Essential Las Vegas Travel Guide
Everything you need to know for a perfect trip. From airport transfers to tipping etiquette, we've got you covered.
Best Time to Visit
Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary greatly depending on when you visit.
Spring (Mar-May)
Best Overall. Perfect weather (70s-80s°F). Pools open. Prices can be high during March Madness.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Great Value. Similar to Spring but often slightly cheaper. Excellent for outdoor activities.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Pool Party Season. Extremely hot (100°F+). Great for pool parties and indoor activities. Cheaper hotel rates.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Budget Friendly. Cool days, cold nights. Lowest hotel rates (except NYE and CES in Jan).
Getting Here & Around
✈️ Arriving at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
The airport is very close to the Strip (about 2-3 miles). Here are your transfer options:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Follow signs to "Ride Share" in parking garages. Approx. $15-$25 to Strip hotels.
- Taxi: Flat rates apply to Strip zones ($23-$35 depending on zone). No hailing; use designated queues.
- Shuttles: Shared vans are cheaper ($10-$15/person) but slower as they make multiple stops.
🚖 Getting Around the Strip
The Strip is longer than it looks (over 4 miles!). Don't try to walk the whole thing in the heat.
- Mandalay Bay ↔ Luxor ↔ Excalibur
- Park MGM ↔ ARIA ↔ Bellagio
- Mirage ↔ Treasure Island
- The Deuce Bus: Double-decker bus running 24/7. $6 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours. Stops at almost every hotel.
- Las Vegas Monorail: Runs along the east side of the Strip (MGM Grand to Sahara). Fast but stations are at the back of hotels.
- Walking: Use pedestrian bridges. Do not jaywalk—it's dangerous and illegal ($200+ fine).
Money & Tipping
Cash is still king in Vegas, especially for tipping. ATMs in casinos have high fees ($5-$10+). Bring cash or use bank ATMs outside casinos.
Tipping Etiquette Guide
| Service | Suggested Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valet Parking | $2 - $5 | When dropping off and picking up. |
| Bellhop | $1 - $2 per bag | More for heavy items. |
| Housekeeping | $2 - $5 per night | Leave daily on the pillow. |
| Cocktail Waitress | $1 - $2 per drink | Even if the drink is free! |
| Dealers | $5+ per hour | Or place a bet for them ("toke"). |
| Taxi/Rideshare | 15% - 20% | Standard service tip. |
Weather & Packing
Las Vegas is in the Mojave Desert. It has very low humidity, which means you might not feel how hot it is (dehydration risk) and nights can get chilly.
What to Pack
- 👟 Comfortable Shoes: You will walk miles. Heels are for dinner only.
- 🧥 Light Jacket: Casinos are freezing (AC), and winter nights are cold.
- 🧴 Sunscreen & Lip Balm: The desert sun and dry air are harsh.
- 💧 Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated!
- 🔌 Portable Charger: For all those photos and videos.
- 👗 Club Attire: Dress codes are strict. No shorts/sandals for men at clubs.
Safety & Laws
Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists, but it's a big city. Stay alert.
- Open Containers: You CAN drink alcohol on the street on the Strip, but it MUST be in a plastic container (no glass/aluminum).
- Cannabis: Recreational marijuana is legal in Nevada, but you CANNOT smoke it in public (streets, hotels, casinos). Only in private residences or designated lounges.
- Curfew: Minors (under 18) cannot be on the Strip without a parent after 9 PM on weekends/holidays.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency
911
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Non-Emergency
311
Police Non-Emergency
Sunrise Hospital
Closest major trauma center
3186 S Maryland Pkwy