For those of you considering a trip around the world, Vegas might be a great addition, particularly if you’ve never been there before. Part of the appeal of a RTW trip is going to places you’ve never been and seeing cities you have always wanted to see. If you are not from the US and planning on visiting, then Vegas is one of those quintessential destinations that really should be seen. If you are from the US and have yet to visit Las Vegas, then adding it to the beginning or end of your trip might be able to be done for cheap when it comes to plane tickets.

Adding Las Vegas to your round the world trip itinerary would give you a city that is unique and unlike anywhere else in the world, and isn’t that one of the draws of long-term travel? There really is nothing like Vegas, and you may be surprised at what it has to offer. Sure, there’s the gambling and shows, but there’s also the food, lots and lots of great food all over the place. There are even plenty of free activities in Vegas in case you are on a tight budget, and there are also plenty of cheap hotel rooms. In fact, you can get a hotel room for as cheap as $30/night, which is nearly impossible in most other cities in the US. Add in the surrounding areas – like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam – and you have all the makings of a great addition to your trip.

If you are planning a RTW trip, consider Vegas as a possible destination. It can be a great transition from one country to the next, and there really isn’t an experience like visiting Las Vegas.

Photo credit: 1

Fuzzy Dice

They’re fun, cheap and just a little bit tacky. Hang a pair of fuzzy dice from the rear view mirror of your car, and you’ll remember the good times you’ve had in Las Vegas—and those yet to come—every time you hop behind the wheel.

>>Buy fuzzy dice now.

Authentic Elvis Sunglasses

Nothing says Las Vegas quite like Elvis, and now you can take a little piece of the King of Rock-and-Roll with you when you sport a pair of these authentic Elvis sunglasses. Elvis is an iconic Las Vegas character, and any visit to Las Vegas is sure to be met with several references to the man himself. It’s bright in Las Vegas … beat the sun in style! These gold and brown sunglasses are officially licensed.

>>Buy authentic Elvis sunglasses now.

Books about Gambling

There’s no sure bet when you walk into the casino, but you can increase your chances of being successful at gambling if you understand how to play. There are many books available about the history, art and philosophy behind gambling, and they speak to everyone ranging from beginners to professional players. For those who are just learning the basics, Casino Gambling for Dummies may be the right book to choose. This book breaks down the vocabulary of gambling, provides information about several standard casino games and is written in an easy-to-understand manner.

1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets, written by Bill Burton, offers one thousand, simple categorized tips that will benefit anyone in a casino setting. It provides information on which games should be avoided at all costs, how to choose the best slot machines, how to make your money last, what bets are the best and the worst on the casino floor, the basics of card counting and when you should continue playing (or when you should pack it up and head home).

The King of Vegas’ Guide to Gambling: How to Win Big at Poker, Casino Gambling & Life! is written by self-made millionaire Wayne Allyn Root of Spike TV’s King of Vegas. This book isn’t a how-to book in the sense that gamblers will learn the secrets to the casino floor, but rather Root takes a philosophical approach to explaining how his spiritual principles have allowed him to be successful at gambling and in life in general.

Casino Game Set

Just because you can’t be in Las Vegas doesn’t mean you can’t play your favorite casino games. This casino game set makes it easy to take Las Vegas home. This isn’t just another cheap knock-off that you’ll find at the local mega retailer. Instead, it comes with high-quality gaming equipment that would be used on the casino floor, including a roulette wheel, playing cards, dice, craps sticks and poker chips. It also comes with full-sized felt table layouts for blackjack, baccarat, Texas hold ‘em and craps as well as roulette betting.

>>Buy the casino game set now.

Las Vegas Slot Machine Bank

Save your pennies for your next trip to Las Vegas with a piggy bank shaped like a slot machine with the fabulous Las Vegas sign on the front. It comes with all the bells and whistles of any slot machine, complete with a flashing sign when you hit the jackpot. What better way to put away that extra change so that you can make your way back to Sin City soon?

>>Buy the Las Vegas slot machine bank now.

