to do a timeshare presentation.

About the fridges with the items in them AND the snacks that get charged as well. I call them "Indiana Jones traps"! That's because if you even touch them or move them, like Indy tried to do with substituting the weighted bag of sand for the idol, you'll get hit, just not by a rolling boulder! :D

I am from the uk,and I think that vegas has become to pricey for us to travel there,first time I visited was 20 years ago and found it to be a great experience,cheap food and buffets,but now the hotel owners have got there strategy wrong,it has put people off coming to vegas,regarding all the add ins,it’s a shame,vegas is going one way,and that’s not up !!!!

Very true. I don’t bother with the 20 dollar trick just because the digital check ins are sooooo much faster. Always mile long lines to actually check in with a person. Another mistake I see people make is touching things on the strip like guard rails and hand rails. Outside the casinos I wouldn’t touch anything.

The player's card is really good advice. I keep ending up in Vegas and thinking it is going to be years till I'm there again, and then I end up there again. If only I would have gotten a player's card!

Thanks for assembling these videos that are so informative, the live walks in Vegas are great, but these are a great change of pace!

First, I vote for option #2. I will be coming to Vegas for the first time ever in April. I may be a rookie, but I have learned a few things already. 1. Because of the dry desert air, the average person's ability to metabolize alcohol increases by 300% so I can drink three times my limit. 2. A good place to gamble is the slot machines at the airport. Nobody has ever won anything there, so they're due. 3. A great way to get discounts on meals and shows is to go to time-share seminars. These are usually less than an hour and the things they offer are always top notch. 4. Prostitution is legal in Nevada, everyone knows that. So there is no problem with bringing hookers back to your hotel room. I am going to have a great time Vegas. Mostly because I'm too smart to take my own advice.

Been to Vegas a number of times and didn't make too many of those mistakes. Fortunately, I was usually with someone who had a bit more experience. Never tried the $20 dollar trick, as I thought it would make me look like a rube. Might have to give it a try. While not a rookie, I do appreciate the other tips which I'll keep in mind next time I visit. Your videos are always informative.

Ive worked on Fremont since 2014 and I've seen people make the mistake of thinking the strip is within walking distance of Fremont. But in reality, it's about 6 miles lol

Great video! I lived out there for 6 years from 2003-2009 and continue to visit every year minus the pandemic and I still call Fremont "Old Vegas" 🤣🤷‍♀️

Fremont Street is my vote! Thanks, Jacob, great vids as always!

#13 was all me. I wore improper (i.e. brand new) footwear on my first trip to Vegas and I paid for it. Back then I also didn't know about the $20 trick. I was staying at Vdara and when I checked-in, I told them it was my first time there and asked if I could get a high floor. I got a room on the 40th with a good view so I was happy (and I unknowingly saved $20).

That last tip is so important. Doesn’t matter how many times I go, I always forget how much walking I’ll end up doing

I love Downtown. So much more fun, everything is so close!

#13 totally got me lol I tried to walk from Tropicana to the Mirage in the August heat, in new shoes, in like 30 mins up and down stairs and escalators on the way. That's 2 miles right there and I nearly died of heat exhaustion. I got there feeling nauseous and had to cab it back with giant blisters. I'm all for walking but it's always farther than you think.

Walking around outside is especially tough in the summer when it’s 110.

Jacob - I am sure you are aware that the taxi companies are now required by law to not exceed the fixed fares from the airport to various strip hotels. Also, newcomers are advised to pay cash for their taxi rides, to avoid service charges for debit or credit cards.

last one is the most important.. especially after few drinks.. “bellagio doesn’t look far” two hours later “might have to get a cab”

I’ve made the mistake of renting a car for the day to see Grand Canyon. I total assumed that it would be easy to just drop the car off at rental company and get a cab. The problem was when we returned the car it was almost 5 pm, rental company was about to close, cab wait was indefinite and not in the best part of town. Do your pre plan for a way to the rental company and BACK to your hotel. We ended up hitching a ride with a wrecker! Probably not the smartest decision but all was good and gave him a nice tip.

