Fun in Las Vegas

For my 30th birthday, my husband surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas. We stayed at a lovely Las Vegas hotel named the Monte Carlo.

We had a wonderful time. We saw a magic show, enjoyed marvelous buffets, swam in the pool and gambled a bit. The buffets were amazing, inexpensive with lots of choices! The casinos make most of their money on the floor, so rooms, food and drinks are inexpensive. Of course, you have to be careful with the drinks, and you should go to Vegas with a plan and with an awareness.

Our plan was to limit our gambling money to 50.00 a day. And we stuck to that. Much like you would have a budget for entertainment on any trip. Be aware of how the surroundings are set up to pull you in and keep you there. Ladies and gents will come by and offer to bring you the beverage of your choice for free (alcoholic or not). Of course that keeps you at your spot until they come back with it because you are waiting for the drink to return. It also keeps you on the casino floor - you don't need to leave because you are thirsty. And if you take them up on the alcoholic drinks, your inhibitions lessen and before you know it, you are spending more and more and more.

Also, the casinos are set up in a way to keep you circling around. There is no clear cut way to the exits and this keeps you wandering around in the casino. And don't discount the hynoptic effect of the darkened room, the bright lights, the sounds of slot machines and the sounds of coins falling into the tray as people win. You can lose track of time and when you hear others win, you get to thinking that it is inevitable that it will happen to you too.

So, if you go with your head screwed on straight and a budget, you can have fun and enjoy the many things Las Vegas has to offer (great shows, amazing hotels, great food).