Chicks in Vegas: Fear and Loathing (of Planning) in Vegas

The date is set. The girls are on board. Plans on what to wear are running through everyone’s head! Yes, it is very exciting to know that “the trip” will be here soon.

But there are a few more things that you might want to consider in order for your getaway to be a success. Like I always say, a prepared girl is an MGF Girl!

How long is too long?
As much as I love the city of Las Vegas – I find that 3-4 days is the perfect length of stay. Unless you’re from out of the country, anything longer becomes pretty ri-donk-diculous! With all its over-the-top, show stopping, seen-to-be-believed experiences – by the time you reach the end of day three, you’re begging for something that isn’t flashing or screaming VEGAAAAAS! Aside from the rising costs of your mini-vacation, one can only hit a buffet/gamble/shop so many times before wishing for something simple.

Remember: Sin City is a temporary escape, not a permanent state of being.

While weekends are awesome, try arriving in Vegas on Wednesday or Thursday, leaving on Saturday afternoon. Vegas is truly a city that ever rarely sleeps, so partying the night away is easier (without the breath crushing crowds) and cheaper (Thursdays are traditionally Ladies’ Night at the clubs) in the long run. This logic also applies to those of your flying – getting out of Vegas on Saturday is INFINITELY easier than Sunday afternoon.




Research, Research, Research!
You can’t just “go” to Vegas if it’s your first time (either on your own or with a group). Like anything else – you want to do some research. If you’ve never been to Vegas before, I recommend the travel guide Las Vegas Little Red Book: A Girl’s Guide to the Perfect Vegas. This is a fun, easy to read guide that gives you the lowdown on just about everything Las Vegas has to offer. Even a seasoned Vegas Vixen like myself picked up a few new tricks on where to hang out and how to fit in.

If you’re a more internet savvy MGF – hit the Google trail and look up Vegas oriented websites. The local tourism board sponsors and runs visitlasvegas.com, a great starting point every trip planner. Or perhaps you want the blunt honesty of CheapoVegas.com to stay within budget. But my go to Las Vegas online resource is vegas4visitors.com. Online research is a great way to go because the reviews are by people like you and you have a quick link to any deals being offered for the time you’re traveling. So sit down and get to researching!




Have a plan for the first night! Whether its dinner, drinks, and the club or tickets to a show – have the first night mapped out! The rest of the trip can be more flexible, but no one wants to get stuck in their hotel room brooding on what to do the first night!





Pick a Ring Leader
The Ring Leader is the person in the group who acts as the project manager. This does not mean you are the raging bitch who is planning the trip down to the minute! Nor is it the person who gets stuck planning everything! No, the Ring Leader is there to make sure things get done before the trip.

I usually end up being the Ring Leader because I know my way around town. While it would be easy for me to just say “Fine…we’re doing everything I want to do…” and force my will upon everyone – I choose to see it as being the point person. I remind everyone to book their flights, recommend things to do, suss out some basic research, and (most importantly) get everyone’s suggestions.

Having someone in the group keeping track of this stuff makes life easier for the trip in general. As long as the Ring Leader keeps the group moving – you should be ready for the trip on time!





If you are the Ring Leader – keep a little notebook. I usually get ideas thrown at me via e-mail, phone, or voice. I can’t keep track of it all so I write it down for further thought.





The Ride
If you are traveling by car on a road trip, it usually goes without saying you’ll be taking whoever’s car 1) fits everyone (and their luggage) and 2) whichever one looks the best. However, a majority of us will choose to fly – which means we have to deal with a rental.

Now, before you go off and say “We’ll just do whatever is cheapest,” I would like to appeal to your ego. Vegas is the destination where everyone is allowed to BE SOMEBODY for a few days! Image is a big part of the atmosphere and your crew wants to be hip and with it. Why ruin it by rolling up in a Ford Focus? NOT THAT THE FOCUS ISN’T A GOOD CAR…but this is vacation, ladies. LIVE IT UP!

Hop on anyone of the car rental websites and browse! Don’t be afraid of the words “Click here for a quote!” On this year’s trip, I was surprised to learn that renting a Ford Mustang worked out to about $60 per person after adding in insurance and buying a tank of gas (so we can drive it in empty) from Hertz Car Rental. We jumped on it and let me tell you – nothing is more fun/awesome than three dolled up girls stepping out of a shiny, burgundy Mustang at The Bellagio valet! If you can afford it – definitely look at upgrading the ride!

The Stay
Las Vegas is home to the most hotel rooms in one city. Most casino/resorts top out at about 2000-3000 rooms! And during many parts of the year, the entire city is sold out. Crazy, huh?

