Las Vegas Holidays – Find a Bargain for Fun & Games in the Nevada Desert

Getting there and getting around

McCarran International Airport is Las Vegas’ only airport, with only two terminals. It is located 2km (1 mile) from the Las Vegas Strip (South). It has free internet access and Information booths providing general information and assistance that are located throughout the airport. Wheelchair facilities are available, but to avoid a waiting once you arrive, it’s a good idea to inform your airline ahead of time. TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) phones for hearing-impaired travellers are also provided. Parking includes short and long-term parking and uncovered car parks available at Terminals 1 and 2. To transfer between terminals, a free shuttle bus service runs between the two. The shuttle also can take you to the Rent-A-Car Centre where you can go with companies such as Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Alamo/National and Avis. “Taxicabs” are available to book or just hail one outside near baggage claim. McCarran airport is just a short distance from the Strip so transfer times by taxi or shuttle are kept to a minimum. In the city, you can walk the length of the Strip to take in the sights and sounds but during the summer temperatures may force you to walk through the interconnected air-conditioned hotels. A monorail runs the length of the Strip with various stops along the way and there are plenty of taxis available at reasonable prices.

Things to do

There's certainly no shortage of things to do in Las Vegas, you can't beat the excitement that a Las Vegas holiday has to offer... with so much to do, where do you start! When on holiday, Las Vegas’ most popular attraction has to be the casinos. Although it is quite possible to enjoy holidays in Las Vegas without ever putting a single dollar bill into a slot machine, the fact that gambling is so open and ubiquitous makes it hard to resist a least a little flutter. “The Strip” is where you can find most of the action on holidays in Las Vegas. This 4.5 mile stretch of Impressive hotels and glittering casinos has everything from a miniature Eiffel Tower, a New York skyline and even a pyramid and don’t forget to watch out for sights like the Graceland Chapel, which has been a part of the Las Vegas Strip for over 50 years and is one of the most prominent chapels for weddings in Las Vegas. Despite being the gambling capital of the world, you can enjoy Las Vegas holidays without ever stepping up to a card table or slot machine if that’s not your thing. How about going to a show? With choices like a big music production, comedy, musicals or tribute shows, featuring look-alikes of big name stars. There is also a range of exhibitions, such as the exhibit “Bodies”, which is not one for the squeamish, featuring 21 real human bodies! Part of the culture of Las Vegas is the organised entertainment that hotels offer to compete with one another, some of which won’t cost you a penny. The Bellagio’s famous dancing water fountains draw crowds at regular intervals to watch the huge spurts of water bounce in time to music. At Fremont Street the overhead light show is another popular crowd pleaser, where the massive canopy that runs the length of four blocks shows a variety of dazzling short films set to music. At the end of the Strip the Stratosphere offer thrill rides at high altitude, as well as look-alike musical extravaganzas. Head to the MGM Grand at the other end of the Strip to see the lion enclosure, or for a more aquatic attraction try shark reef at Mandalay Bay. Sci-Fi fans should check out the Star Trek Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, while music fans will be wowed by the ‘Love’ show at the Mirage, a Cirque du Soleil production set to the music of the Beatles.

Food and drink

The nightlife in Las Vegas continues 24/7, so there is always somewhere to let your hair down and enjoy a few drinks. When on a holiday to Las Vegas the restaurants offer a huge variety of different styles. You can sample such delights as Bob Taylor’s steakhouse, have a bite of French cuisine at the Paris Hotel, or enjoy the famous brunch at the Wynn, the choices are practically endless. Some of the world’s best chefs have started to show interest in Las Vegas ventures. Wolfgang Puck, the purveyor of some fine Californian food has opened several restaurants including one in the Venetian called Postrio. Along the Strip you will find French bistros, fish restaurants and a number of superb grills. You could also head for the award-winning restaurants, such as Bouchon, which was an Epicurean Award winner for Best French, Best New Restaurant on the Strip, Best Restaurant on the Strip and Best Restaurant. Or why not spend the evening in the revolving restaurant of the Stratosphere hotel enjoying dramatic panoramic views from the ‘Top of the World Restaurant’, or ‘Pearl’ at the MGM Grand which offers a fantastic range of flavours from the Far East.