Now, having said that, back to your question of "Is the seafood buffet at the Rio really good?" The answer: Yes. Yes, it is. It's very, very good. For serious seafood lovers it's absolutely worth the cost (currently up around $40) and the effort of taking a taxi from the Strip to the Rio. (You can use our Taxi Fare Estimator to get an idea of how much that cab ride will cost.)

The Village Seafood Buffet is a real point of pride, and a major drawing attraction, for the Rio. The spread is huge, as is the variety. They do have plenty of non-seafood sides -- and a really great dessert section -- but the whole experience is really all about seafood. A person who doesn't care much for crab or shrimp or fish would probably do best to dine elsewhere.

A couple of notes about the buffet: Lobster is usually served only at dinner, so visit in the evening if you want to enjoy that dish. Also, the line often gets pretty long (although it moves reasonably quickly), so don't expect to get in and out in a short time.

Buffets

The Wynn and the Bellagio have maybe the highest quality in town. Not surprisingly they're also on the expensive end. Figure around $20 for breakfast and lunch and somewhere in the neighborhood of $35 for dinner. The food they serve is consistently excellent.

Paris, the Mirage, Treasure Island and Planet Hollywood also have very good buffets -- some people claim the Planet Hollywood Spice Market buffet is every bit as good as the ones at the Wynn and Bellagio -- and they're usually $5-$10 less expensive.

If you find yourself off the Strip and in the Downtown area, Main Street Station is far and away the best choice. Its prices are similar to Paris and Planet Hollywood.

If you're a fan of seafood and don't mind making a trip off the Strip, the Rio is worth a visit. It's not cheap, costing up close to $40, but they put out a truly great spread. Plan on the dinner buffet if you want to make sure lobster tail is available.

Bally's Sunday brunch is pretty damned amazing, but the price is up above the $80 mark. If you want to splurge on a great brunch, though, it's money well spent. The Gospel Brunch at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues is also a nice spot for a Sunday meal. They load up the joint with mostly Southern-style fare and have a gospel choir for background music, for about a $50 price. It's best to make reservations to either of those in advance.

High-end restaurants

Toss the names of Restaurant Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace), Picasso (Bellagio) and Aureole (Mandalay Bay) into a hat and pick one at random. You're guaranteed a winner. They are all home to world-class dining... with exactly the sort of prices you would guess. Wine aficionados will particularly like Aureole and their 40-foot skyscraper of vino, where "wine angels" ascend on bungees to fetch the right bottles.

Top of the World, atop the Stratosphere, is also a great place for a memorable meal, but I like it more for the atmosphere than for the food. That's not to say the dining isn't great, but the tremendous revolving view of the Strip from there steals the show.

Steak

SW Steakhouse (the Wynn) tops my own list, but Prime Steakhouse (Bellagio), Stripsteak (Mandalay Bay), Carnevino and Cut (both at the Palazzo), and Emeril Lagasse's Delmonico (the Venetian) are definitely equals. All these places are a bit on the expensive side.

Inside Bills Gamblin' Hall, a small, older casino next to the Flamingo, there is a great old-school steakhouse called, appropriately, the Steakhouse at Bills. Prices are usually a little less expensive than those listed above, but the quality of the steak is very close and the decor is one that Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack would have been comfortable with. Fans of classic Vegas should make a point to visit at least once.

A little less costly is the Samba Brazilian Steakhouse inside the Mirage. It's a different kind of dining experience, with waiters strolling around to slice as much as you care to eat of many different kinds of meats. One of the best bargains around is the prime rib dinner at a small hotel/casino called Ellis Island just slightly off the Strip (but within fairly easy walking distance of the MGM Grand). That usually around $10, and it's not just good for the price, it's just flat-out good.

Others

I'm a big fan of Canter's Deli inside Treasure Island. The sandwiches they make are HUGE (two people can easily split one and both get full) and New York-style delicious. The $1.99 shrimp cocktail from the Golden Gate snack bar is better than comparable dishes for which I've paid 10 times as much.

Away from the Strip is an Italian place called Casa di Amore I'm very fond of. The food is usually very good (every so often I've heard of folks being less than impressed, though) but it's the old-school Vegas atmosphere that is the best. Call ahead to make reservations, instead of using their website (casadiamore.com), and they'll provide a limo shuttle to and from the joint.

