Topic Of The Week. To Plan Or Not To Plan

[Steve]

This week's "Topic Of The Week" question is:

When you go to Las Vegas do you have an itinerary already made up or do you just freewheel it? What would be the advantages or disadvantages in doing both?

[kcdgk]

Before I go I usually set a few things I want to do! It never turns out that way though.....so many distractions. Last vist March. Next visit, Wednesday!:D

[ronnie2000]

We do a little of both....we have our shows set up and tickets in hand, and that determines certain evenings that are set up. We then do our eating reservations at Top of the World, etc. Once we have those items out of the way, the rest can be filled in when we get to Vegas. We usually leave 2 evenings totally open in case we find something new that we'd like to attend. The advantages of having somewhat of a plan.....we know we have seats to the shows, we know we'll have a table and not a long wait when we go to eat. Don't really know of any disadvantages.

[hambone]

A little bit of both. Key things are planned such as shows to attend, maximum expenditure each day, silver strikes we're going for, tournament schedule, etc. Otherwise we play it by ear based on whether we're winning or losing. Obviously we feel some planning is essential, but we don't feel it would be too fun to have everything planned out. We discuss tentative plans in the morning but rely on the cell phone to make changes in our plans.

[Boston_Bill]

I freewheel it. I will occasionally plan to be at a lounge on a certain night but I almost never plan any thing.

[stevevarro]

Before I go I always make a daily list of the things I want to do and the places I want to see each day. Some things may be locked into place such as ticketed shows, but other items can be switched from time and day depending on what happens from day to day.

The benefits are that we don't miss out on seeing something or someone we wanted to see. Since there is always room for change there are really no disadvantages that I can see.

[vegasmann]

Well when we go just me and the wife we really only plan one thing Dinner at the Stratosphere.


But when we go with a group we try to plan at least 2 nice Dinners and 1-2 shows.Then we just see what happens the rest of the week

[noah6671]

The only thing we have planned are ticketed shows we purchase before we leave home. Once in a while there is something we talk about seeing or doing and fit it in according to how the day goes. Otherwise, it's all free wheeling.

[Alohafri]

We usually plan one or two things...a particular show and/or a meal at a particular restaurant. But the rest is just freewheeling.

[tryon4]

We do both. We have a plan but it is extremely flexible. We usually pre pick shows. However this is our vacation and we do what we want to do when we want to do it. :)

[Big Bad Bob]

We do some planning and some freewheeling. It seems no matter when we go, there is someone else we know going at the same time so we like to meet for dinner or lunch or something. We've met with Steve many times and with many other online friends. If we want to see a show, we plan in advance by buying tickets beforehand, etc. We don't plan each day but we do make a point of doing certain things during the trip. (i.e. Bellagio Fountains, Grand Canal Shoppes, Forum Shops, IP dealer tainers( but don't necessarily schedule those things. We try to make each trip different than the last but we don't leave out our favorite things.

[judyqu]

Like most posters, a little bit of both; there are certain casinos we favor and tend to stop at most every day and restaurants that are a "must" each trip. Itinerary also depends upon the season (summer visits mean pool time). I believe the advantages/disadvantages depend upon one's personality; some people like to just wing it; others like to know what they are doing every minute of each day.

[TommiR]

Ok, I think I have posted this here or somewhere else but my buddy and I exchange preferences for months before we leave for Vegas.

I have created a spreadsheet that averages the score for what we want to do when we are in Vegas.

There is a 1-10 scale that goes as follows:
10 - we have to do this, a must
9 - I hope we can do this on this trip
8 - this is a good one, let's do it
7 - why not it sounds great
6 - a good thing to do on a long trip
5 - doesn't really matter to me
4 - there are other things to do
3 - if I had to be dragged OK
2 - I thought we were friends
1 - find a new friend, no way

We both add to a list of things to do and send it back and forth for months before we leave. It has worked very well for us. Only two of us on a trip so this makes it easy to know what we both do and don't want to do.

This year is different, our long trip is in the fall vs. the spring, we are bringing his girlfriend and his 21 yr old daughter for her 21st birthday.

We have the same spreadsheet but this year it is weighed 2 to 1 for the 21 yr old. It should be interesting but at least we will know ahead of time what we, as a group, would like to do.

We never put a time frame on anything unless it's it's pre-purchased ticket to a show (i.e. we bought tickets 3 months in advance to see Celine the first week she was at Ceasar's and made reservations at Piscasos 3 months in advance).

For two guys going to Vegas for 7-10 days it has worked out well. When we go for 3 - 4 days we plan nothing.

