Las Vegas Travel 101

So there you are. It's Friday night in Las Vegas and you have a car full of friends headed to Caeser's Palace for a night of fun and food. As is typically the case on Fridays and Saturdays, the Strip is packed wall to wall with cars and people. But that's okay! This is Las Vegas. You came here expecting to see people.

As you pull of the Strip and into Ceaser's, you notice that all the valet has decided that it's hotel guests only from now on. The garage, so it seems, is getting full now and they need to reserve the rest of the available space for people who already have reservations.

As they valet walks towards your car, you know what he's about to say. Self parking is in your near future. That means navigating more traffic and then lots of walking to get from the garage through the hotel to where you really want to be.

Here is where knowing a simple secret can make all the difference. As the valet approaches your window, say "Excuse me. We're in a bit of a hurry and I see that you are full. Is there anything that you might be able to do about that sir?" as you generously hand him a $5 dollar bill.

He will most likely say something like "You know what, I think there is some more room after all". Then he will move the closed sign so you can pull your car into the valet line. In 10 seconds you are on your way into the casino, leaving the traffic and congestion behind.

Las Vegas is still a place where a little kindness and generosity goes a long way. This old school trick has worked for this author 100% of the time. And lets face it, not only is $5 dollars likely disappear inside that casino in seconds, you are getting the actual parking for free anyway. Try that trick in Los Angeles!

This simple gesture is likely to be effective elsewhere in town. Most of the service people you will meet in Las Vegas depend on tips for a living. Showing some generosity in unexpected ways can make people want to return in kind. That is not to say that this trick will always work or that it is even always appropriate. Use your good judgment and be reasonable with your expectations. 

As always, be safe, have a good time in Las Vegas. And good luck to you!