For years people were telling me that I needed to see Las Vegas, so many people, that I started to believe that I was one of the last people on the planet who had never visited Las Vegas. Now I know this isn’t true, and there are many readers out there who have yet to make their first trip to Las Vegas. And now that I have been to the city of sin several times, I must say there are a lot of things I wish I knew before my first trip to Las Vegas!
There are things no one tells you before your first trip to Las Vegas – important stuff that could have saved some hassles, frustration, and money. Perhaps the old timers think it is a right of passage, that you must find out for yourself, the hard way. Well, NO MORE. I am here to give you all of the insider info for your first trip to Las Vegas, and save you some hardship.
For the record, my response used to be NO, I did not need to see Las Vegas. In fact, it was the one place I did NOT want to go. Not my cup of tea. Now, after reluctantly ending up in the city, through a series of mishaps, the first few times, I unequivocally say, Las Vegas can be anything you want. There are so many things to do that I wrote Everything You Can Do in Las Vegas, and 57 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas. In fact, what can’t you do in Vegas, is the question! It is also uniquely located so there is a plethora of exciting day trips from Las Vegas possible. But lets get on to this insider info for your first trip to Las Vegas. We want you to leave town looking forward to your return!
There is a lot of information here! If you can’t read everything, make sure you read the critical room info below. It could make or break your trip!
Before we go any further, I should let you know that my favorite place to stay in Las Vegas is the Venetian. There are loads of great hotels and resorts, and I have only stayed in a handful. But, I will probably never try another because I am so happy with every experience at the Venetian. I am certain you will be pleased with everything about your room and your service there.
Things I Wish I Knew Before my First Trip to Las Vegas…
First Trip to Vegas- When to Go
Las Vegas is hot!
The city sits in a desert valley, about 2,000 feet above sea level. Did I say it gets hot?? I mean plus 100 hot, all summer long. Yes, people say “it’s a dry heat.” Dry heat, wet heat, whatever. Over 100 degrees is sweltering. My first trip to Las Vegas was in late September and it was in the mid-90s.
Unless you are adept to this kind of heat, or plan to stay inside all through your visit, then visit when the temperature drops. Locals say October is a beautiful time to visit. I found November and March both quite comfortable. Temperatures are beautiful from October through March, and can offer a reprieve from freezing temperatures elsewhere.
Las Vegas is busy.
The city proper has about 650,000 residents, with more than 2 million living in the metropolitan area. On top of that, there were over 40 million visitors to the city last year. If you average that, it comes to over 3 million visitors a month. You could calculate that as 100,000 visitors a day. Wow! Walking along the strip, or down Fremont street, is crowded.
There is a lull in Las Vegas tourism from mid-November through Christmas. The reasons are probably obvious, since it is the holiday season. However, if you want to visit Las Vegas when the crowds are a bit smaller, this is the time to go! Plus, you get good prices, and decent weather.
Las Vegas may be the convention capital of the world.
Hundreds of groups, companies, and organizations hold conventions in Las Vegas. A handful of conventions or trade shows at any given time means full rooms, and higher prices. Check the Las Vegas Convention Schedule to make sure you will not be competing for a room, or getting a higher price.
The days make a difference.
If you are an experienced traveler you already know that the day of the week can make a big difference in room rates. More people travel on the weekends, and rates go up accordingly. Generally speaking, you get the best rates on stays from Sunday nights to Thursday nights. If you are getting away for the weekend, there is nothing you can do to avoid the higher prices. Otherwise, time your visit accordingly.
Critical Room Information for Las Vegas First Timers
Resort Fees
The MOST important thing to know, is that most resorts have a daily resort fee that is not cited in the quoted per night cost of the room reservation! This fee can range from a $9.99 to an over $45 fixed amount per night. This cost will not be quoted in a reservation price through a travel or booking website, and it is not negotiable.
This fee is pretty standard practice, although not every hotel in the city charges. It is crucial that Vegas first timers are aware of the fee, as it can make a HUGE difference in lodging cost, and the total trip budget. Boy, this is REALLY one of those things I wish I knew before my first trip to Las Vegas. Imagine me standing at the reception desk to check in, listening to my friend about have a heart attack when she learned that her room for 4 days would be $150 MORE than quoted when she reserved! I have witnessed this happen more than once!
