World-class entertainment, bustling nightlife, celebrity chef-owned restaurants, and hundreds of casinos are just some of the features that make Las Vegas a prime vacation destination. Planning a trip to this dynamic city is exciting but can also be stressful.
If you’re stumped on how to plan a trip to Vegas, don’t worry. This guide outlines the simplest way to plan and book travel to the Entertainment Capital of the World. It walks you through the process step-by-step and gives you a handful of useful Vegas travel tips on transportation, hotels, restaurants, shows, and more.
Before booking anything, it’s a good idea to research how much your Las Vegas trip might cost. Some questions to consider are:
You might want to check flight prices and hotel costs first, noting fares and rates at different times of the year. Once you have those estimates, you can check prices for things you’d like to do and see, researching ticket costs online. Knowing how much money you’ll need to set aside will make your Las Vegas trip as smooth as possible.
Now that you have an idea of how much your Vegas trip will cost, decide how much you’re willing to spend. The time of year you go, where you stay, and what you do once you’re there are a few factors to consider. If you’re on a tight budget, for example, visiting midweek, avoiding peak travel times, finding accommodations off the Strip, and exploring tourist attractions that are free or low cost will help you stick to your spending plan.
Plane tickets to Vegas can be cheap or expensive, depending on when you plan to go. Airfare is generally lower mid-week and much more expensive on weekends. Keep in mind that because Las Vegas is a popular event destination, you’ll likely have to pay more for your plane ticket if demand is high on account of popular festivals or sporting events. To avoid a trip to Las Vegas during times of higher congestion, check the event calendar. If you live nearby, you can also take a road trip to avoid the airport hassle!
After determining your budget and deciding when to travel to Las Vegas, research hotels. Find a few favorites and play around with availability. Consider amenities like casinos and pools, locations on The Strip and off in places like Downtown Las Vegas, and prices ranging from budget to luxury. Once you decide on the perfect hotel for your stay, book it. Don’t wait, especially if you’re planning to travel on a weekend or a special occasion.
In Vegas, popular tours and shows sell out fast, and dining hot spots have long wait lists. That’s why making reservations in advance is always encouraged, and nowadays, you can easily take care of this online. While you’re at it, you might also want to book your airport shuttle rides and rental cars in advance, too.
There’s plenty to see and do in Las Vegas that doesn’t require advanced planning, like exploring The Strip and the downtown area. While there, you can ask a local for Las Vegas tips. They know the city better than anyone else!
Packing for Las Vegas requires a bit of planning between the weather forecast and the activities you plan to do on your trip.
Las Vegas is a desert destination. That means summertime is very hot – often in the triple digits. If you’re making Vegas your summer getaway, pack shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and sneakers. Bring along a hat, a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a bathing suit if you plan to swim in any of the pools.
If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, daytime highs are in the 70s and 80s. So, you can still bring your shorts and short-sleeved shirts, but you may also want to throw a jacket or sweatshirt into your suitcase for the cooler evenings.
Do you love a chill in the air, and would you rather travel to Vegas in the winter? Temperatures are cold but rarely dip below freezing. So, trade in the shorts for jeans and pants and those short-sleeved tees for long-sleeved ones. Jackets and sweatshirts are necessary at this time of year, especially at night.
No matter when you go, don’t forget to bring medications and toiletries.
Whether this is your first trip to Las Vegas or your 100th, these additional travel tips are helpful for every traveler planning a trip to Vegas:
When planning your trip to Las Vegas, why not book your room at the D Las Vegas for an unforgettable downtown experience? This modern-day casino with nods to vintage Vegas is ideal for every traveler.
Soak in the bright lights, feel the energy on the streets, witness the city’s amazing art scene, taste world-class meals, sip a cocktail or two, and try your luck in the casinos. Above all, enjoy yourself in Vegas! Whether you’re looking for a wild night or a quiet restaurant, the options in Las Vegas are endless.