And if you happen to be out and find yourself near an In-and-Out Burger, stop and have one. Order it "Animal Style" and you'll dream about it for years.

Keep your eyes on the FirstTimeLasVegas Bargains page for any special deals and/or uprgrades for buffets and restaurants.

With that disclaimer, there are a few things you can do minimize what you spend. Start by bunking four to a room. You may be tempted to save money by staying Downtown instead of on the Strip, but, while Downtown is a great place, it's not the first choice for a bunch of college girls celebrating their 21st -- any hotel savings would quickly be offset by cab fare back and forth to the clubs of the Strip. Instead, look for good rates on a mid-tier hotel with a good location in the middle of the Strip. Ballys, Harrahs, the Flamingo and Planet Hollywood would all be good choices. None of these are the crown jewels of the Strip, but they're less pricey and would put you in easy walking distance of the hot nightspots. Keep an eye on FTLV's page of bargains and discounts for any special rates that may come available.

Other than gambling (a topic to be considered by itself), your big expenses are probably going to come in the clubs. Be warned: They're not cheap. The hot nightclubs change just as quickly as showgirl costumes, so it's harder to gauge so far ahead of time what the happening place will be at the end of the year. Right now some of the most popular are Tao (in the Venetian), Lavo (the Palazzo), Tryst, Blush (both in the Wynn), XS (the Encore) and Pure (Caesars Palace). Drai's After Hours (Bills Gambling Hall) and the nightclubs at the Hard Rock Casino never seem to go out of vogue. Do be aware that cover charges almost always apply and can approach the $50 mark in some cases.

Girls have one big advantage, though: We're cute... and some of us know how to flirt. Use this gift, girl. Flirt. Flirt, flirt, flirt. You never know what may come of it.

I attended a dear friend's Las Vegas bachelorette party not long ago, and on our first night out, one of the more outgoing members of our party chatted up a limo driver waiting on his client (these guys do a lot of waiting -- take advantage). Before long we were on the guest list for a private party at one of the Hard Rock's clubs.

Not only that, but we were given a free ride back to our hotel. Since we didn't have to pay a fee or tip, another friend decided the least she could do was to treat the driver to a PG-13 pole dance inside the limo. Yes, there was a stripper pole inside the stretch Hummer limo.

Shopping can also be a big expense. If that's your idea of a good time, take advantage of the outlet stores in town. One of our articles, "Shopping on the cheap," has details.

You mentioned hanging out by the pool. I hate to tell you, but not even Las Vegas is warm enough in winter for poolside lounging. You would need to plan your trip for one of the other three seasons to have a shot at that.

Canter's Deli inside Treasure Island is a step up from fast food, both in quality and price, and is a great option to keep in mind. Their sandwiches are fantastic and HUGE. So big you'll probably need to split one with a friend.

Note: If you are a fan of burgers and spot an In-N-Out, eat there. They have some of the best I've ever eaten.

The second option for "cheap meals" is one with better food quality and more more expensive than a stop at McDonald's -- but with a price still lower than a nice restaurant. For this, the best thing is usually a buffet at a mid- to upper-mid-level casino. Ballys is a good choice, as are Harrahs, Treasure Island, the Flamingo, Luxor, places of that level.

With that out of the way, here come the fair warnings: there are reasons Las Vegas is known as THE adult playground. Back in the early-90s Las Vegas businesses tried to change their image and attract families to Sin City... and learned quickly what a bad idea it was. With negative feedback pouring in and tourist dollars tailing off, Chamber of Commerce types were reminded that grown-ups go to Las Vegas to get away from the kiddos, not to visit Disneyland with a roulette wheel. Ever since that misguided experiment, Vegas hotels and casinos have been trying to rectify the ill-conceived "family friendly" image.

Knowing that, try and be extra considerate of your fellow Vegas visitors, many of whom would prefer the hotels to be strictly 21-and-up (count us at FirstTimeLasVegas.com as part of that crowd... unofficially, of course). Because the hotel staff know this, they're not going to cut even a happy just-married family much slack. Try and bring the young 'uns into even the most casual of lounges and you will definitely be turned away. It's also best to avoid very high-end restaurants, as the reception to children there is likely to be chilly at best.

