Las Vegas, or simply “Vegas” as many people call it, is one of the finest cities in the world. Vegas, situated in the state of Nevada, USA, has built a reputation for itself as the entertainment capital of the world. The legendary Strip, not to mention the city’s closeness to the Hoover Dam, have earned it a spot on the bucket list of many a globetrotter.
Although the Strip steals the show, Vegas offers many unique attractions to make any stay here one to remember. The Neon Museum, the Venetian with its gondola rides, the Mob Museum and the High Roller Ferris Wheel are just a few more you might one to check out if you’re planning a trip to Vegas.
Of course, when planning a trip to such a high-profile destination, there’s a lot more to consider than just the attractions you’re going to visit when you get. Below is a guide to planning your trip to this stunning Nevada city and to some of the things you need to consider.
Choosing the best time to visit
Vegas is so entertaining there’s almost no such thing as a bad time to visit. However, it’s worth knowing that temperatures soar above 40°C in summer, so you might prefer to visit in autumn or winter when it’s cooler. August is a cheap time to visit, but not a good one if you don’t like hot weather.
If you decide to go in winter, the weather will be good to you. However, some swimming pools may be closed, and some entertainment venues may not have many events.
Booking flights
The best time to book a flight to Vegas is when an airline is having a sale. Often this is on a Tuesday. Signing up to an airline’s mailing list is a good way to know when it’s holding a sale. If there are no sales on, the next best option is to fly mid-week, either Tuesday or Wednesday, or fly at an off-peak time, such as around 6.00 am or 9.00 pm.
Choosing a place to stay
Las Vegas is the kind of place you want to stay out around the clock to explore. You need a good place to rest, however. That’s essential.
If you’re going to stay in a hotel on the Strip, get ready for lots of noise and crowded spaces. Hotels on the Strip are often also entertainment venues. Hotels in Downtown Vegas are charming but may lack air conditioning and be a little stuffy. Wherever you look to stay, ask about fees, as some hotels will charge a resort fee each night. American Express Cardmembers can get access to deals for many hotel rooms fitted for your needs.
Plan your budget
Vegas used to be a cheap place to vacation, but those days are long gone now. Take whatever you think it might cost, and then double it. To be on the safe side, triple it. There are lots of free things to do, but entertainments such as shows cost a lot of money, as does food. Even dining at fast food chains can be expensive, so food loyalty programs can be your best bet. Of course, Vegas isn’t the place to clutch onto every cent you have in your bank account in. Embrace the location and plan your budget accordingly.
Preparing for the casinos
It’s hard not to want to step into a casino when you’re in the kingdom of the casinos. Before playing for money, take advantage of the free lessons many casinos offer. Watch games before you play them. Ask the dealers questions: they have nothing to hide since they’re not playing with their own money.
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Getting around the Vegas Strip
There are several options for getting around the Strip. The most popular one is ridesharing, which is cheaper than hiring a taxi, and there are designated rideshare bays around the Strip. In any case, flagging down taxis isn’t really a thing in Vegas.
The next option is to take the bus. There are plenty going up and down the Strip, and they run all the way to Downtown Vegas.
Your third option is the Las Vegas Monorail. This connects several properties on the east side of the Strip, all the way to the Las Vegas Convention Center and SLS Las Vegas. The service doesn’t run around the clock but operates early enough and late enough for most users. On the west side, a free, shorter tram route also operates, separate from the monorail.
When you’re in Vegas, you’ll be almost overwhelmed by how much there is to see and do. You may even decide to visit some attractions on one trip, and then plan another trip to visit the rest. This is one city you’ll never get tired of experiencing.
