I spent the second half of my Spring Break in the beautiful beacon of betting known as Las Vegas, Nev., and as always, it didn't disappoint. After a short stop in L.A. on Wednesday night, my friends and I drove through the desert to arrive in Vegas the following morning for three days of gambling, wining, dining, and partying. I had a blast.
And you will, too, if you jet set to Sin City for break next year instead of heading to the beach. You can drink and get a tan anywhere.
There are some crucial rules you need to follow, though, if you want to survive your stay in Vegas.
1. First things first, make sure you set a spending limit before you set out on your trip, and stick to it once you get there. Leave your ATM card in your hotel room if need be to ensure you're not pumping another $500 out of your checking account at six in the morning for alcohol, gambling, sex, or any of the other vices that Vegas has to offer.
2. Stay on the Strip, even if it isn't at one of the major casinos. It may cost you a pretty penny to be near all of the action (book your hotel early or come during the week to save some cash), but the atmosphere is worth it and you'll be within walking distance of all the casinos, shopping and restaurants. I made this mistake on my trip (it's hard to pass up free lodging), but I can assure you I won't do it again.
3. Don't travel with more than eight people (especially if you're a pack of dudes) because you'll have trouble finding tables at restaurants, getting into clubs and taking taxis around town. Sometimes, more isn't always merrier.
4. Bring a nice outfit and dress shoes if you want to get into any club. Trust me; the meathead bouncers out there relish every opportunity to shut you down at the velvet rope. Of course, one would think this goes without saying, but there's always a guy in your group who insists on wearing his Air Force Ones and a Carmelo Anthony jersey out on the town. Don't be THAT guy.
5. If you decide to gamble, whether its blackjack, craps, roulette, or just the slots, realize that you have to spend some money if you want to win some. The odds are always going to be in the house's favor, but if you only spend a little bit here and there, you're not giving yourself much of an opportunity to hit paydirt. The longer you stick around the table, the better the chance you have of winning (as always, keep rule No. 1 in mind, though).
6. While gambling, milk those free drinks as much as possible. You get hooked up even if you're playing the nickel slots, but once you stop, you'll be buying beers at eight bucks a pop.
7. For those who want to hit a strip club, take no more than $200 inside and make sure your plastic is as far away from the back room as possible. I can't speak for the women who frequent strip joints, but many guys fall in love with at least one stripper in their lifetime (that may or may not have been the case with me this past weekend). Be responsible or you'll be kicking yourself in the morning when you open your wallet.
8. Don't get ripped off. Set a price with your taxi driver before you set foot in the car or make a deal with a doorman to get all of your friends in a dance club. Everyone has a price.
9. Be prepared to question your life, because once you set your eyes on the neon skyline of Vegas and your ears are serenaded by the stirring symphony of slot machines inside the casino, you'll entertain the thought of moving out to this dusty desert oasis forever. Fight the urge and simply enjoy your stay in Sin City while it lasts. And remember, whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Unless you get arrested, pregnant or hitched, that is. Those things are coming with you.
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