I don’t know about you, but I love following travel bloggers that go solo. It is fun living through them vicariously as they tackle the world on their own (see World of Wanderlust for my fav). When my Blended Blog friends decided to visit Las Vegas for a blogger conference, I knew I wanted to go. But the conference didn’t quite fit my needs. So I decided to travel solo in Las Vegas while they went conferencing.
Nine tips to travel solo in Las Vegas
- Make a plan: Know what are your “must sees” while you travel. For me, I wanted to go on the High Roller ferris wheel and go to the Stratosphere observation deck. Everything else was a bonus.
- Don’t get too structured: This might seem counterintuitive to number one, but they go together. Having a general plan is great, but don’t schedule out your entire day. Being able to do what you want is one of the best parts of traveling solo!
- Find time to decompress: While it might be tempting to go-go-go, you need to chill for a bit, especially when you fly solo. This could be time to just sit in your hotel room, by the pool, or even a patio at a restaurant. Give yourself time to enjoy just being.
- Wear comfy shoes: Seriously, this is a MUST. You will walk a ridiculous amount, so be prepared for tired and sore tootsies. For reference, from Thursday to Sunday I walked 31.3 miles!
- Know your transportation options: The great thing about Vegas is that there are many ways to get around. Of course you can use your feet (see #4), take an Uber or Lyft, taxis, buses, or even the Monorail. I used Lyft and the Monorail and it was easy-peasy. One person I talked to also said a bus pass was the way to go since it would take you almost right to your destination.
- Enjoy the views: All the bright lights, crazy waterfalls, fountains and fancy buildings make for a ton to look at. Don’t forget the people watching as well. There are certainly some doozies!
- Don’t make eye contact: This might sound weird, but there are so many people (and weirdos) that try to hand you cards with naked women or passes to get into clubs. Just don’t look at these people and keep on walking.
- Take advantage of a table for 1: You know how when you travel with a group of people it can be practically impossible to get into restaurants without a wait? Well, when there is only one, you just might be able to waltz right in. I went to Denny’s at 9 am on Saturday morning and walked right in and sat at the counter. There was at least a half hour wait for everyone else.
- Fly solo in a group: Does the thought of going to Las Vegas solo freak you out a bit? If it does, try finding a group of friends to go with but plan a day for yourself. Part ways in the morning but come together again as a group for dinner. That way you can get the best of both worlds!
Have you been to Las Vegas before? Or do you travel solo? Let me know in the comments!
My TBB friends are also posting about the trip to Vegas, go see what they have to say!
Sarah @ Foxy’s Domestic Side // Deena @ Shoes to Shiraz // Shaunacey @ Simply Shaunacey // Lana @ Two Teens & Their Mama // Carrie @ A Lovely Little Wardrobe // Sheila @ Making the Most of Every Day
These are excellent tips! And I can just hear your voice saying them now! 🙂
Thanks Sheila!
YOu were a total rock star braving Vegas, I loved hearing about your adventures!
Thanks Deena!
Sounds like you had a blast! Vegas is on my bucket list!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
It was great. Vegas is definitely a must do!
I am still amazed by your independence and adventurous spirit!! You are AMAZING!!! Thank goodness I had you with me for our 6 hour airport stint lol
LOVE your tips and miss hanging out!!
Aww thanks Shaunacey! I’m definitely glad we had each other for that marathon airport stint!
I ended up in Paris by myself for the weekend years ago on the way back from a business trip and while at first I was intimidated, I loved travelling on my own. I got to do exactly what I wanted to do and crammed way more into a day then I otherwise would. Glad your solo adventures were a success.
How fun! It is awesome to be able to do whatever you want!
I love being able to travel solo when I go to conferences for work. It’s a great ‘excuse’ for me to have some alone time away from my husband and kiddo. Also, I love to explore on my own. =)
It is really fun to strike out on your own. Alone time can be very therapeutic 🙂
Great tips! I love the freedom and independence that comes with traveling solo! My favorite things to do are to just wander/get lost and find your way back and to sit at a local coffee shop and take it all in.
Thanks Whitney! The wandering might be the best part.
It was so cool that you explored Vegas on your own. And your pictures are amazing! So glad that I got to meet you – so much fun!
Thank you Lana!
So cool that you did this on your own. But so glad that we finally got to meet you too! And I think shopping with you is a must, everyone should do it! You are a master! Toronto next year?
Ha, I am the shopping master 🙂 And yay for Toronto next year!!
I love Vegas but have always gone with friends and family. There is definitely a lot to do in Vegas that you can easily wander around solo. I think its cool you took the opportunity to do this while you were there!
Erica
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
Thanks Erica! Vegas is one of those places that is great to go with a group and then split off solo.
I think it’s cool that you did your own thing! And I don’t know why, but I laughed so hard at number 7. That seems like advice that could be used in so many situations.
Ha, it definitely could be applied to many situations 🙂
Great advice, Alison! I know this all worked perfectly for you and Vegas was a blast. So glad we finally met in person. You are a precious one!
Thank you Carrie! I’m glad we finally got to meet a well!
Love the info but I also love knowing that you can enjoy a margarita (thanks Deena)! Can’t wait to meet you next time!!
That margarita was one of the highlights of the trip. Toronto here we come!
We were in Vegas last weekend also! We didn’t take our fitbits but I can agree about the walking. I like to think it counteracted all of the food we ate. Great tips!
How fun! Yes, there was way too much food consumed, but it was so good!
gotta love vegas!!! thanks for all this great advice and tips!!
You are welcome!
I love that you travelled solo, I would have ditched the conference too. So many fun things to see in Vegas.
There certainly is!
Excellent tips, especially the one about wearing comfortable shoes! I always walk a lot when I travel too, and deciding which shoes to put in my suitcase is my biggest packing dilemma! I admire your ability to travel solo. I have done it, but I much prefer to have a traveling companion. How fun that you could spend time with The Blended Bloggers, even without attending the conference.
Shoes are always my biggest dilemma too. Mine were pretty comfy, but I wish I had just went with tennis shoes!
Props to you for traveling solo, girlfriend! I don’t know how I’d feel about that at first, but only because I’ve never been there before…I feel like I’d get SO LOST and intimidated! haha!
Coming Up Roses
Thanks Erica! I was a little worried about getting lost too, but I figured as long as I stayed in the touristy areas I was good. Plus the Maps app was my best friend 🙂
I love that you did this!!!! I was thinking if I went, I wouldn’t be at the conference either…I would be at the pool solo!! LOL
haha! The way the pool was set up made it a bit chilly for pool time (it was in the shade most of the day). Otherwise I might of done that as well!