I’ve been lucky enough to visit Las Vegas six times, and on two occasions I travelled solo.

I had travelled alone on a beach holiday before, but never taken on a 9–10 hour flight to Las Vegas by myself. I didn’t take the responsibility lightly. I spent countless hours thinking about what a week alone in somewhere so iconic would feel like, and whether I’d feel lonely or out of place.

Once you actually book the trip, there’s no turning back. The nervous energy kicks in — mixed with excitement. Telling people you’re going to Vegas is one thing, but when you add that you’re going alone, the reactions are priceless. Open-mouthed stares are common, followed by: “Fair play to you!”

Hotel choice in Las Vegas is everything, and even more so when travelling alone. You want to be somewhere central, where you can walk easily rather than constantly figuring out transport.

For me, a mid-Strip hotel is essential. I’ve stayed at Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino – A Caesars Rewards Destination and Bally’s Horseshoe Las Vegas Center Strip Hotel & Casino – A Caesars Rewards Destination — both perfect locations right in the heart of the action, with most places walkable.

I’ve done this twice… and it worked both times.
On one occasion, I opened my curtains in the morning to a floor-to-ceiling view of the Bellagio fountains. Bellagio Resort & Casino | Luxury Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Worth every dollar.

Safety is always something to consider when travelling to another country — especially somewhere like Las Vegas, and especially alone.

Across all my visits, I’ve never had any issues and have never felt unsafe. I stick to simple rules:

These days, unwanted risks aren’t worth taking. Las Vegas never sleeps, but I don’t want to be walking alone in the early hours outside a hotel or off-Strip.

This is a huge factor for me when choosing a hotel. I always travel between May and August — I love the heat, and when travelling solo, pool time fills a big part of the day without ever feeling lonely.

I research everything:

People-watching in Vegas is next-level. The smoking by the pool, waiter service for food and drinks, loud Americans, and visitors from all over the world — it’s endlessly entertaining.

Take a book and take your phone. I never had any issues leaving my phone by the pool when swimming (though I always kept an eye on it). I did lose my wallet once — my fault — and thankfully a group of guys handed it in.

Reading a book helps you blend in, and scrolling on your phone is useful too: Googling evening plans, finding places to eat, taking poolside photos, or chatting to jealous people back home. It all helps you feel connected.

Las Vegas isn’t cheap — and at the time of writing, it’s far more expensive than it used to be.

For a mid-Strip hotel in summer, expect to pay £850–£1,300, and much more for higher-end properties. That’s before airport parking, fuel, ESTA fees, and possibly a pre-flight hotel stay. All of that — room only — and you won’t even get a free coffee in the morning.

I’m not ashamed of these — Vegas is expensive:

There is never a shortage of things to do in Vegas — only budget limits.

I’ve seen Enrique Iglesias, Shania Twain, Toni Braxton, The Cranberries, and a range of shows. Sometimes the excitement of booking outweighs the fact you’re going alone. You just remind yourself: I’m in Vegas, watching a live show — who cares?

I love poker and slot machines.

Poker is ideal when travelling solo. Most people turn up alone, so you never feel out of place. You can join tournaments or cash games at any time of day or night, sit with up to nine other players, and interact as much or as little as you like.

It’s great for people-watching, and you’ll often meet players from all over the world. The first time I ever went, someone at my table lived 30 miles from me in Wales — unbelievable.

Best part? Free drinks.
Tip at least $1 per drink, and the busier the room, the more often they come around.

Slots aren’t quite as good, but you can still get free drinks depending on the casino. The trick is to play slowly and make the most of it.