Books about Las Vegas

We hope that you’ll do most of the planning for your Las Vegas vacation by taking advantage of the resources on WhyGo Las Vegas, but we can also appreciate the desire to hold a travel guide in your hands once you actually arrive in Sin City. For this, we recommend you pick up a copy of Frommer’s Las Vegas, Lonely Planet Las Vegas or Fodor’s Las Vegas. For a quick history lesson on Sin City, you might consider reading Las Vegas: An Unconventional History or The Battle for Las Vegas: The Law vs. The Mob. If fiction is more your style, the most popular book is the twisted tale of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream.

Show Tickets

If you know when you’ll be back in Sin City, splurge on a pair of tickets for a Las Vegas show you’ve been itching to see. You can choose from laugh-out-loud comedy, family friendly performances, something with a romantic twist, any number of shows created by Cirque du Soleil and many more. Not sure what you’d like to see? Browse for show tickets by date or venue to narrow down your choices.

>>Buy show tickets now.

National Parks Pass

If you appreciate Las Vegas for its easy access to several national parks in the Southwest, then you can easily get your return on investment with an America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which provides the general public with access to and use of all federal recreation sites that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. If you plan to visit even a few of the national parks near Las Vegas, then this is the ideal gift.

>>Buy an America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass now.

Photo credit: raptor_cZn

Fresno and Las Vegas

Driving distance between the two cities is 390 miles / 638 kilometers.

Air

There are several nonstop flights from Fresno to Las Vegas every day. Carriers include Continental, United, US Airways, Delta and American Airlines. Flights with a single stop almost always land in Los Angeles before continuing on to Las Vegas. Flight costs usually run somewhere between $150 and $200, but you should always look for cheap flights to Las Vegas because discounted prices are common. Flight time is about one hour and 20 minutes. Total travel time is about three hours.

Bus

There are several buses a day going to Las Vegas from Fresno, California. In most cases, there is a bus transfer in either Los Angeles or Bakersfield. The shortest route, which runs through Bakersfield, takes about eight and a half hours, while the longer routes, which traverse through Los Angeles, can take upwards of 13 hours. Regardless of route or length of time, though, the average ticket price for a bus ride between Fresno and Las Vegas runs from $60.00 to $80.00 one way.

Car

If you want to drive from Fresno to Las Vegas, plan on taking the better part of a day to do so. The shortest route between the two cities, which is approximately 390 miles, takes about six and a half hours to drive. To go this route, travelers should take 99 south out of Fresno for more than 100 miles. In Barstow, California, hop onto I-15 going east into Nevada, which goes all the way into Las Vegas. It really is a straight shot, and though parts of the drive are a bit boring going through the barren desert, it can be a quick drive as long as there’s minimal traffic. On Friday afternoons, the traffic going east on I-15 can be nightmarish.

Additional routes head through Los Angeles, but unless you need to stop by the city to pick someone up, there’s no reason to add the extra mileage to your journey.

Photo credit: Thomas Hawk

Considering the fact that the hotels draw travelers to Las Vegas, it’s probably no surprise that the city also has some of the largest hotels in the world. Of the many accommodations in Sin City, here are the seven largest hotels in Las Vegas.

MGM Grand

Number of rooms: 5,690

The MGM Grand encompasses a wide array of standard suites and luxurious accommodations known as the SKYLOFTS. When it opened in 1993, the resort was the largest in the world. The casino is nothing to sneeze over either. At 171,500 square feet, MGM Grand’s casino has more gaming space than any other property in Clark County. Of course, the property doesn’t stop there. Nearly two dozen restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment options can also be found at MGM Grand.

>>More information on MGM Grand.
>>More information on dining at MGM Grand.
>>More information on nightlife at MGM Grand.
>>More information on things to do at MGM Grand.
>>More information on entertainment at MGM Grand.

Luxor

Number of rooms: 4,408

The size of Luxor Las Vegas is deceiving, especially when compared to some of the highrises on the Las Vegas Strip, but when you consider the fact that many of Luxor’s hotel rooms are housed in two towers separate from the pyramid, it makes a bit more sense. Luxor is a hotspot for late night entertainment with several lounges, adult-oriented shows and nightclubs. It is also home to two of the most popular educational attractions on Las Vegas Boulevard.

>>More information on Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information on dining at Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information on nightlife at Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information on things to do at Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information on entertainment at Luxor Las Vegas.

