Fun YouTube video:
Las Vegas Travel Deals in January 2022?
The huge Consumer Electronics Show scheduled for the first week in January makes Las Vegas a travel nightmare. But 2022 may make Las Vegas a destination of rare travel deals for travelers ready to take advantage of last second deals. Let me explain:
CES
CES is the most massive individual convention in Las Vegas. Hundreds of thousands of conventioneers descend on Las Vegas the first week in January, locking up hotel rooms, crowding restaurants and sending prices through the roof. Just think of a room that typically runs for $100, suddenly going for $250 a night plus resort fees. Ugh, no deals here!
In fact the CES is so big, steadily outgrowing the convention space in Las Vegas, that it prompted a $1 billion expansion of the main Las Vegas Convention Center. The complex now boasts over 14 million square feet of exhibitor space and is the second largest convention venue in North America.
By the way, the first is in Chicago, but who wants to convention in Chicago in January?
In fact the event is so big that even with the massive space of the Las Vegas Convention Center filled to the brim with meeting rooms and massive product show floors that other convention and event venues are called in to provide space for secondary events. Even airlines scheduled extra flights to handle the expected rush into Las Vegas.
The bottom line is that in the typical year you do not want to visit Las Vegas during CES week. Rooms are hard to get and expensive, and traffic hits Los Angeles rush hour bad. In fact, after New Years Eve, bargain hunters stay away until around the 15th of January, because of the massive disruptions caused by armies of advance teams installing and tearing down the event and the massive product displays of 2,100 businesses big and small.
Then Came the Pandemic
In 2021, the pandemic canceled the physical CES and the massive event became an abridged Internet affair. Excitement in all corners rose with the thought of CES returning in 2022. Yet with mere days away before the event begins the Omicron variant is sweeping the country. Cases are rising all about North America but especially in Las Vegas and Nevada.
Tech companies are last minute canceling their physical attendance in Las Vegas. As of 22 January some of the big names already canceled include Amazon, Twitter, Pinterest, and Meta (the new name of Facebook). With pandemic worries more cancellations are expected, although the actual event itself is expected to come off. Each cancellation equates to hundreds, if not thousands of fewer people actually filling the rooms. Hotels are likely to find themselves with empty rooms last minute.
The Opportunity May Came
And that is the potential opportunity. Empty rooms mean cheaper prices and for people willing to travel in today’s world with a quick lead time then the 4th-10th of January may offer some last minute deals. How good the deals will be will depend on how more cancellations there will be and how fast deal hunters swoop up on the last minute rooms.
Monitor Vegas visitor websites like vegas.com or travel sites like Kayak or Hotels.com and if on New Years Day prices swoon, then be prepared to pounce.
Mask Mandates to Continue in Las Vegas into 2022
For a little while improving pandemic numbers were giving Las Vegas hope that we could do away with mask mandates soon.
Hopes are dashed. The last few weeks the pandemic numbers in Nevada have been creeping the wrong way. Also because of fears of a potential winter spike, the new Omicron varient and upcoming massive crowds for New Years Eve, mask mandates are now confirmed to continue until sometime after the holiday celebrations, and potentially quote a bit longer.
So… who is going to have the coolest mask on New Years’ Eve?
TRAVEL NEWS: Cosmopolitan Again Charging for Parking
The evil parking charges in Las Vegas continue to return. In this case the Cosmopolitan joins MGM and Caesar Entertainment in grabbing money off those parking spaces. The good news is just like MGM and Caesars, there are lots of exceptions, so you may not actually have to pay anything.
The charges exclude hotel guests, players club members of a certain tier, locals for the first three hours, motorcycles and everyone for the first hour. Otherwise, to self-park, it’s $10 for up to four hours and $15 from four to 24 hours. Valet parking is free for hotel guests, $15 for up to four hours, and $20 for four to 24 hours for everyone else.
To my thinking the parking charges by the Cosmopolitan make lots of sense. Unlike the MGM and Caesars properties the Cosmo was never designed to be a casino/resort. It was actually supposed to be a condo complex before bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis lead to a rethink. It makes Cosmo a beautiful and unique property, from her great balconies to funky public features. However its parking garage was designed for a condo complex, not a popular resort with restaurants, casino, shows and clubs. In short, parking at the Cosmo is always a negative. Charging for non-guests will help protect the parking spaces for guests and players club members.