T - 95 days lol

[Eileen]

This week's "Topic Of The Week" question is:

When you go to Las Vegas do you have an itinerary already made up or do you just freewheel it? What would be the advantages or disadvantages in doing both?


If it was up to me, I would not plan much of anything. Maybe just a show that is hard to get tickets to or lunch with some friends. I like to be able to go when and where I want or stay someplace that I want to, without having to rush off to something. When you have set plans for every day or every night it takes the spontaneity out of Vegas - and therefore, the fun.

Real life is scheduled enough. When I'm in Vegas I prefer unscheduled and relaxed.

Eileen

[chips]

we have dinner reservations made and a show or two already booked. then we just ad lib the times in between.

[mishaysdad]

Hmmm depends. I think you waste alot of time if you don't have some plan because it takes so long to get around in Vegas even if you know the shortcuts. So if you plan on doing "stuff" on the MGM end plan other things you want to do there as well (at Mandalay, NYNY, etc,,,). I usually stay at the Palms these days because most of what I want to do is there (my favorite tattoo artist Lacey works there, they have some of the most friendly staff and a great cheap buffet) and across the street at the Rio is Prince and the best seafood buffet around. But even if you don't plan fun is to be had 24/7!!!!

[Steve]

Eileen and I do not see eye to eye about this topic.

I like to have an itinerary and Eileen doesn't.

The plus side is that I will get a lot of comps if I book dinners and shows in advance due to all my Las Vegas contacts. It's very tough to get these comps if I call a day or so in advance.

Eileen feels very pressured and rushed when we have to be somwhere at a particular time. I explain to her that these things (diiners and shows) are something we would do even if we didn't pre-book them. She likes having a few nights when we are not committed to anything.

Steve

[Jacqui, Duskette8]

I must admit that I am a very organised person and like to know where I'm going and when. I therefore book shows etc in Vegas before I leave the UK. I have a folder with my itinerary, show tix, tour information, etc. I try to leave a few spaces to fit in anything that comes up. I have been a bit behind schedule this year as I don't know when some people are coming in to Vegas and I have to leave my schedule open for that but my main shows are all booked and noted on my itinerary!

[monsterpocket]

I am a big believer in booking restaurants in advance and winging the rest. With all of the great restaurants in Vegas it would be a shame to be stuck in coffee shops and buffets due to not having reservations

[wa8ckt]

We plan ahead, thinking of all the things we like and did not get to the last trip. That said, IT NEVERS WORKS. I guess it is fun to think about all the things you want to do when you get to Vegas but all of the distractions, new things, the general excitement, just screws up all the plans. We have planned on going back downtown for over 6 years! We have been downtown many times but just think we need to do it again. We always used to eat at Roberto's at Elcortez and have not done that in years. Just not enough time. Maybe in 97 days we can again try some of these things. :D John in Caro

[iam4nd]

We make up a daily itinerary on the computer and print it out before we go. It's not written in stone, but it keeps us from coming home and saying "Gosh, we didn't do any of the things we planned to do":( . It helps us as far as eating at the places we have coupons for, seeing attractions we haven't seen yet, and not just spending all day sitting in front of VP or slot machine. We usually look at it over our morning coffee and go from there. One of our goals, though, is to not plan so much that you lose flexibility, so you can take advantage of some special things that always seem to pop up, like free show tickets or meal deals.:)

[rambler]

We do both,if there is a show or restaurant we want to see or eat at we will make reservations before leaving. We always set aside days to just free wheel. We usually change hotels at least once,so we schedule things in the area we are staying to cut down on travel. I have found out ,making to many plans gets in the way of our reason for coming to L.V.GAMBLING.

[dmacw]

I like to fly by the seat of my pants.

[Mrs. PapaGeorgio]

Oh my goodness. I am so anal about the itinerary. I've had one made up and color coded on my computer for months...saved in its own special folder and everything!

The only reason I do this is to build the anticipation as we rarely follow what we have planned out...lol.

Wait, what was the original question? ;) :D

[fenway68]

we have picked out the dining preferences before we go, but to be honest, have never made a reservation before we go, and only maybe when we are there..always willing to grab a seat at the bar..we show up at whatever restaurant we have wanted..and boom..in! maybe its becasue its the only thing we have been lucky at in veags, but...

we have palnned a show or two ahead of time. like "o" when it was new, and Love last year when it was a preview show..

this year..just palnning what and when and where i am gonna try my hand at a small poker tourney, and where i am gonna play my cash games...
and our meet-up with ann and jacqui..

other than that we are open

[garyfranklen]

Steve----when I Go To Vegas---I Have Every Thing Planned---cuz I Like To Stay Busy All Eight Days---I Usually Get A Package Plann---plane,car,hotel--last April We Saw 6 Shows---helicoper Ride Through The Grand Canyon--i Always Buy A Las Vegas Advisor Book Full Of Coupons For 2 For One Buffets And Show Tickets--we Stayed At Bellogios In April--really Nice---we Are Going To Vegas In The Fall Again--we Go To Vegas 2 Times A Year---spring And Fall---to Hot In The Summer For Me---I Was Stationed There From 1961--1965 In The Marine Corps--working For Atomic Energy---we Shop At All The Outlet Malls To---well That About It---gary Winklesky,duluth,mn

[wolfman1953]

We take 2 trips a year, each different, with a side trip.

