It goes without saying that Las Vegas is one of the most iconic holiday destinations in the world. Whether it’s the shimmering casinos, the glitzy and glamorous neon-drenched streets, or the fabulous restaurants, there’s something to love in Vegas for everyone. It’s a true assault on the senses, and everyone should experience it at least once in their lives.

Even so, planning a trip to Vegas can actually be pretty difficult. There’s so much to see and do that it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose focus on what really matters to you. Here’s how you can make your trip to Vegas unforgettable in 2023 and beyond.

Bring enough cash

Vegas is not a cheap town. You’ll probably be spending a fair amount of money, even if you don’t want to go anywhere near the casinos. There are tons of great restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines to try out, as well as plenty of other amusements and distractions that you can visit. Spending money in Vegas is pretty much a given, so don’t arrive empty-handed or you might be disappointed. Saving up is a good idea, but even taking out £500 loans could help you to make up the cash you need for an unforgettable Vegas trip.

Create an itinerary beforehand

Many travellers have spoken of Las Vegas’ sensory overload qualities, and indeed, when you visit the town, you’ll quickly realise how easy it is to feel completely overpowered by it. That’s why it’s important to build yourself a thorough itinerary before you actually set out for the town. When you know exactly what you’re going to be doing and when, you’ll feel less compelled to be distracted by random temptations. There’s no way you’ll have time to see everything, but you can try to put everything you want to do into your itinerary ahead of time.

Allow yourself to get lost

We know we just told you to create an itinerary, and we’re standing by that. However, within that itinerary, you should leave some room for getting lost. Some of the most memorable and magical experiences on holiday happen to us when we just allow ourselves to wander and take in the sights. You never know what you might find; the Vegas Strip is built for tourists, but off the beaten path, you might see something that’s unique to you. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you should still leave gaps in your itinerary so your holiday doesn’t feel like work.

Know your limits at the casinos

Vegas is well-known for its incredible range of casinos and gambling facilities. If you’re planning to take advantage of this unique element of the Strip, it’s important to know where your limits are. You might, for example, have an addictive personality or a gambling problem, and if this is the case, then you should seriously consider whether it’s bad enough to stay away from Vegas entirely. If you decide you’re safe to visit, then setting a hard limit on how much money you can bet (generally not more than around 5% of your overall holiday budget) is a must.

Try to take in a show

Thanks to the massive popularity of Vegas shows and residencies, booking a show ahead of time is pretty much essential. If you can get along to a live concert, though, Vegas artists and performers put on some pretty spectacular shows, so it’s definitely worth it. Some of the bigger shows might be completely booked up even ahead of time, so don’t be afraid to take a punt on something smaller and less mainstream. You never know when you might discover your new favourite artist, after all, and there’s no better way to have an unforgettable Vegas experience!

Keep yourself safe

When you’re walking through Vegas, stick to populated areas, always have a hand on your wallet or purse, and don’t wander into places you don’t trust. If you’re getting bad vibes from someone or somewhere, put some distance between yourself and them as quickly as you can, and always make sure that you’re around people, especially if you’re travelling alone. If you’re travelling as part of a group, then try to keep the amount of activities where you split up to a minimum. Vegas can be heaven for pickpockets and criminals, and although the chances of you falling foul of people like this are low, they’re not zero.

Take time out of Vegas as well

The state of Nevada is home to a lot more than just Las Vegas. Even if you’re holidaying there principally to see the Strip and everything else Vegas has to offer, it’d be a shame to miss the other attractions Nevada has for you. For instance, why not schedule some time out for a tour of the Grand Canyon, perhaps even in a helicopter? When Vegas starts to get too overwhelming, there’s nothing better than escaping out into the vastness and emptiness of the desert, so even if you’re just going to enjoy a picnic in your car, make sure you schedule some time to leave Vegas for a while.

Talk to the locals

Vegas locals can be a very friendly bunch indeed, especially if you let on that you want to do something beyond the usual casinos and restaurants. Locals might have the scoop on what’s happening in the town on the ground level, so talk to your hotel’s staff, your restaurant’s waiter, or your chosen casino’s croupier to find out what kind of activities they recommend. You never know what kind of hot tips they might have for you, and finding out-of-the-way activities is the best way to create a trip that feels intensely personal.