Tour Guide Behaving Badly at the Las Vegas Hand of Faith Golden Nugget
Tour Guide at Work and Play
Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde
When two tour guides behave badly over the Hand of Faith Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, it ruins the moment for everyone.
My background – I am a US Army Veteran, retired history teacher and semi-retired tour guide. That is semi-retired as in “I don’t work for any company but I do lead some private tours and help some tour companies when they need an extra guide.” The fact is, if there is a tour in the greater Southwestern USA, I have probably done it at some point.
How about Las Vegas? San Francisco? Hoover Dam? Red Rock Canyon? Monument Valley? Valley of Fire? Bryce Canyon? Tombstone?
Check, check, check, check, check and more.
But as a proper tour guide I also love to travel, and hike, and otherwise enjoy the wonders, both natural and man-made, of this beautiful planet.
Erupting volcanoes? Andes mountain villages? South Korean mountain-top temples? San Francisco’s Chinatown during the Chinese New Year? Eighteen-course sushi/saki meals at a Michelin starred restaurant?
Check, check, check and more.
It is a wonder, and a curse. A wonder because as a tour guide I do get to see so much. A wonder that my experience in the travel industry lets me find great places for travel and vacation that are often off the typical tourist path.
The curse is I can be too clinical in my travels. The tour guide is new and doesn’t know her stuff as she should. The hotel isn’t as clean or as well maintained as it could be. The restaurant server is too worried about himself and not the guests at the table and service sucks.
Yet while I can be incredibly critical I can also be quite forgiving. I KNOW how it is to be leading a tour with a person with a bad attitude because he doesn’t want to be there. I KNOW what it is like when luggage gets lost or that trail ride is cancelled because of a washout. Yeah – the travel industry can be tough.
I also take tours around my home base of Las Vegas, just to see what other people do, including tours of my “competitors.” Some may call this spying but I’m really not, just seeing what others do, learning, picking up greater insight and trying to become a better tour guide. I was taking a Las Vegas walking tour that includes a walk-through of the Golden Nugget with a stop at the display of the Hand of Faith Golden Nugget – billed as the largest golden nugget found by metal detector and the largest on permanent display in the world.
My guide is just dressed in non-uniform casual. He gives a short talk about the nugget, allows those in our group a chance to take some photos. While this is going on a larger tour group fills in behind us. As our group moves away the second tour guide – an older guy wearing a cliche bush hat and uniformed shirt and shorts proclaims loudly, “Now let a REAL tour guide tell you the REAL story about the Golden Nugget!”
My tour guide grimaced and quickly moved away. The second tour guide began to rattle off his canned schtick. I held back to listen to it. Fact is he was no more correct about the Hand of Faith Golden Nugget than the first tour guide.
Understand that I am a history guy, and the Hand of Faith is something that I have done a close study on. It is a fun story. Maybe if there is enough interest I might right a blog post on it. And before you click to Wikipedia’s listing for the Hand of Faith, be warned it is shot full of inaccuracies. Be careful where you do your own research.
Here is the thing about going on tours. There are stories where ever you go. In fact every place you will ever go has a depth of history and geography and social importance that can never be properly summed up with a 2 minute story. But as tour guides that is what we have to do. Effective tour guides pick and choose the types of stories and details that will appeal to the group. Hopefully I have enough story telling skills to make it entertaining for the members of my group.
Tours can be exactly the same. For example the site tour guides at Hoover Dam have a specific script they follow. Few deviate from the script more than a word or two. It is canned because they are moving hundreds, even thousands of tourists through every hour. But then I don’t go to tours like that for the tour guide, I go on them to see and get a picture of the massive generators and to feel the dam around me as I walk through the bare rock tunnels.
Is It Ever Too Late? Why I’m Starting Over at 65 to Travel the World
I wasn’t always sitting here in the crisp, cool air of Anchorage, Alaska. Not long ago, I was in Las Vegas, and I don’t mean the “winning big at the craps table” kind of Vegas. I mean the 120-degree-heat, asphalt-melting, soul-crushing kind of Vegas.
In 2023, my world didn’t just change, it stopped. My wife, Lisa, passed away after a long, grueling illness. For months afterward, I wasn’t really living. I was a ghost in my own life. By day, I worked as a tour guide, showing visitors the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon and the Valley of Fire. I’d point out the layers of time in the rocks, the resilience of the desert flora, and then I’d go home to an empty house, lie down, and stare at the ceiling.
