If you're booking your first Las Vegas vacation, the following tips will save you time, money and frustration.

Vacation Tip #1: Book Your Vegas Package Early

Try to make your reservations and ticket purchases at least 21 days before your trip. Some fares require an advance purchase of 3, 7, 14, or 21 days, while others may require no advance purchase at all.

Also, many Las Vegas hotels give you a discount incentive for booking your vacation early. As more people book the hotel rooms, there are less spots available and prices can rise.

Vacation Tip #2: Bring High Quality Running Shoes

If you're going to be exploring the gorgeous hotels and various attractions on the Las Vegas strip - make sure you take high quality, well-fitting running shoes. Most of the surfaces you'll be walking on are either concrete or stone.

While it's lovely to stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Venetian or the Paris hotels - if you're in shoes that don't give you adequate cushioning you'll be in pain by the end of the day. And after 3 days, forget about it.

Vacation Tip #3: If It's Your First Time In Vegas Try To Stay On Or Near The Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas strip is the best place to be - especially if it's your first time in Las Vegas. Enjoy the fountains of the Bellagio, see the lion habitat at the MGM Grande, watch the pirate show at the Treasure Island, view the white tigers at the Mirage.

When you're on the Las Vegas strip most of the attractions and hotels are within walking distance so you don't need to rent a car. Staying at one of the hotels on the strip will ensure you see most of the main attractions in Vegas.

Some hotels on the Las Vegas strip are the Bellagio, MGM Grande, Mirage, Ceasar's Palace, Aladdin, Circus Circus, Treasure Island, Imperial Palace, Flamingo, New York New York, Bally's and the Paris Hotel.

Vacation Tip #4: Bring Your Appetite & Forego Your Diet

Las Vegas offers some of the BEST buffets and restaurants in the world. Two of the most popular buffets in Las Vegas are the Buffet at the Bellagio and the Spice Market Buffet at the Aladdin. They are a must try!

The buffets offer a huge selection (so everyone in the family is happy)at mid-priced rates (depending on where you go). The food quality is extremely high so forego your diet and enjoy! After all, you're on vacation.

Vacation Tip #5: You Don't Have To Spend A Bundle On Entertainment

While some of the shows in Las Vegas can be expensive, there are lots of things to do (especially with your family) that are low cost or absolutely free. Some freebies include:

Lion habitat at the MGM Grande

White tigers at the Mirage

Fountain display in front of the Bellagio

M&M's Store near New York, New York hotel (free M&M's movie)

Pirate Show at Treasure Island

Rain Storm at the Dessert Passage next to the Aladdin

Circus Acts at Circus Circus

Human Statues at the Venetian

Various specialty displays and gardens inside different hotels - depending on the time of year

And they're always adding more!

So those are 5 general tips for Vegas first-time vacationers. The can save you time, money and frustration (and hopefully sore feet). There's no other place like Las Vegas - it's like a giant playground for adults and kids. Regardless of what you choose to do, you'll never forget your first time in Vegas!