For basic fee information, check the Resort Fee Guide. If in doubt, call the hotel and inquire. Then you can make the best decision, as to whether to continue the reservation, reduce the number of days, or choose a different lodging. Beyond the resort fee information, if you would like some advice on selecting a room on the strip, read this guide to choosing a Vegas room based on the reason for your trip.
Check in Time – Avoid the Lines.
The standard check in time in Las Vegas is 3:00 p.m. You do not want to arrive at that time, and you definitely do not want to arrive later in the evening. At check in time, you will be waiting in a line. In the early evening, some lines were amusement park length!
Save yourself a lot of standing around after your long flight. Arrive a couple of hours early, or arrange for a very late check in. If you opt for the early route, do not expect to get into your room at that time. Check in, and give a number to text when it is available. Check your bags, and find some entertainment until your room is available.
If you decide to go with a very late check in, the lines decrease starting around 9:00 p.m. and gradually taper off the later it gets. I know a few people who prefer to get in about midnight on the day of arrival, and go straight to bed after check in. On the plus side, they are fully rested and ready to go the next morning. On the down side, they still pay full price for the room for that night.
You can reserve a resort room or a hotel room, anything from the Bellagio to La Quinto or Hamption Inn, right now. Just keep that resort fee in mind when making your reservation!
Other Lodging Options are Available.
If you want to experience Las Vegas, but not the buzz of a casino stay, there are resorts that do not have on site casinos. They are less common, but they do exist. Some are located right on the strip. There are also regular chain hotels, with prices similar to those elsewhere in the country. Here are a few non-casino hotels to check out.
If you just want a pillow to lay your head on, while saving dollars for other fun, all of the other standard rooming choices exist in the Las Vegas area as well. There are hostels, bed and breakfasts, and standard motels and hotels. AirBNB has several choices available right in the city.
There are even camp grounds just outside of town. It might be a challenge to glam up for the strip out of a tent, but it is an option. If you are traveling in an RV, using the campground can result in a huge savings on lodging.
First Trip to Las Vegas- When You Get to Town
Splurge on the Limousines?
When you get into town and exit the baggage check at the airport, you will walk out to find various ways to get to your hotel. The choices include shuttles, taxis and limousine service. Generally, I am not a big proponent of unnecessary expense for appearances. However, in this case, the frivolous expense for fun and comfort was worth it.
This was the one point in Las Vegas where it appeared each mode of transport charged a flat fee, for going anywhere on the strip. I have read that there are shuttles at this location, for about $6 a trip, and a round trip can be purchased. I have NEVER seen this. What I have found on my first trip was a sign for shuttles stating $45, cabs $55, limousines $70. For real- the difference was $15. The only time I have used the cab is when I was getting reimbursed for business.
After being cooped up in an airplane for several hours, being able to lean back and stretch out, riding the strip in style, feels great! If you are traveling with a group, split the cost, and ride in comfort. And if you truly are a Las Vegas first timer, it is a fun way to present yourself to the city.
Walking the Strip
Walking the strip is one of the unique experiences of Las Vegas. There are sights that are beautiful, fascinating, and unexpected. There are replicas of monuments and wonders from all around the world, and shiny attractions wherever you look.
Keep in mind that the strip is over 3 miles long. On your first trip to Las Vegas, you are going to find many things that catch your attention, and call out for a closer look. Literally every resort has things that are intriguing. This is half the joy of the strip! You may not get very far very fast. It could take 3 or 4 days to completely walk the strip.
In most cities, by-passers would not enter the establishments. Las Vegas is not set up that way. The resorts are designed to encourage visitors to go in and out freely. It feels weird the first time you are walking along, see an interesting building, and walk in. Go ahead! The owners want you to do so!
Wear comfy shoes. The resorts are huge, and spaced out, even if it does not appear that way. Walking one block, and checking out all of the sights, can constitute thousands of steps.
Also, be aware that the strip is entirely different from day to night. It is beautiful in most sections, and crowded during the day, but this takes on an entirely different persona at night. The crowds get really thick, and the lights go on. The glam and glitz you expect in Las Vegas really comes out at night.
Be aware that there will be homeless people, there will be those asking for a cigarette or some change, and perhaps those asking could you buy their latest CD for cash. The frequency of this depends upon your location, but be prepared. If it is your first time to a large city, it can be shocking.