Spring is my wife & I.
We make a list and prioritize A - got to do, B- really want to do, C - got to do some trip, D- we'll never get this far.

We look at the A list and decide when to be where.
check prices and make reservations for air, 4x4 rental, and rooms
Reserver a show or 2
The rest of the time, take the list ans decide what we feel like doing when we get up that day.

If something on the list turns out to be less than expected, pull out the list and leave.


Fall is a group trip.
Group rule: join us for what part you want to partake
Send the ABC list to the group, get others lists, negotiate a little.
check prices (multiple bedroom suites may be cheaper than that many rooms), make a tentative itinerary and send it to the group.
Confirm itinerary,
notify group of itinerary (include free day or two) , and costs
reserve air, rooms, 4x4 for relatives who say yes and what parts of the trip they are joining
notify the rest of our reserved itinerary so they can make their own reservations
Keep track of number of vehicle seats that will be available and notify those not renting who they might be able to hitch a ride with.

[Souette]

I've done it both ways.
I prefer no plans because I always find myself doing something new and having fun at it...only to have to stop and make the scheduled show or dinner.

As I usually travel to Vegas solo, I've never had a problem finding a seat anywhere. Always seems to be a single seat available and ready for me!

[billfarr]

The only two things we plan on our trips to Las Vegas are #1 HAVE FUN #2 catch the plane home :( . It's Vegas they don't have clocks.:) No seriously only Shows or meeting friends are scheduled.
Bill & Anne

[rlombardi2000]

My husband and I visit Las Vegas 3 - 4 times a year. We were last there in March and we are going again on Saturday (5 days to go). We usually get tickets to shows before we go. This trip we will be seeing Love and have free tickets to Wayne Newton. Other than that, we play it day by day. We usually go with a group, but we are going alone this trip. We can do whatever we want - can't wait! I love this site!! Lots of information and great members - Thanks!!

[smmoo]

Our trips are a little different than others because we go for the shows and gambling, but it takes a back seat to visiting with son, dil and now three grandkids. So we buy tickets ahead for one show we want to see, this last time it was Gordie Brown. We have a couple of things that we'd like to do, which was to visit the Titanic exhibit which we did also. Then there are the family things, such as watch our granddaughter at gymnastics class and our grandson at his baseball game. We also had the Pinball Museum on our to do list which turned into a family outing in April.;) :D

[Rodman7]

We don't make any permanent plans. We have certain casinos we will play at & if we're winning or breaking even we will stay longer at that casino. No shows are ever on the schedule because we'd never make them. Always try to use the triple points coupons in the LVA & some match plays & 2 for 1's if we are playing in our favorite casinos at the time of being hungry. Usually 2 trips per year(Feb. & April).

[bondsgal]

This applies to any trip anywhere:
1) Do research on things to do and places to see--from the must do & must see, to the "if I'm in the area I might make a quick stop".
2) Only book what must be booked ahead of time.
3) After arriving it's free style - what we actually see and do depends on our mood and how we feel.
4) From past experience a detailed itinerary gets thrown out after the first day and everyone has a better time if you're not tied into a tight time schedule, after all we're on vacation!

[pateboo]

I hate having to be at a certain place at a certain time, especially when I'm on vacation. I get enough of that at work. I do, however, have a few things I do every trip to Las Vegas. But they aren't anything that is a specific time. Except for the rare times I go to a show. And then it has to be someone or something I REALLY want to see. :D

[pateboo]

If it was up to me, I would not plan much of anything. Maybe just a show that is hard to get tickets to or lunch with some friends. I like to be able to go when and where I want or stay someplace that I want to, without having to rush off to something. When you have set plans for every day or every night it takes the spontaneity out of Vegas - and therefore, the fun.

Real life is scheduled enough. When I'm in Vegas I prefer unscheduled and relaxed.

Eileen


I prefer to go by myself. Have traveled with friends and it just isn't the same. If something comes up, I don't have to put it to a committee. I meet some interesting people traveling by myself. Plus, if I stay up all night and want to sleep all day, no one judges me or complains.

