I visited Las Vegas for the first time on a girls' trip. Looking back, I could've easily avoided these 5 mistakes.

Las Vegas is an unforgettable time, but a little planning (and common sense) goes a long way.

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• I went to Las Vegas with friends and learned a few lessons the hard way.
• I wish I were more specific when ordering water and that I'd avoided the many slot machines.
• Free bottle service is tempting, but it can be a slippery slope to spending a lot of money.

Many members of my friend group dispersed around the US after college — so our...