Tips & Tricks Lighten your Load Travel light
Las Vegas - USA |
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Las Vegas, an ever-changing fantasy-land of a city, has seen unbelievable expansion since it emerged from the desert just over 100 years ago.
Top Things to Do The sights and sounds of Las Vegas are enjoyed by over 39.2 million visitors every year. They stay in some of the most glamorous, unique hotels in the world. They eat at five-star restaurants and expansive buffets. They play at casinos, pools, health spas and golf courses. Sometimes (many times, actually) they even marry each other. You will be dazzled by Vegas, but the sheer number of things to see and do can seem overwhelming. A little advance planning will help you to enjoy your Vegas trip. Continue reading for basic visitor information (what to bring, things to know) and an overview of this special destination. Basic InfoElectricity: The United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles). If visiting from outside of North America, you may require an electrical adapter for any electronics or appliances you want to bring. Las Vegas electrical outlets accept the standard North American plug with two flat parallel pins. Emergencies: For police or medical assistance call 911 (toll-free). Population (2007) 603,093 (City of Las Vegas); 1,960,661 (Clark County). Telephone Area Code: 702. Tax: There is a 7.75 percent sales tax on purchases and a 9 percent tax on hotel rooms in Las Vegas. (An additional 2% is added to the room tax for certain Downtown properties adjacent to and near the Fremont Street Experience.) Time Zone: GMT/UTC -8 (Pacific Time).
Do's & Don'tsCasino EtiquetteIt is best to avoid bringing personal electronic items into the casino. Hotel security is always on the lookout for photography and video of casino machines and tables and will quickly remove persons doing so. All players must be at least 21 years old - no exceptions. HealthYou are in a desert, and your body will need fluids, especially in the summer months. Carry a bottle of water, and be sure to bring sunscreen. SafetyThe high-concentration areas of Las Vegas are among the safest places for visitors in the world. Security is tight, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take the same precautions that you would at home. Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from threatening situations. If gaming, keep an eye on your purse, change bucket or chips. If there is an incident, police and security personnel are generally highly visible. Smoking EtiquetteGenerally speaking, smoking is permitted on the casino floor at most resorts, in some guest rooms and in bars that don't serve food. It is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, hotel lobbies, the Las Vegas Convention Center concourse areas, or McCarran International Airport.
Money & TippingCredit or charge cards are widely accepted throughout Las Vegas. The most common are Visa, MasterCard and American Express, while Discover, Diners Club and Carte Blanche are also generally accepted. Some vendors may accept international cards like enRoute, EuroCard and JCB. Cash machines, or ATMs, are available at virtually every hotel. If you need to cash a check, some check-cashing businesses will handle out-of-state personal checks, with provision of verification and personal identification. (Check in advance to see what fees may be charged.) In terms of budgeting, it all depends on how high or low you want to go. Las Vegas is a great choice for travelers looking for value; it's possible for two people to eat well and have a great time on around $100 a day, not counting room accommodations. Or, visitors can choose from among myriad world-class restaurants and spend more than that per person for dinner. It's all about choice! Great deals are available on lodging throughout the city, where you can pay from less than $50 for a room to well over $1,000 a night. Prices vary widely depending on the time of year and day of the week. Tipping GuidelinesIn Vegas, 15 to 20 percent of the total bill is a good rule of thumb for tipping. Some additional guidelines follow. Hotel personnel: Generally tip $1 to $2 for each bag of luggage. If you are using concierge services, a $5 tip is appropriate. Dealers and slot attendants: A small bet for the dealer is the usual method of tipping at gaming tables. A small tip is also appropriate for keno runners and slot attendants. Taxi drivers and tour guides: Taxi drivers usually receive $1 to $2 for a direct route, or follow the 15 to 20 percent rule, whichever is greater You should provide $1 to $2 to tour guides for each person at the end of the tour. Valet parking and housekeeping: You should tip $2 to a parking valet, while $2 a day is a good tip for housekeeping services.
What to PackBathing SuitEveryone needs to take the edge off by a pool now and then, and Vegas has some of the best. CameraThere are plenty of snapshots to take, and plenty of sunlight to help capture the moment. Dress ClothesFor a five-star restaurant or gala show. Golf ClubsIf you're a fan of the game, you'll want to check out the Vegas courses. Power Converters/AdaptersIf you're visiting from outside North America, you may need power converters. SunglassesThere are 320 days of sunshine a year, so chances are you'll need some shades. SunscreenYou'll want to keep this close at hand, especially in the summer months. Walking ShoesYou'll cover a lot of ground from the Strip to downtown, so make sure your shoes are comfortable. Warm ClothesIf you're visiting any time between late October and early April, Las Vegas could be chillier than you might expect. WeatherSince most of the Las Vegas Valley is at an elevation over 2,000 feet, the winter months can be more chilly than you might think, particularly in the evenings. Long pants, a sweater and/ or a jacket are recommended if visiting between late October and early April. During spring and summer months, t-shirts, shorts and athletic shoes are a common sight in the hotels and casinos. .weather-table {width: 600px; margin: 0 0 15px 10px; padding: 0;} .weather-table caption, .weather-table th {font: bold 11px Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 5px; } .weather-table th, .weather-table td {padding: 2px 5px; text-align: center;} .weather-table td.month {text-align: left;} .weather-table .alt {background-color: #dfe7e5;} .header-bottom th {border-top: solid 1px #666666; border-bottom: solid 1px #666666;}
Las Vegas, with its arid climate, sees more than 300 days of sunshine per year, with an average annual rainfall of only 4.13 inches (10.5 cm) and an average humidity rate of 29 percent.
Visitor Info CentersThere are a number of visitor information centers throughout the Las Vegas area that can assist with any number of travel requirements. Las Vegas Visitor Information Center Laughlin Visitor Information Center Nevada Welcome Center @ Boulder City Nevada Welcome Center @ Mesquite I-15, Exit 122 Mesquite, NV (702)-346-2702 877-MESQUITE (877-637-7848) Open daily 8am to 4:30pm Events & HolidaysNote that the Las Vegas will be busier than normal on these dates, so advance planning might be required in order to secure accommodations and event tickets. If a large convention is in town, accommodation prices may also be higher.
If January 1, July 4, November 11 or December 25 falls upon a:
Travelers with ChildrenLas Vegas may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of a family-friendly vacation, but there are plenty of activities for children in the city. Most importantly, look for accommodations with a pool. Many Vegas hotels feature huge video arcades and diversions like roller coasters and other rides. The choices for shows and events have also diversified, and it is easy enough to find entertainment suitable for families. In addition, children under 12 can often stay free in their parents' rooms, and well-priced buffets are ideal for families. Many hotels provide programs for children and teenagers, while babysitters and childcare facilities are also sometimes available. Inquire with your hotel. Visitors under the age of 21 are prohibited from loitering in casinos, and that the Strip has a curfew. (Hotel security officers keep a keen eye out for anyone underage near any slot machines or table games.) Children under 18 are not allowed to be out after 9 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult. It may also be a good idea to rent a car for your stay. Distances on the Strip can be deceiving, and a lot of walking is required to see everything. |
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We have been getting a lot of questions and we know there are a lot of experienced backpackers here, so we would compile a list of tips for them.