Las Vegas Vacation Tips
Getting From the Airport to the Hotel
Taxis are available at the airport, but if you are arriving in the
afternoon you may have to wait in line with other visitors. Cab
fare from the airport to a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is about
$15. If you are going Downtown, cab fare is about $25.
Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport. Having a car in
Las Vegas is convenient because Las Vegas hotels and casinos are
quite spread out. Traffic is heavy at night along the Strip, but
hotels offer free valet parking so at least you won't be circling
around the block looking for parking on the street.
Driving and Walking Distances in Las Vegas
Hotels in Las Vegas are located along the Las Vegas Boulevard (also
known as the Strip), a few blocks off the Strip, or in Downtown
Las Vegas. If there is no traffic, you can drive from the Stratosphere
on the northern end of the Strip to Mandalay Bay in the south in
15 minutes. During rush hour, the trip may take 45 minutes or more.
If you were to walk down the length of the Strip, it would take
around three hours at a fast pace (from the Stratosphere to Mandalay
Bay). In some areas, especially in the middle of the Strip, walkers
cannot simply follow the road, but are lead over bridges and walkways
so you end up traveling a longer distance on foot than you would
in a car.
Public transportation is available in Las Vegas in the form of
two monorail lines, bus and trolley service. If you want to see
the whole length of the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas on your vacation,
take the Bus 301.
Where to Go for Free Shows
Save money on your Las Vegas vacation by knowing where to go for
free entertainment. In the center of the Strip, watch the Fountains
of Bellagio and then head north toward the Mirage volcano (about
a 15-minute walk). See a free circus performance at Circus Circus
Las Vegas on the northern end of the Strip and visit the lions on
the casino floor at the MGM Grand on the southern end of the Las
Vegas Strip.
Bottled Water
On a vacation in the desert you'll need a lot of water. It seems
that every business on the Strip is trying to take advantage of
that. Hotels and casinos have their own branded bottled water which
costs $3 for a small bottle.
Avoid paying such prices by knowing where to find a local drugstore.
There are two places along the Strip: a drugstore across the street
from the Sturdust hotel on the northern end and a drugstore near
the MGM Grand. If you are in Downtown Las Vegas, there is a drugstore
near the entrance to the Fremont Street Experience.
Bring Your Sunglasses
Don't leave your home without a good pair of sunglasses. The sun
is very strong in Nevada and you'll need a good pair if you plan
to do any sightseeing.
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