Those of us who travel to Vegas quite frequently may call them "Vegas virgins", but regardless of how anyone may refer to a first-time Vegas visitor, they are likely to be overwhelmed when they finally see Sin City in the flesh.
If you have occasion to take a first-timer to Vegas with you on a future trip, I have a few pieces of advice to share with you so that they are not completely taken aback and left standing slack-jawed in awe while you try to drag them from place to place - and so you're not left wondering how to arrange everything with a newbie in tow.
Ask about their likes, dislikes, and gambling expectations before you begin planning. Just because you love sushi doesn't mean they do. Maybe they have no desire to see another magic show in this decade. They may decide to only play the nickel slot machines while you might prefer to play blackjack all night. You might know a lot of things about them, but not everything you may need to know to make it a successful trip. Find out before you start planning and booking everything so that you know what they're expecting out of the trip.
Tell them your goals or plans for the trip before you leave. If there's something that you do on every trip, or something specific you're really looking forward to doing on this one, let your guest know. That way, they can either decide to join you or opt out and do something on their own.
Discuss preferred travel times, lodging, and transportation before you book. Some people prefer to fly only during the morning hours and only on direct flights. You may have a guest who prefers not to stay in a hotel room that allows smoking. Maybe they have an irrational fear of taxicabs. Find out before you book so that everyone is happy with the arrangements.
Take it slow - there's no need to rush around. Like me, you may want to share all of your favorite sights and shows or indulge in your very favorite meals with your guest, but it can get very overwhelming very quickly. Leave time to get from place to place and allow them to walk and look at their own pace. Remember, it's all new to them, and they may want to take lots of photos...or at least take in the sight of everything.
Don't over plan or overbook the days and evenings for your guest. Don't plan too many shows or attractions, even if you know they will enjoy them. You wouldn't want to have to eat the cost of show tickets or risk a cancellation fee if you can't make it because of exhaustion. Allow some freedom to add in shows, attractions, or meals of their own choosing once they've seen what it's all about and have had time to experience some of what Vegas has to offer at their pace.
Leave some downtime on the calendar for rest and relaxation. You may not need to rest in Vegas (I know I don't!), but a first-time visitor may need to take a nap or go to bed early after they've seen so much so quickly. On the other hand, if they decide they're ready to go, go, GO once they've gotten there and experienced a bit of fun, then you can do that, too, and add more stuff to do if they're agreeable to it.
Discuss possible "time alone" if you're rooming together. Maybe you have a time or place you like to gamble by yourself, or maybe you prefer to go back to the hotel for a hot bath before you head out for the evening. Whatever it is, you should make your feelings known - and find out theirs - so that you don't step on each other's toes.
Let your guest make some decisions. Leave a block of time with no plans to let them decide what to do or where to go toward the end of the trip if they'd like to. This way they can make some entertainment or dining choices based on what they've seen and done so far, and they'll feel as though they are able to get involved in the planning and decision-making more completely. If they prefer not to, be willing to step in and make some suggestions yourself.
Share what you know. Give them some details and facts about different places and attractions if you know them. Yes, it's very tour guide-like, but it may spark interest in other sights and opportunities.
You may learn some new things about your friend or family member by taking a Vegas trip with them, and sharing their first trip is like seeing Vegas again for the first time; it's an experience not to be forgotten.
I took a close friend to Vegas 2 years ago and it was his first time. The one thing I did wrong as you had mentioned is very little down time. I think he was overwhelmed. The one thing I did do that was fun was after breakfast, we went out the front door of Paris and I said “OK, what way would you like to go?”
ReplyDeleteJBinVegas
Yes, it's very easy to overwhelm someone who's new to Vegas, isn't it? And because we're used to going, seeing, and doing things in and around Vegas, it's kinda "old hat" to us (even if we like seeing things again and again), and we easily forget to think of all the things going through our traveling companion's head.
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