The only problem with the $20 trick is a lot of the hotels now have the check-in/out kiosks which is making it harder to do that. The walking part is not too bad if your used to walking. I’ve walked from around the Wynn over to Frankie’s Tiki room and many other spots, but I live in NYC and we walk most places so those long walks actually aren’t too bad, but it’s not for everyone.

Very useful and practical tips. I want to add one more. Tip #14: Don't visit LV without first watching this video.

Great video! I vote for option 2! Another big tip would be to visit a liquor store before going out on the town! Can't tell you the number of people looking for alcohol after hours downtown with no luck!

You are so right. Years ago I walked to the Rio from Harrahs. It looked so close! Blisters on the bottoms of my feet and the worst part was...when i got to the Rio front door I saw the FREE shuttle bus that came from Harrahs! (and i swear the bus was laughing at me)

Don’t gamble until the last day you are there

Second! And #2, specifically the best Fremont Street hotels to stay at

Shout out Manny from Chicago Love all your videos I lived in Las Vegas from 20 0 5 to 2011I was a Union carpenter we were building casinos Till the bottom fell out

Another tip, YOU WILL NOT GET LAID AT GREENDOOR as a Solo man. Couples get a key to rooms you can't go to unless they invite you, and they want other couples 99% of the time or just a solo girl.

#12 for sure is the ultimate rookie move. Seen it (And experienced) way too many times. Get into town, don’t eat enough or drink enough water, then start drinking and gambling. Before you know it, Saturday is wasted all day in the room hungover. FYI, a mixture of alka seltzer and pepto will snap you out of it.

Don't expect any upgrades with the $20 tip if it's a Saturday in the summer or any major holiday. Works best on a weekday when they have flexibility in what they can give you.

I must be a 30 year rookie... I still say "Old Vegas." Even though I know it's "Downtown." Probably because I remember what it was like before the Fremont Experience. I miss driving through it.

Look at you by Tacos Mexico!!!! I haven't caught a taxi in Vegas since 1995. Option 2

Yup, biggest mistake I made first time was taking it all in by walking from MGM Grand to Fremont st! Then taking a taxi back to the strip instead of an RTC bus.......

Option 2...my wife and I usually go the week before Christmas....to cold for pool...so would never pay resort fees for a cold pool.

OMG, underestimating the walking distance resonates *so much*!

Both 1 and two... Take your pick, we'll watch both.

my first trip out in 2000 with my girlfriend, we thought we could walk to the Rio from New York, New York. We ended up in the loading docks behind hotels trying to find the path over....we were so obvious bad tourists.

We just tried the $20 trick and it worked great! Thanks for the great tip!

Nice video Jacob!!! Option 1

I agree with the 22yo story...I am 40 and had some strange situations with these youth🤣 Thanks for the video.

Hello jake, I would have added that mistakes that rookies make especially if they're there for a short period of time is staying in the casino, OR relying on the casino for everything because this can cost a shitload of money a water at one of those casinos can sometimes be seven or eight dollars depending on where you buy it within the casino. Dinner can be 60 or $70 a plate for something that outside if you just venture off the strip like a mile you can get for $10, now granted downtown I know prices are a little bit better and things are a little bit cheaper so those mistakes don't necessarily apply to downtown more so on the strip because downtown has to be able to compete with the stuff that's within walking distance from their casinos which is still fairly inexpensive, but I would say not running to Walgreens and other places to get bottled water, and beer and things that you're going to need for the trip outside of the casino is a good idea. The only thing I really buy in casinos these days is souvenirs and food. And it's only in the casinos where I have a particular place in mind where I want to go or I really like this the last time I had it so I'll get food there otherwise I plan to not eating casinos and I eat when I'm out doing other things.