Getting Around Town
Walking is not really a viable option to get around town.
Even though you will be walking the strip, and you will walk a lot, for most people this is NOT how you will get around town.
However, if you are very fit, and looking to maintain that fitness in Vegas, you may want walking to be your main form transport. Our staff contributor Nancy Lamb fits this bill, and she shares how she does it in Can’t Stay Fit in Sin City?? Sure You Can!
Car Rental is always an option.
All of the major players are available. If you are planning to get off the strip, and out of downtown, more than once, this may be the way to go. If you are going to leave the city and get out into some of the amazing nearby attractions, and do not want to go via paid tour, you will need a car.
However, if you intend to drive the strip the traffic is dense, and pedestrian traffic is even denser. Not only will the going be slow, there is an inherent risk. Huge crowds cross the streets, some mindful of signs and rules, and others more distracted by lights, alcohol and conversations. Las Vegas has one of the highest pedestrian death rates due to being hit by vehicles, in the US. Consider other options for in town.
To rent a car in Nevada, you must be 21 years old. A valid driver’s license and credit card are required. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 will generally be assessed an extra charge. Surcharges and taxes will apply and may not be part of the originally quoted price.
The Las Vegas Monorail and Trams
The Vegas Monorail is a good option for moving up and down the strip, on the south side, and certain north side areas.
The south side monorail has 7 stations, starting at MGM Grand and ending at SLS. This covers a large portion of the strip. The trains are clean, and air conditioned.
The Monorail starts running at 7:00 in the morning, and runs through 2:00 or 3:00 most days, and trains run every 4 to 8 minutes.
The Mirage to Treasure Island tram runs between the two resorts every 15 minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m..
The Bellagio to City Center and Park MGM tram runs every 15 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m..
The Mandalay Bay to Luxor and Excalibur tram runs from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Tickets begin at $6 for a single ride, and $15 for a 24 hour pass. Passes can be purchased for up to 7 consecutive days, running at $62 for the full 7 days. Purchase can be made in advance online, for a mobile ticket with a discount, or at Ticket Vending Machines available at each of the 7 stations. For an unlimited ride pass, the time begins when the ticket is scanned for the first ride. Children under 5 ride free.
The Regional Transit Company.
The RTC buses in Las Vegas are the most economic means of getting around the city. There are two buses that most visitors are interested in, the Deuce and the Downtown Loop. The Deuce runs the strip in both directions from the South Outlet Mall to Fremont Street downtown every 10-15 minutes, from 7:00 to 1:00, a.m., and every 20 minutes during the wee hours. You can get to any strip location from the Deuce, including the Flamingo Habitat.
The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle service offered by the city that runs from the Stratosphere, through downtown and up to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlet Mall. It stops at nearly every downtown area attraction that you might be interested in, including my personal favorite, The Mob Museum. The Loop runs 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Use the Deuce to get to the Loop, and half of Las Vegas top attractions are within economical transport reach.
A cool thing is that RTC has residential routes, which are included with a pass for the Deuce. If your cousin’s son has a high school basketball game in town, it may take a few minutes research to find your route and transfer points, but you can get there with your RTC pass.
Passes run at $6 for a 2 hour pass, and $8 for a 24 hour pass. Since the buses run 24 hours a day, this is a huge money saver on your first trip to Las Vegas! You can also get a 3 day pass for $20. Children under 5 ride free when accompanied by an adult, and there are reduced rates for veterans and students. Believe my when I tell you that I wish I had known this before my first trip to Las Vegas, and saved the $45 I spent on the dang hop on hop off bus!
Passes can be purchased upon boarding for exact change, or at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at many downtown and strip stops, or at the Transit Centers and Transfer Centers. You will see the TVMs at various locations as you walk the strip. You can also download the rideRTC app, and handle all your purchases and pass there.
Remember this is public transportation. At times, and in certain places, buses will get crowded, or jovial. Consider it part of the overall Vegas experience, and take it in stride. The drivers and crew maintain pretty good control of their vehicles and riders. Some appear to really enjoy their jobs, taking time to announce interesting facts along the routes.
Taxis, Uber and Lyft
Of course the other standard means of transport in and around the city are available in Las Vegas as well, including taxis, Uber, and Lyft. Obviously these modes will cost more, but you can have them where you want them, when you want them there. Sometimes that may be more important.