[vegasbabe]

other than show ticket reservations, my plans always got changed the minute I got to the airport. You never know what might be going on while you're there, who you might bump into, or how you're going to feel at any given time. (Exhausted, drunk, frustrated from losing $$$, etc.) I used to relax a few hours before going to the shows, but other than that, I always played it by ear.

[Jacob36]

I made plans on one trip and after the second day it was starting to feel like I was still at work, so no more plans except for flights and hotels, other than that the only time I have any kind of schedule is if I am changing hotels, in a slot tourney, or for the flight home.

I eat when I am hungry, go where I want when I want, and sleep when I get tired.

That is why I am on vacation, to get away from the schedules and plans. :D

Jacob

[hill6]

We make some planus usually. A dinner reservation at Hugo's Cellar is part of the night we spend downtown. We will usually have another dinner reservation or show planned as well. The rest we play by ear.

[rkbak]

I always get my coupons ready and love to see how much I can save by using them...I plan most of my shows before I go and of course I have my favorite spots to game or Bingo that I frequent when I get there...but I'm always open to change and to see what presents itself! That's the fun of Vegas...to be spontaneous and go with the flow...I ALways HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!!:)

[divefl]

I need reservations for a few nice dinners, then I plan to do whatever moves me.

[Frank from PA]

We always make a fairly detail list of things we want to do that we haven't already done (Ghost Bar at night) and try to schedule them. Some local trips (Red Rock Canyon) and special lunches (lunch al fresco at Mon Ami Gabi) are planned so we are sure to get them in. We always plan the big Dinners (Mesa Grill) & shows (Love) are reserved before we get there.

We don't always get everything done, but without a plan we tend to do little else than gamble and those trips are very forgetful. The trip where we execute more closely to the plan becomes more memorable.
:p

[kaw]

I have done both but find I like to have an loose itenerary. Even though "time" is not important in our favorite city with no clocks, it is important if you want to see a show or the fountanis at Bellagio or use specific shuttles etc etc,...they do exist on a time schedule. I do lots of research before I go and work out on paper what I want to see, times, how I'm gonna get there etc. Then once the sights and sounds of Vegas hit me I have at least an idea of what and where. This also saves extra walking, lord knows we already get plenty of that. :p

[sonntex]

We're like most folks here - plan some things and the rest is on the fly. We usually buy show tickets in advance and always make dinner reservations before we go, but after that, we are out taking advantage of whatever strikes our fancy.

[Haze]

We make 3 trips a year. One of the things we like best about Las Vegas is not having to keep to a schedule so we don't plan anything in advance. Even when we're there we're reluctant to plan to meet friends at a set time or place. We just love the freedom!

[ChicChas]

Like most people, I plan some things but keep most of my time unstructured.

My first trip to Vegas, I had a long list of to-do items as well as things scheduled with the friends I was with. By the end of the first day, the to-do list was out the window.

I'm leaving on Friday for my next trip. Going with my friend, Mike. The only things we have firmly planned are our two shows and one dinner reservation. Mike will have a car and we've discussed possible excursions and will for sure accomplish some of them. But anything we miss because something else catches our fancy can always be put on the list for the next trip.

[jolo777]

We always seem to have some kind of plan, BUT in the 20+ years we have been going I don't seem to remember ever sticking to one completely. The are too many variables, such as new casinos, new shows, new friends, bad weather, good weather, drank too much, , too tired, and of course won more than planned or lost more than planned, that can change everything.:o

[xanadu4964]

We always freewheel it which can be bad because some times we get to a place only to find it is closed that day or sold out. But for the most part we have certain places or things we want to see and try to see them before we leave no schedule as to which day it is seen. We always have a good time though.

[ira player]

when i go to vegas its always for several wks at a time. also to play in several tourn. for instance july trip arv.7/2 depart 7/30 hotels, rio (2) orleans,golden nugget,flamingo (2) avi,in laughlin, harrahs,laughlin, & ballys,in vegas. all rooms comped up front. also tourn. entrys. try to work in a couple of shows & just eat when i find the time. anyone coming out that would like to meet let me know,will try to work it out. ira

[plandry]

Generally speaking my planning is pretty limited. I will however do some planning if I am taking a side trip to LA. I will either fly to Burbank and drive back or drive both ways. I like the drive from Vegas to LA, being that it is so different from Maine. My plans are usually based the Dodgers schedule. That is at the top of the list. I will then go from there.