So booking early and selecting the right location for you and your girls is VERY important! Of course price is a consideration as is space. As I mentioned before, do your homework. Get on the hotel websites and figure out what works best for the group!

Each one of the hotels is unique in feel and atmosphere. I always recommend picking something that fits the group personality or wants. Are you looking for a high end shopping extravaganza? Maybe Caesar’s Palace works for you. Looking for the richest and most expensive location on the block? Step right up to the Wynn, Bellagio, Venetian, or Palazzo! Looking for Vegas’ new hotness? The newly completed Planet Hollywood and freshly renovated Luxor hotel is calling your name!

Location is also very important. If you’re regulated to walking to most of your locations – you probably want something at the heart of The Strip. If you have a car, perhaps traffic is a consideration. Whatever you choose, remember that everything in Vegas looks closer than it really is. And if you’ve ever walked the entire Strip, you know the pain in your calves that I speak of!

And don’t completely shut down the idea of staying just off The Strip (on Koval to the East or before the I-15 to the West). Hotel chains such as Marriot and Holiday Inn have invested money over the last year in creating great hotels off The Strip. Never underestimate the sanctuary that is the perfect off Strip hotel!

Next Time: Getting your bearings in Las Vegas and how not to pack the kitchen sink for your Vegas trip.

Chicks in Vegas: A Modern Girl Friday Primer

So…you want to plan a girl’s only extravaganza to Las Vegas. Well, you came to the right place!

It seems like an all girls trip to Vegas is one of those rights of female passage. Whether you’re married, single, or newly freed from a relationship – Vegas is a place where fun rules. Going out and having a blast with a group of friends or relatives in the most over the top city in the world is just something you have to do at least once in your life.

…or every year…whatever strikes you…

Whatever the frequency of your get together – it does take a bit of planning. At least the first time around. A “Girls Only” trip just doesn’t happen…if you want it to be successful. Lots of stuff to consider, but thought goes a long way to making your trip fun and memorable for everyone.

Where do I begin?
Simply enough – start with a date. A few dates if you can! I usually take three different sets of dates on the calendar and e-mail the girls for input. With a selection of days, you’ll be able to flesh out what works best for a majority of the group. Try to give the group enough time to plan or budget – not everyone can just take off on a moment’s notice!

It’s important to stress that not everyone will be able to make it. But you should go with the majority. Its okay – no one will hate you. If you must, console your inner fears by knowing that there will be other trips and other opportunities. It just wasn’t meant to be this time around. If you gal is any kind of pal, she won’t hold it against you if it doesn’t work out in the end.

How big is too big?
You know, there’s no real good answer to that! It really depends on the resources and what you and your crew can deal with. I think I am most comfortable with a group of two to five friends. But I pulled into the rental car return last weekend behind a Suburban and watched EIGHT women pile out of it! So to each their own! If big crowds aren’t your thing, settle for a trio. If you’re a camp director personality, welcome the challenge of nearly a dozen!

Who makes the list?
Again – it really depends on you and the group dynamic. My only advice is that you mix your social circles carefully. I know, I know…you’re a social butterfly! You get along with EVERYONE and pride yourself on your diverse group of female friends. That’s great…for YOU! Remember there are others on this trip out to have a good time. So if you think a friend might feel out of place listening to you and your bowling acquaintances talk about last week’s tournament – rethink the invite list. If you have to “think” about someone getting along with one or more people in the group – probably best not to include them in the mix. A short Vegas stay can turn into an eternity if there’s a big blowout fight amongst the travelers.

When it seems that you have a date decided on – make it official! Send e-invitations to your traveling party announcing the trip! Online invitations sites like evite.com make it easy. If you’re the creative type, send your own personally designed e-mail blast. Make the Vegas Trip feel special from the get go!

Planes or Automobiles?
How you get there depends largely upon where you’re coming from. With Vegas being a great year round destinations, flights are abundant all over the US. Las Vegas’ McCarran International is renovating to become more efficient than ever! And renting a car (especially in those hot summer months) is cost effective when you consider you’ll be splitting the cost.

The other alternative is a road trip. Road trips have a place in the heart of our society. It’s a great way to bond and goof off while killing time on a long drive. On the plus side, you don’t have to deal with a rental car expense when you get to Vegas. If you want to have the ultimate road trip, please make sure you stick to the MGF Road trip rule: If it’s more than a six hour drive away…you’re probably better flying.

Okay – so you’ve decided when to go and with who. LET THE REAL PLANNING BEGIN!

Next time on MGF Travel: Where to stay and how to play in Vegas!