Yes, I know it’s not the most conventional place for someone to be traveling alone and although nobody ever told me anything – I know they were thinking it. It’s okay though, let me tell you why Vegas is a great place to go by yourself and why there is no need to worry.
1 – Because Las Vegas is a happy place! Apart from the addicted gamblers who may not be having such a happy time, people visit Vegas for celebratory purposes so join in! I don’t know if it’s because people feel sorry for you but when you’re by yourself – they are more likely to talk to you (guys and girls).
2 – There are so many things you can do on your own there. Vegas isn’t all about outrageous stag and hen do’s. Your trip doesn’t need to be about going crazy in the city of sin.
The thing that surprised me the most about Vegas was that it wasn’t as crazy or trashy as it’s portrayed. Of course it depends on where you go but my point is, you can choose. With great weather, amazing shows, tons of shopping options and the best pools, you don’t need anyone else. Walking down the strip at night is a show in itself. Vegas could in fact be extremely relaxing.
3 – Anyone will talk to you at the casino table. Sitting at any table playing, regardless of how much you’re betting, chances are that free drinks will be flowing. The tables bring people together, from staff to gamblers, even if it’s just for a few rounds of a game.
4 – You can show up to a party alone, I did. I would suggest a day pool party though as it seems to have more of a social atmosphere than a night club. A girl showing up at a nightclub alone may give the wrong signals. The party started at 10.30AM and everyone was talking to everyone. Find yourself a nice group and stick with them. The excuse that I used was that my friends are landing later during the day and I thought I’d casually come and check out the pool as I was staying at the hotel.
5 – Grand Canyon is right next to Las Vegas. It’s a crime to go Vegas and not see one of the wonders of the world. Book yourself a bus tour and find yourself amongst a dozen other tourists – not so lonely now are we?
6 – It’s fine to eat at a restaurant alone. Do you feel awkward sitting in a restaurant, waiting to order, being paranoid that waiters are thinking your date “came, saw you and left”? Don’t worry! There are plenty of buffets around Vegas so less people will notice. There is no reason to feel uncomfortable, trust me. I’m sure the staff has seen much crazier things happen than a person eating alone. Knock yourself out with the food and enjoy people watching.
7 – You get special treatment. Being alone means you get the perks of queue jumping and taking odd spare seats everywhere. The more people, the more you have to wait.
8 – You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You don’t need to deal with any drama, losing friends in their drunken states, waiting for people to get ready or going places just because everyone else wants to go – the list can go on. It’s your holiday, do exactly whatever you feel like doing.
Will it be safe?
Yes, as safe as any place when traveling alone. One must of course take the usual precautions. You shouldn’t broadcast the fact that you’re by yourself. Use excuses such as “My friends are hungover and sleeping” or “I got an earlier flight and my friends are arriving a little later”. Stick to the strip, obviously, and don’t tell people where you’re staying. Watch your drink and don’t have excessive amounts.
Have your guard up generally and be street wise. If you’re not, you probably shouldn’t be traveling alone in the first place – whether that’s Vegas or any place else.
Will I be lonely?
It completely depends on your outlook and where you go. Start off with the attitude that you will have fun no matter what. Get comfortable with the thought of being alone during your trip and everything else is a bonus. If you’re happy and approachable you will meet the same kind of people. If you sit in a casino looking sad because you’re losing your money and have nobody to hang out with, then you’re not exactly going to have a fun time. It’s what you make it! Free your mind and you can meet people from all over the world.
The bottom line is that nobody cares that you’re going alone – it’s Vegas, anything goes. It’s not a big deal at all. Take a chance and enjoy!
Where did you stay when you were in Vegas? I am searching for a hotel there right know with http://www.reservationcounter.com/hotel/las-vegas/ but I cannot decide which one should I choose. I am also going alone. What would you recommend?
Author
Hello Melinda! Thanks for stopping by. I recommend Encore as there is such variety in the Hotel (+Wynn) that you actually don’t need to leave it. The vibe is mixed but generally pretty mature so u won’t have anyone bothering you. Check out the day beach club it’s lively you can go there alone. Just speak to the staff before going. Enjoy and get in touch if you have any more questions! My email is in the contact me section
Thanks a lot for the fast reply. I will check the Encore then :)
Author
No problem at all, I hope you have an amazing time :)
Keeping Safe In Las Vegas
Comparable with other cities Las Vegas has it’s pros and cons, it is important to keep your wits about you and you will be OK and undertake a great trip to this fantastic American location. Take a good guide book and know where you are going, don’t make it obvious you are a novice to the cities geography by carrying an expensive camera around your neck and don’t wear expensive jewellery and excessive cash on your person. Stick to well populated areas after dark and if you do get lost, ask an official or hail a taxi. Just because you are on vacation, don’t switch off completely. Stay street wise and you will have a great trip to Las Vegas. As a rule The USA is a safe location with helpful and warm citizens. A bit of groundwork goes a long way and if you have a picture in your mind of the city you can understand it better.
Author
Couldn’t agree more :) thanks for the input x
Okay all of you solo travelers out there. Please know that Las Vegas is a very safe vacation local. You are especially safe in the tourist zones like the Las Vegas strip as the police presence is high. Going solo in Sin City requires no more precaution to be taken than any other major city would require. As always, be smart and be safe, but do not be fearful of a solo Vegas experience.
After reading this. Im excited and solo. Thanks everyone i cant wait.
I am due to go on my second solo trip from the UK on 15th March and can’t wait. To me it is one of the best places to travel solo as to be honest no-one notices. Flying on my own is not a problem as I travel quite a bit with work. I am happy to go into a restaurant and have a meal on my on and I didn’t feel in the slightest out of place. I have been to Vegas a few times with friends so know the lay of the land and the first time travelling solo I stayed at the Palazzo (attached to the Venetian). It was beautiful but it had so much to do in it I didn’t even venture out. This year I am going to New York New York on the strip to force me out a bit more. Like any holiday it is what you make it, but I wouldn’t necessarily expect to find lots of people wanting to talk to you but having a busy job I quite like having a nice week, lots to do from casinos, to shopping, to shows and dinners I managed to fill in my time without any problems :-)
Thanks for the great tips. I lived solo near the strip in Las Vegas for a year. I concur with everything that you wrote. I eat alone anywhere anytime with no embarrassment shame or special treatment one way or the others. As a person who has travel solo throughout the world, the only place I ever had a problems were Germany(where I was denied certain tables and or practically denied service). Las Vegas and America in general is very easy going.