The silence in that house was louder than any casino floor. Between the crushing loneliness, the depression, and the relentless desert heat, I realized I was at a crossroads. I could stay there and slowly fade away, or I could do something radical.
I chose the latter.
The Lessons Lisa Left Behind
Lisa and I weren’t the “sit on the porch” kind of couple. We had spent years traveling the world together. We taught in Ecuador, we went scuba diving in the vibrant waters of Mexico and Colombia. We had always built our life around experiences rather than “stuff.”
But toward the end, when the hospital bed became her whole world, she said something to me that I’ll never forget:
“I was a woman who always did what I wanted… went where I wanted… and now all I can do is lay in this hospital bed.”
After she was gone, I realized I was doing exactly what she hated. I was staying still. I was stuck. And I knew, with every fiber of my being, that she wouldn’t have wanted that for me. She would have been the first one to pack my bags and push me out the door.
So, I decided to live the way she lived. I decided to experience the world again, even if I had to do it alone. This was the birth of my new mission: finding the perfect solo travel for seniors strategy that didn’t involve spending a fortune or following a tour bus around with a numbered paddle.
The Great Reset: From Vegas to Anchorage
They say you can’t run away from your problems, but you can certainly move them to a cooler climate. I left Las Vegas and headed north, way north, to Anchorage, Alaska. I needed a clean slate, a place where the air was thin and the light was different.
I gave myself one mission: get my life back in order.
That meant facing the “stuff.” You know the stuff I’m talking about. The garage full of “just in case” items, the drawers of old cables, the furniture that holds more memories than utility. I worked hard, I paid off my debts, and I simplified everything.
I didn’t just downsize; I underwent a life-audit. I cut everything down until my entire life fit into two suitcases.
Living out of two suitcases at 65 might sound like a nightmare to some, but to me, it felt like shedding a heavy winter coat in the middle of July. It was the ultimate freedom. If I didn’t need it to survive or to see the world, I didn’t need it at all. This radical minimalism is one of the best retirement travel ideas I can give anyone: the less you own, the more you can see.
Real Travel for Real People (On a Real Budget)
There’s a misconception that travel after 60 has to be luxury cruises and five-star hotels. Don’t get me wrong, I like a nice thread count as much as the next guy, but that’s not what I’m about. I’m not an “influencer” trying to look perfect in a linen suit. I’m a guy who knows how to find a deal and isn’t afraid of a budget airline.
I travel on the cheap. I work when I need to, and I travel when I can. My goal is to show you that you don’t need a massive inheritance to see the world. By 2027, I plan to be semi-retired and “slow traveling” the globe.
What does that look like?
- Practicality over Prestige: Using points and miles strategies to fly for nearly nothing.
- Affordability: Finding destinations where your dollar (or your pension) goes three times as far.
- Strategy: Learning how to navigate the world as a solo senior without feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
According to research from groups like AARP, more seniors than ever are looking for “grief travel” or “transformative travel” experiences. We are realizing that we aren’t just “aging”, we are evolving. Solo travel for seniors isn’t just about seeing the Eiffel Tower; it’s about proving to yourself that you are still capable, still curious, and still very much alive.
Is It Ever Too Late?
I get asked this all the time. “Richard, aren’t you a bit old to be starting over?”
My response is usually a wry smile and a question of my own: “Compared to what?”
If the alternative is sitting in a 120-degree living room staring at the ceiling, then no, 65 is the perfect age to start over. In fact, it might be the best age. We have the perspective that younger travelers lack. We know that time is the only currency that really matters. We’ve spent decades solving problems for others; it’s time we solve the problem of how to live our own best lives.
You don’t have to be rich to do this. You don’t have to be a marathon runner. But you do need a plan. And that’s why I’m here. I’m building a roadmap for the rest of us: the ones who want the “impossible” balance of great experiences and smart finances.
Join Me on the Journey
This blog post is just the beginning. I’m taking this mission to YouTube to show you exactly how I’m doing it: the wins, the fails, and the occasional lost suitcase.
Mark your calendars for April 28th. That’s when I’m dropping my first official travel vlog: “I Sold Everything to Travel the World at 65.”
I’ll be diving deep into the logistics of how I downsized, the emotional hurdles of leaving my old life behind, and why I’m more excited for the future now than I’ve been in years.
