Seasoned local Vegas travelers know all about being prepared for their 9th island trek with lip balm, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. If you’ve been on a few or a few hundred trips I hope you’ll find a “Kimo’s Vegas Tips” to make your next trip more enjoyable.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #1 - MEDS
This is the first thing I prepare for any trip. You can imagine what a hassle, forgetting or losing your prescription medications would create. I was surprised when a friend who’s traveled a lot packed her meds in a suit case that the airline lost for two days.
Bring you meds in a carry on. I like to sort mine into little plastic bags labeled AM and PM (see tip #4. I also like to bring a few extra days worth incase I get bumped or lose a packet. Meds also include non prescription drugs; vitamins, Tylenol, aspirin, bring whatever you might normally use.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #2 - ANTI BIOTICS
I have a friend who is a road warrior (the folks who are on an airplane three or more times a week) he says the air filters on airplanes rarely get cleaned spreading germs from flight to flight and passenger to passenger. His solution spread a little anti biotic ointment (Neosporin) in your nostrils before you board and about halfway during a long flight. Use it while you’re in Vegas and it’ll keep your nostrils from drying up.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #3 – AIRLINE SEATS
Book the best seats on the plane you can afford. There’s nothing like flying first class but we can’t all afford to pay two or three times our fare. That said there are good seats and there are bad seats and knowing where to sit can make the difference. Get the scoops on your seat at www.seatguru.com.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #4 - TSA
Check the TSA website for any changes in policy since you last traveled.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #5 - PASSES
Like most American cities Las Vegas is handicap friendly but did you know that your Handicapped parking or bus pass can be used in Las Vegas? Just hang your parking pass from the mirror of your rental car and park in a designated stall (just like you do at home). If you have a handicapped bus pass or other ID stand in the “Invited Guests” or “Line Pass” line, flash your ID and you’re in. If you’ve been at the tables for awhile ask the pit boss for a comp to the coffee shop or buffet… if you’re not comfortable asking for that, ask for a Line Pass that gets you to the front of the buffet line.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #6 – DINNER BUFFETT
Dinner for the price of lunch… some buffets will let you in at the end of the lunch seating (around 4:00 or 4:30) then just wait for the dinner dishes.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #7 – CAR RENTALS
Unless the casino provides you with limo service rent a car if your seeing a show on the strip. Waiting for a cab after a sold out show can take 90 minutes or more. Ditto for the valet, self-park your rental.
Kimo’s Vegas Tip #8 – PRIVATE CLUB
Most of us can’t afford membership in a private night club like the Foundation Room at the top of the Mandalay Bay. But every Monday is “Godspeed” and open to everyday folk like you and me (for free). House, Hip-Hop, and 80’s are featured in the different lounges and dining room but the most famous for its 43 story high outdoor balcony, view of the strip. Dress to impress (it’s still a private club) the party starts at 11:00 pm.
We’ll have more Las Vegas tips in the future. To share your favorite tip with us, email me.
Next month here on Oceanic’s Around Hawaii we’ll talk about Gambling Superstitions.
For the latest Vegas news and more Kimo’s Vegas visit us at Kimo's Vegas.