To continue with the list of Dont's: Children are allowed in casinos areas only in passing. They're not allowed to linger (which is just as well, because they'd learn bad blackjack habits watching me). This means when you want to gamble, you will, without exception, have to leave the kids in the hotel room or somewhere else under supervision.

One of the few exceptions that does cater to families is Circus Circus. In fact, practically screams "family friendly." If you're still deciding on where to stay, this hotel is worth serious consideration.

I realize just about everything I've told you sounds less that optimistic, but don't despair. If you're willing to be a little flexible in your Vegas plans, your trip can turn out to be one great memory. One place where the whole family can be entertained is at Excalibur's "Tournament of Kings" dinner. With knights, horses, jousting and dinner eaten with your hands -- plus a drink or two for everyone with more than a couple of decades of living under their belts -- it's a spectacle worth attending. Food and drinks keep the grown-ups happy while youngsters are rapt with the show. (If your 7-year-old is a boy this could very well be the highlight of his whole trip.) Dinner shows are at 6pm and 8:30pm.

Another option, one not so child-centric but still friendly to other visiting adults, would be to take advantage of the complimentary limo service provided by the excellent Italian restaurant Casa di Amore. Slip the driver a little extra when leaving the restaurant and ask to see a nice view of the Strip's famous lights. There's no guarantee the driver will take the long way home, but most don't mind. Note that you'll have to call the restaurant to set an appointment for your limousine. Online reservations don't handle that part of the experience.

A few more attractions that are welcoming of all ages: the fountain show outside the Bellagio. It's far more impressive than words can describe and especially spectacular at night. Mandalay Bay offers a stroll around and through giant aquariums. This is one of the many free or cheap things to do in Las Vegas that are suitable for everyone.

If you're looking for some adult-only time and no one is volunteering to stay with the children, some hotels will provide guests with phone numbers for outside babysitting services that will come directly to your hotel room. Ask the hotel concierge for details. The only near-the-Strip hotel that offers on-site childcare is the Palms. This isn't free, of course, and I would strong recommend against taking the whole family to the Palms. It's a wonderful hotel, but it's also one of the most popular party hotels. There a fair chance your kids could see some stuff you'd really prefer wasn't going on right in front of them. Which brings me to my last note...

The Strip after dark isn't a good place for kids to be, even with their parents. After sundown, the streets are littered very quickly with fliers showing scantily clad women advertising escort services. And when I say "scantily clad" I'm being pretty liberal with the term. Some of the fliers border on explicit. If you haven't had "the Talk" yet with your young one, this may be one of the most awkward ways to prompt that conversation.

Best breakfasts on the Strip

When it comes to breakfast in Vegas, most people are looking for a meal that fits in one of three categories: a high-class start to the day, an eye-popping buffet or something that's simply cheap, filling and fast. The Venetian is in a great location for you to enjoy all three types of breakfasts.

High class

Start right in your own hotel. One of the many dining options in the Venetian is a cafe called Bouchon. You can sit outdoors overlooking the pool and enjoy French-style breakfast fare. For a change of scenery, cross the Strip and head south just a bit. Inside Caesars Palace look for the Payard Bistro (a part of the larger Payard Patisserie restaurant). Make yourself believe you're eating healthy by ordering a egg-white omelet, then load up on the pastries full of whipped cream and chocolate.

Buffet

It's hard to beat the Le Village breakfast buffet at Paris. There are tons of selections, and the hotel takes a great deal of pride in the quality of the food they present. The cost is in the neighborhood of $15 and is well worth it. In fact, Paris gets my vote for best breakfast buffet in all of Las Vegas, and it's not really even a close race.

Of course should you be in the mood for a real buffet splurge, try the weekly Sterling Brunch at Ballys. This is held each Sunday from 9:30am-2:30pm (1:30pm is the time for the last reservation) and is an exquisite meal of the caviar and lobster sort. The price reflects that, by the way. It costs upwards of $50.

Cheap, filling and fast

To be honest, this is the variety of breakfast I most often have. And in those cases I don't worry about restaurant title or buffet ratings, I just head to Casino Royale and order a Grand Slam meal from the Denny's inside. It's nothing to brag about, but the food comes quickly, the grease and coffee get me ready for the day, and I'm out in 30 minutes.

What are the must-sees?

