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Las Vegas Vacation: How Not to Look Like a Tourist
By Sonny White | December 17, 2010
Not looking like a tourist in Vegas is a little tougher to achieve than it is in other places you may be visiting. If you’re trying to blend in with the locals at other resorts, one only has to research the local customs and prepare prior to going there. But Las Vegas has been built on tourism, and the identity of the city was born from that. There are, however, some ways to diminish the level of “tourist” you present to others in Sin City; here are a few hints.
Make the most of your Las Vegas vacation:
Image is important if you’re competing against other players. Looking like you just got off the plane from an Idaho potato-field (no offense, I like potatoes) won’t get you much respect at the poker tables. So what can a guy do to fit in a little at the Bellagio poker room? First, I would recommend that you get a little sun before you head to town. Do some tanning or get in a few sessions of “fake and bake” so you won’t look like an albino for the first couple of days you’re in town. Locals have a tan, tourists don’t.
The camera is a dead giveaway every time. Only tourists tote cameras around, so if you’re planning on playing a serious session you should leave them in your room. The same applies for your casino player points cards; put them in your pocket or in your wife’s purse. Cheap sunglasses don’t fit in very well in Vegas. If you live here, you need a good pair of shades.
Most locals dress for the casino when they hit it. Image is everything in Vegas and slick players want everyone to fear them. Dressing sharp and wearing jewelery presents an image of success, and conveys the impression that you shouldn’t be messed with because you’re an experienced gambler who’s dangerous. Bring out the bling and wear a nice shirt – leave the Bermuda shorts and work t-shirts in your suitcase until your day trips about town.
Most of all don’t walk around in wide-eyed amazement at everything you see. Checking out the sites as you move around is something only a visitor would do; act like you live there while you’re looking like you belong. Viva Baby!
Topics: Las Vegas |