ComplexEnigma
ComplexEnigma
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September 29th, 2014 at 11:24:57 PM permalink
I'm a single guy in my late 20s that has long felt the pull of the flashy lights of Vegas. Virtually all of my friends are now married with kids so finding people to go on an adventure with me is tough. Lately I have been toying with the idea of just going to Vegas alone, but I am nervous I will feel awkward/out of place being by myself. I have casinos near me so just going to gamble isn't really a good justification. Has anyone else done the Vegas thing solo? As I mentioned I love the feel and energy of Vegas (I was there a couple times when I was 18) and the revitalization of Fremont Street looks cool. The bars, restaurant, and nightlife all also appeal to me but then again, being a dude flying solo also feels weird to me.

Can anyone share a "flying solo" experience they had at Vegas and if they think Vegas is fun solo?
RogerKint
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September 29th, 2014 at 11:38:04 PM permalink
I went to Vegas alone once on megabus from Socal and had a great time. The only time I felt lonely was on the buses. Other than that, it is very easy to meet new friends there. There's also many forum members who live in vegas that are fun to be around.
100% risk of ruin
FleaStiff
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September 30th, 2014 at 12:08:56 AM permalink
Quote: ComplexEnigma

Can anyone share a "flying solo" experience they had at Vegas and if they think Vegas is fun solo?

Sometimes you can have more fun solo than with friends because the alcohol and the money tends to bring out the worst in your friends. There are several "doing vegas solo" sites, mainly aimed at solo females.

Its obvious that the wrong kind of female will pounce on unattached males, you have to be careful and polite about it. Don't assume anything. Look for women who are tourists also. You can meet at a blackjack table or a bar but be wary. Pool parties can get expensive and so can the Day Clubs. If you know anyone in Vegas, email them your arrival date and see about "showing you the town" but let them know what your budget is.
AxelWolf
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September 30th, 2014 at 12:44:02 AM permalink
Quote: RogerKint

I went to Vegas alone once on megabus from Socal and had a great time. The only time I felt lonely was on the buses. Other than that, it is very easy to meet new friends there. There's also many forum members who live in vegas that are fun to be around.

He might have a different personality than you(It seems obvious he is not a solo cat).

Nothing a few shots can't cure.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
ComplexEnigma
ComplexEnigma
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September 30th, 2014 at 1:15:40 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

He might have a different personality than you(It seems obvious he is not a solo cat).

Nothing a few shots can't cure.



I'm actually pretty comfortable alone and I eat out alone frequently. I guess the transition of going out to a bar alone to spending an entire multiday vacation alone is where I'm pausing. I can see where going to Vegas alone could be awesome (do what I want when I want chief among them) and where it would suck (no one to share experience with, no one to share costs with, have to be highly suspicious of girls and even other groups). I'm very curious what type of experiences others have had. Heading to Vegas with a wad of cash to have an unforgettable weekend sounds awesome, but it's also uncharted territory. I've done Atlantic City and a couple other casino spots and well it wasn't exactly a party. Vegas seems more like the real deal and I might run into more people my age rather than zombies tugging away at the slots.
SGIT
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September 30th, 2014 at 3:39:24 AM permalink
Leave your $35,000 Rolex at home
terapined
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September 30th, 2014 at 4:54:16 AM permalink
I do Vegas alone and with a friend but most trips are alone.
Seeing the sites with friends is a blast. Having a meal with friends is fun. Everybody's objective is the same.
Gambling, that's a different story and that's why I go to Vegas. Everybody in a group may have different tastes when it comes to gambling. Different favorite games, different stakes, different bankrolls. Some like gambling, some don't. Some like long sessions, some like short sessions. ect.
Once I get to Vegas, don't feel alone at all due to all the gambling activity I participate in.
Nostron
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September 30th, 2014 at 6:15:30 AM permalink
I go to Vegas w/ a couples group once a year and also a guys trip once a year.

But at least once every 3 years I go to Vegas alone to get all 40 hours of my continuing ed in at one time in a place I love.

Granted I am in class 8 hours a day, but I have found the gambling and nightlife to be just fine as a solo act. I have met and partied w/ some cool people and I'm not exactly an extrovert.