While in Vegas I usually have in my mind what I want to do. I will plan if there is a certain Entertainer in town, for example George Carlin. Most of the shows play almost every night, so its a matter if I am in the mood or not. I have a compulsory trip to downtown. Call me nostalgic, but its nice to go to Binions, Vegas Club and the rest of the Casinos. I haven't been to El Cortez and I'm not sure if its worth it. I almost wonder if people just go there thinking its a cool thing to do. Me, I didn't fly over 3000 miles to rub elbows with a homeless person. Heck, I could go to the local homeless shelter here in Portland ME with a deck of cards and accomplish the same thing. Of course I am just kidding around, I have nothing against homeless people.

[philipj]

We fly to Las Vegas, rent a car and drive to the Las Vegas Advisor Office to pickup our Packet of Value, and go to our Hotel. At the LVA office we may ask a couple of questions about anything we should see, or are interested in. We are there to gamble and enjoy ourselves. Food is everywhere as are good shows, and more gambling. We do hit the pool at least twice a day, really enjoying the hot times of the year, and the lack of crowds in July & August. It just seems we get much better service and attention.

[SandyA]

I make 4 trips to Vegas a year (but if they keep cutting back on VP paytables, that may change)....I usually go with friends who have been before and other than a specific show that we've booked we pretty much just do whatever we want, when we want. When I go with a newbie, it's a whole different experience - I do a loose itinerary. When I took my nephew for his 21st birthday, I had blocked out a few hours every day for specific adventures (Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, etc.). It seems like there's never enough time to do everything that everyone wants to do, itinerary or not....a reason for another trip!

[PinkFloydActuary]

Almost no planning other than where to meet when we all arrive. We're a fairly large group (generally 8-10), so anyone who absolutely wants to do something will get it out there early so we can address when to work that in.

[HeyNow]

Before my first trip I planned a lot. I had a list of casinos I wanted to visit and buffets I wanted to eat. My friend and I went - it was the first trip to Vegas for both of us and we stuck pretty close to the plan.

My next trip I went with a bunch of different guys and again I planned out all of the stuff I was going to do. I didn't really do any of it. We just did whatever we felt like doing. I have never planned another trip other than thinking of a few things I want to do.

Mainly I just drink and gamble, so it is easy to not plan. I think you would have to plan if you were going to see shows and eat at specific restaurants.

[alwinj]

One must have a plan in Vegas. You can't be on the slot machine during the
day: just watch the machines used by the locals, and go back
to the machine late at night when they are not around. I will not gamble
on the strip; the machines are very tight; go to Fiesta, Sunset, Texas,
Boulder, Sams, Gold Coast, where the retired locals gamble. They live
there and know what machines are loose......During the day, go
shopping at Traders Joes, the outlets (Beltz), WALMART at Eastern Ave,
Gallery next to Sunset Station but don't go to the strip Fashion mall (the
locals do not shop there.....I'm from Hawaii and I go to Vegas 4X a year....
June 5th 2007

[The Gumbo Man]

A couple of old friends from my younger days and I planned every single aspect of a 6 day stay in Las Vegas. We treated it as if Las Vegas was one giant Disney/Six Flags Amusement Park (which, technically, it IS!) We sectioned a souvineer map into "lands" at first, but the Trek Enthusiast amongst us took to calling them "Beam Down Points" It works like this. You start with the trip from wherever you are staying to the start of that day's adventure. For the purposes of this exercise, we'll say that you took the Monorail. all the way to the Sahara. (You can skip this part if you are already Staying at the Sahara) (dUH!)
Your day is planned from this point on, playing @ Sahara a while, then over to the Stratosphere, most likely by cab. Buffet time! Breakfast/brunch, just Eat. Play a while, browse the facility. Party on. Then its a cab to Circus Circus. Play a while, browse the facility. Party on. Slots o Fun. Play a while, browse the facility. Giant Hot Dog! Party on. Riviera. Play a while, browse the facility. Party on. This tour used to be a lot longer, but they tore down all the Good Stuff (I always cleaned up at the Westward Ho, and my dad would kick butt in the Sports Book at the Stardust. Now all three are gone.)
I never go into the Frontier. There's approximately a 98.42579 per cent chance they'll be playing Country music, and I have an extreme allergy to such egregeous caterwauling.
so with nothing left but that weird little throw-back casino that I think the Rassilin' Guys run... it used to belong to Debbie Reynolds. Play a while, browse the facility. Party on. At least the booze is cheap. And they use Real Silver Dollars! Cheap Souvineer that will still be good when they tear the dump down. Woo Hoo!!
Then it's The Las Vegas Hilton. for dinner at Quarks. We're having pipus claw, roast targ leg and the holy rings of Betazed. If you need to ask, just say you ate dinner. then its Play a while, browse the facility. Party on. in the Space casino, then Play a while, browse the facility. Party on. in the main old-school casino. then its back to the monorail and back to where you're staying. Too many drinks in the piano bar/cigar bar/band bar Play a while, browse the facility. Stagger off to bed.

