How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Las Vegas

Step1

The Gift Shop Trap: This trap can be found almost everywhere in Las Vegas. Most casino/hotels have other attractions that you must pay for in order to enter. Instead of directing you to the exit when your done with the attraction, they direct you to the gift shop. In other words they have the motto, "pay to get in and pay to get out". Beware of these places!Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay: The Shark Reef is a self guided tour that ends with a gift shop for you to purchase ocean themed gifts and souvenirs. They charge you almost $16 to see sea creatures in a giant fish tank. While the site is amazing, you can see many tropical fish and other sea creatures at the average restaurant or casino display for FREE.Gallery of Fine Art at The Bellagio: While this exhibit may display some of the finest pieces of artwork, the self guided tour ends with a gift shop. Although you come out to the place where you started from, the staff actually directs you to the gift shop on your way out. The Tomb and Museum of King Tut at Luxor: The King Tut museum is filled with beautiful ancient artifacts, however; this self guided also ends with an Egyptian themed gift shop.

Step2

The Casino Trap: Many casinos are extremely good when it comes to luring in customers by giving away free stuff. The most common trap includes casinos on the strip that make it easy to get in, but nearly impossible to get out. They have escalators and elevators that take you right to the building, but when it's time to leave, you have to walk all the way around the building due to construction or other distractions. Beware of these places!Fremont Street: All of the casinos on Fremont Street are a tourist trap! Most of the casinos on Fremont lure you in by giving you something free like beads, t-shirts, pair of dice or even money. The main attraction on Fremont Street is the full fledged ceiling light show. What they fail to tell you is that when you go into the casino, you're likely to lose all or most of your money. The jackpots on Fremont don't go off that often, so prepare to throw most of your money away on the slots and tables. (Note: Take special care to hold onto your wallets and purses when on Fremont, there are tons of con artists!)Caesars Palace: Caesars Palace tends to have a 2 lane automated walkway headed in the casino but doesn't have one headed out. They are often guilty of placing construction signs near close exits so you're forced to walk around the entire Palace before leaving. They believe the more time you spend in the casino, the more money you'll want to spend.

Step3

The Cab Trap: Be careful when taking cabs! You should know the area that you want to travel to and even if it takes a little research, look up the fastest way there so you can tell the cab driver. At times the driver will take advantage of tourists by going the "long way" or raising prices so be prepared!