Do it, you'll have a blast.
Nareed
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September 30th, 2014 at 6:38:24 AM permalink
I've made six trips to Vegas alone. Oh, since 2012 I've met the gang showing up for WoVCon, as well as some other forum members including the Wizard.

I take long, long trips, too. The last one was 2+ weeks. I'm alone most of that time, and I've never had anything less than a good time. The only "problem" is when you see some great 2-for-1 offers for things like buffets, shows, etc.

The big advantage of traveling solo is you can do what you want when you want and as you want. often when travelling in groups, or even with just one other person, a lot of time is wasted trying to decide where to go and what to do, especially when it comes to picking a place to eat.

My travel style may not be typical in other ways. I care nothing for nightlife, for instance, and don't drink much. I've been known to spend the whole day at the outlet mall, too, or sightseeing on the Strip. I gamble every day, but at very low stakes. I spend a lot of time at the +EV Loose Deuces at the D, and a great deal of time at bubble craps machines playing $3 or even $2 line bets with double odds and come bets with odds.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
1BB
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September 30th, 2014 at 7:18:41 AM permalink
Some places will give a party of one the buffet etc for half price whether it's specified on the coupon or not. For those who aren't aware just ask. No need to be bashful.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
beachbumbabs
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September 30th, 2014 at 7:26:49 AM permalink
Vegas solo is very fun; you won't know where the time went. You can get really good last-minute seats at shows, because there are singles available in good rows. You can enjoy eating at the bar and visiting with others there if you don't want to sit at the better restaurant tables by yourself, get in and out much more quickly. You can watch any of the Strip displays, or enjoy the FSE, or just walk the strip, in a crowd; they're always there.

Gambling is a group activity by definition, even when you're heads-up with the dealers, and it's rare to be the only one on a bank of slots most places and times. I have met the most amazing people at the tables, and many more when I'm solo than when I'm gambling with a friend/family member. If they're with you, most of your conversation is directed at them, so the opportunities to meet new people are less.

Most of the more casual bars/clubs are fine solo as well, like dueling piano bars, sports bars, comedy clubs, etc; I don't go to the bottle clubs/high end places, so those are up to you. Perhaps it's worth going to one once some day, but to me, you're just trying to buy status and cachet at very high prices.

You're also just more efficient about routine things, like sleep when and as much as you want rather than coordinating that with a roommate, eating on the run or taking 2 hours for a fancy dinner or anything in between. Especially in Vegas, when you want to chase a hot streak, there's no conflict with plans you may have made with somebody else.

So, yeah, there are things more fun with someone you know. But plenty to enjoy on your own. Also, can't promise for any one place, but some of those 2-for-1 offers, if you ask, will be honored at 50% off for a solo traveller.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
Nareed
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September 30th, 2014 at 7:45:08 AM permalink
Quote: 1BB

Some places will give a party of one the buffet etc for half price whether it's specified on the coupon or not. For those who aren't aware just ask. No need to be bashful.



I've heard about that, but I'm not about to buy a coupon book on the strength of a "maybe."

In any case, eating in Vegas can be extremely cheap. More so the way I handle my schedule and usually have two meals per day. Then, too, I usually don't plan on where to eat, but decide when I'm feeling hungry enough around 2 pm. That time is great because the lunch rush is over and the dinner rush hasn't started. So I can pretty much go anywhere.

One tip: avoid the dinner buffet when they have a "special" night, such as seafood or steak, unless you intend to feast on those things. The prices are higher then.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
FleaStiff
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September 30th, 2014 at 7:54:23 AM permalink
Quote: Nostron

But at least once every 3 years I go to Vegas alone to get all 40 hours of my continuing ed in at one time in a place I love.

Oh..does this go way back... but at one convention after a particular speaker there were break-out sessions and one was actually scheduled for "The Five Dollar Craps Table at XXXXX". Had to have been a hoot! The banter at the table was discussing how to drive internet traffic to certain sites and soon focused on the fact that the shooter was a knockout broad whose web site of FirstLast.com didn't get much traffic so someone there at the table did a Domain Name Server something or other that changed her site's name to First.LastNude.com. After the breakout session they looked at her traffic stats for the site with just her name and for her name plus the word "nude". So she left it that way for a few years. Vegas can have some really great conventions.
ahiromu
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September 30th, 2014 at 10:06:48 AM permalink
Ok so this is something I can speak quite well on. I'm in my mid 20's.