Now all of that was just day one. there are five more days, just as long, just as detailed.

It was, without doubt, One of my least favorite Las Vegas trips of all time!!

The next trip together, we planned where we'd stay. that was all. Every morning it was "what do you want to do?" "I dunno, what do you want to do." "I dunno either." "Hey! Let's ask Mikey!!:" So there was a lot of pool time, shopping, and three different shows!

It was, without doubt, One of my least favorite Las Vegas trips of all time!!

So now, we do Both. We kept the "beam down points". And agreed to try a different one each day. But we could do whatever came up next, in no particular order. We ate where and when it was necessary. OK we did have to make reservations way in advance at Emeril's Delmonico, and had to buy show tickets a couple days ahead. But other than that, we just went crazy! Party On!

It was the Best Trip Ever!!!:D

The retentive one of us made up some wallet cards, showing the food-opportunities available for each "land", and the Thrifty one cuts all those coupons for free sttuff or cheap deals out of the hotel room magazines, and the hotel room phone book!! They have a whole section of them! So we'll say "let's eat Chinese!" and one will tell us where it is and the other has a BOGO coupon for dinner! Its not just Fun. It's almost... science! The more we win, the wilder things get. We don't do so good, well, shrimp cocktail downtown. Its a thrill a minute, different every time, and no arguments. And no country music.

So thats how we roll!

Plan, but just enough.

I fold!:cool:

[paramont_jan]

My husband and I usually wing it in Vegas, but when we went this April we took our two teenage daughter (18 and 16) and our oldest daughter and her boyfriend. We organized getting together for breakfast buffets and a few shows together, but most of the day was freeform (shopping and pool for the kids). Vegas was new to all 4 of them, so we planned out must-sees such as Startrek the Adventure for the adults (OK, us nerds in the group). We accompanied the kids via Monorail to the Fashion Show Mall where we were able to buy 1/2 price tickets to Star Trek - this helped the kids to find their way between the mall and the hotel and saved us money at the same time. The boyfriend proposed to our daughter after Phantom of the Opera. Trip was wonderful - not our usual Vegas trip, but we'll always remember it! Wouldn't have been the same without a lot of planning.

[Eileen]

I made plans on one trip and after the second day it was starting to feel like I was still at work, so no more plans except for flights and hotels, other than that the only time I have any kind of schedule is if I am changing hotels, in a slot tourney, or for the flight home.

I eat when I am hungry, go where I want when I want, and sleep when I get tired.

That is why I am on vacation, to get away from the schedules and plans. :D

Jacob

EXACTLY!!! When I HAVE to go from place to place and see this or do that, it feels like a "working" vacation. And knowing that I have to "work" (aka: trip report) when I get home isn't fun either! Vacations are supposed to be relaxing.

Eileen

[dscs007]

The only planning we do, besides flight and hotels of course, is if we decide on a fancy meal, ie at a place that needs resrevations. Then we will make our reservations before we leave ( maybe a week or so in advance ). That way, we only have to work around our "planned" meal time. The rest of the time we just wing it.

David

[Diceman1274]

Hello all ever since my fisrt trip back in 1995. I have setup a complet itinerary for every trip. I find it help eliminate the (What do we do next syndrome) I ussualy travel with up to 21 or 22 people when we go and it makes for a great trip :)

Diceman

[Sandypaws]

We begin planning on what we would like to do when we are at the airport leaving Vegas from the previous trip. That is when we realize when we wanted to do and forgot or didn't have enough time. That planning continues and changes a lot until we get back on a plane to go to Vegas. Each day has must do, should do and would like to do and could do. Shows, Tournaments, Special dinners, Happy hours are all listed and may or may not happen on each trip, but then that is why there is always the next trip! :D

[luvmesumvegas]

No planning besides choosing a place for a nice dinner.

Plans, we don't need no stinkin plans!



LMSV

[CJN]

Usually always plan ahead of what we're going to do, see, where to eat, etc. Every time we go to Vegas, something new has opened and we'd like to visit something new every time. We do plenty of gambling, so that's ALWAYS on the list of "things to do", but we plan our daily strategy the evening before.

[MHIROTSU]

When I'm by myself, my plan is to have no plan. Whatever happens, happens. Que sera sera.

But, when I'm with other people, I only keep a mental note for a backup plan for food and entertainment, otherwise, we might have a tendency to just sit there, looking at each other, and do nothing.

