PERSONAL SAFETY
And You Are...
Never open your door to anyone you aren't expecting, even if they identify themselves as hotel staff. It'll only take a second to call the front desk and verify that the guy standing outside your door really is just there to put a mint on your pillow.

Use the Valet
How many times have you driven to a hotel's self-parking area only to find it so full that you wind up having to park in the furthest corner of the upper-most floor? That can put you and your vehicle at risk, especially if you are planning to head back to your car late at night. Valet parking is free at most major hotels in Las Vegas so why not use it? If the valet at your hotel is full, consider trying one at a neighboring hotel. For instance, if you can't use the valet at The Mirage, go to Treasure Island and then take the tram between the two hotels.

If People are Lurking, Wait
When you are going to your hotel room, be sure to pay attention to other people in the hallway. If you see anyone who looks even remotely threatening - you know, like an 82-year-old woman with a walker - wait a few moments before you open the door to your room. You can pretend to be looking for your key or you can just stand there if you feel like it, but waiting until the hallway is clear will ensure that no one will try to come in the room with you.

Lock and Bolt Your Door
I know this sounds ridiculously simple but a lot of people use only the auto-lock feature on their door and don't bother with the extra security features while inside. Most Las Vegas hotel rooms have additional bolts, locks, or chains that can increase safety and while they are never foolproof, they do put an extra level of security between you and someone who wants to get inside.

Privacy Please
One little trick that I use all the time is to put up the "Do Not Disturb" sign on my door whenever I leave the room. This is the same effect as leaving the lights on when you leave the house, signaling to would be burglars that there is someone inside. If they have a choice between a door with a privacy sign on it and one without they will probably be more likely to choose the one without.

NIGHTCLUB SAFETY
Too many people seem to embrace the “anything goes” ethos of Las Vegas, especially at the city’s numerous nightclubs that seem to encourage such behavior. Although you should absolutely have a good time, try to keep a few basic safety tips in mind when you’re out partying. v For instance, don’t let someone you don’t know give you a drink. If they want to buy you one, make sure you get it directly from the bartender. Once you have that drink, don’t let it leave your hand even while you’re dancing. v It’s great to make friends but you should never leave the club with people you don’t know, especially if you are by yourself. If you want to continue the conversation or connection, go to a public place like a restaurant or a quieter bar.

All Las Vegas nightclubs have plenty of security guards and it’s their job to make sure you stay safe (and don’t cause trouble). If you are having a problem with another patron, don’t be afraid to tell the nearest bouncer.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Last, but not least, let’s address the issue of staying safe while you’re walking up and down The Strip. I can’t tell you how many stories I have read of pedestrians in crosswalks or on the sidewalks being injured or even killed by errant automobiles. While some of these have been tragic accidents that the pedestrians couldn’t have done anything to avoid, many of them result from people not abiding by walk/don’t walk signs or the flow of traffic.

I understand that walk/don’t walk signs don’t mean much in many major cities (hello New York) but in Vegas you should pay attention to them because the cab drivers and unfamiliar tourist drivers probably aren’t paying attention to you. Waiting that extra three minutes for the next legal walk sign isn’t going to kill you – but not waiting for it could.

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