Been going to Vegas forever. It's OLD VEGAS. Freemont Street is the old original vegas, they even have a huge TV screen at the entrance showing the history. The strip was planned later as an expansion to attract families and the world due to cheap airlines becoming the future. Frankly some of this video is "Vegas from a townies perspective" 😆

I really miss living in Vegas sometimes. It was a fun two years. Water though, water, water, water!

Escalators to get through on the strip, always a percentage not operating, then stairs/elevation to consider :)

Thank you for the information! As someone who travels to Vegas a lot, I detect no lies told in this video! LOL! Also I would like to see why stay on Fremont. I just stayed there for the first time Thanksgiving weekend and felt like I have been missing out all these years just staying on the strip! I wish I would have known better! Its way cheaper to buy things and a lot more fun!

One problem with the $20 trick - Some places now use kiosks to check in. The computer won't take your bribe!

Nice to see they held the 2022 Las Vegas Rookie auditions right behind your filming location.

It's still the " Hand Claps " that get me LOL

Excellent tips. Driving rideshare in 2018 I had a pickup about a mile from the Strat. The couple was walking to the Strat from their downtown hotel and gave up. They thought the Strat was much closer as it can create an optical illusion. The only tip I would ad is be careful where you wander off to. I had picked tourists up in some very sketchy areas they decided to walk to for some unknown reason, ALCOHOL.

Hey Jacob! Been busy and catching up on your videos! I’ve been taking advantage of the labor shortage and working a second job on the weekends, getting paid $18 an hour for picking up trash at a swap meet which normally would pay $14.

Your videos are awesome. You’re charismatic. Instead of saying “okay” just pause before going into your next tip/idea.

The ppl behind you wondering if your famous and making sure they get in frame just in case you are is so cute.

Out of all the things that you said the walking distances is probably the best one. I usually stay at Ti. and I like to go to Harris or planet Hollywood and on a busy night that Walk could take you 45 minutes but it looks like it’s just two hotels away. I call it jagged walking

Only eating at restaurants on the strip. Found similar restaurants one or 2 blocks off much much cheaper than on the strip. Often times the food is just as good, if not better

As a Canadian from Vancouver, it gets cold! Bring a jacket!

So funny my family and I (including kids) went to Vegas for spring break 2022 and went to the Grand Canyon... It was freezing we did not expect it to be that cold. I had a light sweater, but need to buy jackets at the gift shop... It was even cold on the strip a few days we couldn't believe it since it was late March.. We are from Miami... My husband and I are planning to come back October 2022.. We will be more prepared!

#14: Booking rooms anywhere other than directly with the property you intend to stay at. The Big Time outside bookers often buy the worst rooms at the casinos that nobody wants to stay in and passes them on as some kind of a bargain. Been there, done that on 1st trip to Vegas. Never again.

#2. I’ve always stayed on the strip and wanna try downtown next time

LoL The " Hand Claps " for emphasis LOL

Ty Going to Vegas next week from FL Just put a jacket in my suitcase!

For the tourists, you're getting longhauled from the airport if the cab doesnt go 1 of 2 routes and neither route is more than 10 minutes: 1. airport to 215 for 1 exit to 15 north, then exit immediately onto Flamingo, Tropicana or Spring Mtn 2. go out the other way on the connector and turn left onto Tropicana and go 1 block to the Strip (you'll pass go alongside MGM Grand)

Taxis (at least from airport) have flat rates. Was long hauled on first visit in '96.

I made the mistake of “moving” the sodas in the fridge at MGM Grand to make room for drinks I bought. Of course I didn’t see the sign on the inside of the fridge door, covered by other drinks until too late.

Option 2 because I'd like to know if the atmosphere (a.k.a. aggressive panhandlers) has improved, and if there are any smoke-free gaming areas downtown. I stayed at Circa right after it opened and it was pretty much smoke free, but I wasn't impressed with the rooms, the food was very expensive, and it felt dangerous to walk to another casino in the area.

Much to my dismay I have to go with option 2. I don't want people to find out how much better it is to stay downtown.