Over the years, lots of people have asked me lots of questions and I like to think that I have offered some decent advice on practical ways to enjoy Las Vegas – things that can turn an ordinary vacation into a special one or simply things that most people forget when they head to Sin City. To test that theory and to celebrate my ten years of Vegas know-it-all-ness I offer you my Top 5 Las Vegas Tips:

1. Rent a Car – You can get an economy car rental for as little as $19 a day, less than what a round trip cab ride to and from the airport will cost you in most cases. Not only will you save money in the long run, but it will increase your options on everything from dining to sightseeing to shopping and more.

2. Stay Safe – I know this is a boring one, but Vegas is so “unreal” that people often forget about reality and take chances that they shouldn’t be taking. Pay attention to cross-walk signals, beware of pick-pockets in major crowds, don’t accept a drink from a stranger, and know where the exits are in your hotel tower. These are simple things that will take a couple of minutes of your time but could save your life.

3. Get off The Strip – This is closely tied to number one on the list, but if you want to save yourself some big bucks you have to get off of Las Vegas Boulevard. Everything is cheaper in other parts of the city and with that rental car I recommended you’ll be able to explore all of it.

4. Do Your Homework – Before you go on any vacation, no matter where it is, you should take the time to fully research your destination. In Vegas the sheer number of options of everything from hotel rooms to restaurants to shows can be overwhelming, but if you expend some effort up front you can design a trip that is perfect for you. And don’t trust just one person or book or website’s opinion – not even mine.

5. Don’t Overdo It – Las Vegas is a city built on the concept of overindulgence – from gambling to drinking to eating to gambling some more, people seem to make a sport of how much vice they can rack up while in town. Enjoy yourself, but every now and then ask questions like “do I really need to make a fourth trip to the all-you-can-eat crab leg station?” or “do I really want to drink this fourteenth shot of tequila?” I’m as guilty as anyone when it comes to ignoring the concept of moderation in Vegas but if you can do it you can head back home at the end of your trip feeling a little better about yourself.

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Question: We’re going to be in Las Vegas with the kids around Halloween. Is there anything appropriate for them to do?

Answer: There a few things that might be interesting to kids, depending on their ages.

Adventuredome at Circus Circus transforms itself into Fright Dome for the season, with scary surprises, haunted houses, and more.

Also, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum at The Venetian is adding a bunch of spooky attractions including a new “Chamber of Horrors” with recreations of movie monsters like Jason from “Friday the 13th” and Freddy Kruger from “Nightmare on Elm Street.” This one might be a little too intense for the younger set.

But the most interesting Halloween themed event I’ve heard about is less about the scares and more about the tradition.

Starting October 6th through November 2nd, Lied Discovery Children’s Museum will create and exhibit several ofrendas (altars) as part of its participation in the festivities of Los Días de los Muertos, or the Days of the Dead. I know, it doesn’t sound like something you might want to rush the little ones out to see but give them a chance to explain…

Los Días de los Muertos offers an annual opportunity for families to recollect and celebrate the memories of relatives and friends through weeks of special preparations. For this special reunion, family and friends prepare gravesites and altars (ofrendas) with colorful cloths, streamers, candles, flowers, photographs, richly decorated pan de muertos (bread of the dead), skull-shaped sugar-sweets, and paper mâché skeletons.

“This holiday is traditionally a private family remembrance with public aspects at a broader community level, and our Museum is proud to be the “community living room” for which individuals and families can come, observe, learn and participate in these rich traditions,” said Museum spokesperson Lynn Osmera.

This sounds cool to me all by itself but if you’re still unsure, you can rest easy knowing the Lied Museum is behind this (along with sponsorship by national chain Target). The Lied is a must-see attraction for any family visiting Las Vegas, filled with the kind of hands-on science, humanities, and arts exhibitions that will make kids lose their minds (in a good way).

The Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is located at 833 Las Vegas Boulevard North, and is open Tue.- Fri. from 9 am to 4 pm, Sat. 10 am to 5 pm and Sun. Noon – 5 pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for children ages 1 through 17, seniors and military families. Children under one are free. For more information call (702) 382-KIDS(5437) or visit the Museum website: www.ldcm.org.

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