If you’ve been thinking about traveling more, retiring earlier, or just living a little bit differently, you’re in the right place. We aren’t just “older”: we’re just getting started.
See you on the road (or at least in the next post).
Richard Evans
PARADISE Tour Guy
Want more retirement travel ideas? Subscribe to the PARADISE Tour Guy YouTube Channel and stay tuned for our next update on May 1st, where we answer the big question: “Can You Really Travel the World on $1,500 a Month?”
The Ultimate Guide to Packing Smart for a Sizzling Hot Adventure in Las Vegas!
Welcome to the dazzling city of Las Vegas! Known for its vibrant energy, iconic attractions, and scorching hot weather, this desert oasis promises an unforgettable adventure to all. As you prepare for your trip, getting ready for the sun is important. On my tours I have a lot of clients who under dress, over dress, and generally suffer when they don’t have to. Let’s dive into my guide on what to pack for your sizzling hot escapade in Las Vegas!
Dress to Impress: When it comes to clothing, think lightweight and comfortable. Las Vegas’ sizzling temperatures call for breathable fabrics and styles that let your skin breathe. Pack loose-fitting tops, t-shirts, and tank tops to keep you feeling cool and stylish. Pair them with shorts, skirts, or lightweight pants for a winning combination of comfort and fashion. Oh, and ladies, don’t forget to pack a fabulous dress for those unforgettable nights on the Strip!
Make a Splash: Las Vegas is famous for its incredible pools and pool parties. Be sure to pack your favorite swimwear, whether it’s a stylish bikini or cool swim trunks. You’ll want to make a splash and soak up the sun while lounging by the pool. And don’t forget a trendy cover-up or sarong for those short walks between poolside adventures!
Sunscreen and Sunnies, Oh My! The desert sun in Las Vegas tends to be microwave intense, so arm yourself with proper sun protection. Pack a wide-brimmed hat or a cool cap to keep the sun’s rays at bay while adding a touch of flair to your outfit. Don’t forget to rock a pair of stylish sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes and look effortlessly cool. And of course, a bottle of high SPF sunscreen is your best friend to avoid any unwanted sunburn surprises!
Happy Feet: With so much to explore in Las Vegas, you’ll want to pack comfortable shoes for those long walks along the Strip or inside the massive resorts. Opt for a pair of comfy walking shoes or sneakers to keep your feet happy as you embark on your Vegas adventures. And hey, don’t forget to toss in a pair of sandals or flip-flops for those relaxed poolside vibes!
Accessories That Amp Up the Fun: No Vegas trip is complete without a few essential accessories. Grab a lightweight backpack or a stylish tote bag to carry your essentials while exploring this vibrant city. And since Las Vegas is known for its never-ending excitement, make sure you have a portable phone charger to keep your devices powered up for all those Instagram-worthy moments. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle to quench your thirst and save the environment!
Expect the Unexpected: Even in the desert, the weather can sometimes surprise us. During late Spring or late Fall, I have picked up folks in board shorts and flip flops at the hotel, and suffered snow showers on the Grand Canyon mesa or at the Red Rock Canyon. A more familiar in the desert is a surprise shower or two. pack a compact travel-size umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket just in case. You never know when Mother Nature might add a touch of whimsy to your Vegas experience! Additionally, keep your cash and cards secure with a trusty money belt or a secure wallet.
Capture the Memories: Las Vegas is a city of lights, entertainment, and unforgettable moments. Don’t forget to pack your camera or smartphone to capture those memorable experiences along the way. Keep the electronic gizmos charged and ready with lots of available memory. Whether it’s the breathtaking fountain shows, iconic landmarks, or your group’s shenanigans, these snapshots will be cherished for years to come.
As you prepare for your scorching hot adventure in Las Vegas, we hope this light and friendly packing guide has you feeling confident and ready to take on the desert paradise. Remember to pack lightweight clothing, sun protection, comfortable footwear, and essential accessories to stay cool and make the most of your Vegas experience.
So now that you have your smart packing list, you’re well on your way to enjoying the sizzling hot adventures awaiting you in Las Vegas. Remember to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and embrace the spirit of fun and excitement that this city exudes.
Have a sensational time in Las Vegas, and may your trip be filled with unforgettable memories, thrilling moments, and endless joy!
Richard Lloyd Evans is a travel writer, retired history teacher and a Las Vegas private tour guide. He was named Best Local Tour Guide in the Las Vegas Visitor Guide 2023.