Mandalay Bay (including THEhotel)

Number of rooms: 4,341

When considered separately, Mandalay Bay has 3,223 rooms and THEhotel has 1,118, but together these two joined properties make up the third largest hotel in Las Vegas. Though not themed like many other Las Vegas hotels, Mandalay Bay attracts lots of visitors simply because of its convention space and arena. The resort also has a massive gaming area, several noteworthy restaurants and North America’s only predator-based aquarium.

>>More information on Mandalay Bay.
>>More information on dining at Mandalay Bay.
>>More information on nightlife at Mandalay Bay.
>>More information on things to do at Mandalay Bay.
>>More information on entertainment at Mandalay Bay.

The Venetian

Number of rooms: 4,027

This classy, 5-star Las Vegas hotel has been impressing crowds since it opened in 1999. Most people take the time to explore The Venetian for its Grand Canal Shoppes, which wind through a realistically depicted Venice complete with street performers in St. Mark’s Square and singing gondoliers. Also noteworthy are the award-winning restaurants and a variety of production shows. The Venetian’s sister hotel, The Palazzo, is also a large hotel with 3,443 rooms.

Excalibur

Number of rooms: 4,008

Even those who play have to sleep eventually. Excalibur isn’t known for its rooms (though it has a lot of them). Rather, this medieval-themed resort is primarily about fun and games. This property is particularly family friendly with minimal nightlife but plentiful arcade and midway games as well as a show that requires people to eat with their fingers. Luckily for families, this is also one of the most affordable hotel options on the Las Vegas Strip.

>>More information on Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
>>More information on dining at Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
>>More information on nightlife at Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
>>More information on entertainment at Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
>>More information on things to do at Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
>>More information on things to do with kids at Excalibur Hotel and Casino.

ARIA

Number of rooms: 4,004

One of the newer hotels in Las Vegas, ARIA is part of CityCenter, a conglomeration of hotels and shops in the heart of the Strip. The property is classy with several bars and lounges as well as a nightclub, Haze. The resort also has more than a dozen restaurants and is home to one of several Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas.

>>More information on ARIA.
>>More information on dining at ARIA.
>>More information on things to do at ARIA.

Bellagio

Number of rooms: 3,993

Perhaps one of the most famous Las Vegas hotels, the Bellagio is both luxurious and fun. Few people enjoy a visit to Las Vegas without spending time scoping out the Bellagio Fountains. Of course, in addition to this famous free attraction (and the Bellagio Conservatory), there are also dozens of award-winning restaurants, plenty of nightlife options and a large casino floor. Cultural enthusiasts will want to check out the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

>>More information on the Bellagio.
>>More information on dining at the Bellagio.
>>More information on nightlife at the Bellagio.
>>More information on things to do at the Bellagio.
>>More information on entertainment at the Bellagio.



Photo credit: MGM Grand (loop_oh), Luxor (photographerglen), Mandalay Bay (James Marvin Phelps), The Venetian (Asten), Excalibur (Thomas Hawk), ARIA (davidkosmos), Bellagio (Zach Dischner)

One of the highlights of the event is the Artistry in Iron, Master Builders’ Championship, an invitation-only, peer-judged competition that showcases innovative master bike builders. Other events, which are open to all attendees, include the Custom Bike Show, a Harley Davidson Cafe Hog Out competition, demo rides, poker runs with prize money, autograph signing sessions and live music. A stunt show showcases freestyle riders and half pipes.

The Las Vegas BikeFest is held at the Cashman Center, and entry to the vendors exhibition and events is relatively inexpensive. As always, the real cost of traveling to Las Vegas during a major convention is the hotel room. In order to save money on bookings, travelers should always look for deals to Las Vegas and check for vacation packages or discounts and coupons that can be redeemed during travel for a less expensive stay.

>>More information on the event can be found here.

Photo credit: WilliamMarlow

Luxor Las Vegas is located on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip between Mandalay Bay and Excalibur. Its distinctive pyramid shape and the large Sphinx out front are what set this property apart from others in Las Vegas. With more than 4,400 rooms (a deceiving number, given its seemingly small size compared to other resorts), 120,000 square feet of gaming space, lots of after hours entertainment and some of the most popular educational attractions on Las Vegas Boulevard, Luxor is a property that is worth adding to your must-visit Las Vegas vacation list.

Luxor is known for its bright light, which supposedly can be seen in space.

The famous Luxor Sphinx.

The golden interior of the Luxor.

