Las Vegas Travel Guide
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Las Vegas needs no introduction. However, if it’s been a while since you’ve visited the self-styled “Entertainment Capital of the World,” it might be time to meet Las Vegas again.
The biggest attraction to Las Vegas has always been gambling, but the folks who run Sin City have upped the enticement factor with lavish hotels, luxurious spas, world-class golf courses, exquisite restaurants, eye-popping spectacles, top Broadway shows and headlining entertainers, decadent nightclubs, and rides and amusements for the whole family.
In the Beginning: Las Vegas took root around underground springs that created an spring-fed oasis in the desert valley, leading to its name, which is Spanish for “the Meadows.” The vital water supply attracted native tribes, early European explorers, and missionaries as a way station along the arid way from the Rockies to the Coast. The discovery of silver and other vital minerals in Nevada brought a wave of early treasure hunters to the valley, but it wasn’t until casinos first took hold along what would become the infamous Las Vegas Strip in the 1940s that the city began to become the unique worldwide destination and magnificent mecca of excess it is today.
Where It’s At and Getting There: The Strip is the center of the Las Vegas tourist experience, and the casinos have a great deal invested in ensuring that you invest a great deal with them. Conveniently located near McCarran International Airport, most hotels offer free shuttles to whisk you from your flight to your hotel while reserving as much of your cash for gaming as possible. Taxis are also an affordable and quick option, especially if you’re traveling in a group of up to four people—though the taxi lines at the airport during prime arrival times can be positively daunting.
Downtown Las Vegas, home to the Fremont Street Experience and the original Glitter Gulch casino hotels, offers a little of the smaller, more Western-themed style of old-school Las Vegas, along with the spectacle of a ceiling light show over the street that will dazzle viewers of all ages.
How to Roll Like a High Roller: Great deals are always available on everything from hotels to meals to attractions, especially if you ask frequently. High rollers benefit from all manner of casino bonuses, from “comped” rooms and meals to discounts in attached stores. If you plan to do a lot of gambling, be sure to sign up for your casino’s players’ club or equivalent. These electronic cards keep track of what you spend and accrue points for casino benefits. They are the keys to getting the most for your money, even if you wind up losing more than you win.
Entertainment: When it comes to live shows, Las Vegas can’t be beat. The classic showgirl revues and swinging lounge acts are still in business alongside more modern fare, such as multiple Cirque du Soleil shows, Broadway musicals, resident major performers like Elton John, and sights you’ll see only in Vegas (what other city has multiple major magic acts going on all the time?). The line-up of touring performers from comedians to major music artists is always impressive. Be sure to check calendars and schedules when making your plans so you don’t miss anything you might want to see.Whether you’re seeking a fun-filled family vacation, a top-of-the-line live-like-a-celebrity luxury shopping and relaxation getaway, or a wild non-stop party, Las Vegas is the ultimate place to be, around the clock, all year ‘round.