You will find taxis available at the exit of every resort. A nice thing about Las Vegas taxi services is that the charge is only for the drive. There is no per person cost, or increased rate for additional riders, so it is most cost effective when there are 3 or more riders. A cab can carry a maximum of 5 people, with no more than 2 people in the front seat. Be aware that there is a time lapse factor that accounts for traffic though, so if you are stuck at a light, the meter may still occasionally creep up, at a slower rate than when moving.
Uber and Lyft are readily available, and they are prompt and fairly economical. However, they do operate a bit differently than in a smaller city. Each resort or attraction has a designated pick up point, so they will not just meet you on the street as in m any other places. You’ll have to walk to a specific location to wait for the pickup. Many resorts have signs indicating their pick up point. The main area office contact information for both can be found at these links. Las Vegas Uber Las Vegas Lyft
Check with your resort concierge for options as well. Several resorts provide free tram service to sister casinos, and others provide shuttle service to the Monorail.
When Not to Splurge
Hop-On Hop-Off?
I cannot recommend the hop-on hop-off bus in Las Vegas. I am normally a big advocate of them as a means to get to the key stops for a good price, learn about the locations, and have a bit of time to hop off at each. This is not the case in Vegas. Our experience was miserable to be mild. While the tour does go to many locations, it does not run for enough hours in the day to allow for more than a couple hop offs.
If you decide to ride, choose your hop offs carefully, and make sure to verify hop on locations, and frequency. In my opinion though, the only way you could possibly get your money’s worth is to get the full 3 day pass, ride all 3 days, and utilize all of the corresponding discounts.
When compared, the RTC busses were far more convenient, economical, and reliable. As I have said a dozen times, I definitely wish I had known this before my first trip to Las Vegas!!!
If You Are Going to Gamble
Many people come to gamble, even on their first trip to Vegas. It can be a LOT of fun, and many people dream of being a BIG winner. Just remember: “The house always wins.”
Think of it this way: all of the luxury that surrounds you in Las Vegas, was paid for by the money visitors lost gambling. I am not saying you shouldn’t do it. Just remember it is a form of entertainment, not income.
If you are an inexperienced gambler, and you really want to try it out on your first trip to Vegas, read Your First Vegas Gaming Experience.
Drinks, including cocktails, are free
If you are just planning to drop in a $10, and make a few spins, you should be aware that if a waitress comes by asking if you would like a drink, they are free while you are on the machine. This includes bottled water, pop, and alcoholic beverages. If you leave your machine and go to the bar, you will be charged full price. Flag the server down if necessary. The cocktail server is covering a lot of area, so your tips will encourage more visits to where you are playing.
Food and Drink
Las Vegas can be an amazing place to eat, and experience all kinds of different foods. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of restaurants, featuring foods of numerous different regions and ethnicities. You can find anything from fast food and chain restaurants, to extravagant buffets and celebrity chef restaurants. The temptation to eat, and eat a lot, is everywhere.
The Infamous Vegas Buffet
The city is known for its array of incredible buffets. For many visitors on their first trip to Las Vegas, the buffet experience is something they anticipate highly. Not every resort features a buffet, but many do. Some afford a plethora of stations and performances as part of the eating experience. Others offer a number of options cooked to order. And some, are similar to the run of the mill buffet you can get in your own home town.
Buffets are not cheap! On the strip you can expect to pay an average of $30 to $40 for a buffet meal. There are a few at lower prices, and a few that are priced as much as $75. Make sure you are HUNGRY when you show up. You can get a bit of a better price at the downtown buffets, and some of them are high quality.
Be aware that many buffets permanently closed during the height of Covid, and they have all been slow to reopen. Many only serve certain meals each day, while others are only open on particular days of the week. Be sure to check before walking in.
Eating is not cheap!
Las Vegas is also known for its gourmet and upscale restaurants. Zagat rated the cities restaurants and ranked 9 of them to be in the top 100 gourmet restaurants in the US. In addition, there are a number of celebrity, and celebrity chef restaurants in town. These all come with a price. You can expect to pay near $100 per person at some. However, many people look forward to treating themselves to that one special meal on their first trip to Las Vegas. If that includes you, reservations will be needed. Plan ahead, and plan it into your budget.