Liquidity offers an innovative, high-tech lounge experience.

Cathouse is an ultra-lux, seductive lounge that is particularly popular with women in town for a girls weekend.

LAX has 26,000 square feet of high energy nightclub space.

A suite bedroom at Luxor Las Vegas.

Luxor's pool offers great views of the pyramid.

A view of Luxor's interior.

The image of Luxor people remember.

>>More information about Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information about nightlife at Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information about entertainment at Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information about dining at Luxor Las Vegas.
>>More information about things to do at Luxor Las Vegas.

Photo credit: MGM Resorts International except Sphinx (msmail), golden Luxor (tricky), Luxor interior (riNux), Sphinx with light (tenaciousme)

Paris Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower – Though it may be thousands of miles away from France, Las Vegas’ version of the Eiffel Tower is certainly noteworthy. The Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower is a half-scale reproduction of the real deal, and, from the top, it offers some of the best views of the Las Vegas Strip. Wander through the casino area for an experience akin to strolling along the cobblestone pathways of the famous European city.

Grand Canal at The Venetian – Like the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Canal transfers visitors to a different time and place far from Las Vegas. You’re welcome to take your time as you walk along the water’s edge, poking into unique boutiques and watching the street performers who can be found throughout the Grand Canal Shoppes. Some of the best views are near the bridge by St. Mark’s Square, but the ultimate experience is found aboard one of the gondolas made complete with a singing gondolier.

Lion Habitat at MGM Grand – The lion that sits out front of MGM Grand has always been one of the defining images of Las Vegas. Inside this massive casino is a lion habitat, which you can visit free of charge. Several lions hang out here during the day, and handlers and exhibit placards offer an educational component to one of the most iconic Las Vegas’ experiences.

The Volcano at The Mirage – This fire-in-the-sky attraction came with a jaw-dropping price tag–$25 million—but visitors to Las Vegas can enjoy it for free. Every night on the hour from 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., the volcano at The Mirage erupts in an earth-rumbling, sky-high spray of smoke and fire, complete with streams of molten lava in a choreographed show.

The Fountains of Bellagio – If you’ve seen any pictures of Las Vegas, chances are it included the majestic, graceful and powerful Fountains of Bellagio. This water feature is a highlight for first-time visitors to Vegas as well as people who have visited the city dozens of times before. There are several water shows choreographed to music (with additional selections during the holiday season), which dazzle people throughout the day and every 15 minutes from 8:00 p.m.-midnight.

>>More information on things to do in Las Vegas.

Photo credit: Amyn Kassam

Spread across five indoor acres, the Adventuredome is climate controlled with a temperature of 72F, 365 days a year. Just like any other theme park, there are rides specifically for those less than 48 inches tall, those that are taller than 48 inches and a variety of attractions that appeal to everyone, regardless of height.

There are 18 rides in the Adventuredome. These range from the premium rides, which include roller coasters, 4D rides, water shoots, spinning rides and tower shoots, to more tame adventures (but no less fun) such as bumper cars, swinging ships and children’s rides. The wildest rides include the double loop, double corkscrew Canyon Blaster; the Rim Runner water ride with a 60-foot waterfall; the Inverter with 360 degrees of flipping and constant G Force; and the Sling Shot, which gets up to 4Gs of accelleration.

Other cool activities include a virtual reality game zone, rock climbing, bungee jumping, miniature golf and laser tag as well as an arcade and free circus shows.

The Adventuredome is open seven days a week (unless it is closed for maintenance). Hours vary throughout the year and are extended during holiday and peak seasons. Though you can pay per ride ($5.00-$8.00 each), if you plan on riding at least a few of them, you might want to consider purchasing an all-day ride pass, which costs $26.95 for those 48 inches and taller and $16.95 for those under 48 inches.

>>More information about family travel in Las Vegas.

Photo credit: MGM International

DAY ONE

If this is your first time in Las Vegas, take the time to explore the basics of the four-mile area known as the Strip before deciding where else to focus your attention. Make sure you’re wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and then explore the highlights of Las Vegas Boulevard. This includes wandering through some of the most impressive casinos, snapping photos of the most iconic hotels (such as Paris Las Vegas and Luxor), checking out some of the fun shops found in Las Vegas (including M&Ms World and the Coke Store), enjoying some of the most popular free attractions (like the lions at MGM Grand) and catching the Bellagio Fountains at night.