Around the World in 80 Minutes – All in Las Vegas
Around the world in 80 minutes? Yes if you are in Las Vegas. Many of the resorts are named from cities from around the world – and also try to theme themselves after their name. Here are the cities on my short list of “Around the World in 80 Minutes in Las Vegas.” Better yet, take longer to enjoy all the little details that make each one unique.
- Paris Las Vegas – This resort is designed to look like the city of Paris, France, complete with a half-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower and other famous landmarks. The exteriors display close copies of the Louvre, Musee d’ Orsay, Tuileries Palace and more.
- New York-New York Hotel & Casino – This resort is designed to look like the skyline of New York City, complete with replicas of famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. The interior is intended to imply the New York of the 1940s, while the exterior does include some building elements like the CBS Building (built 1965) and 550 Madison Avenue (1985).
- The Venetian Las Vegas – This resort is designed to look like the city of Venice, Italy, complete with canals, gondolas, and replicas of famous landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and the Campanile Tower.
- Luxor Las Vegas – This resort is named after the city of Luxor in Egypt, which is home to the famous Luxor Temple. Its ancient Egyptian theme has been downplayed in recent years, but is still obvious.
- Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino – This resort is named after the city of Mandalay in Myanmar (formerly Burma), which is known for its ancient temples and pagodas. While the Mandalay Bay is given a tropical theme – not much in the way of pagodas or temples here.
- Bellagio Casino and Resort – themed after the small resort town of Bellagio, located along the shoreline of Lake Como in Northern Italy. The story goes that Wynn and his family vacationed at Bellagio. He was so impressed with the hotels and villas and restaurants that circled the lake, he decided to make it the theme for his next Mega Resort.
- The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino – This resort is named after the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, which is known for its vibrant carnival culture.
It is National Chocolate Parfait Day in Las Vegas!
It is National Chocolate Parfait Day and that means we need to celebrate it here in Las Vegas! Here are five restaurants where you can get some killer Chocolate Parfait!
- Joel Robuchon – located in the MGM Grand, Joel Robuchon is a high-end French restaurant that serves a decadent chocolate parfait.
- Sage – located in the Aria Resort and Casino, Sage offers a chocolate parfait made with dark chocolate mousse, hazelnut praline, and salted caramel ice cream.
- L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – also located in the MGM Grand, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon is a more casual French restaurant that serves a chocolate parfait with praline and hazelnut ice cream – my favorite!
- Top of the World – located at the top of the Stratosphere Tower, Top of the World offers a rich chocolate parfait as part of their dessert menu.
- Eiffel Tower Restaurant – located in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant offers a chocolate parfait with chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, and caramel sauce.
Please note that restaurant menus can change frequently, so it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant directly to confirm that they are currently serving a chocolate parfait.
Celebrate National Blueberry Pie Day at Some Awesome Las Vegas Restaurants
April 28th each year celebrates National Blueberry Pie Day and in Las Vegas there is no end to deliciousness. In fact, I admit one of the few things that can lead me to dietary Armageddon is some luscious blueberry pie a la mode.
So pull up a chair and a fork and pitch in with me as we celebrate the most tasty blue day of the year with these awesome Las Vegas restaurant blueberry pies in no particular order:
- Marie Callender’s – This chain restaurant is known for its classic American pies, including blueberry pie. They have several locations in Las Vegas.
- Bouchon Bakery – Located in The Venetian, Bouchon Bakery offers a selection of French-inspired pastries, including blueberry pie.
- Freed’s Bakery – A family-owned bakery that has been in Las Vegas for over 60 years, Freed’s Bakery offers a variety of cakes, pastries, and pies, including blueberry pie.
- The Coffee Cup – This diner in Boulder City, about 30 minutes from Las Vegas, is known for its homemade pies, including blueberry pie. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Du-Par’s Restaurant and Bakery – Located inside the Sun Coast Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas, Du-Par’s offers classic American dishes and homemade pies, including blueberry pie.
- Carson Kitchen – This restaurant in downtown Las Vegas serves creative twists on classic dishes, including their blueberry pie, which is served with a honey-lavender ice cream.
- Manon Bakery – This French bakery in Las Vegas offers a variety of pastries and desserts, including their blueberry tart which is made with a buttery crust and a homemade blueberry filling.
