Acknowledgments
Thanks to everyone at Adams Media, especially Gina Chaimanis, for inviting me to work on this exciting book. Id also like to thank all of the owners, operators, and public relations professionals at the various Las Vegas area mega-resorts, hotels, attractions, shows, restaurants, activities, and day spas for their assistance on this project. A special thank you also goes out to Mimi Tilton (you rock!)
On a personal note, the love and support I receive on an ongoing basis from my closest and dearest friends is extremely important to me. For this, I am truly grateful. Thanks to Ferras AlQaisi and Chris Coates, who have shared in my Las Vegas travel adventures, as well as to Mark Giordani and the Bendremer family (Ellen, Sandy, Emily, and Ryan). Finally, thanks to my family for all of their support.
Appendix
Packing List
UNLESS YOURE ACCUSTOMED TO traveling on a regular basis, its very common to forget important items when packing for a trip. While in Las Vegas, you can, of course, purchase any items you forget, but to save time and money, detailed packing checklists follow in Tables A-1 through A-5 to help insure that you bring along the most commonly needed items and articles of clothing.
To begin, run down this list and place a check mark (P) in the Needed column for the items youd like to pack. Calculate the quantity of each item youll need, based on how long youll be traveling. For example, if youll be traveling for three days, make sure you pack at least three pairs of socks for each person.
Later, as youre actually packing, place a check mark (P) in the appropriate Packed column for items as theyre placed in your suitcase or carry-on bag.
Remember, due to enhanced security at all U.S. airports, all luggage is subject to being x-rayed and/or hand-searched by the airline or TSA (Transportation Security Administration). If you choose to lock your bag(s), be sure to use luggage locks that are TSA approved to avoid having the locks cut so your bags can be searched.
Also, never pack any items that are forbidden by the TSA. For details about items that cannot be checked as baggage or carried onto an airplane, point your Web browser to www.tsa.gov. Failing to abide by the packing guidelines created by the TSA will cause major delays as you attempt to check your bags at the airport and/or pass through security.
CASUAL WEAR
FORMAL WEAR (OR BUSINESS ATTIRE)
BEACH/POOL/OUTDOOR WEAR
MISCELLANEOUS
CARRY-ON
Before Leaving Home Checklist
The following to-do list will help you prepare your home or apartment before leaving on vacation.
BEFORE LEAVING HOME CHECKLIST
THE
EVERYTHING
Family Guides
to Las Vegas
Dear Reader,
Thanks for picking up this copy of The Everything Family Guide to Las Vegas. This book was written to help you and your family get the most out of your vacation, no matter how large or small your travel budget happens to be. Throughout this book, not only will you find detailed information about all there is to see and do on or near the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, but youll also discover dozens of moneysaving tips you can utilize when booking airfares, making hotel reser vations, and planning how youll actually spend your time in Las Vegas.
This book was written for families, which is what sets it apart from other travel guides. Instead of describing the best places to gamble, then providing strategies for winning at the casinos, this guide focuses on all of the mega-resorts, hotels, activities, shows, attractions, restaur ants, shops, and day spas located on or near the Strip.
Youll soon discover the best ways to spend your time and find out whats most suitable for you and your kids or teens. All of the megaresorts, attraction s, and shows, for example, are rated based not just on the quality of entertainment offered and overall value, but on ageappropriateness as well. This will quickly help you identify the best places to stay and the most exciting and appropriate things to see and do.
If you want to share your vacation experiences, please visit my Web site at . My goal has been to provide the most comprehensive, informative, and fun-to-read tr avel guide pos sible. As you read t his book, I hope youll agree that Ive achieved my objective.
Have a wonderful, memorable, and safe trip!
(www.Jason.Rich.com )
C HAPTER 1
Viva Las Vegas
GET READY TO EXPERIENCE an incredible vacation, as you discover what fabulous Las Vegas has to offer. In this chapter, youll learn whats new in Las Vegas, find out why Las Vegas appeals to virtually everyone, and get a peek into the citys history. Most importantly, youll find out why Las Vegas is the fastest-growing city in America and why more than 35 million people visit each year.
Welcome to Las Vegas
Over the past few years, Las Vegas has once again undergone expansion and a significant transformation. In addition to continuing its reign as Americas fastest-growing city, this is a vacation destination visited by more than 35 million tourists every year. In an effort to keep up with this growth, many existing hotels and resorts have recently expanded and remodeled. There are also several new properties that have recently found a home on or near the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
If youre planning a vacation or trip to Las Vegas, youre in for an amazing and memorable experience! Theres no place else like it on the planet. Las Vegas is situated smack in the middle of the desert, yet this amazing oasis is filled with some of the largest, flashiest, and most opulent casinos, resorts, and hotels youll find anywhere. Within these properties are world-class restaurants; theaters, which are the homes to many incredible shows; countless attractions and activities (many suitable for the entire family); amazing shopping opportunities; all of the amenities youd expect from top-notch resorts; golf courses; day spas; plus, of course, casinos.