If you are going to find your food on the fly, generally speaking, Italian restaurants had the best prices of full sit down specialty meals, ranging from about $25 to $35 per dinner. Pubs and chain restaurants are a cheaper option as well, but honestly, your options there are going to be the same as your options at home.
Saving money- Find the coupons
There are also numerous coupon books and discounts available from various sources. You can get a start by checking the city website for offers.
If you purchase tickets for an event or tour, sometimes you will be given a coupon book as part of your purchase. Be sure to check them out. We received free appetizers, and a 25% off coupon with the purchase of our Grayline Tour. We also received free drinks and a 25% off coupon with our Mob Museum tickets. Also, check Groupon before your visit. There are always deals available.
Check the in-house restaurants if you do stay at a resort. Sometimes a discount is included in the resort fee. Also, if you do join a rewards program, be sure and find out if any meal offers are included. During a Tuesday through Saturday visit, I once ate 3 free buffets, because of the points accumulated on my cards
Ask for “Off Menu Specials.”
You should always ask your server about off menu specials in Vegas. Sometimes these will be a special course or recipe the chef prepared. Other times, they are especially good deals. We used to know of several that were phenomenal such as steak for under $10, but it is unclear which of them are still available, in the trailing days of Covid. But it won’t hurt, and you could win big, so where ever you eat in Las Vegas, ask your server about the secret menu!
Get your club timing right
If you are planning on hitting the clubs, keep in mind this is a night time activity in Las Vegas, and NOT an evening activity. You definitely do not want to show up before 10:00 p.m. or you will likely end up broke and tipsy before a crowd even comes in. Truthfully, 11:00 to 11:30 is probably the right time in most places. You can get in before the line is huge, and not wait around for hours for the excitement.
On the other hand, if you are a night owl, keep in mind that food options are very limited after midnight. Yes, Las Vegas is definitely a 24 hour city, but chefs go home and go to bed. If you are looking for a bite to eat at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning, you may be limited to burgers or pancakes.
Souvenirs
Hundreds of Souvenir Shops
You may be compelled to stop at a souvenir shop to get your Las Vegas logo items for friends and family back home. These shops are the low-cost stores where you get shot glasses, tee shirts, ashtrays, key-chains, and other logo items, to show everyone that you really made your first trip to Vegas. And, even better, that you thought of them during your visit. I do it too.
There are many of these souvenir stores all over town, and I promise you, 85% of the available items, if not more, are the same in every store. You do not need to visit all of them. Souvenir shop one time, and get what you need for everyone on your list. There are too many exciting things to do in Las Vegas to waste time in a souvenir shops!
Odd and Surprising Sights..
Public smoking is legal in Nevada. If you are a non-smoker, or someone from a non-smoking state, this may seem weird. There will be smokers around, and they may be on the machine right next to you.
Public drinking is actually not legal outdoors on the strip, or downtown. However, the laws against it are seldom enforced, and you will see lots of people carrying their drinks with them as they go along. Generally speaking law enforcement does not intercede unless someone is clearly intoxicated and behaving obnoxiously.
Marijuana can be legally purchased in Las Vegas now, but it cannot legally be smoked anywhere on the strip. Smoking it is only legal in private residences.
Prostitution is NOT legal in Las Vegas. State law prohibits it in counties of certain population densities. If you are hoping to find a brothel, you will have to drive a ways out of the city.
There are many homeless citizens in Las Vegas. If you are from a smaller city or town, they may be a bit shocking. Some areas, you will not be so surprised, but in other locations it will strike a strange chord. It is an odd juxtaposition between the luxury resorts, and the homeless person on the strip in front.
There will be many buskers, or street performers on both the strip and in the downtown area. The variety of what you will see is endless, from the barely dressed, to the costumed characters, to the magicians, and musicians. You are not required to tip. However, if you do stop for a picture with someone, or to enjoy the entertainment, remember that they are generally doing this to pay their bills.
Dress codes include any and everything in Las Vegas. Don’t be surprised by anything you come across or see. At some point you will probably see more skin than you would have liked to see. It happens.
Locals like to name drop, and dollar drop. If you get involved in a long conversation, you will probably hear about several celebrities who did this or that somewhere nearby, and most assuredly you will learn the cost of several exclusive casinos. Or you may gain an understanding of “how much better things were” when the mob ran the show. It becomes part of the local charm.