For more details on how to spend your first day in Las Vegas, check out day one of the two-day Las Vegas itinerary.

DAY TWO

After a long day of exploration, take a day to rest up and relax. On your second day in Las Vegas, let yourself be pampered at one of the city’s many spas or hit one of the many pool clubs if you’re visiting during the summer.

Las Vegas’ spas are incredibly innovative when it comes to offering creative, relaxing treatments that are also unique experiences in and of themselves. At Palms Casino Resort, for example, guests can spend time in a coed hammam, a Turkish wet sauna with heated stone slabs, aromatic vapors and steam. Opt for a more Eastern experience at Encore Las Vegas with the Escape package, which includes detoxifying Thai herbal poultices, a holistic Hawaiian lomo-lomi massage and calming scalp rubs with Indian shirodhara oil. Other unique treatments include a crème brulée massage at the Bathhouse at Mandalay Bay, a Fijian royal honey and milk ritual at Wynn Las Vegas and a champagne-infused mud wrap at Mandara Spa at Paris Las Vegas.

Top off the evening by catching one of the many shows in Las Vegas. Whether you’re blown away by magic, prefer to laugh your way through the night with comedy or be dazzled by the acrobatic antics of Cirque du Soleil, there’s something on stage for you.

DAY THREE

Spend your third day in Las Vegas exploring the many exhibits and attractions available up and down the Strip. The Luxor is home to two of the most popular—BODIES … The Exhibit and Titanic—but the Las Vegas Mob Experience, CSI: The Experience and Madame Tussauds are also favorites.

This is also a good day to check out the animal exhibits in the city. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is a great educational experience for the whole family, as is Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef. Both are worth a couple hours of your time. There are also a number of free-standing aquariums throughout the Strip, and no trip to Las Vegas is complete without a trip to see the lions at MGM Grand.

Those who are art lovers should spend part of the day browsing the cultural attractions in Las Vegas. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has frequently rotating, themed exhibits featuring famous artists from all over the world. CityCenter also has an extensive art collection, which can be enjoyed with a free self-guided walking tour found at the information desk.

If adrenaline is your thing, now is the time to hit up the thrill rides on Las Vegas Boulevard. You could potentially spend all day enjoying the roller coaster at New York New York, the scream-worthy rides at the top of the Stratosphere and the selection of thrills at Circus Circus.

DAY FOUR

If Las Vegas is wearing you down, use day four to escape the madness. One of the best things about Sin City is that it offers so many appealing day trips. You will either need to rent a car or take a one of the many tours from Las Vegas to explore the surrounding area.

Red Rock Canyon is probably the most popular day trip destination, and for good reason. The landscape is stunning in and of itself, but with a thirteen-mile scenic drive and a wide variety of hiking opportunities, it is possible for both leisure and active travelers to enjoy the site. Valley of Fire State Park also offers some hiking opportunities.

At Lake Mead National Recreational Area, visitors can partake in a number of water sports or just lounge on the shore. If you’re planning on traveling that far outside the city, you might as well go a bit further to check out the Hoover Dam, an impressive engineering marvel with paid tours and self-guided experiences.

DAY FIVE

Your final day in Las Vegas should be spent taking in the must-see attractions that you didn’t get to enjoy earlier in your stay.

This is also a great day to squeeze in a game of golf (reserve a tee time early to avoid disappointment) at one of the more than 60 courses that lie within an hour’s drive from the Strip. These courses range in difficulty, but some of the most challenging were developed by esteemed golfers and designers including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper and Rees Jones.

If shopping is your forte, it’s time to put down the plastic at one of Las Vegas’ many malls and shopping spaces. Options range from deals at one of the three outlet malls in town and major chain stores to niche boutiques and high-end retailers tucked into the more upscale Las Vegas hotels including Wynn Las Vegas, The Palazzo, Bellagio and Caesars Palace.

Top off your trip to Las Vegas with a jaunt to the downtown area, which houses the famous Fremont Street Experience. The epitome of vintage Vegas, downtown Las Vegas has several of the city’s original hotels, classic steakhouses and restaurants, old school neon signs, street performers and an enormous screen that displays several light shows nightly.

Photo credit: MGM Resorts International (MGM Grand, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay)