Las Vegas Vacation Rentals Tips

Getting Around Las Vegas

If you only plan to stay on the Strip and spend your days on in-door pursuits, you probably won't need a car in Las Vegas. McCarran International Airport is close to the city and a taxi ride to the Strip runs about $12-$15. Once settled, a sleek high-tech monorail whisks visitors between hotel casinos along the Strip for $3 one-way. Many hotels also offer complimentary trams service between casinos or you can don your most comfortable walking shoes and take in the sights on foot.

However, if your vacation rental is away from the Strip and when you are ready to escape the neon for nature, a rental car allows you the freedom to set your own pace. As in most major cities, car rental rates vary depending on the rental period and type of car. Several major airlines like Delta and American Airlines offer special Fly & Drive packages with savings on combining airfare and car rental. Use Internet resources to make comparison shopping easy. Save on rental rates with AAA, AARP and airline frequent flyer partnerships. Check daily versus weekly rates. Look for rentals with unlimited miles if you plan to explore some of the popular attractions outside the city.

Heads up: Las Vegas is a compact city and traffic at peak times is heavy. Avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic by parking toward the end of the Strip and using the monorail or trams. Don't worry about parking, many of the casino hotels offer free valet service and there are self-parking lots nearby.

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When to Go (and Not to Go) to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but the weather is not the same year-round. Inside the casinos, the weather is always the same, but outdoors the weather can change dramatically with the seasons. Typical of desert environments, summer daytime weather is very hot and dry, but temperatures drop 20º or more at night. Winter brings nighttime temperatures near freezing, but days are temperate. In January, a Las Vegas visitor can ski the Mount Charleston's slope in the early morning and water- ski at Lake Mead in the same day. Las Vegas residents say the best seasons in Las Vegas are late spring and early fall.

Las Vegas crowds and prices skyrocket during holidays and when large conventions come to town. Las Vegas is a major convention destination with many conventions topping the 100,000 mark in attendance. It pays to check convention schedules with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority before booking your Las Vegas vacation. Although you can escape the crowds to your vacation rental, the casinos, shows and restaurants are mobbed during major conventions. If you are not part of the convention, avoid doing Vegas during convention periods.

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Viva Las Vegas

There is no city in the world like Las Vegas. A Las Vegas vacation is all about fun and fantasy. It's a trip around the world. Only in Vegas can you see a collage of larger than life replicas of the Eiffel Tower, a Sphinx, a Roman Forum and the Statue of Liberty…just to name a few of Vegas' most famous landmarks. Only in Vegas can you experience an erupting volcano, pirates battling playgirls, western shoot-outs, dare-devil circus acts and the best people-watching on the planet long a three or four mile strip.

A Vegas vacation is guaranteed to entertain and enthrall. Win a fortune and lose it again in less than one hour. Catch a performance by today's hottest stars like Elton John or Celine Dion or a performance by stars of yesterday like the Sammy Davis or Elvis Presley. “Hey Honey, are you sure that guy isn't the real Elvis?”

Often called Sin City, Las Vegas is a contradiction of experiences. It's glitzy and gaudy; tacky and terrific; eccentric and exciting. Here's a surprising bit of Vegas trivia: There are more churches per capita in Sin City than in any other city in America . One thing for sure; vacation rentals in Vegas are never boring!

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Las Vegas Hoover Dam

Frankly, my dear, I want to see the dam!
Visiting the Hoover Dam is a popular activity during Las Vegas family vacations. And, since it is such a popular tourist attraction, it's likely to be crowded. If possible, usher the family out the door early in the morning to beat some of the rush. Remember to leave all purses and bags of any kind behind because they are forbidden on the tour for security reasons.

It's smart not to drive your own car to the Hoover Dam as traffic around the area tends to be heavy. Tour buses offer shuttle services in order to alleviate the situation by both reducing the number of vehicles and getting people in and out faster.

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Las Vegas for the family.

With shows, arcades, amusement rides and premium shopping abound, the savvy family savvy traveler to find accommodations to meet all of their travel needs, directly through the owner. The vacation property owner can efficiently and economically market their home by the beach, ski slopes, lake house, city, mountains, you want for your Las Vegas family vacation!

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Las Vegas Hotel Rooms above the Strip

Be careful what you ask for! While enjoying a Las Vegas family vacation think twice before you try to wow the fam. by getting a hotel room with a great view of the Strip. The flashing lights and sounds might be exciting at first but they could turn into a nightmare at bedtime.

Some hotel rooms offering views of the Strip are situated above music stages that showcase musicians until the wee hours of the morning. And, closing the door to the balcony doesn't even come close to silencing the tunes. If you really have your heart set on one of these rooms, ask to see the inside of one first and check out the noise factor (bands usually play on the stages all day so you should be able to assess the situation accurately).

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Transportation Options in Las Vegas

One underrated aspect of Las Vegas is the amazing transportation options available in and around the city. While you can rent a car and many people still do rent a car, you can definitely survive without renting a car.

When you are on the Las Vegas Strip, you can a taxicab is always right around the corner. You never have to go far to find a taxi to take you from place to place. If you want a more glamorous option, there are also huge amount of limousines that travel around the city. The easiest way to get a limousine is to contact one of the city's many limousine companies.

Also located on the Vegas Strip is the Las Vegas Monorail. This monorail connects nearly all of the hotels on The Strip. No longer do you have to fight the crowds in the street. Instead, you can travel swiftly above ground in a monorail!

Even if you are staying at one of the many Las Vegas vacation rental homes, it's quite easy to get from place to place in Las Vegas. All you have to do is call up a taxi or a limo and they will take you where you want to go. Some of the Las Vegas vacation rentals are close to bus stops, which would allow you to take advantage of the public bus system in Vegas.

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Day Trips from Las Vegas

If you are going to be visiting Las Vegas for an extended period of time, you should plan a couple day trips into your stay. While gambling and partying in Vegas is fun, even the most avid gamblers and partiers will want a break from time to time. Day trips is a way to have a fun adventure and take a break from the Vegas action.

One popular day trip destination is the Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam, which was the world's largest dam when it was built, is a breathtaking sight. You can take a guided tour within the dam to learn all about its origins.

Another popular day trip destination is the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona but is within driving distance of Las Vegas. If you don't want to drive there, you can opt to go on a helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and back!

Along with day trips, you should consider changing where you usually stay in Las Vegas. While the hotels are fun, you'll be surprised at how fantastic your stay can be by booking a Las Vegas vacation rental. Vacation rentals in Las Vegas are very competitively priced and are available in every nook and cranny in the city. Las Vegas vacation rentals are also a good way to escape from the crowds.

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Choosing Where to Stay in Las Vegas

There are many areas in Las Vegas to pick from when it comes to where to stay. Everyone automatically thinks of the Vegas Strip, but that is only one of many options. Each option has its pros and its cons.

The Las Vegas Strip
The Strip is where all the action happens. When you see Las Vegas on television, chances are they are showing the Vegas Strip. However, the human and vehicular traffic can be overwhelming at times and The Strip also tends to be a relatively dangerous part of town.

Downtown Las Vegas
If you want to see the most historic part of town, travel to downtown Las Vegas. There you will find some of the oldest casinos and hotels. The prices downtown tend to be a bit cheaper when compared to the Vegas Strip. However, there isn't nearly as much nightlife and the public transportation isn't as convenient.

Summerlin Las Vegas
Summerlin is a planned neighborhood in Las Vegas that is perfect for the golf enthusiast. With nearly a dozen golf courses in the area, you can surely find a course to your liking. The outdoor activities are also much more prevalent in this area of town.

No matter where you stay, Las Vegas vacation home rentals are the best places to stay. A vacation rental in Las Vegas is usually cheaper than comparable options in hotels or resorts. That is why Las Vegas rentals are becoming more and more popular for visitors.

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Vacationing in Las Vegas with Children

If you are headed to Las Vegas for the first time and you are bringing children with you, you'll be surprised how unfriendly some of the parts of the city are to children. For example, casinos have a strict rule regarding children not being able to enter. If you don't plan ahead, your vacation hopes can be dashed by such rules and regulations.

That said, with some planning, you can avoid almost all the hassles. The first thing you should do is to book a Las Vegas vacation home rental. It's much easier staying in a vacation home with children than it is staying in a traditional hotel. That is especially true if the hotel also has a casino, as is true with a lot of the hotels.

Las Vegas vacation rentals are very competitively priced, oftentimes even cheaper than comparable hotels or resorts. Vacation rental homes in Las Vegas are located throughout the city, so you can pick exactly which part of the city you want to reside.

Once you have your accommodations setup, you should consider scheduling a few family friendly activities. There are Vegas shows that cater toward families. If you are on a budget, there are a number of public parks that you can visit free of charge.

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Fun Non-Gambling Activities in Vegas

When you think of Las Vegas, the first thing you probably think of is gambling. Whether it's poker, roulette or blackjack, Vegas is famous of its gambling culture.

However, there are a lot of non-gambling activities in Vegas.

World Famous Shows
Vegas is renowned for the famous shows that occur daily. Whether it's musical shows, magic shows or anything in between, you can find it in Las Vegas.

Golfing
Many people don't realize how much of a golfing destination Las Vegas has become. With dozens and dozens of golf courses, you can easily find a golf course to your liking.

Unique Lodging Options
There is quite the variety in Las Vegas vacation rentals. Whether you want to stay at one of the many simple vacation home rentals in Las Vegas or at an exquisite luxury palace, you can find it in Las Vegas.

Outdoor Activities
Since Las Vegas is located in the desert, the weather is good nearly year round. You can escape the action of the city and retreat to an area mountain or lake. Las Vegas vacation rentals are located throughout the city and the outlying areas.

World Class Dining
The restaurants in Las Vegas are some of the best restaurants in the world. Almost every famous restaurant chain is represented in Vegas. There are also a number of restaurants special to only Las Vegas that are worth visiting.

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Planning a Vacation to the Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is the gambling and nightlife capital of the world. As the saying goes, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

When you think of Vegas, you think of the Vegas Strip. The Strip is where all the most famous hotels and casinos are located. It's where the most action is happening in the city of Las Vegas. Basically, it's the place you want to be when in Las Vegas.

When planning a vacation to the Vegas Strip, the first step in the planning process is to locate a place to stay. While there are many great hotels on The Strip, you will often find that the price for rooms is extremely high. A good alternative is to stay at one of the Las Vegas Strip vacation rentals. These rental properties are available to vacationers who not only want to save a bit of money, but also have the time of their life in Vegas.

If money isn't an issue, consider staying at one of the many luxury vacation rentals in Las Vegas. At these luxury rentals, you will be overwhelmed by the lavishness. You will also be overwhelmed by the bang you can get for your buck.

Las Vegas vacation rentals are undoubtedly the best option for those looking to on or near the Vegas Strip. Once you've booked your rental, you can move on to more important things like where you are going to gamble away your money!

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Exciting Las Vegas Day Trips

Away from the crowds along the Strip, there are Las Vegas vacation home rentals nestled in nature that are within a short drive to some of America's greatest natural wonders. Outside of the neon landscape of Vegas, there are breathtaking desert, canyon and mountain landscapes waiting to be discovered. Grab a guidebook and a map and head out in your rental car or book an organized tour. Here are some day trip ideas for your Las Vegas must-see-must-do list:

• Valley of Fire State Park is located about one hour northeast of Las Vegas. It derives its name from incredible red sandstone formations formed by the shifting sand dunes during the age of the dinosaurs. Sites of interest within the park include: Arch Rock, Beehive formations, Elephant Rock, Mouse's Tank, Rainbow Vista. Seven Sisters and Poodle Rock. Look for examples of ancient Indian art on Atlatl Rock.
• See the Grand Canyon without the 300 mile drive. Scenic Airlines runs deluxe guided air and ground tours that include a flight over the canyon, a bus excursion through the park and lunch. Tour prices start at $219 for an experience that is sure to be a highlight of your vacation.
• Visit HooverDam. Located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas at the Nevada-Arizona border, Hoover Dam has been hailed as "the Eighth Wonder of the World.” The engineering marvel stands 736 feet high, 1,244 feet wide at its crest, and is 660 feet thick at its base with enough concrete in its structure to pave a highway across the United States . Two guided tours leave at regular intervals throughout the day.
  

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Finding Out What's Happening in Las Vegas

Research and planning are important parts of successful travel. The Internet offers a goldmine of Las Vegas travel resources. Find the perfect Las Vegas vacation home rental. Compare vacation rental properties and amenities. Read reviews from previous vacation renters. See what you are getting before you book by browsing photographs of vacation rental homes. Use location maps to choose a vacation rental in the most convenient location.

Visit Websites of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Commission on Tourism for up-to-date and accurate information about area attractions and current events.

Plan your itinerary before you leave home, but save some time for surprises and spontaneity. When you arrive at your Las Vegas rental, pick up brochures, tourist publications and local newspapers with local calendars of events and discount coupons.

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Vegas Tips for Novice Gamblers

Although there are many reasons to visit Las Vegas besides gambling; few visitors can resist the lure of the tables and slots. From penny slots to million dollar high-roller stakes, Las Vegas offers just about every gambling option known to man. Casinos are open 24 hours a day. Sometimes Lady Luck smiles and sometimes she turns on you. Vegas veterans offer these tips:

• Set your limits. Determine your gambling budget before your arrive in Vegas and stick to it. Gambling is not a way to make money. Don't bet the farm in an effort to win.
• Play at the right casino. All casinos are not the same. Check out casinos until you find one that has the atmosphere you enjoy.
• If you are a novice gambler, practice playing early morning when tables are not crowded.
• Start small. Choose table play with low minimum plays so that you don't loose your cash too quickly.
• If and when you double your money, stash your original gambling funds and play on your winnings.
• Get the most bang for your buck by joining players' clubs. Most major Las Vegas casinos have a “club” you can join and earn rewards like free dining or merchandise based on how much money you spend. It's free to join, but you must register and receive a player's card that tracks play electronically.
• Enjoy the free cocktails, but don't over-imbibe and let alcohol dull your judgment.
• Play the games you enjoy most and join in the camaraderie. Cheer for the winners and commiserate with the losers. Have fun!

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Getting Married or Divorced in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known for wild and wacky, and ritzy and romantic weddings. Over 120,000 couples wed in Las Vegas each year. Some weddings are planned months in advance; while other weddings are “spontaneous” events. Prices for elegant ceremony at the Bellagio start at $1,500 and rise accordingly. The Little White Chapel is probably the best-known venue for a quickie wedding. You can get married at the Elvis Wedding Chapel by a Elvis look-a-like. You can wed between poker hands in a casino. You can say your vows in the Tunnel of Love Drive-Thru Chapel with special rates for bikers. Get married in privacy at poolside or in the spa at your Las Vegas vacation home rental. No matter what wedding you chose, if you want your wedding to be legal, get a marriage license at the Clark County Courthouse. It's open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until midnight.

On the other hand, the reputation for a “quickie” 24-hour divorce Las Vegas is a myth. If you meet the guy or gal of your dreams during your vacation, you can't get married one night and divorced the next morning. For a legal divorce in Nevada, you or your spouse must be a full-time resident of Nevada for at least six total weeks before commencement of the action according to Nevada Statute NRS 125.020. Beware of companies offering a “simplified” divorce with no residency. Just as a marriage requires a license to be legal, a divorce must meet residency requirements or it is not legal in all 50 states.