- Blueberry Hill Family Restaurant – This restaurant located in the northwest part of Las Vegas serves classic American breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, including their homemade blueberry pie. Frankly, I could eat this blueberry pie every day. Of course I’d balloon up to 400 pounds!
How about you? Where is your go to place for some Las Vegas blueberry pie?
National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day Hot Spots in Las Vegas
April 24th is National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day. The term for hot dogs or sausage wrapped in some form of bread came as early as 1901 in recipes. The phrase really took off in the English language after it was printed in the 1957 issue of the Betty Crocker Cookbook.
So here are some popular places in Las Vegas that are known for serving delicious pigs in a blanket. Enjoy!
- Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: Located at The Venetian, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is known for serving classic southern dishes, including their signature “Lil’ Kim” Pigs in a Blanket made with house-made pork sausage, cheddar cheese, and honey mustard sauce.
- The Peppermill Restaurant & Lounge: This classic Vegas establishment serves a variety of comfort foods, including their famous pigs in a blanket, which are made with mini hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry and served with honey mustard sauce.
- Hash House A Go Go: With multiple locations across Las Vegas, Hash House A Go Go is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. Their pigs in a blanket are made with mini hot dogs wrapped in pancake batter and served with maple syrup.
- Mabel’s BBQ: Located at the Palms Casino Resort, Mabel’s BBQ is known for their mouth-watering barbecue. Their “Piggy in a Blanket” features smoked sausage wrapped in a cornmeal pancake and topped with a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Bouchon Bakery: Located at The Venetian, Bouchon Bakery is a French-inspired bakery known for their pastries and bread. Their “Pigs in a Brioche” feature mini hot dogs wrapped in brioche dough and served with mustard and ketchup.
Have you any Las Vegas pigs-in-a-blanket favorite spots?
Best Bet: Take a Walking Tour Your First Day in a New City
I always suggest to anyone coming to a new city to consider taking a walking tour. There are several advantages to taking a walking tour, especially your first day in a new location:
- Get a unique perspective: Walking tours often allow you to see parts of a city or town that you might not see otherwise. This is because walking tours typically cover areas that are not accessible by car or bus.
- Learn about the history and culture: Walking tours are often led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the history, culture, and architecture of the area. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the place you are visiting.
- An expert at your side: You will have close contact with a local expert who can answer all of your questions and make recommendations on dining or other activities.
- Exercise: Walking is a great form of exercise, and taking a walking tour is a way to combine sightseeing with physical activity. This can be especially beneficial if you are traveling and may not have access to a gym or other exercise facilities.
- Meet new people: Walking tours are a great way to meet other travelers or locals who share your interests. This can be a fun and social way to explore a new place.
- Eco-friendly: Walking tours are a sustainable and eco-friendly way to travel, as they do not contribute to pollution or traffic congestion.
Overall, a walking tour can be a great way to experience a new place, learn about its history and culture, and stay active at the same time.
Summer Travel Tips for Las Vegas
It is April and here in Las Vegas we have already set a record temperature – 94 degrees on the 11th (old record was 93). We are in the middle of the Mohave Desert, where summer temperatures top out at 117 degrees.
Here are some summer travel tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Pack light: Summer weather usually means lighter clothing, so try to pack only what you need to save space and make traveling easier. Do pack for layers though. Temperatures fall rapidly when the sun goes down. Also casinos tend to keep their interiors ice box chilly. You will appreciate carrying around a light jacket or sweater for when the temperatures plunge.
- Stay hydrated: The heat and sun can quickly dehydrate you, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up whenever you have the chance. Don’t wait to drink water, best to just sip it all day long. Even better, when you drink alcohol in Vegas also drink some water – ie one beer, one water alternating. Alcohol actually dehydrates people, so too much alcohol and too much heat can be deadly.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Also if you have winter-pale sking, think twice before getting into too skin revealing outfits. The desert sun’s rays are intense in Vegas. It can take less than an hour to get a significant sunburn. Think light pants or skirts and lots of sunscreen.
- Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon: The hottest part of the day is usually midday to about 6 pm, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. It still amazes me that my second most popular tour I lead is a walking tour of the Las Vegas Strip that starts at 1 pm – the very hottest part of the day! I lug around a lot of bottled water to keep my folks safe.
- Check the weather forecast: Summer weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to check the forecast before you leave and pack accordingly.
