With the current economic status, many households have cut the travel/entertainment budget. Tightening the belt doesn't have to mean abandoning the get-away altogether. With basic adjustments, an affordable, exciting vacation can be a reality.
Las Vegas has been essentially transformed over the last couple of decades. What was once solely a gambling, Rat-Pack mecca has now evolved into a full-blown family vacation destination.
Things To Do in Vegas
Sin City now has it all. Since time is valuable, plan activities in advance; allowing flexibility for unforeseen events. Prominent attractions include:
- Sightseeing/touring in and outside of Las Vegas (Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, etc.)
- Gambling
- Waterparks and children/family recreation
- Shopping
- Dining
- Night Clubs
- Shows
Choosing Vacation Activities in Las Vegas
Select a lodging option that promotes the theme and activities desired while in Vegas. Families with children best benefit from properties such as Circus Circus or Excalibur, where kid's recreation options are right on site. Additionally, these hotels often have special meal plans where children eat free. Be sure to investigate all options to determine the best total value.
Las Vegas Boulevard is long and has a lot to see. Sightseeing along the Strip is best done over two or three day sections, particularly if children are along.
Shopping is available throughout the city. All casinos have gift shops for token memorabilia. The Venetian, Caesar's Palace, Monte Carlo, and the Fashion Show Mall feature high-end specialty stores. Check out the shops and kiosks on Fremont Street for your best value. Don't forget Bonanza - the World's Largest Gift Shop located on the Strip at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara.
For adults, a package vacation at one of the Fremont Street hotels offers inexpensive dining, shopping, gaming, cocktail bars and even some shows. At a fraction of the cost of the Strip hotels, these casinos are in extremely close proximity and don't require miles of walking in between. A 24-hour convenience drugstore/liquor store is along the covered pedestrian mall. Enjoy the nightly light show on Fremont, performed on the hour from 8 p.m. until midnight. For the most opulent lodging atmosphere, choose the Golden Nugget. It rivals some of the Strip hotels in elegance.
Booking Your Trip to Vegas
Frequent travelers with corporate or hotel perks may wish to investigate special rates based upon previous travel. Free hotel stays earned may mean booking flights seperately. Typically there is a significant savings when packaging flight and hotel (and car) deals. Travel websites including Expedia and Priceline offer occasional Hot Deals, particularly when travel is booked close to the departure date. Vegas.com is a site that promotes some of the lowest package prices available. Guided tour options for in-city and outer regions, as well as shows, can also be added to a package.
Ground Transportation in Las Vegas
The preferred activities during the vacation will help determine whether or not one should secure a rental car as part of the package. A drive to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam is a nice day trip from Las Vegas. If no out-of-city destinations are desired, it may be best to skip the rental car and take advantage of great public transportation. The monorail travels over part of the Strip, and the Deuce bus can be ridden all day for $5 per person.
With careful planning of lodging, activities and dining, Vegas can afford the type of vacation that fits any pocketbook. The lights, architecture and attractions are more than can be seen in one trip. Most importantly, make time to relax and enjoy the wild city! Remember, what happens in Vegas will make you want to come back again and again
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