Mike

[gina777]

We try to see a show or two and always go to a nice dinner... both of which are usually comped... but it is always nice to be able to do whatever we feel like doing at any giving moment. either way we always have a great time!:)

[dreamcatcheril]

I don't plan on leaving the hotel, I pick a hotel that is nice enough i shouldn't have to. If I want to roam around to other hotels i'll stay at them the next trip

[wiley]

We plan as much as possible ahead of time. We make dinner and show reservations and work around that for the rest of our day. We don't want to waste time hop-scotching around town, so we try to plan by location. One day for downtown, one day for the MGM part of the Strip, one day when I'm off on my own for shopping, etc. The planning & anticipation helps pass the time between trips, as well. Of course, nothing's carved in stone if something else comes up.

T-135 days - can't wait!

Hope

[Lneck67]

We plan a few shows and maybe a nice dinner but the rest is open for anything.

[kokopeli]

I have to plan, that way I come complete with coupons, and reservations for good seats. I know which days the seafood buffets are and where, and this time I have a 2 for 1 coupon for both I intend to go to! I've sat in the front row at Footloose and Rita Rudner and the 4th row for Penn and Teller. We got last minute tickets for Blue Man group one trip and we had seats that were way too far away for my happiness and couldn't get into Mystere.

Planning is the way to go! I don't always do exactly what I plan, but I know exactly which things are flexible and which aren't. When we fly by the seat of our pants we miss out on having more fun!

[hank987]

I don't plan as much as I "cross things off the mental list" Next visit is Ellis Island for sure. There are some poker rooms that I would like to hit too but if I don't, they stay on the mental list and get hit next time

[Deb]

but we NEVER do everything we plan.
We planned on seeing Big"E" in a couple of weeks, but I understand he will be on vacation, :(

[Char]

My wife and I find that setting up an itinerary can be a lot of fun. We usually
mark our calendar with the countdown number to our departure date and even drag out the luggage when its 5 days to go. I always make up a check list which I tape to my suitcase handle that includes, airline tickets, hotel accommodations, photo ID, cash, credit cards, health care cards, casino cards, medications, glasses, emergency telephone numbers, etc. Reading the
list is the last thing I do before walking out the door and meeting our cab.
We usually do 4 days and 3 nights and plan 1 dinner at Kristofer's Steak House for Surf and Turf. I consider myself an expert in money management and plan our gambling sessions to match our budget. Our next trip will be
#58 and we have never came home broke. On 4 occasions we returned with
large amounts. Winning or loseing is not the main consideration in our Vegas
adventures. It is the enjoyment derived from that great warm weather, good
food, neon lights, the crowds of people, palm trees and exciting environment.
Our calendar reads 29 days to Viva Las Vegas. See you at The Palace.
Richie and Charlene Alexander New Jersey

[JMVegas5866]

Most of the time I try and plan ahead. Being prepared always has it's advantage. There's really no disadvantages in being prepared lol.

How I plan my Las Vegas itenerary and it's advantages:

• Lounge Shows: There's plenty of sites that list lounge entertainment including the casino's web sites. I find the ones that appeal to me and stick with that. Big Elvis at Bill's is normally on the list.

• Gambling: Me and my friend bring our reports with us and stick to specific places to play. This prevents wasting our time in going from casino to casino only to find out they don't offer any good gaming. This way we know where we want to go and know what games we want to play.

• Transportation: Places that are far away, I plan on doing with my friends since they drive in from CA and have their car. Places that I can walk to or use public transportation to get to on my own, I save for least urgent. My friends usually stay for only part of my trip, so it's wise to take advantage of having a car handy. For days I have on my own I make sure I know which modes of public transportation to take whether it is the Deuce Bus or the Catt Bus or the Monorail or fee shuttles. I make sure I know what the time schedule is for them also.

• Dining: I use forums like this one to jot down some recommended buffets to hit. Usually my most favorite place to eat, Grand Lux Cafe at the V, is priority as I always hit that up when I first arrive in Vegas. Peppermill is always a MUST.

• Shows: I only go for nostalgic shows, so that narrows that down to very few. I usually pick an early weekday to do a show and just get tix the morning of the show. If tix aren't available for that day I just buy it for the next available day. No big deal as I can just shuffle my schedule around and pick something different to do on my list. Bally's Jubilee and Follies Bergere are usually most urgent along with any good Elvis impersonator shows.