How to Get Out of Town
At some point you are going to need to get back to the airport from your hotel. The airport shuttle from your hotel is the most wallet friendly, starting around $10 per person from most resorts. However, at many resorts the shuttle MUST be arranged 24 hours in advance through your concierge, or bell hop. If the advance arrangements are not made, you will have no alternative but to take a more expensive means.
If you forget to make your arrangements, there are taxis in line at the departure area of every major hotel and resort, almost 24 hours a day. They will cost significantly more. The one insider tip to cut this price in half is to tell the driver that you wish to go via Paradise Road, and not via the strip. Cab drivers recognize Las Vegas first timers immediately, and they will automatically drive you the long way to the airport, down the strip. (If they aren’t quite sure they may even ask you, “first time in town?) This back route will cut $10 to $15 off of your taxi fare if you are coming from the center of the strip, or downtown.
Keep that $15, and start saving for your next trip. You will want to come back!
Go Ahead, Plan that First Trip to Vegas
I think that is everything I wish I had known before my first trip to Las Vegas. It is all the things that no one tells you about your first trip to Las Vegas. These things would have saved me some money and some embarrassment, and allowed me to have a lot more fun. I hope that having this information, you can walk into the city looking like an experienced cosmopolitan, rather than a Las Vegas first timer!
Pick a date, schedule a flight, and make a room reservation. You can reserve your room right now!
Don’t forget, I recommend the Venetian Resort!
When you start lining up your days, be sure to check out Everything You Would Ever Want to Do in Las Vegas, to find awesome activities for everyone in your group, Your First Vegas Gameng Experience for in the know tips, Free Things to Do in Las Vegas, in case you lose a bit more than expected, and our All the Day Trips from Las Vegas You’ll Ever Need, for when you need to get away from the crowd. You will probably be surprised at the multitude of options!
Some of our other favorites..
11 thoughts on “What I Wish I’d Known Before My First Trip to Las Vegas!”
The optimal combination of a convenient location in the center of the Strip and an affordable price are the main advantages of “Flamingo” + green area with a tropical palm garden, which is inhabited by live flamingos, black swans, exotic fish, ducks, turtles and you with a large and comfortable pool make this the hotel is especially comfortable in the summer hell of Nevada – well, just a garden of paradise!) … Excellent choice in Buffete (buffet) for breakfast and lunch at a reasonable price ($ 21 per person), unfortunately there is no dinner at the hotel. Spa-zone is a free fitness room and sauna with 3 jacuzzis of different temperatures) for $ 10.
If you mix the RTC and use the Free Tram System on the West side of The Strip you can see all of the casinos and hotels pretty reasonably and at your own pace.
We have done many of the buffets as well and I agree they are price reflective.
As you can tell, I love the Deuce! I actually have not used the trams, just based on where we have stayed. Definitely though, if you are not a gambler, as you know, you really do not have to spend a ton in Vegas to have a great time. During our March visit, we tried the Harrahs buffet. I would have liked a bit more atmosphere, but the food was good, and the price reasonable.
I have been to Vegas a few times and had never taken the hop on bus. Thank goodness that I hadn’t, now that I’ve had the experience. Never again! I’m just saying.
nope, sorry, you mentioned the issues with the hop on hop off service and now you got me curious, so out with it. also, the infamous all -you-can -eat buffets with the $50 range price, do they really go all out with the finest techniques for preparing the grub or do they try to fudge it ? that prime rib in the picture does look perfect. never been to LV but I suppose you got to do it for posterity ?
There were several issues, BUT, the the main concern for most people would be math. A single day runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $47 right now, with 19 stops, leaving exactly enough time for 30 mins at each stop. One of the stops would have to include a hasty lunch. The RTC bus goes by all of those same stops, for $8 for 24 hours, meaning a stay at any one stop could be as long as desired. Obviously all of the info is not given on the RTC by every driver, so if that is worth the additional $39, great! I don’t know if you did any of these types of tours in Europe, but those I did ran 12 to 15 Euro, 10 hours, with a diverse route that could not be replicated on public trans without multiple transfers. I loved them. As for the buffets, there is a big diversity, but for the most part, it was pretty price reflective. The more expensive have a rather artistic presentation, and some extraordinary food. Those in the teens and twenties, seem similar to what you would get an any buffet.