Tips for Getting the Most Out of Viva Las Vegas

So, Laura Byrnes suggested I make this into a blogpost, so here it goes...

 

I have learned alot about what to do and what NOT to do, at Viva Las Vegas. My first year was definitely about trial and error. So here are my tips and tricks to getting the most out of the experience:

1) Pack 2 outfits for everyday. Pack one outfit for the day and one for the night. Us ladies tend to get into something fancier at night. I usually go for something a little more comfy during the day (capris, shorts, a circle skirt, etc.), as you're in it for a long time, and it gets a little hot in Vegas. Also, pack a sweater for going out at night. The temperature drops pretty drastically. I remember being at Frankie's Tiki Room this past year and it was FREEZING.

2) DON'T OVER PACK! Leave room in your suitcase for all the goodies you will end up buying. I know you might imagine changing 4 times a day, but you're so busy that you won't have time. 2 outfits per day is probably more than enough.

3)Bring comfy shoes. I usually pack about 5 pairs, and I ALWAYS bring flats. You end up doing alot of walking, and heels aren't always comfy in 90 degree weather. Plan your shoes so that you can reuse them for different outfits.

4)Plan your hair! Sounds crazy, but if you're anything like me (VERY particular about your hair), you want to plan what you will need. If you curl your hair, plan a curling method and bring what you need. My girlfriends and I usually all bring one thing each. One brings a flat iron, one brings a curling iron, etc. This way we don't all pack the same stuff, yet we have everything we need. Also, I don't like to spend hours fixing my hair, so I plan a daytime style that turns into a nighttime style very easily. Save me time and products! Same goes for makeup.

5)Bring CASH for the vendors. Some vendors will give you a discount if you're paying cash. Also, bring a tape measure. There really aren't dressing rooms (besides, I don't want to mess up the hair by trying stuff on lol). I look crazy measuring things, but vintage sizes were different and most items don't have tags. If you know your measurments, you'll be able to see if the item will fit.

6)Snag what you see! Trust me, if you find something you like, it will NOT be there the next time you go back. I lost a few items my first year that I still kick myself about. Vintage is rare and things here go fast!

7)Viva shirts sell out fast. I'm talking first day kinda fast (for certain styles). If you see one you like, snag it! It could, and most likely will, sell out.

8)Sunblock!!! The car show is HOT. I bring a parasol too. You're in the desert. (keep hydrated! The heat will end up giving you a headache if you're not careful)

9)Bring a swimsuit! For the Tiki Pool Party! Try to get there around the time it starts. This past year, a lot of people came late and couldn't get in.

10)Get the brochure and plan ahead! The schedule is great, but a lot of stuff overlaps. See what you would like to attend, and plan for it. This way you don't miss anything you really wanted to do. And if something starts early, you can make sure youre not sleeping in or hungover.

11) Things to bring: lots of sunblock, advil or tylenol, safety pins, tape measure, camera, blister bandaids, extra hairspray, and cash for cabs (if you plan on leaving the hotel). oh! and I bring a nail polish...for quick touchups.

12)Keep in mind, some events are first come, first serve. And you may need tickets for it. Try to get this stuff early.

 

And for saving a little bit of cash:

-Try to get your ticket in advance, Youre wristband gets you into everything (unless you need a ticket, which is free when you show your wristband). They get more and more expensive the closer it comes to Viva.

-Request a fridge for your room. My girlfriends and I never had time to get breakfast (we needed to look our best!), so we stocked our room with Starbucks pre-bottled coffee, breakfast bars, and little snacks. Also, try getting beer or drinks for your room. They add up at the casino bars.

-If staying in another hotel (not the Orleans), cabs add up, so try to car pool.

-Shop around for flights, usually taking two different airlines (to and from) is cheaper. I'm flying from NYC, so its always pricey for me.

-Bring everything you need. Buying your sunblock or advil in the hotel gets costly. If I already have it, I bring it. I bring my parasol from home, rather than buying it there. I'd rather spend the money on something I don't own already.

-Split the hotel room. This past year for 3 girls, our room was around $100 each. Not bad for 4 nights.

 

Hope this helps anyone new to Viva! Have fun and see you there!!

 

-Billie

Views: 3013

Comment by Desilu on August 3, 2012 at 7:51am

Thanks for sharing! I'm going to see if I can find a couple of LA area girls to go with me this year - I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go! I appreciate the tips... especially the stay hydrated part. Spring in LV is not the same as spring in other parts of the country, lol, so it is very necessary - with the weather's heat, plus the heat of the crowds - to keep drinking water (and the occasional gatorade) and not just alcohol infused liquids.

Comment by Ashleeta on August 8, 2012 at 10:13am

This is great you're right on the money with everything!

Comment by odette rosselli on August 13, 2012 at 6:07pm

Also, if its possible, rent a car and bring a GPS and a few minutes down the road there is a walmart and a target and it makes it SOOO much cheaper to buy all of your snacks, drinks, etc there and bring them back to the hotel. We usually buy a cheap $3 plastic storage box, fill it with ice from the ice machine and then keep our drinks in it on the counter in the bathroom. Works great. If you get sick of the food that the hotel offers, its nice to bring groupon coupons and try out different places to eat off of the strip. We went this year and found a bunch of great places and had dinners for hardly any money since we had coupons. I totally agree with sunscreen for the car show and a parasol and cash. Most of all have a great time and take loads of pictures. 

Comment by Leanna Bruce on August 17, 2012 at 10:25am

ok so now I'm thinking come to the US early....this sounds soooo good!!

Comment by Sandy Boxx on August 17, 2012 at 1:32pm

Thanks for all the great tips ladies!  We are Viva & Vegas Virgins (there should be a group-LOL) and are anxiously awaiting for March to roll around so that we can leave the Canadian winter behind for a week!

Comment by Sherrie Ann Brown on August 17, 2012 at 1:52pm

What is the date for Viva Las Vegas. Is there more information somewhere? Very interested in going.

Comment by Ruby duVin on August 19, 2012 at 4:48pm

I've never been, and would love to go next year.  This is really good info!

Comment by Shanda Cisneros on September 5, 2012 at 3:23pm

Great advice.  If I can only add one thing?  The car show is uber crowded, if you do bring a parasol, PLEASE be courteous and either collapse or lift the thing up when walking through the crowd...or take the long way. Thanks :) 

Comment by Piper Marie on September 8, 2012 at 3:38pm

I can't waitt to go to m'first Viva! :D Thanks of all the tips ^_^ 

Comment by Lisa_HelloKitty on September 18, 2012 at 7:06pm

When is this I want to go with my husband next year? Ill just add it in to taking my husband to cali for the first time. My family is from there sounds great !!

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