I have been to vegas... I really don't remember how many times. It's probably in the low teens. All but three of those trips were solo. Here is what it's come down to:

-Can you handle eating out alone, surrounded by groups of social people? This can be really awkward for some people, but I like being able to enjoy a meal without being forced to discuss bullshit with friends AND eat.

-From the sound of it, you haven't been to Vegas? If you can do a lot of exploring, you'll be fine time-wise. My recommendation is to take it slowly... Vegas isn't going anywhere. Just make sure you're ready to gamble for long hours or go to a club solo, you really don't want to be stuck watching TV in your room for half the trip. Edit: Somehow completely missed your comment, sorry. Still, this comment stands, you probably didn't see everything and if you did you didn't spent enough time "seeing" it.

-Personally, I really enjoy Vegas alone. However, I've got to say, Vegas with friends just has that extra luster. You get to share in the stories from your friends, enjoy their good times as if they were your own. I've done half my trips solo this past year and I'll probably continue doing the same.

I don't know what your personal financial situation is. If this trip is like your one thing to do all year, then my recommendation is to do it with friends. However, if you have the ability to go solo once, then with friends, or vice-versa, a few months apart, then that is what you should do. Vegas is always fun, you just have to figure out what works best for you.

Quote: beachbumbabs

You can get really good last-minute seats at shows, because there are singles available in good rows.



I can't believe I never thought about that before. It's f&*$ing brilliant, I feel stupid for not thinking about it. Do you go to the "last minute" booths and get a deal on it too?
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
pokerface
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September 30th, 2014 at 10:33:21 AM permalink
I prefer to go Vegas with friends but will go solo if no friends going with me.
Eating and drinking with friends is more fun for sure.
winning streaks come and go, losing streak never ends.
beachbumbabs
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September 30th, 2014 at 11:17:20 AM permalink
Quote: ahiromu



...

I can't believe I never thought about that before. It's f&*$ing brilliant, I feel stupid for not thinking about it. Do you go to the "last minute" booths and get a deal on it too?



Yes, I have, when I want to see something my host isn't hooked into. But most of what I see, it's my host providing the ticket(s).
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
pokerface
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September 30th, 2014 at 7:33:15 PM permalink
Quote: Nareed


In any case, eating in Vegas can be extremely cheap.


not cheap anymore.
No more 99 cents buffet.
winning streaks come and go, losing streak never ends.
aceofspades
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September 30th, 2014 at 8:43:03 PM permalink
Quote: ComplexEnigma

I'm a single guy in my late 20s that has long felt the pull of the flashy lights of Vegas. Virtually all of my friends are now married with kids so finding people to go on an adventure with me is tough. Lately I have been toying with the idea of just going to Vegas alone, but I am nervous I will feel awkward/out of place being by myself. I have casinos near me so just going to gamble isn't really a good justification. Has anyone else done the Vegas thing solo? As I mentioned I love the feel and energy of Vegas (I was there a couple times when I was 18) and the revitalization of Fremont Street looks cool. The bars, restaurant, and nightlife all also appeal to me but then again, being a dude flying solo also feels weird to me.

Can anyone share a "flying solo" experience they had at Vegas and if they think Vegas is fun solo?




You can check out any of my Vegas trip reports (the insane ones are the losing trips)
But, I am almost always in Vegas alone unless my cousin joins me for a couple of days.
There is plenty to people watching to pass the time when not gambling and, if you are social, almost anyone will converse with you as everyone is in a loose mood on vacation.
Try it one, if you don't like it, there's your answer
Positive variance!



Here are a few of my TR

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FCBLComish
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October 5th, 2014 at 9:53:36 PM permalink
Just came back from G2E. I travelled alone.

Went to the 1/2 price Tickets booth in front of Bally's and got a ticket to Penn and Teller. I was told it would be in the balcony.

