Mar 11
6
I got an email this week from a reader of this blog. It’s the kind of email I live for. Seriously, this is why I blog about solo travel. This–knowing that people can be nervous about taking their first solo trip, and sometimes, they need the encouragement of knowing others have done it before them. Emily Brown found my blog while researching her own solo vacation to Las Vegas, which she told me about via email correspondence. I loved hearing her story, and I thought you might, too. There are some very good tips in here for Vegas newbies, which I’ve highlighted in bold. Here is Emily’s story, published with her permission.
Strip view
Hi Gray
My name is Emily. I’m a 29yr old female from Bristol, England.
Been meaning to email you for ages, finally got around to it. I just want to thank you for posting this blog. I found it very useful.
After getting a bonus at work in September last year, I felt I needed to get away. As no one else had the money or the inclination, I decided to travel solo (for the first time). I chose to go to the USA and did a search for deals. Vegas came up straight away. After impulsively booking my trip (26 Oct – 2 Nov), I was overcome with dread. What had I got myself into?
I searched the web and stumbled on your blog. I was extremely glad to find it and my mind was put at rest. Loads of great info and tips. I had a great time in Vegas. Being my first solo adventure, it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster and one I’ll never forget. I have loads of amazing photos and the classic me & Elvis pic (taken before the Legends show at Harrahs).
One of my favourite memories of Vegas is walking up and down the Strip between 7 – 9 am, with hardly anyone around, taking pictures. Especially by the Bellagio with the music playing.
Mandalay Bay
My first day in Vegas was overwhelming. I felt like I was walking around in a daze. If you imagine those cartoon characters, with their mouths wide open and eyes popping out, that was me. I wandered into the Hawaiian Marketplace in the afternoon, where there were musicians playing. It was really great just to sit down and relax whilst listening to them.
I booked 2 tour days during my holiday, and I was so glad that I did. One to LA and the other was a highlight tour of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon (so I actually went to three states in one week–manic). The good thing about being solo on a tour is that you get to ride up front. You can’t watch the dvd but you get to see so much more and from the sound of it I wasn’t missing much. They were also a way to be a bit more social and meet some lovely people. I would definitely recommend doing a tour.
Most of my time in Vegas was spent exploring in amazement and I have over 1,000 photos to show for it. I saw a few shows in Vegas, The Legends at Harrahs, Peepshow, and Nickelback at the MGM (the trip was worth it just for this concert alone). I thought I’d go see Peepshow as I wanted to see a “Vegas style show”, it was in my hotel, and all the hype covinced me that it was for girls as well. It was the most awkward and uncomfortable time of my entire trip. I’m glad I tried it though or else I wouldn’t know.
Nickelback in concert
I think the same goes for solo travel. If you’re debating on whether to try it, take the plunge as that’s the only way to find out what it’s like and if it’s for you. As long as you don’t have unrealistic expectations, if nothing else it’ll be an adventure.
That last bit of advice is my favorite. Thanks so much for sharing your story (and photos), Emily. I’m so glad you had a great time in Las Vegas on your first solo vacation!
Does anyone else have a first solo Vegas trip coming up in the near future? Or have you just been on one? Tell us your story in the comments below.
A note for Emily…my husband and I saw Peepshow during our last Vegas trip, and while neither of us were solo (obviously!) we were both quite uncomfortable! (we felt way too old and modestly dressed in comparison to most of the audience.) I hope that makes you feel better about that particular experience!
I’ve not done Vegas solo, though I’d love to (which probably means I will be soon!) Glad you had a good trip! Will you be traveling solo more often now? I write this from my phone, sitting at the gate waiting for my flight home from a solo Disney trip–I’d definitely recommend Disney solo. Even above Disney with others!
Hi Tracy, thanx it does make me feel a little better
. I don’t have any solo trips planned yet but definitely want to go back to the US soon (after I’ve saved for a bit).
Disney solo, how exciting and brave. To be honest I wouldn’t have considered going there as it just doesn’t seem like a place you’d want to be solo. I’d love to hear about your trip, do you have a blog?
Disney is a blast solo, Emily. Check this out: http://solofriendly.com/top-10-reasons-to-travel-solo-to-disney-world/
I agree I have done Disney solo myself and had a fantastic time. And while giving yourself the chance to feel like a kid again, I think it’s important to point out there are great places for more adult fun. Downtown Disney has great shopping, food and entertainment even though I believe the night clubs on Pleasure Island are shutting down. You still have House of Blues for music and great food. Try the bread pudding. Yum! Many of the resorts are great attractions in themselves. When you stay at one you can visit them all via monorail or by boat making it very easy to get around. And then while not Disney Universal Citywalk offers plenty of night clubs, food, and music.
You are absolutely right, Jimmy. Sadly, Pleasure Island as it was known and loved did shut down, but there are still fun places downtown for adults to hang out and listen to music. Not as many as CityWalk, but some. So much variety at Disney World, it’s hard to be bored there. Thanks for your comment, Jimmy!
thanx
Oops, clearly had a blonde moment. I can’t delete them either
Thanx
Thanx
Oh, Tracy, I bet you can find a lot of great material for your book in Vegas. Check out Springs Preserve and the Lied Discovery Children’s Musem, as well as the animal attractions on the Strip.
I’ll be doing Vegas solo in April so I will be sure to post about my experience.
Oh please DO! I’d love to hear how it goes, and I’m sure others would as well. The weather should be great in April. Have fun!
Hi ,
I have been to Las vegas 11 times and am going in 10 weeks for my second solo trip. The first one was a good few years ago and was a bit scary as I was only 29 then, but I found americans to be so friendly and welcoming and every day was an adventure. I am counting down the weeks till i go back, staying in the Stratosphere in a Select room. Keep up the good work.
Lorna (36) Scotland
Hi, Lorna, good to hear from you! I’ve never stayed at the Strat, I’d be interested to hear what that’s like. Have a great trip!
Visited Vegas on my own from 31st May till June 5th 2011 inclusive-people thought I was mad!!! Although I have visited Vegas many times, this was my first as a solo traveller. After the initial, ‘what have I done?’ feeling when I first arrived, I had a really good time. Took in a couple of shows, (Joan Rivers was a blast), shopped, lazed by the pool, played the slots….my days were filled.
I did feel a bit left out of things when I saw couples walking hand in hand, but that’s life! Now planning visit for 2012.
That pretty much sums up a Vegas vacation, Geraldine. Yes, there’s the occasional pang when you see couples having a good time, but most of the time, you’re just too busy having fun yourself! I’m glad to hear your first solo trip won’t be your last.