Final trip to Las Vegas

Let me start this post with a question. How do you maintain enthusiasm for repeat trips to Las Vegas over the years? I have just taken what will be my final trip as I feel bored with it all.

I first visited Las Vegas about 10 years ago and felt exhilarated. Learned about LVA and ACG and did routine visits once or twice a year, mostly coupon runs, sometimes in connection with a convention. Usually rode public transit but sometimes did a car rental. Stayed at off-Strip hotels like Terribles or Orleans or downtown. All but two trips were solo. Mostly played blackjack and video poker with poker added about 5 years ago.

I took my wife once when Jersey Boys was at Palazzio (it's not really her kind of place to visit) and this spring with my son-in-law (his first visit and it included a Lamborghini test drive as a birthday present from our daughter).

I only saw a couple of shows and never ate in a fancy restaurant. I'm not a shopper so all the glitter held no interest. Gambling started out fun but I soon leanred that I have the wrong attitude - when I win I want to stop and keep the winnings. When I lose I want to stop to control the losses. On this last trip I even got tired of slot machine bonus rounds.

The crowds became unbearable on weekends and the bus system reliability steeply declined in the past year or two. Only the buffets remained attractive. On my last visit I visited more museums than casinos.

Do most of you LVA readers go through a similar "jaded" period? How did you put the "zing" back in the visits?

I have been going for about 15 years now. 1 or 2 trips a year. I still cant wait to get to Vegas. I don't gamble much but love the shows and have seen many multiple times. I prefer mid week visits, fewer crowds. I don't drink or hit the clubs. I really go to relax, get away and I love the buffets. that all being said this summer I also found myself a little bored. I felt like I have seen it all so many times but then I stopped and watched other people who appeared to be "Vegas Virgins" and I snapped back. I have never had a "negative" trip. where else can you see and do so much?

As for me, I never got "jaded." For me a trip to Las Vegas is a trip to have some fun, get away, walk around, rest and see people. I haven't seen a show in years because I just haven't had enough interest but I could be open to that and I also don't shop at all.

I also try to go to or set up a LVA Member's Meet (or get together with other LVA Members) if I can to exchange war stories and just speak to like-minded people who love LV!

As for your claim of having "the wrong attitude" regarding gaming, at least for me, that is not the wrong attitude. My challenge (which I like accepting) is to see what I can do to either win or to cut down on my losses by playing good returning games (especially in combination with a decent enough Slot Club return) in the smartest manner. I have Win Goals and Loss Limits for each playing session that I have. This forces me to take breaks which I need to have.

I play Blackjack and Video Poker and may play Roulette or Craps, but only if a Matchplay coupon is involved.

As for weekends, I don't go during them -- not only because of the crowds and possibly higher table minimums and less chance to get onto machines that I want, but also because for me between Friday late afternoon and Saturday night, it's the Jewish Sabbath and I can not be using money. The earliest that I will go to LV is Sunday Morning.

So I know that Las Vegas isn't for everyone, but I still have enough going on to keep my interest up.

RecVPPlayer

I know for me, it is the old "absence makes the heart grow fonder". I have not been to Vegas since 2011 and would love to go back soon. I did not feel that way last year. I usually go in early Sept. from Monday-Thursday and it is generally pretty dead (which I mean in a good way). Arrive Labor Day to take advantage of slot/vp bonus multipliers at many places. Generally walk right up to the lunch buffets on Tues-Wed at Rio, Bellagio with no waiting at all. Play video poker games like "quick quads" and "wheel poker", which I cannot find at my local casinos. I also believe that you have the "right attitude" towards gaming, not the "wrong attitude". Quit while ahead. Sometimes you may have to pay for that beer or cocktail, but we all know how much that supposed "free" drink can cost sometimes.

I'll start by saying that I have an extra incentive for Vegas travel a my best friend and his wife live there. That being said, I don't think that everyone gets "jaded" concerning LV. I think it's a matter of personal reference. LV isn't for everyone. I usually stay at my friends for a couple of days and the rest of the week in hotels. I enjoy the weather, golf, great food for a good price and a couple of hours of gambling every day if I feel like it. There are no rules saying you have to enjoy Vegas. Some other good friends (also very good friends of mine in LV) used to go 2-3 times a years for a week at a time. 4 or 5 years ago the shine just disappeared for them and LV. They just decided to spend vacations elsewhere. They'll still return from time to time to see Bob and Sue, just not very often and for shorter stays. Do what's good for you.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes

I suggest that you give Laughlin a try for a different vibe to Vegas.

Thanks for the replies. I had two more thoughts after posting that may explain my blahs. First of all, over the past ten years I have found that solo trips are much less appealing than they used to be. More importantly, three years ago I switched jobs and now I travel to client sites on a weekly basis. Flying, hotels, meals out, are all part of the normal life so Vegas probably seems less special for that reason. Perhaps a break of a couple of years will put the spice back in, if I talk my wife into joining me.

kirbyk10 wrote "Do most of you LVA readers go through a similar "jaded" period? How did you put the "zing" back in the visits? "

I've had my fill of I'm burnt out of Vegas moments. Those years, I've been fortunate to be able to travel to locations that have casinos and more, Lake Tahoe, New Orleans San Diego, and Atlantic City. I've been able to combine my love of casinos with other things. Granted the 2 times I've been to Atlantic City have been for family gatherings - my mom is originally from that area and her aunt still lives in the area. The one Deember I planned a week in Vegas so I would have time to do other things like visit Mt Charleston, Red Rock Canyon etc, it rained every frickin day and those attractions were closed due to local flooding.

Now, frequently my Vegas trips revolve around getting together with friends I've met on the internet.

We love to go to Vegas. Many times we have discussed a trip to Tunica MS or Biloxi, but when push comes to shove to book the airfare, it's less expensive to head to vegas with the comped rooms, BOGO meals, and the fact that we know we will have a fun filled vacation.

Our last trip, we did a lot more visiting to the smaller locals casinos in Henderson, and had a great time. For a change of pace, we sometimes visit the grand canyon, red rock canyon or someplace like Lake Mead.

We usually spend an entire week there, and I think that's plenty of time - I am ready to go home on the 8th day.

My husband hasgone regularly since 1985.
We have gone to Vegas together ( usually once a year when airfare is a good deal)since 1987,
All people should have a vacation at least once a year.( it should be something that reenergizes you.

I agree that you should enjoy your trip, therefore it is obvious you probably need a break.
I also agree with the other posts, there are so many things to do in Vegas.
and since the weather is great for a most of the year( yes I have been there when it is 117 in the shade), indoor and outdoor activities are plentiful.
I believe that life is what you make it, If you can't CREATE a great vacation in Vegas, hopefully you can find something else that interests you.