I'll start by recommending a "must-do" instead of a "must-see": Gamble. Do quite a bit of gambling. Even if you aren't an expert, learn some basics and wager some cash at the tables. That's what Las Vegas is built upon, after all. I have never understood how some people can visit and not place a single bet. That's like going to the prom and not trying to feel up your date.

Once you've gotten your fill of gambling, here are some of my favorite things to see and do:

• Shark Reef in the Mandalay Bay
• Fine art exhibits in the Bellagio
• The fountain show outside the Bellagio
• The Stratosphere observation deck at night

If you want to enjoy a truly out-of-the-ordinary experience -- the kind of thing you'll love telling friends about -- take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. The full-day bus tour is better than driving yourself, but if you have the budget, the very best way to tour the canyon is in a helicopter

What is the easiest way to get around?

Some brochures recommend taking the city bus up and down the Strip, or from the Strip to Downtown. They say it's reliable and cheap. They're right about that, but it's also slow as all get out and you may have to share seating space with a semi-deranged street-dweller who's not too current with his hygiene regimen. Go ahead and pay a little extra money to ride the monorail if you find your feet too tired for another walk on the Strip or catch a cab. It'll cost more, but the convenience is worth it.

NOTE: Always take a taxi from the Strip to the Stratosphere or Downtown. Downtown is much too far away for walking (and the bus ride is slower than Simple Jack) and the area between the Strip and the Strat is not a good neighborhood.

• Pack more underwear than you think you'll need. This may be the single piece of advice I most frequently give to friends about to make their first trip. You'll be amazed at just how good switching to a new pair of unmentionables in the middle of the day can make you feel.

• Pack some heavy-duty moisturizers. Your face and hands will start to feel effects of the dry air quickly. As soon as you arrive it's not a bad idea to frequently slather on whatever lotion or cream you prefer.

• If you're at all prone to dry nasal passages, bring along a bottle of saline nasal spray and squirt that stuff up there regularly. One of my buddies regularly fails to follow this advice, and he regularly gets a Vegas nosebleed.

(For good measure, here are a few more general-purpose weather and packing tips.)

Las Vegas shows really cool things. The very best are elaborate spectacles that amuse, titillate and amaze. But what they aren't, though, is cheap. Luckily there are a couple of dinner shows on the Strip that strike a good balance between affordable and entertaining. One interactive theater presentation -- Tony n' Tina's Wedding (V Theater, at Planet Hollywood) run from about $70 up to about $100 and include a very nice meal to go along with the show. For something a little less theater-like and more along the lines of spectacle, the Tournament of Kings dinner at the Excalibur is something every Vegas visitor ought to enjoy at least once -- horses, jousting, explosions and dinner eaten with your hands... just like Thanksgiving in East Texas. Tickets to this feast run in the neighborhood of $60, but sometimes can be packaged with a multi-show deal to lower the average cost.

Choose the right game

You're looking for a game that strikes a balance between the slowness with which it can drain your wallet and the frequency it is visited by waitresses. For example, you could play for hours on $20 at the nickel slots, but you may never see a waitress. Roulette is a slow-paced game and a small budget can be made to last a long time, but drink service usually isn't as snappy as at the blackjack tables.

Give roulette a try, but if the drinks aren't coming fast enough, move over to blackjack or craps.

Know how to play smart

Unless luck is on your side you're going to lose money gambling, but your goal is to play in such a way as to minimize the house advantage so that your budget is drained as slowly as possible. By memorizing a few basic "how-to" methods you'll avoid making mistakes that needlessly cost you cash. Start by taking a look at our gambling section for the bare essentials of the most popular casino games.

Slow the pace

Make the game move slower for you by betting the minimum, sitting out the occasional hand and taking bathroom breaks from time to time. When you do that, either have a friend watch your chips or tell the dealer and ask if you can leave your seat for a minute. Craps is a fast-paced game, but you can actually play it very slowly. By making a minimum bet on the Pass Line, and no other wagers, you can play a long time. You almost certainly won't win anything playing like that, but you'll be able to keep your average cost per drink at a nice level.

If you're absolutely set on enjoying tasty fare at dirt cheap rates, head to the Golden Gate Downtown and get some shrimp cocktails from the snack bar at the back. These cost $1.99 and are famously delicious.