Make A Friend

One happy side effect of solo travel is that you have many opportunities to meet new people and perhaps make a new friend or two. While it is always a good idea to be cautious when meeting new people, there is no reason to shy away from it either. If that is something you want to incorporate into your next Vegas trip, there are a few things to consider. First off, consider joining a meet up of like minded folks. There are always people looking to hang out with fellow Vegas fans on the Vegas Message Board and in a number of Facebook groups I have joined. The best one for solo travel is, not surprisingly, Solo Las Vegas at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1417802165196441/ so check it out. One advantage to any planned meet up is that it includes a number of people, occurs in a public place and everyone else there is also a fan of Las Vegas. Other than planned meetings, sitting at a casino bar and just being friendly can often lead to fun conversations. Of course, you can always hit up one of the hot clubs but those tend to be full on meat markets so be aware of that. Just having a good time and enjoying yourself will frequently attract like minded folks so, wherever you go solo, get out and do something and you might be surprised where it leads.

See A Show?

One thing people always ask you when you return from Las Vegas is whether or not you saw a show. Your Uncle Bill will ask. He remembers seeing Charo at Caesars back in the 70’s. The old stereotype of the city is all about showgirls and showrooms and tipping the doorman for that good seat. Many solo travellers shy away from going to a show by themselves, feeling like the experience will be awkward. There’s really no need. Most people will be too busy taking selfies for Instagram to even notice you. And the modern Vegas showroom isn’t the odd mix of tables and booths Uncle Bill remembers where you might have ended up seated with a group you don’t know. It is pretty much all assigned seats in modern style theaters. The beauty of that is that sometimes very popular shows may still have good seats at the last minute if you only need a single ticket. And, as with any solo Vegas adventure, you might make some new friends. After all, you already have something in common.

Two Sheets

We’ve spoken briefly about eating and gambling but there is one more thing many, if not most, Vegas visitors do and that is drinking. Alcohol is everywhere 24/7/365 and, if you are playing, they will bring it to you for free. Without a partner (or entourage) to keep checks on you, the imbibing can easily get out of hand. At best, you lose a few hours of your life and wake up with a terrible headache. At worst, you could find yourself victimized, your money and/or dignity gone. It isn’t the way you want to (try and) remember your vacation. So be careful of the booze. Don’t start early in the day or things can get out of hand quickly. Make every other beverage a water. That will slow you down. And be mindful of your limitations. If you are used to a glass of wine at dinner once in a while, don’t buy a 3 foot tall replica of the Eiffel tower full of tequila. If you overdo it, get back to your hotel, have something to eat and get some rest. I hear a ibuprofen helps out quite a bit. So when going solo, only be “two sheets to the wind!”

Dinner For One

Eating alone when travelling can be depressing sometimes, particularly when everyone else is in a group. You can always do room service but what fun is that? But eating alone in Vegas is probably easier than in most other locations. The classic buffet is your best friend. No waiting around staring at the walls or your phone. You walk in, sit down and grab your grub. It can be faster than fast food (and sometimes cheaper) and some of the buffets are quite good. Another good idea when you are on your own is to see if your chosen eatery offers bar seating. Many times this will be the case and you may be able to score a spot, even at a very popular location, without a reservation. And you can always chat up other folks at the bar or make friends with the bartender. That being said, if you have your heart set on enjoying a spectacular meal at a gourmet restaurant, don’t let your solo status deter you. On those occasions that I have dined alone in high style, I have been treated very well by everyone in the place. Vegas has plenty of visitors there on their own and you should not and will not feel weird.

Game On!

Solo travellers to Las Vegas have one big advantage over those visiting most other locations: gambling! Gambling requires no companions whatsoever. If you are feeling less social, find a gaming machine that strikes your fancy and settle in for a little quality alone time. If you feel like chatting up a stranger (or bartender,) you can sit at the bar and do your gambling. And, if you’d prefer to play with others, hit the craps table and high five people you’ve never met. In my experience, most of your fellow visitors are pretty friendly, particularly after a couple of cocktails. Whether you’re a high or low roller, you’ll have plenty of company with whom to share your good and bad luck!

Travel For One

Completely apart from your destination, solo travel comes with a number of advantages but also with a few caveats. Hotel rooms normally charge you just as much for one person as two and so do cabs. Many people feel awkward doing things by themselves and, for those people, the idea of traveling alone can be terrifying. Still, there are a number of benefits as well. The first is simply the freedom to do what you want when you want to do it. No matter how compatible you may be with your travel companion (and, if you have never travelled together, you won’t know,) there is always some compromise required. In addition, it can be easier to find a single ticket at the last minute to a show or a single seat at a bar in a crowded restaurant. But what about Las Vegas? Isn’t is weird to be alone in such a party destination? Not at all. On the assumption that anyone even notices you (unlikely,) they won’t know that you aren’t with a group of people and just temporarily off on your own. Not only that but Vegas has a tremendous number of business travelers and many of them are by themselves. You’ll blend right in. Tomorrow, more things about Las Vegas that make it ideal for solo adventures.

How Many?

Just One! This week we (or, in this case I) will be discussing Vegas travel for one. If you’ve ever wanted to scratch that Vegas itch but just couldn’t find a like-minded person to go along or if you are just want to enjoy some me time, I will give you several tips on how best to do Vegas solo style. Turns out it is probably one of the best places to visit alone, whether you are looking to make some new friends or not. Tomorrow will kick things so don’t miss out!