- Bring a portable fan or mister: A portable fan or mister can be a lifesaver on hot summer days, especially if you’re exploring a city on foot.
- Plan indoor activities: If it’s too hot to be outside, plan indoor activities like visiting museums, shopping, or check out Las Vegas mid-day shows to keep you inside, cool and entertained..
- Be flexible: Summer travel can be busy and unpredictable, so be flexible with your plans and expect some delays or crowds. Stay positive and enjoy your trip!
The Creator of the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
Betty Willis (1923-2015) was an American graphic designer who is best known for designing the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, which has become a symbol of the city of Las Vegas.
Willis was born in Overton, Nevada, and grew up in Las Vegas. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she studied fine art and commercial art. After graduation, she worked as a commercial artist in Los Angeles for several years before returning to Las Vegas in the early 1950s.
In 1959, the Clark County Commission approached Willis with a request to design a sign that would welcome visitors to Las Vegas. Willis came up with the design for the now-famous sign, which features a stylized cowboy and the words “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” in bold letters.
Willis never trademarked the design, which has since been widely reproduced on T-shirts, mugs, and other souvenirs. However, she continued to work as a graphic designer in Las Vegas for many years, creating logos and designs for various businesses and organizations.
Willis died in 2015 at the age of 91. Her legacy lives on through the iconic sign she designed, which remains a beloved symbol of Las Vegas and an important piece of American design history.
WHO AM I
I am Richard Lloyd Evans, a travel writer, retired history teacher and a private tour guide offering iconic tours in and around the Las Vegas area. I am a member in good standing of the Las Vegas Tourist Guide Guild and recently was named Best Local Tour Guide by the Las Vegas Visitor Guide 2023.
Consider Taking a Private Tour in Las Vegas
Private tours in Las Vegas might be your best bet. One of the top reasons for people coming to Las Vegas are the awesome attractions in and around the city. Natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire compliment man-made attractions like Hoover Dam, the Las Vegas Strip and the Fremont Street Experience. It all can be dazzling and confusing.
Your options tend to be either just go yourself, go on a scheduled tour with other people, or take a private tour. Let’s look at the advantages of taking a private tour in Las Vegas.
- Personalized experience: Taking a typical scheduled/bus tour, the itinerary of where you go and how much time you spend there are set. Contrast this with a private tour, where you can customize your itinerary to suit your preferences and interests. Want to spend a more leisurely time taking pictures of your favorite spots? With a private tour, you have the freedom to choose where you want to go, how long you want to stay, and what activities you want to do.
- Flexibility: Private tours offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling. Sheduled and bus tours have their published times to leave and return, and you need to adapt your activities around those times. With a private tour, you can start and end your tour at a time that is convenient for you, and you can make changes to your itinerary on the fly.
- Knowledgeable guide: Private tour guides tend to be more knowledgeable and experienced than bus tour guides. Many bus guides are going off of a general script. Their knowledge off of the official presentations can be limited. Meanwhile a good private guide can provide you with valuable insights and detailed information about the places you are visiting. They can drill down into the background information of those things you are really interested in. They can also answer any questions you may have about shows, dining or other activities and make recommendations based on your interests.
- Avoiding crowds: Private tours typically involve smaller groups, which means you can avoid the crowds and have a more intimate experience. This can be especially beneficial if you are visiting popular tourist attractions in Las Vegas.
- Comfort and convenience: Private tours often come with additional perks such as comfortable transportation, refreshments, and VIP access to certain attractions. This can make your experience more comfortable and convenient overall.
- It May be Cheaper Then You Think: If you are in a group, going on a private tour can be just as cheap – or even cheaper then everyone going on a group tour. The main cost of the tour is the private tour guide’s fee. Just the additional costs for transportation and attraction fees add on. If it i just one or two people, it will definitely cost more for a private tour. However when you get into four or more people the total cost often gets close to the same total cost of tickets on a bus tour, even cheaper at times.
Overall, a private tour in Las Vegas offers a more personalized and flexible experience, with the added benefits of a knowledgeable guide, avoiding crowds, and added comfort and convenience.
Who am I?
I am Richard Lloyd Evans, a travel writer, retired history teacher and a private tour guide. I provide customized private tours for all over the Greater Las Vegas area. I am a member in good standing with the Las Vegas Tourist Guide Guild, and recently was named Best Local Tour Guide in the Las Vegas Visitor Guide 2023.
The Vagabond Horizon 