• Historical Sight Seeing and Information: This is most important to me. I want to see all that remains from Las Vegas' glory days before it is all gone. Those places made it what it is today. Once it's gone there won't be as much incentive for me to go to Vegas anymore. I use the aid of Mid Century Modern Architecture/Googie forums to find and map out historic places. UNLV Special Collections Library is now always a MUST do as it is an impressive resouce of Vegas history that I love alot. I always plan on reserving half a day to utilize the library and set 2 days to go aside from my trip. I am also a huge Jayne Mansfield fan and she has a place in Vegas history. So places like the Tropicana, the Bellagio (formerly the Dunes), the Riviera, and the Fremont are a MUST do.

• Souvineers/Shopping. Stratosphere's Rock n' Roll Shop is a MUST as well as Antquities at CP Forum shops. Gamblers General Store is usually on the list too. I don't like to shop too much so that doesn't take alot of time out of my trip since there are only a couple places I'll buy stuff at that have things I am most interested in. So that's easily planned.

• Miscellaneous: Me and my friend always look for unique stuff to do other than gambling. We search ahead of time online for it. The casinos aren't the only places you can go to have a good time.

[JRLH]

We stay for a week when we go to LV (yearly). We always make reservations for at least one show. We stay in a condo, but choose one night to spend at a nice hotel that is offering special deals...usually it is where we are going to see a late show. We usually plan a day trip outside of LV. One day is set aside for golfing for Bob and a day at a spa for me. We always have at least one meal at an upscale restaurant. The rest of the time we relax and fly by the seat of our pants...AND on some trips, we never gamble!

[Hbaseballfan]

I have a general plan of where we are going for the day and if we are seeing a show. Since it is a vacation, i do not like to be rushed, and we all know in Vegas that you loose track of time.
Since we go to Vegas all the time there are only a few must see's The Bellagio
is always on the top of the list. We rent a car so we like to visit non strip places like Lake Las Vegas, Red Rock etc.

Last year we were there for our 25th with alot of family and everything was planned. I hated it.

[vegasclub]

We come every year from Maryland for 2 weeks. There are usually 10 of us, a group of 6 and a group of 4. We each do an itinerary and then all get together and match up what we can do together and eat together. The other time is up to each person. We make changes, if the need arises. This way everyone knows the schedule for the next day, and if they choose to opt out they can. It's great. I wish I were coming tomorrow.

[Kaystr1]

We have been going to Vegas twice a year since 2002. We usually plan to see a few things. If we get to them, fine, if not, that's okay because we are on vacation. We always see at least two things on our list, and I feel that's an accomplishment. The main reason we to go to Vegas is to relax, gamble and not have to worry about any schedules. Whatever happens, Happens!! We always have a good time.
Getting ready to book our fall trip. Can't wait!
Mary Kay

[hipster818]

When my wife and I go, we pick a show and a place to eat before hand, but other than that it is really where ever the day takes us. There are two places that we go to out of ritual, The Forum and eating at Mr. Lucky's at the Hard Rock Hotel. Yet there is so much to do in Vegas we learned a long time ago no to plan to much.

[VegasBride]

:) We have been going to Vegas since 1997. One year I went five times. We hardly ever make plans other than our flight and hotel. We go with my daughter and son-in-law and they feel the same way. We throw out things we would like to do but if it doesn't happen, it's no big deal. There's always the next time. After all it is a vacation. Schedules are for the real world. We hate the pressure of having to be somewhere at a certain time.

My daughter went with her father about five years ago and he had every second of the trip planned and she hated it.:mad:

[cindyinnj]

I know this topic is a bit old, but here's my answer...

I always have an itinerary. I plan and pay for all my shows at least 3 months ahead of time so I can get good seats. I also make all my restaurant reservations between 1-3 mos. in advance. (some rest.'s will take reservations 3 mos. in advance, but most are 1-2 mos). I don't plan every minute, just my evening shows and dinners. During the day we usually wing it. I might have one thing planned, like Hoover Dam tour, or Helicopter ride, Ghost town, etc., but otherwise we just wander all day and gamble in different casino's.

[luci5]

I like to have an outline of some of the things we're going to do. I just love planning for Vegas.

We didn't have much of a plan when we went last year for 10 nights and I hate to say it, but I was bored after 7-8 days and ready to go home, which I never do on holiday.

This year we went for 11 nights and I was a bit apprehensive that I would be bored again. However I drew up a planner and pencilled in shows and where we would have breakfast and dinner. We just winged it during the day. I had a few choices for each meal and just went with what we fancied on the day.

We stuck to it about 75% of the time and it worked really well.

Just back from a week in Benidorm, Spain and will start the planner soon.

[Nevada]

wE START OUT WITH A PLAN BUT BY THE END OF THE FIRST DAY WE GIVE UP TRYING TO KEEP IT AND JUST WING IT REST OF TRIP DOING WHATEVER COMES UP NEXT.:D