"Free Parking Is Overrated” Said the Influencer Who’s Never Left the Strip
If your idea of “real Vegas” is The Las Vegas Strip, Fremont and a food court, I’ve got bad news and a Red Rock trail map.
Let’s talk about the dumbest Vegas take I’ve seen this week — and that’s saying something.
Meet Josh & Rachael, self-declared non-influencers who just happen to film curated Vegas content and push surface-level hot takes like it’s their side hustle.
I clapped back (because duh), and here’s how it went:
🧠 Translation:
“We don’t influence people. We just publish takes for attention.”
“We skip Red Rock because it’s hot and we’ve seen mountains before.”
“Authenticity means doing what we do, but ironically.”
Bro. You’re literally trying to influence people to not care about one of the few things that actually saves money in this overpriced neon trap.
I love the Strip. I hit Fremont. I’ve got nothing against tourists doing tourist things.
One of my favorite Vegas memories was taking our son (at 24) down to Fremont Street to see the street performers.
But when your entire experience of Vegas fits between a cocktail bar, overpriced restaurants, and a selfie stick, and you have the nerve to dismiss free parking (while being comped for clicks) I’m calling bullshit. Then, when I saw them shutting down people in the thread with a bit of snark…….. well, that’s my stadium and I decided to play.
This city is bigger than your buffet crawl. It’s Red Rock. It’s Chinatown. It’s off-strip locals joints (check out Golden Tiki) that don’t post on IG but actually serve good food & Drinks.
You can’t see that from your $39 Strip view room with a “resort fee.”
🐺
Here’s why it pissed me off:
People trust creators, even those who act like they’re not creators but still do influencer things. (Yeah, I’m confused about them as well.)
So when they downplay service failures, overpriced garbage, or - yes - the slow erosion of free conveniences like parking? That becomes the new normal.
Not on my watch.
What about Local staycations, people on business trips, or just the traveler who wants to do more?
Vegas Uncomped exists to call out the scams, spotlight the wins, and remind you that you can have an unforgettable time in Vegas without getting played like a $5 slot machine. I want you to enjoy all of Vegas !
Because someone has to tell the truth about this neon fever dream.
And if you’re Josh & Rachael?
Maybe explore something that doesn’t come with a fountain show, or at least be real about what you are doing instead of trying to say you’re “not an influencer.” WTF else do you think people are watching your content for?
If you want my really uncensored stories, join the Wolfpack and become a paid subscriber. My savage “Best place to watch the Walk of Shamers” is in there. 😈