When I got to the box office, the ticket I got was in the 5th row. They had a single seat there. SCORE.
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CammieGalle
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October 6th, 2014 at 1:18:47 AM permalink
Hey...
Really Its fun going Vegas alone ..
Even I too went alone the best part was that you are getting new friends there again and again as its the place of travelers.
ThatDonGuy
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October 6th, 2014 at 5:57:38 PM permalink
I always go to Vegas solo. The one problem I can see with it - trying to get a table for one at a good restaurant - isn't a problem as (a) I am not a "foodie", so I never go to the top-level restaurants (as Adam Richman of "Man vs. Food" and "How was I supposed to know that 'Thinspiration' meant something already?" fame once said, "Las Vegas has some of the finest restaurants run by the best chefs in the world...and I'm not going near any of them"), and (b) I don't think the economy has rebounded to the point where restaurants would be turning away singles.

Okay, there's another "problem" - is renting a car for one person worth it? The bus system is fine, especially if you're going to stick to the Strip and Downtown ($20 gets you a three-day pass on all of the buses - pretty much the only hotel that doesn't have a bus stop near it is the M, although some of the other outliers (Silverton, Railroad Pass, Fiesta Henderson, Aliante) only have one bus an hour).
Face
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October 6th, 2014 at 6:03:41 PM permalink
I've never traveled there solo, but have always aimed to get solo once I've arrived (went for work).

There was no weirdness whatsoever. Of course, I'm one who prefers to do most things alone.

Game where I want, when I wanted. Want to go somewhere? Go. Want to leave? Leave. Hungry? Eat. There's no democracy to bog you down, no feelings you have to take into consideration.

If you want to be social, you can usually find a kindred spirit at the table. Might even make new friends, who knows? Whether at the sports book, on a table, or at the bar, not once did it "feel weird".

I wouldn't do it if I was impulsive, as it's too easy to blow the rent money or get poisonously drunk. But if you don't have those issues, then there is no issue. Go date yourself.
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ComplexEnigma
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October 11th, 2014 at 11:29:49 PM permalink
Yeah I'm going to do Vegas solo. I know that from reading trip reports I will like the freedom of setting my own schedule. I haven't been since I was 18 and there's a lot of stuff I want to touch. I know my bucket list will differ from anyone else I could convince to come with me.

side story: My only times in Vegas were two trips paid for by a political campaign group for us to campaign since Nevada was a swing state. Since I went to a religious university they figured we were less likely to get seduced by Vegas and turn into a campaign headache. I was able to get 2 visits out of it although my friend and I "accidentally" boarded the wrong bus since the other city was decidedly less cool. They put us up in the Sahara (looking back on it I am very surprised they put us on the Strip but my guess at that point the Sahara was willing to put a group of our size up for cheap) so I was able to check out the strip as much as an 18 year old can. I think we went in about every major casino on the strip, although NYNY did shoo us off the casino floor when they determined we were underage. I remember being blown away at watching a lady go through $200 at a slot machine while we waited in line for a buffet (Bellagio I think). Roulette tables also blew my mind watching the dealers use two arms to drag literally a mountain of losing chips. The first trip I even played some blackjack at the Sahara. The dealer encouraged us to come play and with some peer pressure I sat down. It must have been so dead at that point that the dealers seemed to be willing to "forget" asking for our IDs just so they had a hope of getting some players/tips that night. I was so nervous due to knowing I was underage and plus never gambling before that it had to be obvious I was underage. I promptly lost $40 and left. Although they definitely seemed disinterested to check whether we were legal or not (I think some of my group was over 21) I now realize how stupid of a decision that was. I don't know how harsh they come down on minors but I imagine I would have likely been at least kicked out of the hotel and I'm sure the campaign would have disowned me with me figuring out my own way back home.
FleaStiff
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October 12th, 2014 at 12:30:20 AM permalink
Quote: ThatDonGuy

Okay, there's another "problem" - is renting a car for one person worth it?

Its not just travel time and efficiency and decision making. Rental cars often spend their time parked at casinos and not going on any excursions. The primary factor is DUI avoidance. Are you going to be responsible enough without a spouse/wingman/designated-driver.

You can always ask to share a cab ride ...that's allowed.

Bus pass? As long as you don't miss that hourly bus ... go ahead.
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