We're getting down to the wire... and I'm beginning to worry!

We're AMVIV virgins... What to bring? Anything special needed?

We've done MOTD multiple times, and lots of local weekenders... but didnt know if there was anything specific to bring!

Thanks!

 

Sunblock, camera, folding chairs, a sense of adventure, and money!

_Dave_

 

My recommendation is stuff that is not every other vendor has. If you have stuff that people can only get from you (BPV springs to mind), or that shipping can be expensive on, or that looks really cool on a table, bring that.

 

From what I know, cash, beer, and NO underwear

 

I definitely think cash is the numero uno thing to bring. With all the vendors there and all the cool products they have, it's going to be real hard not to want to buy something from everyone of them (although my wife would probably divorce me, leave me in the middle of death valley and tell God that I died if I bought something from every vendor) .


Other than cash, I think some of the staples have been mentioned, but I'll also throw in that for those who might be a little light on top (aka, losing their hair or showing some bright spots), a hat/cap might be a good thing as well.

 

Camera a good thing too?

 

Video camera that is.

 

Um, Restraint?

Okay a bit more serious: This will only be my 2nd AMVIV, but I suggest that non-west coasters (and ginger-kids*) will want plenty o' sunscreen (as mentioned) and layered-style clothing (after all, it's the desert! hot in the day, cold in the night!). A Camera is a must!; And money! (Gas in expensive out here in comparison to other parts of the country.); ID and all that "just-in-case" what-not; A notepad to write down the names/emails of all the cool people you will meet; A cellphone; a 1/2 empty bag/suitcase to fill up with MINI-vendor swaggy goodness!

Once you get into LV you'll have about 300+ friends to help you out in a bind, but all long-trip preparations should apply. Oh yeah- and if you're into gambling at all, "more money".

*(aw c'mon- i said "a bit"!)

 

Plenty of cash MONEY, credit cards, and debit cards!!! Extra memory for your digicam. Plan to dress in layers, as was mentioned above. (If you go up to Mt. Charles, it may be snowing.) Try to avoid motoring down The Strip...take side and back streets as much as possible. It will take FOREVER to drive down that dang Strip...no kidding.

There's an In-N-Out very close to the hotel!

 

The Palace Station has places to eat and the food is pretty good. There is a seafood bar on the casino floor that has some really good lobster bisque.

As I remember the hotel has a coin operated laundry or they will pickup and deliver.

There are super markets within walking (hiking) distance that have almost anything you will need.

In las Vegas there are plenty of places to eat, ranging from a $2.99 dinner to a $299 dinner.

There are shuttles that will take you to the strip so you can leave your MINI/Mini parked. It's a cheap & fast way to get down to all the "action".

 

AMVIV is sort of the opposite of the Dragon as far as "environment". You're in the city. Anything you need is nearby. Clo is right about dressing in layers. I also suggest folding chairs for chillin' at the Boot & Bonnet Show, and BYOB so you have it handy and don't need to get up out of your comfy chair and pay too much everytime you want something to drink (be it beer, soda, water, or all of the above). It can also get windy, so a hat & light jacket might come in handy.

 

Someone has been paying attention!

 

That's a little tough to do given that I barely have any to begin with..

 

Anybody bring GMRS or FRS radios?

 

yes bring a radio we should be tuned (if I rememer right) to channel 7.21

 

Thanks for the tips about the vendors- I'll be sure to watch out for myself

Sorry- I didn't mean for that to sound sarcastic, but it does.

I can't wait!

 

Someone mentioned that gas prices are somewhat high in Vegas. What I do remember about the gas stations in Vegas is that they don't seem to like credit cards. In the past when I have been in Vegas and gotten a rental car, if you wanted to fill the rental car up with gas before returning it or if you just needed more gas, the stations charge an extra premium for using a credit card. And a couple that I have stopped at wouldn't even take a credit card. Not sure if this is the case anymore, but if so, then just be prepared.

 

Many of the Rebel stations don't take credit cards, and some Arco stations charge a 35c surcharge for using a card. Those are the only instances I know of where credit cards are a problem. The ones that charge the surcharge can be spotted by the fact that they don't do a normal "pay-at-the-pump" dealie, instead they have a central card reader where you go to the middle of the island, put in the pump number and your payment method, go back to your car and fill up, then go back again for a reciept and any change. I avoid that type of station.

 

One other thing about this. Make sure to get cash out of your bank or a bank ATM not the Casino ATM they will charge $3-$5 a transaction.

 

$5? I wish! The fees are posted on the ATMs in the casinos, but many of them are charging $8 or more. If you MUST use one, get all the cash you need in 1 go to minimise these charges.
Within a a mile and a half west of Palace Station on Sahara, from Streets and Trips 2006 you can find these financial institutions:
Bank of America
US Bank
Nevada Federal CU
Bankwest
Nevada First Bank
First security Bank of Nevada
Bank of the West
Community One Federal CU
First Entertainment CU
Wells Fargo
Nevada State Bank
Washington Mutual


If none of these does it for you, go off Sahara and you can quite possibly find your bank. Remember that you can use your credit card for many things and save your cash for when you really need it (gambling, mods).

 

Yeah, I kept thinking you can probably avoid the mod splurge... except when it comes to clothes, perhaps. There were some very cute things last year!

 

Do we get twin MINI pajama models this year?

Bring your cash from home. Put your underwear in its place.

 

It might be too hot to walk around like this in the morning...

 

To quote Paris Hilton, "That's hot."

 

Weather's been beautiful all weekend so far - jeans and t-shirts perfect for almost every occasion here.

Light jacket, long sleeves or sweatshirt for the casinos - the hotter outside the more they crank up the A/C...

Don't forget sunglasses! (Plenty here, but why not save your $$ for MINI stuff/gambling?)

Plenty of skin lotion - weather just dries out your skin...

And if you are walking anywhere - COMFY shoes!!

Hope that helps.