Travel to Las Vegas

Few cities bring to mind such images of sheer excess as Las Vegas. Located in the middle of the arid Mojave desert, at the southern tip of the state of Nevada, Las Vegas is an oasis of life, energy and money; a city whose raison dtre is entertainment. Las Vegas just might be the most exciting city in the world. The city that never sleeps has everything, from millions of square feet of convention space to 24-hour gambling, the finest dining, adult entertainment and luxurious hotels too numerous to count.

Transportation to Las Vegas

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is a busy airport that receives flights from national and international destinations such as London, Mexico City and Toronto. Located two kilometres north of the airport, Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as the Strip, is accessible by shuttle, bus, rental car or taxi. There are two main interstates running through the state of Nevada: I-80 runs from San Francisco through Reno, Salt Lake City and on to Newark; while I-15 originates in San Diego and continues onto Los Angeles, through Las Vegas and Salt Lake City and up to the Canadian border.

What to see

Take a stroll along the Strip to see recreations of erupting volcanoes, the Eiffel Tower and the Sphinx. In the neon centre of Las Vegas, youll find the Fremont Street Experience, an exciting pedestrian promenade landscaped with charming kiosks that draw tourists to the must-see attractions. The New York-New York Hotel and Casino come complete with a scale model of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

If you are a fan of towers in general, ascend the 1,149 foot Stratosphere for an excellent day or night view of the city. History stays alive at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, where dinosaurs move and sharks swim up to greet you. Las Vegas history extends further back than the flashy casinos, so visit a slice of early history at the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort Historic Park.

Daytrips

Taking a break to see Las Vegas in a different way, the 4-hour road trip to the Grand Canyon provides an awe-inspiring spectacle. Otherwise, take a ride on Lake Mead for a breathtaking view of the Hoover Dam, rustle up some cattle on an authentic western trail ride or hike the pines of Mount Charleston, just northwest of Las Vegas.

Activities and leisure

Las Vegas has world-renowned resorts; an abundance of live entertainment and attractions; great shopping and of course, gambling galore. There is always entertainment for music buffs at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Adrenaline junkies should head out to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, either to watch a kart race or to get behind the wheel of one of the rockets themselves.

The arts have always been an important part of the citys culture; the Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery shows works by local artists as well as by national figures in the art world. More contemporary pieces can be found at the Las Vegas Art Museum. For live theatre, check out the oldest running small theatre in the valley, the Las Vegas Little Theater.

Safety issues

Las Vegas, by its very nature, is a magnet for the avaricious; it goes without saying that pickpockets are prevalent in such a big tourist city, so try to remain vigilant at all times. Driving in the city is manic, and extra caution is advised when crossing the roads. Medical care in the US is very expensive, so taking out travel insurance for you and your family is highly recommended.