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Las Vegas Special Interest Freebies

You can easily spend $200 on a single show or round of golf in Las Vegas; however, there are also many fun and fascinating freebies for all ages interests near your vacation rental.

· The Bellagio Conservatory is a glass-domed 90,000 square foot conservatory filled with over 1,200 kinds of exotic plants and flowers. Displays are changed monthly. Admission is free.

· Ron Lee's World of Clowns offers a free self-guided factory tour.

· Wine lovers can enjoy free tours and wine tasting at the Pahrump Valley Vineyards.

· Car buffs get revved up at the Shelby American Inc. sports car museum featuring the latest version of Shelby American sports vehicles and a dozen Cobra cars. Free tours of the assembly area are offered Monday-Friday at 10 a.m.

· Stoogie aficionados can take a free tour of the Don Pablo Cigar Company.

· The Lost City of Atlantis Show at Caesars delights friends of the sea. There's a 50,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and shows daily at 11 am.

· The Fremont Street Experience is a free one-of-a-kind light and sound show. Over two million lights are projected on a massive canopy stretching over 1,400 feet along Main Street to Fourth Street accompanied by 100,000 watts of sound. Come for the show and stay for the fun.

Get the idea? There's more than gambling in Vegas.

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Family Friendly Las Vegas

You may be surprised to discover that Las Vegas is not just for grown-ups. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, there are around 400 family-oriented shows and activities in and around the city. Here's a sample of some Vegas fun the whole family:

• Watch the dare-devil acts at Circus-Circus or spend an entire day in the Adventuredome indoor theme park.
• Take to the animals at the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo or the Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand.
• See the dazzling 54-foot high volcano eruption at the Mirage every 15 minutes from dusk until midnight.
• Go behind-the-scene at Ethel M's Chocolate Factory. Free samples!
• Learn about life in the West and the desert at Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History.
• Catch a performance at the Las Vegas Comedy Pet Theatre. Popovich's show features a wild and heart-warming mixture of comedy, juggling skills and animal acts.
• Get a bird's eye view from atop the Stratosphere Tower, the tallest building in the America West. On a clear day, you can see Arizona and California and at night the WOW factor is high when the neon lights of Vegas come alive.

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Why Stay in a Las Vegas Vacation Rental?

In a city where the hotels are attractions, why stay in a vacation rental? Glad you asked. The old days of cheap Las Vegas vacations are gone. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment cost more. Want to see Celine Dion, Barry Manilow or one of Cirque du Soleil's performances? Prepare to drop as much as $200 per person. Looking for a free buffet? You may find a few, but don't expect mountains of shrimp and tender steaks; you get what you pay for.

Want to stay at a luxury hotel like Caesar's Palace? Prepare to pay $240-$350 per night for a room and $700 or more per night for a suite. On the other hand, there are hundreds of Las Vegas vacation home rentals ranging from fully-equipped studios and condos right on the Strip to palatial estates nearby with savings of 40% or more over hotel stays. Imagine a 7,500 square foot luxury mansion with 14 bedrooms, an Olympic-sized private pool and spa, high-tech entertainment center, gourmet kitchen and park-sized backyard for you and 20 or so close friends. At $950 per night, 10 couples can live in luxury for $95 per night. Vegas is all about living large!

Action on the Strip is exciting, but 24-hours on the Strip can be too much of a good thing. A vacation rental let's you take advantage of all the excitement and unplug from the action when you are ready. And, you can use money you save on your vacation rental to splurge on an extravagant show. Save dining dollars by preparing some meals in your own kitchen and treat yourself to a few special nights out at one of Las Vegas' top restaurants. You can live large for a lot less with a little planning and preparation.

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