Be Aware / Be Prepared, Las Vegas

If you're someone whose stress level is raised by noise, it may be a good idea to bring along some earplugs. The loud thumping bass from those nightclubs along the Strip can be very unnerving as you're walking down the Strip, along with the thumping boom cars on the street and the noise generated inside the casino's. I'm surprised NoiseFree America hasn't given this city a Noisey City Award as they are well-deserving of it as little has been done to control all the unwanted noise in this city. But if you thrive on noise, then this is your city.

The road to Vegas can be tricky and often dangerous. Take extra precautions on the 15, which stretches in Nevada, California Arizona, and Utah. Often, the 15 is a speed track running from CA to NV. I would avoid driving it during the night due to increased accidents and the fact that it is so dark with long stretches without rest stops and gas stations.

If you decide to walk the strip, make sure you are aware of how far you're walking. And be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Don't get caught walking for a long time, only to realize how much your feet hurt....Unless you catch a cab, you've still got to walk back!

I thought I knew heat, Hah! It was 104 degrees an hour after the sun had gone down. It's hot, damn hot, so be cautious and use sun-screen. Better yet, just stick to nocturnal activities; that's what Vegas is all about anyway.

Remember, even though you may be in the "lap of luxury" wandeing through the casinos, you are in the desert and it is DRY. Cary water or stop and get water frequently. This is especially true if you are doing a lot of walking on the streets or if you take a hike in the back country of Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon.

do not trust a single taxi driver for NOTHING !!!

if he hasn't cheated on you, he must be sick in bed....

know exactly where you go and if you doubt, call the number published in the cab using your cell phone, and UNDER NO CONDITIONS, let you them intimidate you...

These guys and woman should be in jail and not in Vegas.

You may encounter a lot of shady folks hanging around this stretch of area between the Monte Carlo and the Bellagio. The young, thug-type crowd likes to just hang around not doing anything...
We were lucky; they didn't bother us at all--in fact some of them just said hi and complimented us. But if you look or act nervous around them, they will play on that!!!

**During my trip in 2006, this part of the strip has been torn down and is now under construction to make way for high rise condos.

Whoops, don't do it. The two of us (women) got caught up in the gambling at the Golden Nugget; when we came out it was 2:00 AM and we were pretty much alone except for, thank goodness, the bike cops. BUT, before we managed to flag a cab the cops pedeled off and we were just kinda hanging out there looking like violent crime fodder. Cabs are almost non-existant on the street down there...ladies, have a good time, but I'd advise getting out of downtown by midnight and cruising back up to the "main strip".

Prostitution is legal in Nevada. However, it is illegal in the cities. The legal brothels are way out in the smaller, more isolated towns. There is no legal brothel in Las Vegas or Reno. Nor do authorities wink at it. So if a streetwalker approaches you on the Strip, downtown, or inside a casino, beware.

Whether it's for a hotel check-in, taxi, buffet, event tickets, or before a performance, be prepared to wait in line for just about anything. Vegas is crowded with people year-round, and you're not the only customer. When planning your day, be sure to factor in waiting time to your schedule. If you're travelling with kids, be sure to carry something with you that will keep them occupied and out of trouble. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing in line.